A review by salgalruns
The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer

3.0

I was expecting to like this book much more than I did. Even though the entire book was all about the characters, I felt it still lacked depth in so many ways and felt really kind of unfulfilled at the end.

It wasn't that it was horrible - I read the book in 2 days time, and it did engage me, but it just didn't grab me. The story itself has to do with friendship and jealousy (to a certain degree). It all starts at summer camp when the friends all meet in their teens, and continues through the trials and tribulations of life. Some of the friends get closer and fall in love, some fall away from the group entirely. For Jules and Ash, their friendship is a strong one that does withstand the challenges of time and socio-economic status.

There is an element of jealousy that winds its way through the story and becomes a pivotal theme. Jealousy with who is in love with who is one particular element as Ethan still loves Jules ever since they were 15 (although from afar), and also of Jules' obsession about how Ethan and Ash are so financially successful. MUCH of the storyline has to do with living the life of the rich and famous vs. the 'typical' family.

Bummer one for me, but I know others loved it. Perhaps just not my thing...