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Ok, here's the thing about this book. It is incredibly long, the characters are mostly unlikable, there are long stretches of it where almost nothing happens, it has some very crude sex scenes and the politics intrude in the story in several places. So, why then am I giving it five stars? Because, at the end of the day, I found myself completely absorbed by it. Franzen's writing is such that he so completely presents a three-dimensional portrait of these characters. None of them feel static and flat and it is for that reason that I would recommend this. Also, I think this book does a fairly accurate job of portraying marriage and family life in the most recent decade in this country. Overall, this book will not appeal to everyone for many of the reasons I cited above. It is not a quick read by any stretch of the imagination. However, if you are looking for a challenge, this is it. Your patience will be tested mightily but it will be worth it in the end.