nixmixus's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
To love and be loved, to live and let live are never assured things no matter how much biology or circumstance try to engender these experiences. Cassandra is not a wholly relatable character but her struggle, her identity and ultimately her own salvation makes the book such an engaging read. The afterword by Deborah Eisenberg may be one of my favorite things I’ve read this year.
Moderate: Suicide attempt and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Racism
Some comments of the main character are reflective of their time in terms of attitudes towards non-white charactersgirlkisser2005's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
yulyakrasii's review against another edition
3.0
складно обрати оцінку, яку я би поставила цій книзі. напевно, найкраща це 3.5 або 3.2 або 3.8.
насправді, оцінка в цифрах не така важлива. книга гарно написана: це постійні думки, які вирують і перетікають одна в одну, але це ні в якому разі не графоманство. просто головна героїня касандра багато думає.
я не велика фанатка таких сюжетів і бралася за книгу тільки тому, що бачила її в списку сапфічної літератури. у мене не було очікувань, тому нема що виправдовувати або не виправдовувати.
непогано, але не вау
насправді, оцінка в цифрах не така важлива. книга гарно написана: це постійні думки, які вирують і перетікають одна в одну, але це ні в якому разі не графоманство. просто головна героїня касандра багато думає.
я не велика фанатка таких сюжетів і бралася за книгу тільки тому, що бачила її в списку сапфічної літератури. у мене не було очікувань, тому нема що виправдовувати або не виправдовувати.
непогано, але не вау
agdistis's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
amesreading's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lindseyzwilson's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
earlyandalone's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. Cassandra and Judith are twins who, having grown up in an insular family on a ranch in a tiny town, have grown to rely on one another as mirrors. They rent an apartment together in Berkeley until Judith moves to New York for Julliard, only to return with a fiance.
The book opens with Cassandra as the narrator, getting ready to drive to the family ranch for the wedding. It's the first time she's seeing her sister in nine months, the longest time they've ever been separated, and it's made her a little unhinged. Her voice is completely compelling--part Holden Caulfield, part Franny Glass, but at the same time, original. She's funny and sharp and irreverent and thoughtful. Cassie's voice is what makes the book so great.
We also get Judith's voice, narrating part 2. She's no less likable, but more earnest.
I was so enthralled and in love with this book while I read it. I loved all of the characters and really was rooting for them, which is so rare in contemporary fiction. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, fun, and thoughtful read.
The book opens with Cassandra as the narrator, getting ready to drive to the family ranch for the wedding. It's the first time she's seeing her sister in nine months, the longest time they've ever been separated, and it's made her a little unhinged. Her voice is completely compelling--part Holden Caulfield, part Franny Glass, but at the same time, original. She's funny and sharp and irreverent and thoughtful. Cassie's voice is what makes the book so great.
We also get Judith's voice, narrating part 2. She's no less likable, but more earnest.
I was so enthralled and in love with this book while I read it. I loved all of the characters and really was rooting for them, which is so rare in contemporary fiction. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, fun, and thoughtful read.
booksinbedinthornhill's review against another edition
dark
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I just finished this novel and I'm still thinking it through but there's one thing I can say with certainty: Baker is an incredible writer.
edlin314's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.25
I remember this being funny but maybe a bit unnecessary.
emmasonline's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75