rrparker's review against another edition
4.0
I feel like I read this book at the exact right time in my life, and so I am quite fond of it. I cannot think of a book I've read recently that better captures the modern young (albeit, well educated) adult existence. I saw pieces of myself and and of my friends in all the characters and their circumstances.
I was intrigued by the books repeated theme of talent and how it relates to art and to success. I felt like it grappled with the subject in ways I myself have grappled with it. In it's way, this book allowed me to see a bigger picture.
At the start I felt that, while the story was captivating, the writing tended to be a little too overtly showy or self-aware. But as the book went on it seemed to mature. As I write this I can see that it was possibly a purposeful effect done by the writer, the writing maturing and deepening as the characters do the same.
Overall I feel emotional about the book because it addressed my life so intimately. I feel as if I have come from the story having learned something. I feel wiser from having read it.
I was intrigued by the books repeated theme of talent and how it relates to art and to success. I felt like it grappled with the subject in ways I myself have grappled with it. In it's way, this book allowed me to see a bigger picture.
At the start I felt that, while the story was captivating, the writing tended to be a little too overtly showy or self-aware. But as the book went on it seemed to mature. As I write this I can see that it was possibly a purposeful effect done by the writer, the writing maturing and deepening as the characters do the same.
Overall I feel emotional about the book because it addressed my life so intimately. I feel as if I have come from the story having learned something. I feel wiser from having read it.
dcmr's review against another edition
5.0
My favorite book of 2013 (so far). Witty & moving, with characters that grow and change, and ring true at every turn. Wolitzer creates an insightful and authentic view of people and friendships that evolve, devolve, change and grow.
laynescherer's review against another edition
3.0
It was a fine read. There’s some captivating writing and character development- even capturing the narrow dynamic that comes with feeling stagnant and trapped in old behavior patterns. I think it presents with brutal honesty the envy that can arise as friendships evolve between adolescence and the many stages of adulthood.
I enjoyed following the plot, but it moved along lazily interspersed with jolts of excitement (perhaps, not unlike life itself). I enjoyed it, but it’s unlikely it’ll be one I return to. I will probably forget most of it in a few months and completely at some point (again, not dissimilar from life I suppose).
I enjoyed following the plot, but it moved along lazily interspersed with jolts of excitement (perhaps, not unlike life itself). I enjoyed it, but it’s unlikely it’ll be one I return to. I will probably forget most of it in a few months and completely at some point (again, not dissimilar from life I suppose).
rmesquirrel's review against another edition
2.0
I believe Ms. Wolitzer needs to thank the writers of her Thesaurus. She used such an elevated vocabulary when simpler words would have fit the storyline better. Plus, the ending was such a let down. It did have some good moments, not enough to elevate the stars given.
jasratchford's review against another edition
5.0
ok girls... after a long and tough reading slump I am back on the scene with this absolute WHOPPER of a new favourite book...
Meg Wolitzer has gripped me totally with this. every character is sticky and half-formed, stories are difficult, friendships are wobbly yet consistent. the book covers love and grief, motherhood, friendship, ageing, nostalgia and most importantly SUCCESS .... I was profoundly touched by this. felt special to read the work at this current horrendous point of uncertainty in my almost-adult life. many sickening quotes about art and artists. mostly its a coming of age story about a group of friends and a fable about ambition and growing up. its been a long time since I felt so totally and wonderfully seen by something, like the book took what I had in my head and heart and put it to words. it was also totally addictive, fast paced and gripping. a few gaggable moments. and MANY TEARS. if you like coming of age then THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU. 10/10 Meg Wolitzer u have won
Meg Wolitzer has gripped me totally with this. every character is sticky and half-formed, stories are difficult, friendships are wobbly yet consistent. the book covers love and grief, motherhood, friendship, ageing, nostalgia and most importantly SUCCESS .... I was profoundly touched by this. felt special to read the work at this current horrendous point of uncertainty in my almost-adult life. many sickening quotes about art and artists. mostly its a coming of age story about a group of friends and a fable about ambition and growing up. its been a long time since I felt so totally and wonderfully seen by something, like the book took what I had in my head and heart and put it to words. it was also totally addictive, fast paced and gripping. a few gaggable moments. and MANY TEARS. if you like coming of age then THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU. 10/10 Meg Wolitzer u have won
caitlyn888's review against another edition
2.0
I FINALLY finished this book. I don't mind lengthier novels if the writing keeps me interested the whole time, but this 540 page book felt like a bloated novel that spent too much time in one place. I was originally intrigued by the "coming-of-age during summer camp in the 60s" motif, but as the years in the story dragged on, I found myself reading just to finish the book.
I can understand why this is a book club pick, because there are many themes to choose from for discussion - love, marriage, friendship, loss - the usual aspects that make a story interesting. Perhaps I'm just not yet at a point in my life where I can appreciate a book that shows all the ways that adulthood crushes your hopes and dreams while you make the best of things.
I can understand why this is a book club pick, because there are many themes to choose from for discussion - love, marriage, friendship, loss - the usual aspects that make a story interesting. Perhaps I'm just not yet at a point in my life where I can appreciate a book that shows all the ways that adulthood crushes your hopes and dreams while you make the best of things.
lrc52's review against another edition
3.0
okay. but the interestings were really mediocre. the worn-down-at-the-heel narrator needs a good hard shaking. without her, there would have been no book. that would probably have been fine. what is so interesting here? the ugly talented guy marries the beautiful kinda talented girl? the plain girl moves to nyc to validate herself because she is friends some cool people? the musician is broken? the rich family covers up a rape? the sexy girl is the rape victim? yeah, not so much.
jcpdiesel21's review against another edition
3.0
A sprawling and mildly entertaining character-driven story with little in the way of plot. Much depends on the reader liking the core group of characters, who I had difficulty connecting and relating to at times. I found Jules in particular to be occasionally frustrating; many of her emotions and actions make her come across as overly petty and self-pitying. Wolitzer is a good writer, but relies far too much on telling rather than showing through her prose, which contains a plethora of unnecessary detail to slog through. While Jules, Ethan and Ash are fleshed out enough to follow and get invested in to the end, minor characters like Jonah, Goodman and Cathy suffer from underdevelopment and end up being one-dimensional. There are a lot of big ideas presented here through poignant observations, but the book overall has little in the way of heart and soul to truly be memorable and effective.
fatinallen's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5