sonia_reppe's review against another edition
2.0
This is young adult fiction, male protagonist. I like YA fiction, and I like when the author leaves things open-ended for interpretation by the reader; so I was ok with not knowing what happened to Anna, and all the loose ends that this story leaves—like why didn't Anna like Mr.Devon, or what was up with Anna's parents; (and all the parents in this book for that matter), and the elaborate setting-up of a code and map that ultimately meant nothing. I was not satisfied at the end for a different reason. The gloomy atmosphere that this story held was depressing, for one. This story builds on the theme of disappearing, using literal examples and symbolic ones, like the detached parents. It was creepy to me how all of the parents in this book were emotionally distant and mysterious to their kids.
amysutton's review against another edition
1.0
I really wanted to enjoy this book more than I did...
I started off in the first 20 pages really hating the narrator, and though it got better, there wasn't anything that really wowed me about the book. There were parts that Galloway incorporated that I really liked: the radios, references to Houdini, the secret code, the obituaries. The quirky parts of the story, and the lovable side characters (I was really into Carl and Claire) really improved the story, but didn't save it. In the end, I actually learned to like everything except for the ending. There was no resolution whatsoever. Not in a "open ended literary" way, but just in a "I don't know how to end it, so I'm going to throw a bunch of events out there and end it in a cheesy monologue" way. (SPOILERS... and rambling) In the end we know nothing about Anna, or Claire really (though we can assume she's getting better), or Mr. Devon (there was something going on there that Galloway kept hinting at with no solid explanation, and the letter the narrator finds at the end is forgotten a few pages later... so why even bring it up?)...? It all seemed rushed, vague, incidental. I'm okay with having unclear endings or stories where you have to work things out for yourself, but this wasn't crafted carefully enough where you could analyze things for yourself. I'm probably being petulant, but it was just really unsatisfying.
Would I read it again? no.
Would I suggest someone else read it? Sure! I'm really picky, and other people seem to have enjoyed it.
I started off in the first 20 pages really hating the narrator, and though it got better, there wasn't anything that really wowed me about the book. There were parts that Galloway incorporated that I really liked: the radios, references to Houdini, the secret code, the obituaries. The quirky parts of the story, and the lovable side characters (I was really into Carl and Claire) really improved the story, but didn't save it. In the end, I actually learned to like everything except for the ending. There was no resolution whatsoever. Not in a "open ended literary" way, but just in a "I don't know how to end it, so I'm going to throw a bunch of events out there and end it in a cheesy monologue" way. (SPOILERS... and rambling) In the end we know nothing about Anna, or Claire really (though we can assume she's getting better), or Mr. Devon (there was something going on there that Galloway kept hinting at with no solid explanation, and the letter the narrator finds at the end is forgotten a few pages later... so why even bring it up?)...? It all seemed rushed, vague, incidental. I'm okay with having unclear endings or stories where you have to work things out for yourself, but this wasn't crafted carefully enough where you could analyze things for yourself. I'm probably being petulant, but it was just really unsatisfying.
Would I read it again? no.
Would I suggest someone else read it? Sure! I'm really picky, and other people seem to have enjoyed it.
ylime_grebneerg's review against another edition
4.0
I should probably write a lengthy review for this, but I'm tired and really the best description I can give is the one my librarian gave me: It's a better version of Paper Towns.
sonderghost's review against another edition
5.0
This book surprised me. I started reading it and couldn't put it down. I didn't read a single book for 3 months after reading it because i knew no book could be as good as it in my mind. I still have never re-read it, in fear of it not being as good as it currently is in my mind.
findingfiction_'s review against another edition
5.0
This book embodies exactly what I find most enjoyable to read. Now this is a warning that books like these aren’t for everyone.
It’s a slow coming of age mystery told by our narrator. Now this entire book could be considered either horribly confusing or intentionally brilliant. While listening to the audiobook, it didn’t occur to me that I didn’t know the narrator’s name. I can name his best friend, his girlfriend, his girlfriend’s best friend, his brother and sister, even his “enemy”, but I didn’t know his name. Going back I realized he is unnamed and this is obviously deliberate by the author, for what purpose, I couldn’t tell you, but it does add to the entire ambiance of the book.
The plot is a bit ambiguous and leaves the reader thinking that the authors deliberately is manipulating us to be confused, leaving dead end clues.
I looked online to see what others thought and not too much was found about the book and not much else could be said about the ending that I already didn’t know. A few tried to decipher clues left by “Anna”, one of the characters, but whether those clues are intentionally meant for the reader to decipher or just apart of the plot is also unknown.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It’s hard to fault this book when I know I’ll be thinking about it long after today.
It’s a slow coming of age mystery told by our narrator. Now this entire book could be considered either horribly confusing or intentionally brilliant. While listening to the audiobook, it didn’t occur to me that I didn’t know the narrator’s name. I can name his best friend, his girlfriend, his girlfriend’s best friend, his brother and sister, even his “enemy”, but I didn’t know his name. Going back I realized he is unnamed and this is obviously deliberate by the author, for what purpose, I couldn’t tell you, but it does add to the entire ambiance of the book.
The plot is a bit ambiguous and leaves the reader thinking that the authors deliberately is manipulating us to be confused, leaving dead end clues.
I looked online to see what others thought and not too much was found about the book and not much else could be said about the ending that I already didn’t know. A few tried to decipher clues left by “Anna”, one of the characters, but whether those clues are intentionally meant for the reader to decipher or just apart of the plot is also unknown.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It’s hard to fault this book when I know I’ll be thinking about it long after today.
merperplerp's review against another edition
5.0
I adamantly recommended this book to a woman who was looking at the audiobooks one day. Haha! Spreading the obsession! I was so into it that after I was done I went to the website and signed up to get clues emailed to me. Huzzah to Dad for recommending it to me! I also have a theory that the nameless narrator is the author. Think about it. Higgidly Piggidly? It all fits. Except for the whole time thing.
addiecdavis's review against another edition
4.0
As Simple As Snow was dizzying, and devastating in its conclusion. I think my students would either fall head over heels in love with this book or balk at its complicated and twisting plot. Anna is a fascinating version of the manic pixie dream girl, and the way she manipulates the world around her is bewildering and beautiful.
megghonk's review against another edition
2.0
This one was tough for me. I appreciated the thought that went into the writing because the characters do a lot with art and literature so I think the book was well thought out. I just thought it moved so slowly with such a frustrating plot. The plot that you read about on the back of the book doesn't start until almost page 200 and I think that's ridiculous. Up to that point, it's all about their relationship and that's a bit much for me. And then Anna. I just despise her. I think she's selfish and eccentric but in a super annoying way instead of endearing. She left so many plot-holes like what's up with the thing with Mr. Devon? I just think so much was left unanswered which was obviously the point but too much was left in my opinion. To me this book is like a shittier Paper Towns.