karibaumann's review
4.0
This is a novel that satirizes low-residency Christian writing workshops but does so with a lot of kindness and empathy for the people who are taken in by these types of scams. The unqualified (atheist) leaders of the workshop program accidentally get funding from an extremely problematic Christian organization that develops for-profit schools and pushes a far-right religious agenda, which leads protests from the local community and a mixed response from the workshop attendees themselves. I really enjoyed the humanity of the characters as the social and political situation got worse and worse (including a literal hurricane approaching Florida) and think this is a great book for these divided days. I came away with empathy for everyone except the male politician introducing a personhood amendment, that guy was, deservedly, just as terrible in the book as he would be in real life.
mashmuk's review
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
it gets very gripping towards the end but meanders a bit in the middle. still a fun read overall
tsoutham's review
4.0
I'm not sure. Confused? Yes I am. I expected a clear critique of Christian fundamentalism and naivety after reading the back cover of this book. Yet this was more a critique of the finger pointers, i.e. "America has gone wrong because of them" when in fact the moral confusion in this book is laid at the feet of a liberal New York dwelling poet. Marianne lets greed and superiority get in the way. Who moral upper ground is mighty soggy and groundless as time goes by until at the end one wonders where or if she will get a moral footing or fulfilling life in this life.
I wanted to give this book three stars, but realize that this book will quiet my own finger pointing and for that reason it receives four stars. Any book that unsettles generalizations, unsupported claims, and loosely supported moralities deserves recognition. And its an entertaining read!
I wanted to give this book three stars, but realize that this book will quiet my own finger pointing and for that reason it receives four stars. Any book that unsettles generalizations, unsupported claims, and loosely supported moralities deserves recognition. And its an entertaining read!
tofutofutofu's review
2.0
The central conflict of this book is abortion, but there is no actual discussion of abortion. The book would have been better off if it was only about Janine, who has some dimension. Marianne's personality seems to revolve around saying, "I'm liberal and I don't want to settle down and have kids" over and over again.
cmspeaks's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
herials's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
northstar's review against another edition
5.0
Five stars because this novel is exactly what it sets out to be: a good and timely story about these cynical political times that somehow left me feelings slightly more optimistic.
marcintheoc's review against another edition
5.0
No matter what your politics or religion may be, take a chance and read this novel. It gave me hope and made me rethink how I view people who I may disagree with on many things. A nice surprise and highly recommended.