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andyblv's review
4.0
So many layers of meaning. So much remains hidden and unsaid. Withering social commentary. A skewering of the publishing world and literary industrial complex, including the petty, narrow interests of readers. There is a lot of language in the book. And a lot of introspection on the part of the reader.
zachmdoane's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
mkara10's review against another edition
Didn't grab my attention. Maybe try another time.
liridona's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
So so good
jdscott50's review against another edition
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Monk travels for a conference and uses the excuse to visit his ailing mother and sister. An English professor but also a novelist, his writing only has middling success. His publishers always pushed him for Black fiction, but he would rather rewrite Greek Tragedies. When a young woman has a breakthrough hit using offensive imagery and language, he intends to write something to mock it but accidentally becomes a literary sensation. Now an Academy Award Winning movie.
I enjoyed the themes of erasing. His mother is losing her memory to dementia, his sister is murdered, and his brother has abandoned his family. His family disintegrates quickly. Furthermore, he used a false identity to write his parody novel. When he has to play the part for interviews, he starts to wonder who the real him is. Success comes at a price.
I enjoyed the themes of erasing. His mother is losing her memory to dementia, his sister is murdered, and his brother has abandoned his family. His family disintegrates quickly. Furthermore, he used a false identity to write his parody novel. When he has to play the part for interviews, he starts to wonder who the real him is. Success comes at a price.
jimmyperk's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
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? It's complicated
3.5
gemmapz's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
What a wild ride. I won’t even pretend like I understood all of it frankly, some of the writing was puzzling to me, but the premise was good. The humor was solid and it sure was thought-provoking.