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mcbibliotecaria's review against another edition
3.0
Easy quick read about a family being forced to spend a 7 day shiva together. The movie looks like it could have been good, but the book really explored the brothers dynamics and how distinct their personalities became simply because of age. Typical family drama for the most part, but the youngest really did provide some comic relief.
millierock's review against another edition
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
mvasso's review against another edition
3.0
I found this story quirky and funny, but I wasn't crazy about the ending...
jmrkls1's review against another edition
4.0
This book had me bursting out laughing. A dysfunctional family but with a great sense of humor.
dzulik's review against another edition
4.0
when you´re coming from big, dysfunctional, loving family you´ll love it.if not still, you´ll enjoy the story of family,that can´t be together for a long but still take care of each other
8bluej's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
krispaska's review against another edition
3.0
This book was chosen in a vote by my book club; the theme this month was books that have been turned into movies. This is a story about a dysfunctional family though the eyes of the main character, Judd. It never slows down in the wisecrack department and truly drives the idea home that you can’t choose your family.. and that’s okay. It follows the Foxman family and co. as they navigate the death of a loved one and the past collides with the present. The book left a bit to be desired because I feel some of the humor would translate better through the movie.. I’ll definitely be looking for that to watch soon.
lizmurphy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book felt like watching Parenthood in the best way. This book was written in 2009 and it definitely read like a book that was written in 2009. Parts of it felt dated and even a bit problematic at times. I loved the characters and their dynamics. I felt like I had to suspend disbelief but once I did it was just an entertaining read. I looked forward to getting back to it every night and flew through the last half. I liked the ending and that not everything was perfectly wrapped up in the end. I loved the setting and the house and the perfectly imperfect world this was set in. I am excited to watch the movie, the cast looks amazing! I did look up the cast prior to reading so I pictured those actors in my head while reading but everyone fit so well IMO. I loved the Jane Fonda references in the book and then she plays the mother.
belwood303's review against another edition
3.0
I did listen to the audio book for this one which I think added to my enjoyment of the story. Very compelling story if a bit formulaic.
As a total postscript, because I just got done reading Men Explain Things to Me, there are some wonderful examples of male privilege in here. Worthy of discourse.
As a total postscript, because I just got done reading Men Explain Things to Me, there are some wonderful examples of male privilege in here. Worthy of discourse.