salliesanborn's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I really wanted to like this book because I saw so many good reviews for it, but I just couldn’t. I listened to it in audio, and maybe that played a roll in my feelings for it. I felt so distracted by the things I didn’t care for, that I felt when I got to the “big reveals” I wasn’t moved and they had little impact on me. And I found the abundance of unexpected sex scenes and the idea of a kid sleeping with hundreds of women between the ages of 10-17 off putting.
jennajaner's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
little_worm's review against another edition
4.0
After reading and not-being-particularly-impressed by Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, I wasn't expecting much from this, but I have to admit that I was pleasently surprised; this has much more in the way of funny moments, touching moments, and story in general.
bobbyknndy's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful prose. One of the most original reinventions of narrative storytelling I've seen of late.
sophward's review against another edition
5.0
just don't even talk to me about the things this man can do to words (and consequently my heart) (i am in pain)
bbqrplanting's review against another edition
4.0
I would perhaps give this 4.5 stars instead of 4, but alas, that is not an option. Perhaps I'm a bit conventional, but I'm not a huge fan of books with multiple formats ( which is perhaps why I also didnt love Louise Erdrich's "Shadow Tag"). Definitely worth reading!
zoemacgregor12's review against another edition
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? Yes
5.0
a book that I knew I would love, so for so long I put off reading it. but somehow i managed to read it at the perfect time. it’s the sort of book that I struggle to explain why I enjoyed it so much. the writing was beautiful - and at times hilarious - some of Alex’s lines genuinely made me laugh out loud. but more than that, the book made me feel a little bit more happy, despite how sad it was. a really interesting exploration of truth, and how we choose to tell a story; in essence, an homage to the art of the novel.
ook_mi's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
shanviolinlove's review against another edition
4.0
excellent story. foer's style is so unique, so abstract. i was baffled by brod and her philosophies, of jonathan. brilliant story behind the story, if anyone heard how this creative man came up with this intriguing storyline. the movie version is wonderful, maybe even better, since it eliminates all the unnecessary, graphic sex scenes.
katebirdie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25