megansgc's review against another edition
I really cannot give this a rating as I have such mixed feelings. It is very clever piece of writing and I can see why it won a Pulitzer. But for3/4 of the book I was bored and unengaged. It wasn’t until I gave it some serious devoted attention at the end that I began to enjoy and get pulled into it. So I’m not sure if it was my difficulty focusing or the material.
nglofile's review against another edition
2.0
What to say? This was difficult to engage at first, and then it seemed to grow on me. Flashes of insight alternate with dry tedium. I really wanted to like it, to take gems from it. Perhaps I was trying too hard -- or perhaps the author was.
hgranger's review against another edition
5.0
The Goodreads blurb says “offers poignant insights into the human condition” and that is a perfect description of this book and it’s many flawed, messy, and beautifully written characters. It’s made me think about life, about choices made, and despite the many tragedies, the story left me with hope for the future.
miriamberger's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't think I would like it but I really did. Some of the stories made me cry and this book definitely made me think and feel beyond a typical set of short stories.
mka0204's review against another edition
3.0
I'm not sure what to say about this book. In fact, I'm not entirely sure I liked it, although I don't think I disliked it. It was well written, which is probably what made me finish it, even though I didn't particularly like any of the characters in the book. The main character, Olive, is described through a series of short stories: some about her specifically, some about the people in her life. I came to realize that the stories are in chronological order, but often many years pass between the vignettes. I'm not sure Olive is even an interesting woman, although the stories are nicely detailed descriptions of every day life in a small, coastal Maine town - which is interesting. And while I'm glad I read the book, I think the only reason why I will remember it is because many of the events in the stories were so odd and the people were odd and Olive is odd.
jouljet's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Death, Mental illness, and Racial slurs
alayamorning's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
marie_is_reading's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
murphyem05's review against another edition
2.0
did i miss something? I don't really understand why this book won a pulitzer prize. I found that it kinda jumps around and I didn't care for the main character. maybe i'm just not smart enough to understand this book.
cassie_tee's review against another edition
3.0
Easy read. Pretty good. Lots of ‘bits’ and stories within a story