Reviews

Modern Lovers, by Emma Straub

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afaithcropper's review against another edition

1.0

This was an entire book about two upper class couples having a midlife crisis; mediocre crap that I've read a million times. Almost a DNF, but I forced myself to push through.

isabelbeebe's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I almost DNFed this book about half way through and now I wish I did. None of the main characters were likeable, which isn’t always a bad thing. I can read about unlikeable characters if the plot is at least interesting or entertaining. But this book barely had a plot, it meandered and in the end I don’t understand what the point was. The characters seemed like caricatures, their actions and motivations were predictable. I liked the epilogue at the end, but it didn’t fit in with the rest of the book.

bridging's review against another edition

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4.0

Modern Lovers was my third Emma Straub novel, after falling head over heel in love with All Adults Here. I really, really liked this one. I understand this is not a life changing, philosophically world shattering book, but if I could read books that all read like Emma Straub's I would be a forever happy camper. Her descriptions of relationships, marriage, parenting, feel real and raw in many ways. Her characters are not shadows, they are fully formed, some in broad strokes and some in painstaking details- but they are all real, true, tangible, and relatable. The stories are believable, something that almost happened to you, something that happened to your friend. Her writing is fluid and without hiccups, hard to object to, and always pleasant. I loved Ruby reflecting on having 2 moms, how that opens her up to all possibilities when it comes to relationships, as opposed to her friends who would only consider existing in a straight, same-race relationship. The normality of Ms Straub's stories is what makes them extraordinary. I will keep on reading what she writes.

lilbabybel's review against another edition

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Unrelatable. About rich middle aged women seemingly white.

nicolemims17's review against another edition

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4.0

I thought it was a cute and quirky. Quick read for me!

stephaniehester's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

alyabbs's review

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emotional slow-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

3.0

Started very slow and boring. Thought not much happened in the book in the way of excitement it pulled me in where I wanted to read what came next for all the characters by half way through