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jackiebagelzzz's review against another edition
4.75
A poignant picture of adolescence disguised as a lighthearted piece of Americana.
banned_book's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
My review for this book might be unfair, as I got used to Jo Ann Beard's emotional gut punch essay style. Comparison is the thief of joy and all that. In Zanesville was good at embodying the awkward transition into puberty. It was unclear what the characters wanted, which both enhanced the realism and made for a dissatisfying conclusion. Many of the conflicts and tensions never got resolved (purposefully). The side characters had much more depth than the self-absorbed teenage narrator could comprehend, and I wish there were sequels to explore her memories from a more mature frame of reference. Perhaps feeling regret for dismissing others in favor of frivololity was the point of the book.
sctittle's review against another edition
3.0
I love Jo Ann Beard's book of essays, [b:The Boys of My Youth|202372|The Boys of My Youth|Jo Ann Beard|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386922002s/202372.jpg|195791] so I was excited to read this. However, she is not as effective in this longer form. The story is sort of a throwaway. It's the stuff she doesn't focus on that I was fascinated by. A highschool freshman in Southern Illinois in the 70s--very close to my own experience. But she could have done more with the setting, with her alcoholic, depressed father, her chain-smoking, hardened mother, her grandparents, etc. I didn't care about the people that the main character obsessed over so for much of the narrative I was bored, and yearning for the author to flesh out details that she mentioned, for the most part, in passing. However, she is a lovely writer and there are a few scenes that really stand out, especially when she is looking at the moon and experiencing this sort of epiphany or transformation from kid to young woman.
toomanyfingees's review against another edition
4.0
The beginning of this book failed to draw me in, but I hit a point in it when I just couldn't stop reading. I was suddenly drawn in by the character's struggle at the edge of adulthood. Having been a bit of an outcast myself at that age (still am to tell the truth...), I found myself drawn in by her observations of a 14 year old just beginning to notice the changes in the world around her. Periods suck. Boys suck even more. And being a weirdo can be the thing that saves you and your friends from going crazy. Recommend for every adult who just might have forgotten how much it sucks to be 14.
jackiedressedincobras's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
jbabiarz's review against another edition
5.0
Jo Ann Beard is a beautiful writer. Her characters are unique and deep. I loved her first book, The Boys of My Youth, and this has the same descriptive writing style. Though I often found myself relating more to the main character's mother, the main character's relationship with her best friend, Flea held my attention. Their adventures and friendship brought me back to my high school years. For that, I highly recommend in Zanesville.
hswhite's review against another edition
2.0
This book was a chore to finish. I didn't feel a connection with any of the characters (except for the mother--I would have been much more interested to read a book from her perspective). There were too many characters, many of whom were introduced late into the novel, and somehow no drama or plot. Every time the author happened upon a scene or a conversation that felt like it was building to something, she cut it short. The conversations the characters do have feel largely pointless. Many potentially interesting plot lines were introduced and then immediately abandoned, often left unexplained.
The only way the reader can identify this as a period novel is through markers placed conspicuously in the text every now and then--lava lamps, bean bag chairs, references to 70s TV shows. The author seems only able to describe her dozens of characters through references to celebrities.
The text is heavy-handed and obviously manipulated in places. There are a lot of poorly executed transitions, meaning I had to re-read several sections to figure out where we were in space and time. Overall, don't waste your time. There are so many better books to read.
The only way the reader can identify this as a period novel is through markers placed conspicuously in the text every now and then--lava lamps, bean bag chairs, references to 70s TV shows. The author seems only able to describe her dozens of characters through references to celebrities.
The text is heavy-handed and obviously manipulated in places. There are a lot of poorly executed transitions, meaning I had to re-read several sections to figure out where we were in space and time. Overall, don't waste your time. There are so many better books to read.
angie_reading's review against another edition
Voice! What a fabulous voice! I love, love, love (!) the writing. The downside: this fabulous voice lacks a meaty story to tell; This sweet little coming-of-age novel trails along a meandering plot that doesn't gain much momentum. A solid 3.5. I liked it, but it requires a reader who cares about the lyricism of the writing more than a good story.
katzreads's review against another edition
5.0
Really entertaining. Thoughtful and familiar. Great characters.