Reviews

Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny

gregz_newdorkreviewofbooks's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5

Mostly amusing, charming. Fascinating in how fascinated Heiny seems to be with people and their quirks. But sort of limps down the stretch to an unsatisfying finish.

rachel_patrick's review against another edition

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emotional funny 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

4.75

briacelest's review against another edition

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4.0

This was such an unexpected delight for me. The way the author captures the complexities of marriage, parenting, and everyday relationships with such dry wit and heart really drew me in. Graham and Audra's dynamic felt so real—especially Audra, who is this whirlwind of chaos and charm that’s impossible not to love. The book balances humor with tender moments, and while sometimes the plot meanders a bit, I found myself caring deeply about these flawed, quirky characters. It’s a subtle yet sharp look at life’s imperfections, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

tegalodon's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

leighgoodmark's review against another edition

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4.0

Funny, sweet, quick and light but not weightless-just what you need sometimes.

jaclyncrupi's review against another edition

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5.0

Katherine Heiny is my kind of writer; her words jump off the page and punch you in the gut while making you laugh and think YES EXACTLY! If you haven't read her debut short story collection Single Carefree Mellow please cease reading this and go and read it RIGHT NOW. I'm serious. Get lost. So it's fair to say expectations were high for her debut novel Standard Deviation. And she surpassed them. Hit it out of the ballpark. Knocked my socks off. You get it. Standard Deviation may be another book about marriage and infidelity but it is so much more. Heiny writes complex women so well and here she challenges herself to bring to life a male character we rarely see on the page. Graham is glorious but his second wife Audra is perhaps my favourite female character of modern times. So. Much. Love.

jess_bee's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

rosanne_'s review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

bremnerette's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

hellymp's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative lighthearted reflective relaxing sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75