lasunflower's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The blurb and reviews on the cover dont really accurately explain what the book was about. I got the impression that its a funny book about a quirky scientist turned TV host in the 50/60s. It is hard to describe (it is literary fiction after all). I'd say somewhere between a dysfunctional found family story and a fictional idiosyncratic feminist biography.
It is written in a witty way, but I wouldn't say funny. The cooking show doesn't form much content of the book: it doesn't become a thing until halfway through and even then isn't much of the content. Be aware that the book from the beginning dives into dark themes: ca page 20 is a rape scene and not much later is a conversation hitting on themes of suicide, child rape, abandonment, death of parents etc. I understand why Garmus did this (as it occurred at the beginning of Zott's career) but it was too jarring, especially considering what I was expecting the book to be about.
Overall, I liked how it was written, though some scenes were a bit strange. Like the cafeteria scene was a bit strange to hear from the perspectives of people not otherwise on the book (and happening early on, nearly put me off the book) or the chapters from the dog's perspective too. I think if these chapters were cut, the book would have flowed a lot better. Sometimes they felt like Garmus was just trying to be quirky instead of give new perspectives.
This book has given me lots of food for thought.
Just so others are aware, this book focuses on the white straight woman experience only. I commend Garmus for not doing too many themes in the book, but just for readers to be aware, as it is a recent feminist book, but isn't reflective of third wave intersectional feminism.
Graphic: Car accident, Sexism, Sexual assault, Rape, Sexual harassment, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Religious bigotry
Minor: Pregnancy, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Outing, and Suicide
feelingpeachygreen's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I absolutely adored Zott. I adored Harriet. I adored Mad. I loved them all.
<Spoiler>
There's tragedy and triumph and normally I don't like the Deus ex machina of a rich family member/spouse coming in and saving the day.
But this was just incredibly wholesome - and there's a fantasy element of this book that makes the unrealistic ending. Like the dogs communication tactics.
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
Minor: Alcoholism
brittbroadwood's review
- 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? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Death and Vomit
Minor: Cannibalism, Alcoholism, and Child abuse
jaduhluhdabooks's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Rape, Pregnancy, Grief, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Suicide, Sexual violence, Sexism, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Cancer, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Child abuse, Car accident, Death, and Death of parent
scmiller's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
Graphic: Misogyny, Rape, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexism, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Death
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Homophobia, Hate crime, Cursing, Classism, Car accident, Suicide, Religious bigotry, Body shaming, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Alcoholism
Minor: Domestic abuse, Blood, Vomit, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Car accident, Child death, and Cannibalism
kjboldon's review
3.0
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Blood, Bullying, and Rape
Minor: Pedophilia, Pregnancy, Rape, Vomit, Suicide, Animal cruelty, Injury/Injury detail, Alcoholism, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Grief, Misogyny, and Abandonment
vivboyd98's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Deadnaming and Sexism
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Suicide and Alcoholism
vj_thompson's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
There is a reason this is a five star read. This writing is beautiful, intentional, and meaningful. Each word was written with purpose. Everything in this story; backstory, inner monologue, character, had reason. I LOVED how everything was wrapped up in the end. Of course I cried 😭 Ugh, please read!!
Last thought, Six-thirty is my favorite character. I highlighted so many of his parts. He is a wise dog.
Graphic: Car accident, Misogyny, Rape, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Sexual assault, Abandonment, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, and Grief
Moderate: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Body shaming, Abortion, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, Cursing, Child abuse, Death, Death of parent, Fatphobia, Forced institutionalization, Infertility, Vomit, Medical content, Mental illness, Sexual harassment, and Suicide
Minor: Homophobia, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Pedophilia, Alcoholism, and Child death
arrow3002's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Abandonment, Sexual violence, Sexism, Classism, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Religious bigotry, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, Mental illness, Grief, Death of parent, Death, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Misogyny, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Suicide, Blood, and Child abuse
Minor: Rape, Sexual content, Alcoholism, Confinement, and Gun violence
jessidbee's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexism, Rape, Grief, Bullying, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, Death, Suicide, and Misogyny
Minor: Homophobia, Infidelity, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Car accident, Domestic abuse, Religious bigotry, and Sexual violence