tonythep's review against another edition
3.0
I'm only giving this three stars simply because I completely forgot about it. I hadn't updated my goodreads in about four months until yesterday, and there was a big gap in April where apparently I hadn't read anything. Oops. I read this. I enjoyed it too. It's funny and quirky and cynical and hopeful. Just not that memorable. I would still idolize Jess Walter if he hadn't written anything other than The Zero. And there's always high expectations when the first thing you read by an author completely blows you away. Oh well, I'm still looking forward to his new book...
carolinereader's review against another edition
2.0
The actual writing is good, but the plot is not great. There are peeks of a wonderful story marred by a lot of stuff that's both unbelievable and superfluous. It gives a somewhat accurate look at a small window of time in recent American history, but then takes advantage of the nostalgia or forgiving nature of the reader. I would be interested to discuss this book with others but wouldn't go as far as to recommend it.
morag's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
When you hear people complain about how all adult fiction is just insufferable middle aged guys in shitty marriages, this is the book they're talking about. Granted, he's being cheated on, not doing the cheating, but it doesn't matter. Incredibly annoying. Don't bother.
lorimichelekelley's review against another edition
4.0
Audible edition: This is a story about a middle-aged couple who hit bottom financially, and the stupid decisions they make to try to recover, and then how it all falls apart. But while that sounds boring, it is anything but. The narration by the main character Matt is fast and witty, kind of like a hyperactive kid all giddy about his topic. The poetry is corny, but sort of endearing because you're rooting for the guy but at the same time shaking your head at how effed up his reasoning is. And that's another thing that makes this such a good story - it gently shows how tiny stupid decisions can lead to big fallout, but at the same time, that sometimes the fallout isn't such a bad deal after all. It just helps to put things into proper perspective, if only for a time...
banjax451's review against another edition
1.0
Didn't enjoy this. Couldn't get into it. I like Jess Walter and have enjoyed his novels in the past, but this one just didn't do it for me. I respect what he was trying to write about, but just found this incredibly depressing.
randybo5's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry as I read this book. It was funny and well-written, but was like watching a train wreck as the main character made one stupid decision after another.
blevins's review against another edition
3.0
Satire by Jess Walters about a man desperate to make some money quick who gets involved with some not-so-bright-ideas relating to illegal activities. Fast paced, but it didn't really do much for me as a whole. I should have written this little blurb a month ago when I finished it.
pustulio's review against another edition
3.0
Una calificación real sería 2 estrellas, pero la tercera se la puse por asuntos personales. En mi familia tuvimos una crisis que si bien no se parece del todo a la situación del libro, tiene puntos en los que me puedo sentir identificado.
Es lo que se podría denominar como una crisis de los 40. Pero de las culeras, donde pierdes todo. El libro al final tiene un mensaje un poco de que cuando pierdes todo te das cuenta de lo que realmente es importante, pero no tan clichetero. Pensé que iba a ser más pretencioso pero la verdad es una lectura ligera con un persona principal patético pero simpático.
Desiciones pendejas las tomamos todos en algún momento de la vida.
Y ahora una representación gráfica de cuando crees tomar una buena decisión.
Es lo que se podría denominar como una crisis de los 40. Pero de las culeras, donde pierdes todo. El libro al final tiene un mensaje un poco de que cuando pierdes todo te das cuenta de lo que realmente es importante, pero no tan clichetero. Pensé que iba a ser más pretencioso pero la verdad es una lectura ligera con un persona principal patético pero simpático.
Desiciones pendejas las tomamos todos en algún momento de la vida.
Y ahora una representación gráfica de cuando crees tomar una buena decisión.