Scan barcode
krispaska's review against another edition
3.0
This book was chosen in a vote by my book club; the theme this month was books that have been turned into movies. This is a story about a dysfunctional family though the eyes of the main character, Judd. It never slows down in the wisecrack department and truly drives the idea home that you can’t choose your family.. and that’s okay. It follows the Foxman family and co. as they navigate the death of a loved one and the past collides with the present. The book left a bit to be desired because I feel some of the humor would translate better through the movie.. I’ll definitely be looking for that to watch soon.
lizmurphy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- 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? Yes
4.25
This book felt like watching Parenthood in the best way. This book was written in 2009 and it definitely read like a book that was written in 2009. Parts of it felt dated and even a bit problematic at times. I loved the characters and their dynamics. I felt like I had to suspend disbelief but once I did it was just an entertaining read. I looked forward to getting back to it every night and flew through the last half. I liked the ending and that not everything was perfectly wrapped up in the end. I loved the setting and the house and the perfectly imperfect world this was set in. I am excited to watch the movie, the cast looks amazing! I did look up the cast prior to reading so I pictured those actors in my head while reading but everyone fit so well IMO. I loved the Jane Fonda references in the book and then she plays the mother.
belwood303's review against another edition
3.0
I did listen to the audio book for this one which I think added to my enjoyment of the story. Very compelling story if a bit formulaic.
As a total postscript, because I just got done reading Men Explain Things to Me, there are some wonderful examples of male privilege in here. Worthy of discourse.
As a total postscript, because I just got done reading Men Explain Things to Me, there are some wonderful examples of male privilege in here. Worthy of discourse.
aeb3's review against another edition
3.0
Didn't love it, didn't hate it, couldn't recommend it.
The pacing was great and the dialog sharp and sassy, but over-sexing a novel never results in my favorite writing. In fairness, between sexed and grotesque, he toed the line pretty well.
It felt like watching a movie that leaves you feeling neutral at the end. (I'd rather love it or hate than be thinking, "Well, I just saw that.") Between that and the abundance of sexual descriptions (however clever), it was just so-so for me.
Since I would have rather read something else, 2.5 stars.
The pacing was great and the dialog sharp and sassy, but over-sexing a novel never results in my favorite writing. In fairness, between sexed and grotesque, he toed the line pretty well.
It felt like watching a movie that leaves you feeling neutral at the end. (I'd rather love it or hate than be thinking, "Well, I just saw that.") Between that and the abundance of sexual descriptions (however clever), it was just so-so for me.
Since I would have rather read something else, 2.5 stars.
champers4days's review against another edition
3.0
Mildly (unnecessarily?) raunchy (explicit?) at times but overall an enjoyable story, TIWILY follows a semi-decent guy along a path of infidelity, his father's death and extreme degrees of familial dysfunction. I was fairly disturbed by the lack of boundaries between the characters: privacy is non-existent, and insensitivity and violence are mainstay, with coping mechanisms few and far between, but I can disturb easily. I think the truly redeeming value of this book is Tropper's writing, which seamlessly unites a surprising amount of humor with poignancy and realism.
laurastrutt's review against another edition
4.0
This book seems to have 50/50 review between love it and hate it. I'm in the Love It camp! Set around a family sitting Shiva the week soon spirals out of control, as the dysfunctional family spends seven days in very close proximity. Many of the elements are ridiculous, but there is sharp wit, tenderness, sadness and even thought provoking elements. Very enjoyable read!
again_dangerous_visions_4952's review against another edition
5.0
It’s a 4 star book that is a 5 for me. Reread for first time it was published. It was nice to get reacquainted with the characters again.
mongert's review against another edition
2.0
I really liked this book at first. The writing is solid and it drew me in right away. However, I grew weary of the characters and tired of the protagonist's description of women. I think maybe a guy would appreciate that aspect of the book more than me.