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jcoryv's review
5.0
This book is a special kind of awesome. A novel of slightly more than 100 pages, written in rhyming verse... mostly couplets. It covers the 20th century in those few pages through vignettes of a handful of characters. And the book itself is a pleasing little work of art.
alreadyemily's review
2.0
A short, unique read that I would recommend to anyone to try, especially if you have enjoy Rakoff's earlier works. I enjoyed it at first but had a hard time following all the jumps for a while, and by the time that got sorted out, the format and subject matter had worn a little thin. Still, it's kind of a bucket list read, especially given the close proximity of its writing – and recording of the audiobook by Rakoff himself – to his early demise.
soonerlit22's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
artslyz's review
4.0
At first I found the rhyming couplets difficult to read - I found I was bouncing along without absorbing them - but when I got adjusted I really found it interesting and the stories are quite well told and intertwined.
A good review: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/25/books/david-rakoffs-love-dishonor-marry-die-cherish-perish.html?_r=0
A good review: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/25/books/david-rakoffs-love-dishonor-marry-die-cherish-perish.html?_r=0
sevenlefts's review
4.0
I started to write this short review in anapestic tetrameter, but I just couldn't pull it off like Rakoff does. An entire novel, written in verse. It's kind of mind-blowing to read. I'd find myself laughing at the sometimes off-kilter rhymes, but then going back and re-reading to get the full meaning. I wouldn't have thought characters could be so fully developed in the form.
It's brief, but so much is covered in these brief pages. All of the characters are connected through the most delicate of threads, as I suppose we all are in real life. I always enjoyed Mr. Rakoff's books of essays and his narrations on "This American Life." I'm glad he got to finish this amazing book. I'm very sad that he won't be creating more wonderful works like this.
It's brief, but so much is covered in these brief pages. All of the characters are connected through the most delicate of threads, as I suppose we all are in real life. I always enjoyed Mr. Rakoff's books of essays and his narrations on "This American Life." I'm glad he got to finish this amazing book. I'm very sad that he won't be creating more wonderful works like this.
brookefradd's review against another edition
2.0
A novel/poem written on his deathbed. I feel bad for not giving it a higher rating but I slogged through the rhyme.
grumpykitten16's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jwilding's review
3.0
One of those that reminds you, over and over, how your life is just a little story. Not in a bad way, though. Just long enough to not be too depressing. Various characters had traces of so many other characters that I've read, which was a cozy thing. Maybe bad in that it meant they were kind of overused. This didn't stick to my stomach, but was enjoyable to read, although disjointed. Loved the tortoise and the hare, how particularly awful Susan was, and the image of Helen with the oranges.
In general, I wanted more. Of all of them.
In general, I wanted more. Of all of them.