skinnygetout's review against another edition
4.0
There were many things I enjoyed about this book: Nanette's character, the switch from 1st person to 3rd person back to 1st person throughout the book, and the idea of art being able to change a person's life trajectory. What I didn't like about the book. The revelatory piece of art that a significant portion of the book focuses on is not very intriguing. In fact it seems sophomoric. In spite of that, Nanette's story is beautiful with some truly wonderful writing.
yvo_about_books's review
3.0
Finished reading: March 24th 2019
"Reading that poem was like putting on the proper prescription glasses after bumping into walls for my entire life."
Spoiler
I actually picked up this title on a whim when I was browsing for a contemporary read and I realized it would fit my Author ABC challenge perfectly. I've read his work in the past and I especially enjoyed meeting Leonard Peacock, so I was hoping to have a similar experience with Every Exquisite Thing. Unfortunately it just wasn't ment to be... I love my quirky, flawed and unique characters, and I can appreciate an original writing style. There was just something about both characters and writing that failed to convince me in this story though. I know I'm in the minority here since most people seem to love this story, but it is what it is I guess. While I can say this was a superfast read, the tone and writing style of Every Exquisite Thing really started to get on my nerves and made the reading experience less enjoyable than expected. I also had problems with the main characters... While I like that they are flawed and unique and especially Nanette evolves over time as the story progresses, there was also something about them that really annoyed me and I wasn't able to connect to them in general. I did love the fact that this story is build around a book called The Bubblegum Reaper, where we see both the influence of the writing on its reader and learn more about the author himself. I also loved the poetry references and the incorporation of Alex' poetry into the story. Then again, I always love bookish references! This was definitely one of the strongest aspects of the story and you will see influences of The Bubblegum Reaper throughout Every Exquisite Thing. I wasn't sure about the ending and the characters and writing style weren't for me, but there is no doubt that this is quite an original coming of age story. If you are able to connect to writing and characters, you will have a great time reading it.
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
likecymbeline's review against another edition
3.0
Another entry in my coming-of-age lit review: A middling book, because while it didn't make me feel anything deeply I still liked the premise and Nanette seems like her own character. There's something in teenagehood about identifying so hard with a piece of media--books and music in particular--in a way that just doesn't seem to be allowed later in life. (Ironically, one of the books I vibed hard with at an impressionable age was [b:The Picture of Dorian Gray|5297|The Picture of Dorian Gray|Oscar Wilde|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546103428l/5297._SY75_.jpg|1858012], which appears at the end of this book like an exit strategy.) Cult classics in particular are a method of self-identifying, fostering an exclusive community where you think you can understand and be understood by others. Quick captures this well, and I appreciate Booker's ambivalence throughout about the work he created.
I have to say the most realistic thing was her praising Bukowski because an old white guy she admires establishes him as Great, then reading Women and becoming immediately disenchanted and forced to rethink said admiration. Well-read and rebellious teenage girls know the precise agony of this experience. Like all the great one-against-the-world loner-literature out there has to be by or about a man. I think Quick is intentional in having a female outsider-protagonist where there's a dearth of them, but most of her influences are still male.
I have to say the most realistic thing was her praising Bukowski because an old white guy she admires establishes him as Great, then reading Women and becoming immediately disenchanted and forced to rethink said admiration. Well-read and rebellious teenage girls know the precise agony of this experience. Like all the great one-against-the-world loner-literature out there has to be by or about a man. I think Quick is intentional in having a female outsider-protagonist where there's a dearth of them, but most of her influences are still male.
lazygal's review against another edition
4.0
We've all read That Book, the one that is recommended by someone who knows us well enough to say, "This book will change your life" and, well, it has. The Bubblegum Reaper is That Book for many, including Nanette and Alex, who actually meet because they've befriended the author (and are then set up on a date). Their voices and interactions are, for the most part, very "real teen" and thus sweet and painful and funny all at the same time. The denials Booker, the author, gives over their interpretations of the who and how of the book reminded me somewhat of Roth's comments about The Human Stain and the Anatole Broyard interpretation - and reminded me that sometimes, getting the answers from the horse's mouth isn't always the the answer we need, or predict.
So, why not five stars? Maybe I'm being overly picky, but doesn't anyone notice or care about Nanette's involvement with her teacher (before it's too late)? and then doesn't anyone notice or care about her and Booker? There are a few choices she makes that felt false to me, particularly when she's actively being "Nanette". But other than that, great book that will be a joy sharing with students.
ARC provided by publisher.
So, why not five stars? Maybe I'm being overly picky, but doesn't anyone notice or care about Nanette's involvement with her teacher (before it's too late)? and then doesn't anyone notice or care about her and Booker? There are a few choices she makes that felt false to me, particularly when she's actively being "Nanette". But other than that, great book that will be a joy sharing with students.
ARC provided by publisher.
flarita's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sara_and's review against another edition
2.0
It was eh. It was a good coming of age book and discovering who you want to be, but it was just eh.
bross_shelly's review against another edition
4.0
Ordered this book because my Jr. High (7th and 8th) students love Boy21. Good thing I read it first. It is not really for that age; more for high school students. Very good read though.
lovelyjanelle13's review against another edition
5.0
The first thought that comes to my mind is wow. I relate to the main character more than I’d like to admit, the author spinning a convincing and realistic story, something that is often lacking when involving those in high school or younger. It also makes one think a lot about the society that we live in, the expectations that we are bound by, and how we punish those who do defy them. This book has given me some of my new favorite quotes, a good fourth of the book probably highlighted, underlined, and noted.
missarika's review against another edition
5.0
First book I have finished within a 24 hour period in a LONG time. Matthew Quick, my friend, you have won me over as a fan.