ellacarman's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
nikjr's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
emsprobablyreading's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Not for me. You might like it if you enjoy complicated family drama driven by men that are bored with their wives or just make poor or depressing decisions in general.
I also recommend starting a spreadsheet to keep all the characters straight
I also recommend starting a spreadsheet to keep all the characters straight
clairebartholomew549's review against another edition
4.0
I just really love this world that Jennifer Egan has created. I’m glad I read Visit from the Goon Squad recently, because so many of the characters are familiar and their stories are so deep and rich. The theme of technology is evident from the very beginning, and as with her earlier book, Egan makes incredibly poignant points about how we stay connected and how we disappoint and forgive each other. Again I appreciated having a book with such an interesting structure - I particularly liked the chapter with Lulu that had numbered lessons, and I loved the chapter with emails. Overall, a really lovely read that made me think and sympathize with so many characters.
lexistwick's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It’s been a while since I finished a book that’s capital-L “Literature,” but having to re-read dense sentences was well worth the pay-off. The character development is intricate and imaginative, and this vignette of interconnected characters is a really creative projection of life in an only slight-different future. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, especially in the Alfred section. It wasn’t until the end that I realized these characters were a continuation of the “Goon Squad” ones, which I read many years ago. I didn’t suffer from not remembering it very well, but I’m sure it would have enriched it significantly.
The author presents vignettes in many different styles/formats, and one of my favorites was Lulu’s field notes and the email correspondence about the speed boats interview, etc. Egan makes exploration within these wild parameters look easy, and feel very fun to live within during the read.
The author presents vignettes in many different styles/formats, and one of my favorites was Lulu’s field notes and the email correspondence about the speed boats interview, etc. Egan makes exploration within these wild parameters look easy, and feel very fun to live within during the read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Drug abuse
hestonhoffman's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
alexaspiegel's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Liked the Goon Squad more until the end which made me cry for some reason. I found it less personally depressing than Good Squad but more societally depressing. But any book that calls for the need for fiction and storytelling will always hit me.
emilypolcyn's review against another edition
5.0
SUCH a fully-developed world full of unique characters with distinct voices. The pace at which she revealed information was always so excellent. I loved piecing together the stories and discovering their connection to each other.
Overall, this book had a lot to say about the way we interact with technology without ever getting heavy-handed about it. Thoughts on tech developments are seamlessly integrated into fascinating stories about individual lives.
This book took a lot of risks, and it’s one of the most creative books I’ve seen. Stories are told through the long winded sentences of a 13 year old, a spy’s instructional pamphlet, and a series of emails, among other POVs. Even though the storytelling methods change so drastically, the book still feels cohesive and connected. I was completely absorbed and now plan on reading more of Egan’s work.
Overall, this book had a lot to say about the way we interact with technology without ever getting heavy-handed about it. Thoughts on tech developments are seamlessly integrated into fascinating stories about individual lives.
This book took a lot of risks, and it’s one of the most creative books I’ve seen. Stories are told through the long winded sentences of a 13 year old, a spy’s instructional pamphlet, and a series of emails, among other POVs. Even though the storytelling methods change so drastically, the book still feels cohesive and connected. I was completely absorbed and now plan on reading more of Egan’s work.
thornlet's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0