Reviews

The Means, by Amy Fusselman

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valdez's review against another edition

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funny informative fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

mruark's review against another edition

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dark funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

bardwell's review against another edition

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This book certainty seems to serve its intended purpose of comedic satire of upper middle class capitalism, but if you’re already anti-capitalist it just seems annoying i think

mmz's review against another edition

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fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

Extremely quirky and witty satirical look at keeping up with the Jones’ in NY. A stay at home Mom dreams of owning a beach house and a Japanese toilet. Even though the family is struggling financially, she can’t seem to let go of this dream. With conflicting advice and a family dog who speaks, this book was quite funny.

I’m not sure this story really went anywhere- but it was an enjoyable quick read nevertheless.

haylztalez's review

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4.0

The Means had me laughing out loud, literally. The main character's prose is so funny and somewhat unhinged, The story was entertaining and fast paced with off the wall commentary and humor. There were some themes that I felt like were a little too aggressive compared to the tone of the book, but overall it was a very enjoyable read.
This is a perfect summer book to escape into a world of rich people with rich people problems, in the best possible way.
This book is available September 6th!

My sincere thanks to the author and Mariner Books for the gifted review copy via NetGalley.

booksandchicks's review

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3.0

I walked into this book not knowing what to expect and u walk out with a smile on my face. It was complete entertainment!

Shelly is a stay at home mom in NYC that longs for a beach house…with a Japanese toilet! This book is filled with humor and stereotypes about money. For example, Shelly and her husbands last name is Means…and the book talks all about how they don’t have the “means” to really build a beach house.

The author, Fusselman, is witty and smart with her dialogue and the internal thought processes Shelly has, such as why a Japanese toilet is MANDAToRY and what corners she’s willing to cut to build her beach house!

Read this for a palate cleanser between hard books. Read this on the beach. Read this if you’re wanting a quick paced book. Read this for pure enjoyment!

Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the advance e-copy.

reader_mama's review

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3.0

Shelly Means dreams of owning a beach house. I enjoyed reading this book from Shelly’s POV and thought she was pretty comical. The opening chapter with the raccoon was a funny moment that grabbed my attention. Shelly seems like she’s floundering a bit, wanting more in her life but unsure of how to get there. Life as a SAHM can get tough, and I can say this as I am a SAHM, and I feel Shelly was still searching for more of a purpose. I will say, this book kind of felt like it was about nothing, but I still enjoyed it overall.

Thank you to the author and publisher for my copy!