Scan barcode
mapricot1's review against another edition
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
this was really disappointing because i knew one short story from here that i LOVE and yet. the rest of the book was simply shit. idk it was super shallow and i don't think it wanted to make fun of women but it lowkey just did that and didn't have the self-awareness to go beyond just. perpetuating dumb stereotypes and making dumb jokes about it. the first story in it was funny, children of the dirt i'm obsessed with (even though my interpretation of it is super different to that of the author i'm sure), and the rest i didn't like. often short story collections are hit or miss and this one was almost 100% miss for me
spacespy44's review against another edition
The first story was about a condom's life in a guy's wallet. The second was about a goat that tried to kiss a nine-year-old girl. It was super weird and not at all funny.
matildatc's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
dylancrossen's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Surreal but emotionally-accurate short stories for men dating in their 20s.
pronolagus's review against another edition
4.0
Few books are truly laugh-out-loud funny, but TLGoE comes through in fine form with several. A few caused me a little embarrassment in the crowded break room at work. Most of the time, I really wanted to read whole pieces out loud to the people around me. This is one to share with BFFs and sleeping companions.
Many of the stories contain mythical, religious, and fantastic figures, both literary and drawn from pop culture. The theme of love and romance never falters, keeping the collection on a steady track, whether tackling a sullen, hip-hop cupid, oblivious mad scientist, or overworked Creator. But it isn't just a bunch of whimsical trifles. There's sincerity and vulnerability here, too. Rich knows that love is pain and pleasure at once.
Simon Rich reminds me of Roy Blount Jr. a bit, but where the latter is often brilliant in his narration, Rich puts much of his cleverness in his dialogue. Probably understandable for a veteran sketch writer. My only criticism is that, given the brevity of the stories, I sometimes wanted a little more depth to run on. That isn't a failing of Rich's, merely a function of devouring the book in great chunks. It might be best served by reading a couple or three stories at a time and putting it aside for another quick session the next day.
It begins and ends with some of the best comedy I've read in a very long time, framing the merely good stories (though I hasten to add there are plenty of terrific ones in the middle) with several humorous home runs. Thanks, Simon, I sorely needed the funny at this time in my life, and you delivered, in spades.
Many of the stories contain mythical, religious, and fantastic figures, both literary and drawn from pop culture. The theme of love and romance never falters, keeping the collection on a steady track, whether tackling a sullen, hip-hop cupid, oblivious mad scientist, or overworked Creator. But it isn't just a bunch of whimsical trifles. There's sincerity and vulnerability here, too. Rich knows that love is pain and pleasure at once.
Simon Rich reminds me of Roy Blount Jr. a bit, but where the latter is often brilliant in his narration, Rich puts much of his cleverness in his dialogue. Probably understandable for a veteran sketch writer. My only criticism is that, given the brevity of the stories, I sometimes wanted a little more depth to run on. That isn't a failing of Rich's, merely a function of devouring the book in great chunks. It might be best served by reading a couple or three stories at a time and putting it aside for another quick session the next day.
It begins and ends with some of the best comedy I've read in a very long time, framing the merely good stories (though I hasten to add there are plenty of terrific ones in the middle) with several humorous home runs. Thanks, Simon, I sorely needed the funny at this time in my life, and you delivered, in spades.
infinitori's review against another edition
3.0
A lot of the stories were interesting ideas, but the tone in each one was pretty similar.
Women are villains unless they are exactly what you want them to be. Boo hoo poor man who can't fuck who he wants, or boo hoo his girlfriend doesn't completely do as he wishes when he wishes it. There's really no issue with stories like that in general, because it obviously appeals to some people, but the same thing again and again just felt bitter and boring.
Women are villains unless they are exactly what you want them to be. Boo hoo poor man who can't fuck who he wants, or boo hoo his girlfriend doesn't completely do as he wishes when he wishes it. There's really no issue with stories like that in general, because it obviously appeals to some people, but the same thing again and again just felt bitter and boring.
camila_emm's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
capone12's review against another edition
4.0
Simon Rich is a very clever, witty writer. These short stories are hilariously digestible and accurate.. i.e. his fictious writings of relationships so cleverly mimic and parallel events in real life "Occupy Jen Street". Read it and you'll see what I mean...
gillred619's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25