elenareads's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
slow-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? No
2.5
The Ruth timeline is unbearably difficult to go though. Ruth and Oliver are sharing a marriage but they have no chemistry, not even a decent friendship. Both characters are flat and their relationship is just superficial. There's so much text in this timeline that is just words following words, adding nothing to the plot or character development. Oliver wants to plant invasive trees but it not allowed to. Ok. There's random mentions about radiation. Radiation bad. Nuclear power scary. Ok. But also that's why we cannot have nice things Ruth, like reliable clean energy Ruth, thanks for that Ruth.
dahyol's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
valerylh's review against another edition
5.0
What a great read for one of my first books of 2016! I listened to the audiobook (narrated by the author).
Narration flips back and forth between Nao in the past and Ruth in the present. Despite the very serious troubles in her life Nao is, for the most part, charming and upbeat. It was easy to get wrapped up in her story and where it was all leading. So interesting and so much more than I expected. Jiko’s voice will stick with me – “find your superpower”!
I was very thankful for the explanations (in layman’s terms) regarding quantum physics near the end of the book and noted that some of the details of the book would have been lost to me if Ruth’s husband hadn’t explained it. There were still some unanswered questions at the end but I was OK with that and in fact, I think it was better this way.
Highly recommended!
Fun fact – the author is a Buddhist priest!
Narration flips back and forth between Nao in the past and Ruth in the present. Despite the very serious troubles in her life Nao is, for the most part, charming and upbeat. It was easy to get wrapped up in her story and where it was all leading. So interesting and so much more than I expected. Jiko’s voice will stick with me – “find your superpower”!
I was very thankful for the explanations (in layman’s terms) regarding quantum physics near the end of the book and noted that some of the details of the book would have been lost to me if Ruth’s husband hadn’t explained it. There were still some unanswered questions at the end but I was OK with that and in fact, I think it was better this way.
Highly recommended!
Fun fact – the author is a Buddhist priest!
moomoo's review against another edition
It felt like i was reading it for an assignment
ellieillo's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
minsreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
mexicanfood8's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence and Suicide attempt
steelfern's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Ruth Ozeki has such a beautiful and distinctive voice for each of these main characters, I ate them right up. Her descriptions of coastlines, ecosystems, nature and all the little moments were gorgeous. So glad I picked this up on a whim.
carrotts's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
5.0
nancidrum's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent book. Don't be put off by the first few pages which are fairly graphic. As you read the story you will understand why the language in the beginning is a bit rough.