dlberglund's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars. This was a different kind of novel. It begins in the morning, and the chapters take us through multiple characters’ experiences in the hours that ultimately lead is to 2am at a jazz club called the Cat's Pajamas. Our characters are sometimes directly and obviously related, like the eight year old and her teacher, and sometimes much less so. It's sweet and satisfying.
airclay3's review against another edition
5.0
Stunning book, loved the way the author wrote it. Very timeless
mary412's review against another edition
3.0
I had to force myself to read this book - maybe because I was reading it on my Kobo and the eReader experience just doesn't do it for me. The book group discussion made me appreciate the book much more, but I'm still only giving it three stars.
robotswithpersonality's review against another edition
I think it wanted to be the book equivalent of a jazz blues song, but I find that kind of melody soothing, and this I didn't. Enjoyed the writing, not sure I was meant to enjoy the characters. Felt like the author decided the only way to humanize was to focus on everybody's bad moments, in such quick succession that you're really only left with a vague feeling of disappointment, as the mood turns too late with too little resolved.
[Important minor spoiler: the dog survives.]
⚠️ Child neglect, abuse
[Important minor spoiler: the dog survives.]
⚠️ Child neglect, abuse
margaretefg's review against another edition
3.0
Sweet...multi layered stories. The family stories, etc are good but the depiction of Phila could be better. I'm not sure the author understands the geography of the city.
lynwil09's review against another edition
3.0
the storyline jumped around a lot that it was difficult to follow at times. but overall it was a good story that kept me reading more
froydis's review against another edition
3.0
3 1/2 stars -
This was a very interesting book in a lot of ways. I liked all the different viewpoints shown in the story, and that they all had their own connections to each other. I really liked Madeleine and felt for her throughout the book. I thought many of the characters were strong, and appreciated the relationships expressed in the book. However, I never felt completely engaged with the story. It was fun, I liked the people, but I wasn't drawn into the book as much as I would have liked to. It is well-written and enjoyable, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
This was a very interesting book in a lot of ways. I liked all the different viewpoints shown in the story, and that they all had their own connections to each other. I really liked Madeleine and felt for her throughout the book. I thought many of the characters were strong, and appreciated the relationships expressed in the book. However, I never felt completely engaged with the story. It was fun, I liked the people, but I wasn't drawn into the book as much as I would have liked to. It is well-written and enjoyable, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
rmfickfack's review against another edition
5.0
I seriously loved this book. I was skeptical of the multiple story lines and POVs at first, but as I got to know the characters and immersed myself in their thoughts and dialogue, I was absolutely enchanted. I've come to realize that sassy children are some of my absolute favorite characters in the books I've been reading this year, so I totally fell in love with Madeline. I also loved how the adult characters interacted with her throughout this story. Sarina & Ben's story was so heartwarming and I just wanted to read more about them as well. Overall, this is an extremely cozy and delightful read that I think folks who love a good character-driven story will love.
leonorcenas's review against another edition
2.0
This review is obviously supposed to reflect how I felt about the book. So I can totally see someone else loving it but it just wasn't there for me.
For me there was a balance issue throughout:
- Interesting, quirky characters with potential. But there were way to many of them for me to be able to care.
- The main character Madeline was too much. Too gifted, too foul mouthed, too negligenced and too protected at the same time.
- The story tried to do much. Some plot lines were promising but cut short while others longer but just plain boring.
Some good writing but again, balance and focus were lacking.
Just made appreciate all the more other stories I have loved in the past were these feats were crafted beautifully.
For me there was a balance issue throughout:
- Interesting, quirky characters with potential. But there were way to many of them for me to be able to care.
- The main character Madeline was too much. Too gifted, too foul mouthed, too negligenced and too protected at the same time.
- The story tried to do much. Some plot lines were promising but cut short while others longer but just plain boring.
Some good writing but again, balance and focus were lacking.
Just made appreciate all the more other stories I have loved in the past were these feats were crafted beautifully.
lynnmarie78's review against another edition
3.0
Loved parts of it, liked parts of it and then felt let down by the ending. Sigh...