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karenleagermain's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This story is wild and I would expect nothing less from John Waters. If you're a fan of Waters, you'll appreciate the comedy and if you're not, you might spend a majority of the book wondering what the hell is happening.
I hate to confess it, but a lot of the story was a slog. I was unequally interested in the various plot lines, pretty much not at all interested in Poppy and her trampoline fanatics.
However, I also can't remember the last time I laughed (aloud, heartily, while alone in a room) while reading a book. There are some lines and situations that are absolutely hilarious. It was these moments of brilliance that kept me turning the pages.
This book has been optioned for a movie adaptation and I'm here for it.
I hate to confess it, but a lot of the story was a slog. I was unequally interested in the various plot lines, pretty much not at all interested in Poppy and her trampoline fanatics.
However, I also can't remember the last time I laughed (aloud, heartily, while alone in a room) while reading a book. There are some lines and situations that are absolutely hilarious. It was these moments of brilliance that kept me turning the pages.
This book has been optioned for a movie adaptation and I'm here for it.
Content Warnings
This is John Waters...there is rampant discussion of bodily functions, fetishes, and sex. It is not sexy in the slightest, but absolutely nothing is left to the imagination. If you're squeamish or prudish, you might want to steer clear.
aukim1202's review
adventurous
funny
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? Yes
3.0
gillyking's review
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sbn42's review
3.0
It's John Waters, what do you expect? The book is vulgar, gross, disgusting and completely crazy, but in a good way. A serial suitcase thief/con artist rips off her mother, who has a dog with species-identity issues, and her daughter, who is a member of a radical outlaw trampoline group, in a quest to kill her ex-husband. Yes, it is mostly hilarious. Unfortunately, it ran about three or four chapters too long in a final bus ride to a most boring conclusion.
If you have never seen a John Waters film, you will have a hard time with his novel.
I wanted to give it 4 stars, but rounded down to 3, due to the rough ending.
If you have never seen a John Waters film, you will have a hard time with his novel.
I wanted to give it 4 stars, but rounded down to 3, due to the rough ending.
kmaller's review
I dipped at the animal plastic surgery clinic, it's too much
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty
briannafenty's review
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
laura_bower's review
5.0
John Waters at his best, never actually read any of his fiction before, only seen the films, but the whole ethos and style translates so well to a different medium and allows one to linger over the filthy and derisive insaneness
hunterjleech's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0