eniu's review against another edition
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
0.5
I had to force myself to finish this book. It was an unbearable read. The writing style of a child, tryhard attempts to add some depth to the characters, no pace for the plot, nonsensical actions by the characters, no solid character attributes, and i could go on. A waste of time. Tries to be meaningful, but falls flat. In short, the book can be summarised by Tolstoy's opening line in Anna Karenina: "Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way". You're welcome, I saved you some time.
glendaleereads's review against another edition
3.0
It’s always a unique experience reading Coupland.
thisbookishcat's review against another edition
Let me start off by stating that I did not finish this book; I got abut 40% into it and finally gave up.
The whole thing is written in such an unrealistic, almost dramatic and cartoon-like way that I just couldn't get in to what I'm certain was meant to be very serious and heartfelt. I do not recommend this to anyone.
The whole thing is written in such an unrealistic, almost dramatic and cartoon-like way that I just couldn't get in to what I'm certain was meant to be very serious and heartfelt. I do not recommend this to anyone.
murph_the_serf's review against another edition
2.0
I normally enjoy Coupland's irreverence but this book just took it a few notches too far into disbelief. It was absurdity for absurdity's sake and I can't get into that at all. His language choice is always fun but it isn't enough to save this one - a definite pass.
vivelaviv's review against another edition
4.0
Hilarious and a little bit sick and twisted (just the way I like it). Kind of reminded me of Carl Hiassen.
shereadsspice8's review against another edition
3.0
Not too bad...
This book was about a severely disfunctional family. All of the family members have some sort of severe medical condition ranging from HIV, AIDS, Cancer to suicidal tendencies. The story follows the family meeting in Florida for their daughters first trip into space. (She is a one handed astronaut) The father is broke so the con artist son takes a job with a former employer to scam some money from an extremely rich man. The other son's pregnant girlfriend is planning to sell the baby to a couple that are planning to lock her in a dungeon (probably kill her) and then sell the baby for half a million dollars.
Although not very realistic the book was a fairly good read.
This book was about a severely disfunctional family. All of the family members have some sort of severe medical condition ranging from HIV, AIDS, Cancer to suicidal tendencies. The story follows the family meeting in Florida for their daughters first trip into space. (She is a one handed astronaut) The father is broke so the con artist son takes a job with a former employer to scam some money from an extremely rich man. The other son's pregnant girlfriend is planning to sell the baby to a couple that are planning to lock her in a dungeon (probably kill her) and then sell the baby for half a million dollars.
Although not very realistic the book was a fairly good read.
hobbitatheart's review against another edition
challenging
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
seattleserina's review against another edition
4.0
weird with impossible characters, so of course I liked it. Coupland is always a bit kooky, which is why I'll always read his books.