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carver's review
4.0
So, this book is one I think I'd usually roll my eyes at a little-a book about amoral writers having affairs, which smells of cis-male wish fulfillment. And yet, I really enjoyed it.
First off, the novel is very aware of what it's doing, and while it doesn't apologize for it, it also sidesteps fantasy and feel like it lands soberly in the land of reality meets cautionary tale. That combined with the sharp, clean, somehow indulgent and simultaneously restrained prose made this a fun read.
It definitely takes an awareness of a certain type of world to appreciate the human beings that this novel is speaking for, and for that reason, I probably wouldn't recommend it to most people. But, going in with low expectations, it evoked a real emotional response from me that I hadn't realized I hadn't felt from a book for a while. My heart broke a little bit for all of these characters by the end.
And I want a sequel all about Julia.
First off, the novel is very aware of what it's doing, and while it doesn't apologize for it, it also sidesteps fantasy and feel like it lands soberly in the land of reality meets cautionary tale. That combined with the sharp, clean, somehow indulgent and simultaneously restrained prose made this a fun read.
It definitely takes an awareness of a certain type of world to appreciate the human beings that this novel is speaking for, and for that reason, I probably wouldn't recommend it to most people. But, going in with low expectations, it evoked a real emotional response from me that I hadn't realized I hadn't felt from a book for a while. My heart broke a little bit for all of these characters by the end.
And I want a sequel all about Julia.
holdenlaurence's review
2.0
I was so shatteringly bored by this book that I'm too burnt out and exhausted to spend another moment considering it.
josegarciadobarganes's review
3.0
I love how the author writes, it made me feel very connected to people my age and to my own millenial bullshit. I think it’s a great piece of writing, it’s fun an witty. I think the author it’s heavily influenced, not only by most young english-speaking writers but also by tv and cinema.
The story, thought, was kind of dull and leading nowhere. It was justo 240 pages of Peters life. I mean, I appreciate it, but I like also to be lead somewhere.
The story, thought, was kind of dull and leading nowhere. It was justo 240 pages of Peters life. I mean, I appreciate it, but I like also to be lead somewhere.
bradleyisspiffy's review against another edition
3.0
Some have characterized this as a "love story" but I really think it's much more about infatuation. (Which is more interesting, anyway.) Yet, the way the narrative chugs along just didn't make sense to me. By the time the book ended, I felt that the story hadn't been wrapped up well.
That said, I enjoyed the way it was written, despite thinking it was too highfalutin at times. Many of the characters were cleverly developed. So there were parts of this book I thought were well done but in the end, I was left underwhelmed.
That said, I enjoyed the way it was written, despite thinking it was too highfalutin at times. Many of the characters were cleverly developed. So there were parts of this book I thought were well done but in the end, I was left underwhelmed.
alylentz's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I can see the criticisms that this is about unlikable people doing pretentious, rich-kid, writerly things, but I was so drawn in from the very beginning and was dying to see how their stories would end up. I did want slightly more from the ending, but overall I found this really interesting and difficult to put down. Also, I thought the narrator for the audiobook did a fantastic job and really made the story come to life for me! I think I would have found this harder to get through if I was just reading the text.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Minor: Alcoholism
annmarie321's review against another edition
challenging
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
genevieveray1's review
3.0
I am fascinated by the widely varying reviews. Also it’s interesting to read a novel set in Charlottesville.
sarahmac314's review
2.0
This book is very "guy in your MFA-esque." Vapid characters bumbling through life under the collective delusion that they'll be able to make "great art" if they continuously do everything in their power to implode their own lives. However, I did find myself interested in the plot enough to see how it would all end, so I guess that's saying something.
robs320's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sarahc3319's review
2.0
I was viciously frustrated by this book. Every night, after reading 70 or so pages, I would declare myself done forever, so over it... and then I would pick it right back up the next night to see what was happening. It was compelling, and interesting, but I hated every one of the characters, except maybe Kenny. I would be friends with Kenny.