Reviews

Brilliant writing, but a little depressing in its very real assessment of writers' potential to be anything other than hubristic. The characters are very "round," in the Forster sense, and New York is both glorified and vilified -- masterfully.

pennwing's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective medium-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

3.0

asteria_'s review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I liked this book a lot. It reminded me a lot of “A Little Life” in terms of writing style and flow. I just wish that it had been a bit more peppy, because I often found myself dozing off reading it.

sgorr's review against another edition

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emotional 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

2.0

saranies's review against another edition

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3.0

The characters were compelling. Self-centered, in that they can't seem to be bothered about a world outside of their privileged New York, well-educated existence. (And yes, even the characters who struggle financially momentarily are incredibly privileged, only they don't seem to notice it.) However, certain characters managed to be dynamic. I definitely enjoyed reading this, but I don't know that I'd put it on any best book lists.

thatotherlisa's review against another edition

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2.0

I'm not sure what to say about this book. I enjoyed it more than my rating reflects. It's undoubtedly well-written. The author has some pretty effective tricks up her sleeve. She recreates a compelling world and tells a good story. But... I loathed almost every single character in it. The only character I did not loathe was such a one-dimensional doormat, that I feel I ought to loathe her too. And then there is the fact that the book is apparently about 9-11. But really it's about how 9-11 affects a bunch of self-centered jerks. It felt more like she used 9-11 as a plot point. Meh. I mostly enjoyed it, for what it's worth. I wish there were half stars.

laila4343's review against another edition

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5.0

I don't really get why so many people hate this book. So I'm re-reading it.

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