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guppyur's review against another edition
3.0
Waited pretty eagerly for this one, but liked it less than I hoped. Solid and carries, generally, the welcome hallmarks of a Tropper book -- and it's nice to see him writing about someone who isn't a writer -- but much depressing to read than previous outings.
katykelly's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
This reminded me of Jonathan Franzen's 'Freedom' as well as A. M. Homes' 'May We Be Forgiven'. A family drama exploring the nuances of a slightly eccentric family with issues, going through a time of crisis. So maybe it's because I've read similar things recently that mean I haven't rated it higher.
The 'issue' here is Silver's diagnosis of imminent death. Former rock star (one-hit wonder), now gone to seed, divorced, ageing.
Soon after being told by his estranged 18-year-old daughter that she is pregnant, he collapses and finds out he has an (operable) heart condition. He chooses not to have the surgery, in order not to revert to the deadbeat dad / terrible ex-husband he has been for several years. His family want him to change his mind.
I did enjoy this book. I've not read anything by this author before, and found him funny with some very realistic character creations. I did find some parts unrealistic though, how his family (whom he is supposed to have neglected) treat him at times just didn't feel right to me (I won't mention specifics as those would be spoilers for the story).
At the end, I finished and thought "right, what next?", so it just didn't hit the spot for me. I had been looking forward to it. There's nothing at all bad about it, I think it was just too similar to other recent reads to really stand out.
If you're a fan of the author, I'm sure you'll love it, as the other reviews are very positive. Sometimes a book just isn't right for you RIGHT NOW.
This reminded me of Jonathan Franzen's 'Freedom' as well as A. M. Homes' 'May We Be Forgiven'. A family drama exploring the nuances of a slightly eccentric family with issues, going through a time of crisis. So maybe it's because I've read similar things recently that mean I haven't rated it higher.
The 'issue' here is Silver's diagnosis of imminent death. Former rock star (one-hit wonder), now gone to seed, divorced, ageing.
Soon after being told by his estranged 18-year-old daughter that she is pregnant, he collapses and finds out he has an (operable) heart condition. He chooses not to have the surgery, in order not to revert to the deadbeat dad / terrible ex-husband he has been for several years. His family want him to change his mind.
I did enjoy this book. I've not read anything by this author before, and found him funny with some very realistic character creations. I did find some parts unrealistic though, how his family (whom he is supposed to have neglected) treat him at times just didn't feel right to me (I won't mention specifics as those would be spoilers for the story).
At the end, I finished and thought "right, what next?", so it just didn't hit the spot for me. I had been looking forward to it. There's nothing at all bad about it, I think it was just too similar to other recent reads to really stand out.
If you're a fan of the author, I'm sure you'll love it, as the other reviews are very positive. Sometimes a book just isn't right for you RIGHT NOW.
goodem9199's review against another edition
2.0
Oh, Mr. Tropper, you disappoint me so. Couldn't finish this and I gave it a 4-disc try...:(
david_brent's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer and Sexual content
teresaalice's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Because who doesn't love a book that leaves them a sobbing mess? Altogether, I found this book less well put together than Tropper's other books, but once again, the sad protagonist somehow finds his way into your heart.
sarahmareacarr's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
sad
slow-paced
3.5
Man it dragged towards the end but some very touching moments.
janewhitehurst's review against another edition
4.0
Dark, funny, coming of middle-age story about a man who is: divorced,a dead-beat dad, and a one-hit wonder. Not as laugh out loud funny as Tropper's other stuff, but still worth a read.
shesnotthere's review against another edition
4.0
Silver is a down-on-his-luck one-hit-wonder who learned he has a fatal heart condition. Realizing that he has been in a holding pattern for years, he tries to make up for lost time. I enjoyed this book & really liked Silver. The ending was abrupt, but that didn't annoy me. I would definitely recommend this book & I would like to read another Jonathan Tropper novel.