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jess_mango's review against another edition
4.0
Still Here centers around 4 main characters living in the NYC area. All four are Russian immigrants who originally met back in Russia when they were in college. Now they are in their mid to late 30's living in America. One character, Vadik, has the idea for a new app which he dubs "Virtual Grave". The chapters alternate focus on different characters and the app weaves a thread through the background of each chapter.
I enjoyed this book. It was a look into the modern-day immigrant experience in NYC. The character's experiences range from struggling with their marriages or relationships, questioning how they are raising their child, feeling unsatisfied with their jobs (one character had a medical degree from Russia but could only get a job as a Radiology Technician in America and feels looked down on by the doctors she works with).
I enjoyed this book. It was a look into the modern-day immigrant experience in NYC. The character's experiences range from struggling with their marriages or relationships, questioning how they are raising their child, feeling unsatisfied with their jobs (one character had a medical degree from Russia but could only get a job as a Radiology Technician in America and feels looked down on by the doctors she works with).
pinaybibliophile's review against another edition
funny
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Still Here is about four Russian immigrants living in New York City who, at first glance, seem to be living the typical American dream. As we read the chapters from their different perspectives, each character - Vica, Vadik, Sergey, Regina - has his and her fair share of frustrations, longing, resentment and discontent. It's a very Gen X novel that is funny and ironic and observant. The discourse on social media - because a key plot line involves an app - is very chilling and real.
bookslifeandeverythingnice's review against another edition
2.0
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. As always, an honest review.
I had mixed feelings about this book, Still Here by Lara Vapnyar. I kept switching from thinking it’s interesting and brilliant to getting annoyed with the characters, sometimes several times in one chapter. The author is wonderful at making the plot lines and writing style mirror the characters’ immigrant experiences. The language is eloquent with the occasional very casual modern language aspect thrown in. It was a little unexpected, and makes the book feel a little disjointed, but it’s actually very smart. The choice of language matches that of a new immigrant with college degrees, trying to find the balance between proper English and slang. The author is also great at letting the reader get to know each character very well. No character is perfect, but the author is great at making us understand why they do/think/feel the way that they do. One of the downsides to this book is that there is a lot of bickering and complaining about each other. After awhile the negativity gets old. The characters’ struggles are relatable, so I understand why they feel such negativity. They feel awkward, want to fit in, don’t have enough money, and have concerns about the future. Even in knowing this I still found myself getting annoyed with some of the characters. Still Here gives the reader a look at how people feel when moving to a new country and trying to fit in. I learned a lot of life lessons even in the not so enjoyable moments of these characters’ lives. Although sometimes that’s when we tend to learn the most. This is one of those books that I could read multiple times and still learn something new from it each time.
I had mixed feelings about this book, Still Here by Lara Vapnyar. I kept switching from thinking it’s interesting and brilliant to getting annoyed with the characters, sometimes several times in one chapter. The author is wonderful at making the plot lines and writing style mirror the characters’ immigrant experiences. The language is eloquent with the occasional very casual modern language aspect thrown in. It was a little unexpected, and makes the book feel a little disjointed, but it’s actually very smart. The choice of language matches that of a new immigrant with college degrees, trying to find the balance between proper English and slang. The author is also great at letting the reader get to know each character very well. No character is perfect, but the author is great at making us understand why they do/think/feel the way that they do. One of the downsides to this book is that there is a lot of bickering and complaining about each other. After awhile the negativity gets old. The characters’ struggles are relatable, so I understand why they feel such negativity. They feel awkward, want to fit in, don’t have enough money, and have concerns about the future. Even in knowing this I still found myself getting annoyed with some of the characters. Still Here gives the reader a look at how people feel when moving to a new country and trying to fit in. I learned a lot of life lessons even in the not so enjoyable moments of these characters’ lives. Although sometimes that’s when we tend to learn the most. This is one of those books that I could read multiple times and still learn something new from it each time.
notstanleynat's review against another edition
3.0
Actually really liked the ending of this book and all the characters felt so unique yet similar in the ways that matter.
marinaraydun's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic book. Officially one of my favorite novels of all time.
sarahelainereads's review against another edition
3.0
I actually enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. The writing style is unique and beautiful. This book embraces diversity but still manages to be relatable. It addresses several different topics, ranging from love to life to culture to the virtual world.
*Longer review to come on blog soon.
*Longer review to come on blog soon.
findyourgoldenhour's review against another edition
2.0
Meh. I lived in Russia for two years in the '90s, so between that and the book jacket description, I grabbed this on a whim at the library. It was okay. Based on the description I was hoping for more insights into living our lives online, and how social media affects our relationships. I kept reading because I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. None of the characters were especially likable or relatable, which usually kills a book for me. About halfway through I was already thinking about what I wanted to read next, which is never a good sign.
leleroulant's review against another edition
3.0
I received this book as an ARC from LibraryThing.com. I was intrigued with the premise of four friends from Russia living in the U.S., one with this great idea of a social media app to preserve your online presence after your death. I found the book rather boring. I seemed to consist of a lot of bed-hopping and people crying, "Woe is me!" Not my thing.
grrenka's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
minneapolismerk's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5