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folieoftwo's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
3.5
leighlucas's review against another edition
3.0
"It seems to me now that the plain state of being human is dramatic enough for anyone; you don't need to be a heroine addict or a performance poet to experience extremity. You just have to love someone."
icelacs's review against another edition
1.0
Honestly one of the most thoroughly depressing books I have ever read. I couldn't bring myself to smile or think happy thoughts after going through this. Really, would just rather not have read it.
crlopez2013's review against another edition
4.0
I'm quite surprised at the low ratings of this book. It seems that many people did not truly comprehend the purpose. I think the book was get to reader to self-reflect on their lifestyles and choices. The main character is a 'good' person--we mostly all consider ourselves to be 'good people.' But we feel that we are good people because we occasionally donate to charity or hold liberal political beliefs etc, and this is enough to stave off guilt about others' misfortunes. Throughout the book I found myself mentally going back and forth as to which spouses side I was taking. In the end, the book isn't going to answer your questions or provide a happy ending. It may not be satisfying, but it's real.
tillybolgar's review
challenging
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
Thoroughly enjoyable to read, I like how nick hornby writes and can make quite monotonous things interesting, comforting and funny
paperbacklyds's review against another edition
funny
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
3.5
tomgenue's review against another edition
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
gbeach's review
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Genuinely so funny. As always such vivid and immersive entry into the minds of characters. Makes the implausible seem just believable enough. Has aged decently over the past 25 years with much of the core message remaining. Straddles the line between cynicism and being completely corny quite well. Thought the pace was a bit uneven, it wrapped itself up quite quickly. Very enjoyable