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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Good idea but didn't lean into the Little Women aspect as much as I would have liked. Also very gruesome.
adventurous
emotional
sad
fast-paced
I simply ask you to see that there is only one thing to do when we fall, and that is to get up, and go on with the life that is set in front of us, and try to do the good of which our hands are capable for the people who come in our way. That, at least, has been my path.
I didn't see this emotional powerhouse of a sentiment coming for most of this book. The parts about Mr. March had me at a solid four stars. It was really good but not entirely great. But then, to my surprise, we got a section from Marmee's perspective. It wasn't until I was reading parts of her thoughts that I saw that the book wasn't so much about Mr. March; it was about war and family and what it means to be a good person in a terrible time. This ended up being an amazing book and after finishing it I can see why it won the Pulitzer Prize. But it did take me most of the book to get there.
The quote above was not said my Mr. March. Otherwise I don't really want to say anything because it's really how the story unfolds that makes it so amazing.
I didn't see this emotional powerhouse of a sentiment coming for most of this book. The parts about Mr. March had me at a solid four stars. It was really good but not entirely great. But then, to my surprise, we got a section from Marmee's perspective. It wasn't until I was reading parts of her thoughts that I saw that the book wasn't so much about Mr. March; it was about war and family and what it means to be a good person in a terrible time. This ended up being an amazing book and after finishing it I can see why it won the Pulitzer Prize. But it did take me most of the book to get there.
The quote above was not said my Mr. March. Otherwise I don't really want to say anything because it's really how the story unfolds that makes it so amazing.
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
I'm one of the few who didn't like Year of Wonders, so I approached this book with trepidation. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the writing. The historical accuracy seemed greater, perhaps because we're talking about more recent history.
March is definitely not a hero in my book. His supercilious ways, his naivete about slavery, his chauvinist attitude toward Marmee, and his insipid vegetarianism did not make me like him. However, he also is possessed of compassion, the capacity to learn, and some courage. I feel that he is ultimately rather selfish and narcissistic, but he was an interesting character.
I think that Brooks took a step back from Marmee's conflicted feelings toward her husband that made the book less interesting. Marmee starts off with resentment and distance, but ends up with the cliche'ed "but then I realized I really love him". Why not explore the more complicated emotions instead? Grace certainly seemed to have no illusions about March, even though she was compassionate towards him.
The writing was beautiful, too. As a character study of a flawed man of his times, I think Brooks did a good job. I'm not sure if much new was said about war, though.
March is definitely not a hero in my book. His supercilious ways, his naivete about slavery, his chauvinist attitude toward Marmee, and his insipid vegetarianism did not make me like him. However, he also is possessed of compassion, the capacity to learn, and some courage. I feel that he is ultimately rather selfish and narcissistic, but he was an interesting character.
I think that Brooks took a step back from Marmee's conflicted feelings toward her husband that made the book less interesting. Marmee starts off with resentment and distance, but ends up with the cliche'ed "but then I realized I really love him". Why not explore the more complicated emotions instead? Grace certainly seemed to have no illusions about March, even though she was compassionate towards him.
The writing was beautiful, too. As a character study of a flawed man of his times, I think Brooks did a good job. I'm not sure if much new was said about war, though.
Really very good. In addition to providing historical information about the period, Brooks provided an insightful glimpse into the March's marriage, and at the end, at how men and women can perceive the same situations so very differently.
adventurous
emotional
tense
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:
Complicated
Wonderful book! Great story,terrific writing.
While searching for it in the library, after realizing she was married to Tony Horwitz, my mother informed me that they recently purchased the home across the road from my parents place..small world!
While searching for it in the library, after realizing she was married to Tony Horwitz, my mother informed me that they recently purchased the home across the road from my parents place..small world!
On the fence about this one. Nearly ditched it but then really enjoyed the second half. Let’s call it 3 stars.
challenging
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Characters were not fully developed as actualized individual voices - hard to distinguish two main characters voices from each other. The MMC's voice was overly modernized and feminine.