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samtana's review
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-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
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Pandemic/Epidemic, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Misogyny, Death, Sexism, and Mental illness
Minor: Rape
booksnpunks's review
2.0
I guess I expected a lot more from this novel, and who can blame me after reading [b:Bright Lights, Big City|86147|Bright Lights, Big City|Jay McInerney|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1399647015s/86147.jpg|144128]? I read this because I’m interested in post-9/11 fiction and whilst this book deals with this as an event, the real focus of this novel is the characters and their relationships. Whilst that was fun to read about, I don’t really enjoy domestic dramas especially in the time period it was set in.
I was underwhelmed by this simply because I expected it was going to be something else. But McInerney has still proved himself as a wonderful writer of humanity and it’s complexities.
I was underwhelmed by this simply because I expected it was going to be something else. But McInerney has still proved himself as a wonderful writer of humanity and it’s complexities.
hippiechick56's review against another edition
2.0
A story about a bunch of self absorbed people who use any excuse for their bad behavior.
kricketa's review against another edition
4.0
fictional account of september 11's effect on personal relationships.
drubinstein's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Not a bad book, not a great book either. It takes place in NYC in the months around 9/11, and follows the story of 2 different families living the wealthy, competitive life in NY. These famiies's lives weren't perfect, and 9/11 brought those imperfections to light in a way. The story line (in the book's description) seemed deeper than it actually was, more like I had hoped it to be.
leilatre's review against another edition
2.0
The actual 9/11 descriptions were engaging, but once the book turned to character development and love story, I felt it fell flat. I found it really hard to care about any of the characters and the interpersonal dynamics felt overly self-congratulatory and forced. Meh.
lucydov's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
1.0
ladygetslit's review against another edition
3.0
In the second novel about married couple Russell and Corrine Calloway, The Good Life shows what happens with 9/11 implodes the everyday life of New Yorkers. Corrine tries to bury her emotions in volunteering at Ground Zero, where she meets Luke McGavok, a wealthy Upper East Sider who recently quit his job in finance to pursue a sense of purpose.
the premise: B. I was drawn into the storyline about what it was like to live in New York City during and after 9/11.
the writing: A+. Jay McInerney has an engrossing style full of detail that really delves into the emotional complexity of his characters.
the story: C.I have a lot of trouble getting emotionally involved in stories that center around extramarital affairs. Not only do I find it completely not relatable, but I’m generally bothered by how often this storyline appears, with variations, in literary fiction of the past 50 years or so.
the characters: B-. Despite hating the storyline, I did find myself caring for Corrine, at least; Russell, somehow, is a nonentity to me, despite having now read 3 books about him.
diversity: C+. Russell’s best friend, Washington, is a black man, and McInerney does delve into what it’s like for him in a world that’s allegedly post-racial. However, a closeted gay side character literally dies in 9/11 before his personality can really be fleshed out.
overall recommendation: for those who love a good New York novel but aren’t bothered by plots that revolve around affairs.
the premise: B. I was drawn into the storyline about what it was like to live in New York City during and after 9/11.
the writing: A+. Jay McInerney has an engrossing style full of detail that really delves into the emotional complexity of his characters.
the story: C.I have a lot of trouble getting emotionally involved in stories that center around extramarital affairs. Not only do I find it completely not relatable, but I’m generally bothered by how often this storyline appears, with variations, in literary fiction of the past 50 years or so.
the characters: B-. Despite hating the storyline, I did find myself caring for Corrine, at least; Russell, somehow, is a nonentity to me, despite having now read 3 books about him.
diversity: C+. Russell’s best friend, Washington, is a black man, and McInerney does delve into what it’s like for him in a world that’s allegedly post-racial. However, a closeted gay side character literally dies in 9/11 before his personality can really be fleshed out.
overall recommendation: for those who love a good New York novel but aren’t bothered by plots that revolve around affairs.
louyzzz's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
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
3.0
barbarabarbara's review against another edition
emotional
sad
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
3.5