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jedbird's review against another edition
2.0
I really didn't like this very much. Evan is an epileptic hothead whose only redeeming feature is amazing guitar skills. He spends the entire book flirting with a big, dramatic seizure which...I mean, is he *not* going to have one? Seems unlikely.
His suprise!son Dean is a teenager who has just lost his mother and is tamping down overwhelming grief to an amazing degree. I would have actually liked to know Dean's POV on all the scenes in the book. Like, what about his new Insta-Mom?
Mica latches onto Evan IMMEDIATELY and never lets go. She's all the way in Evan's life, 1000%. It doesn't matter that he's an impotent man-child who doesn't even know his actual-child, she wants to have a baby with him! There's this implication that, among Seattle musicians, Evan is the most viable candidate for breeding, which is really a pretty harsh indictment of Seattle musicians. She lavishes Evan and Dean with gifts and understanding and it makes her seem really damaged and desperate. She should definitely aim higher.
Like, if Evan had characteristics beyond "guitar-playing epileptic asshole," I can't imagine what they were. I didn't get anything else from the text.
No one talks to anyone else. Everyone keeps secrets, even when it's pointless, even when it's harmful. I hate people like this.
I finished the book because it was set in Seattle, where I'm from. It actually didn't seem all that Seattle-y except for mentions of here-is-a-thing-that-exists-in-Seattle every now and then.
His suprise!son Dean is a teenager who has just lost his mother and is tamping down overwhelming grief to an amazing degree. I would have actually liked to know Dean's POV on all the scenes in the book. Like, what about his new Insta-Mom?
Mica latches onto Evan IMMEDIATELY and never lets go. She's all the way in Evan's life, 1000%. It doesn't matter that he's an impotent man-child who doesn't even know his actual-child, she wants to have a baby with him! There's this implication that, among Seattle musicians, Evan is the most viable candidate for breeding, which is really a pretty harsh indictment of Seattle musicians. She lavishes Evan and Dean with gifts and understanding and it makes her seem really damaged and desperate. She should definitely aim higher.
Like, if Evan had characteristics beyond "guitar-playing epileptic asshole," I can't imagine what they were. I didn't get anything else from the text.
No one talks to anyone else. Everyone keeps secrets, even when it's pointless, even when it's harmful. I hate people like this.
I finished the book because it was set in Seattle, where I'm from. It actually didn't seem all that Seattle-y except for mentions of here-is-a-thing-that-exists-in-Seattle every now and then.
tsunanisaurus's review against another edition
3.0
Great author, great writing style, mediocre book at best. I almost gave it two stars but I just like the author too much. It was so much repetitive building up for a very lackluster ending. Very disappointing.
candelibri's review
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
catladyjenna1's review
3.0
I expected more from Garth Stein because The Art of Racing in the Rain is in my top ten, I didn't love this one but the relationships and the main character's issues felt genuine and not perfect, which a lot of contemporary fiction can't seem to get right, so for that I give this book 3-3.5 stars
jim_donovan's review
3.0
compelling characters, you wanted things to work out for Evan... but, well, you'll have to figure it out for yourself by reading; who could expect to have to come to terms with being a Dad of a 14 year old, when it was thrust upon him at the funeral of the boy's mom!??! That doesn't sound a bit contrived, does it? So, although Evan's son Dean, is stuck in a rough spot... aren't we all -- there were times the sequence of events seemed forced and you almost lose interest, but you really want to see it thru and have things resolve. I wont ruin the ending of the book for you. But, it's worth coming thru to the final chapters.
The love interest, Mica, was a wonderful enhancement to slip into the book -- but, may seem to be even more contrived than the other relationships. The rock band, is also a nice add-on, and can make you feel like you've gotten to know Evan a bit better thru his friends in his band; but, alas the convenience of switching between bandie and daddy again strains the credibility factor. But, go along for the ride, and you'll enjoy it.
Also, as another reviewer commented, the Epilepsy serves as much to inform the reader of the condition which Evan suffers as it manages to complicate the relationships in the book and the internal stuggles that hallenge Evan thru the entire book. That aspect, is well written, and very touching... it really makes you feel for the main character.
Now, I'm going to read "The Art of Racing in the Rain"... (so, I think that says that I like Garth's style).
The love interest, Mica, was a wonderful enhancement to slip into the book -- but, may seem to be even more contrived than the other relationships. The rock band, is also a nice add-on, and can make you feel like you've gotten to know Evan a bit better thru his friends in his band; but, alas the convenience of switching between bandie and daddy again strains the credibility factor. But, go along for the ride, and you'll enjoy it.
Also, as another reviewer commented, the Epilepsy serves as much to inform the reader of the condition which Evan suffers as it manages to complicate the relationships in the book and the internal stuggles that hallenge Evan thru the entire book. That aspect, is well written, and very touching... it really makes you feel for the main character.
Now, I'm going to read "The Art of Racing in the Rain"... (so, I think that says that I like Garth's style).
radiodarrenfm's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bookmerized's review
4.0
You can't top "The Art of Racing in the Rain" but this book's voice was still Garth Stein. I enjoyed the relationship between Evan and Dean. There were some uncomfortable moments that I think were really really real. Definitely worth a read!!!!