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serendipity730's review
2.0
There were numerous times when I considered putting this book down. The main character is absolutely insufferable. She is so self-involved as to know want to know how her childhood died. The ending was good, but it hardly redeems the rest of the book. Don't waste your time.
lauren_soderberg's review
4.0
While the first part of the novel gets muddled in over-description, this novel is worth its ending. Never have I been more satisfied by the last 30 pages of a novel.
blebbing's review
5.0
“Amos leaned back in his chair. “Yes, I’m sure it is. I’ve come to believe the marriage vows should include, in the ‘Will you love him, honor him, etc.’ section, a simple question: ‘Will you love him when he stands in the way of your heart’s deepest desire?’ or ‘Will you love him when the fact of him absolutely ruins your joy?’ Something like that.”
susanbrooks's review
3.0
Superlative writing, but the academic flavor was a bit of an oddly compelling mix with a story about a small town in Indiana.
Didn't quite buy the ending.
Didn't quite buy the ending.
eehancock's review
5.0
I really loved this. It was full of lots of BIC stuff and poetry that I generally enjoy.
lyonsferocious's review
5.0
Sparse, beautiful prose; intelligent and very human characters; fantastic word painting of setting, time, place and people. The subtle use of theology to shape the characters is fantastic. LOVE this book.
jof68's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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? Yes
4.0
hunderwood81's review
5.0
This is one of my all time favorite books! Read it, you will fall in love with it! It takes place in Bloomington, IN... so anyone familiar with small towns in Indiana will be able to relate!
ichirofakename's review
4.0
More chicklit from the meistress thereof. Actually her first novel, though last read by me. Family and town sturm und drang in rural Indiana, told with a very deft, understated touch. A large portion of
Christianity is included, since one of the protagonists is a priest. That turned out not to be a problem for this rabid atheist. The other protagonist is a grad student, of course.
This book reads quite a bit like a memoir, which is in keeping with the fact that Kimmel is first off a memoirist and only secondly a novelist. Those who tolerate memoirs might find her book "A Girl Named Zippy".
As with all the best books, I am convinced the author is smarter than I am.
Christianity is included, since one of the protagonists is a priest. That turned out not to be a problem for this rabid atheist. The other protagonist is a grad student, of course.
This book reads quite a bit like a memoir, which is in keeping with the fact that Kimmel is first off a memoirist and only secondly a novelist. Those who tolerate memoirs might find her book "A Girl Named Zippy".
As with all the best books, I am convinced the author is smarter than I am.