One of my favorite books of the year so far, although I'll need some time to process how I feel about the pacing as the book wound down. But if you crOne of my favorite books of the year so far, although I'll need some time to process how I feel about the pacing as the book wound down. But if you crave literary fiction that also has a proper plot and character development, love yourself and go for this one. ...more
Okay so I FINALLY composed my thoughts on this book, mostly trying to engage with the idea of such internet-heavy fiction generally. Discussing the diOkay so I FINALLY composed my thoughts on this book, mostly trying to engage with the idea of such internet-heavy fiction generally. Discussing the dichotomy of first half/second half, the different uses of humor in here (and the slightly stretched quality of that humor), the role of context on these decontextualized platforms, and how social media may continue to be the next overlooked aspect of our lives when it comes to novels.
I can honestly say I enjoyed all 830 pages! There are so many subtleties and intentions I'm sure I missed in my current state of mind(lessness), so itI can honestly say I enjoyed all 830 pages! There are so many subtleties and intentions I'm sure I missed in my current state of mind(lessness), so it'll be an extra pleasure to reread down the road...more
Sometimes a book meets you exactly where you are, and Weather did that for me. My anxiety about climate change is now a constant hum in the backgroundSometimes a book meets you exactly where you are, and Weather did that for me. My anxiety about climate change is now a constant hum in the background of my life. I think things like, “Why do I bother to cash checks or go to the dentist or consider switching from Honey Nut Cheerios to regular Cheerios—the world is literally on fire. You should be making an escape plan, not watching Netflix.” Offill’s humor really worked for me too, which I know is one of the most personal comments you can make about a book.
I was also pleasantly surprised by how much this felt like a novel, instead of a series of vaguely connected thoughts. There are plenty of authors working in the vein of Jenny Offill who don’t manage the same. (Her books do seem like tacit permission to MFA students to ignore their inability to plot—please practice plotting, MFA students! Great skill to have!)
I could see this being a book I think about every day. Equally, I could see it being one I don’t think about again until someone specifically brings it up. One of those extreme “time will tell” situations when it comes to final impact. But if you feel mildly insane by the juxtaposition of your daily life with larger world events, this novel will speak to you. ...more
My favorite contemporary novel I've read so far this year (more comments to come in a video soon)My favorite contemporary novel I've read so far this year (more comments to come in a video soon)...more
If you're looking for a book with a plot, steer weeeelll clear of this one. But if you like quiet, considered family portraits, this one is lovely. FoIf you're looking for a book with a plot, steer weeeelll clear of this one. But if you like quiet, considered family portraits, this one is lovely. For me, it was one of those books where I genuinely lost track of time while reading it, and I love what it gradually teases out about the individuality of memory. Maybe ironically, I doubt it'll prove to be memorable, and the ending was strangely abrupt. But I now want to read so many more of Ann Patchett's books....more
Controversial, but I MUCH preferred this to Fingersmith. Very much looking forward to reading the rest of Waters's books. Controversial, but I MUCH preferred this to Fingersmith. Very much looking forward to reading the rest of Waters's books. ...more
Even a few years ago I would’ve been incredibly frustrated by this book, marooned by it. But for whatever reason, the reader I am now loved it. There’Even a few years ago I would’ve been incredibly frustrated by this book, marooned by it. But for whatever reason, the reader I am now loved it. There’s something intuitive and primal and mythic about the language, and there’s a perfect waltz of style and subject matter. It took 50-70 pages to become engrossed—at first the rambling, never-ending paragraphs made me wonder how I’d keep making myself pick it back up. But when everything clicked, it became a beguiling reading experience. The hours I spent with this story felt like a privilege.
*An addendum: If you don’t click with Milkman, you’ll find it RELENTLESS. Might be strange to say after my comments, but I’d recommend it to very few people I know. So if you’re not enjoying the style (or at the very least more interested than irritated by it), drop this book and run far, far away. ...more
What a weird, bleak little book. It has a sort of off-kilter power to it, but ultimately reads more like connected flash fiction than a cohesive novelWhat a weird, bleak little book. It has a sort of off-kilter power to it, but ultimately reads more like connected flash fiction than a cohesive novel....more
Jennifer (Insert Lit Pun)
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women-s-prize-for-fiction
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