An intricate and multilayered novel that features multiple POVs and multiple timelines -- and somehow it all comes together beautifully. Life-affirminAn intricate and multilayered novel that features multiple POVs and multiple timelines -- and somehow it all comes together beautifully. Life-affirming and poignant in the best possible way. Highly recommended....more
Normally, I'm not a huge fan of novels that move backward in time, but Charles Baxter has a very good reason for choosing a structure that, in the hanNormally, I'm not a huge fan of novels that move backward in time, but Charles Baxter has a very good reason for choosing a structure that, in the hands of a less talented novelist, can come across as gimmicky or contrived. The structure supports the themes and ideas he is exploring this novel: time, memory, and the collision of past and present. Highly recommended....more
Masterful. Not only does this novel feature an entire family's worth of morally complex characters: Franzen manages to weave in an astounding amount oMasterful. Not only does this novel feature an entire family's worth of morally complex characters: Franzen manages to weave in an astounding amount of backstory about each of them -- and in a way that maintains narrative tension and momentum. It's like watching someone solve a complex 3D puzzle. You have no idea how they did it. You're simply in awe....more
A brilliantly structured and psychologically compelling novel. I can only think of a handful of novels I've loved this much. (Yes, it was that good.)A brilliantly structured and psychologically compelling novel. I can only think of a handful of novels I've loved this much. (Yes, it was that good.)...more
Lots of practical takeaways. Very helpful if you're trying to get a handle on the ins and outs of story structure.Lots of practical takeaways. Very helpful if you're trying to get a handle on the ins and outs of story structure....more
What I loved most about this book was its moral clarity. Repairing harm that has been done requires so much more than a token apology. As Rabbi DanyaWhat I loved most about this book was its moral clarity. Repairing harm that has been done requires so much more than a token apology. As Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg explains, "The person (or institution) that has done harm must become the kind of person (or institution) that doesn't do this anymore. They must engage in a profound process of transformation." In other words, it's not enough to regret what you have done: you have to do the hard work required to become the kind of person who is no longer capable of causing that kind of harm. Brilliant and profound....more
Phenomenal. The best non-fiction book I read this year. Brilliant and incredibly validating if, like me, you're struggling to make sense of our currenPhenomenal. The best non-fiction book I read this year. Brilliant and incredibly validating if, like me, you're struggling to make sense of our current reality....more
This book is something really special: a series of linked stories that function as a novel and that create a world that is rich in empathy and compassThis book is something really special: a series of linked stories that function as a novel and that create a world that is rich in empathy and compassion. I loved this book so much that a whole bunch of people in my life are going to be receiving copies as gifts this year. Definitely one of my very favourite books of the year (and in a year when I spent a lot of time reading)....more
I absolutely love this book. I love the way the stories from the past are seamlessly blended into the present time action. I love the depth and compleI absolutely love this book. I love the way the stories from the past are seamlessly blended into the present time action. I love the depth and complexity of the characters. I love the way the impact of the pandemic is woven into the story in a way that feels honest and real. Basically, I love all of it. This is a book I will be returning to again and again. Definitely one of the best books I read this year....more
I absolutely loved this essay collection and was thrilled to have the opportunity towrite about it for BROADVIEW MAGAZINE.Highly recommended, both fI absolutely loved this essay collection and was thrilled to have the opportunity towrite about it for BROADVIEW MAGAZINE.Highly recommended, both for the beauty of the content and the prose....more
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