Very disappointing, with two-dimensional characters who might be going through any traumatic event. As such, it felt almost as if 9/11 was being exploited by DeLillo here, especially as the depth is more superficial than incisive. The only saving grace of the book is the last section which is masterfully done and shows a sincere sense of humanity, compassion, and how interlocked all our lives truly are that the rest of the book lacks. ( )

This is one of the worst books I have ever read in my life and I’ve read thousands of books. The writing is tedious and the entire book is poorly written. The characters are dull, poorly developed, and as one-dimensional as cardboard. The plot is likewise dull, boring, and all over the place, making it difficult to follow. Following the story line is difficult as knowing who is being referenced is not made clear. Much of the book is written in the second person and it is impossible to know who “you” is referring to. Other paragraphs are written in the third person and it switches back and forth in the same chapter. The plot line is not engaging or compelling at all and drags on and on, not saying or going anywhere. Extremely boring.

If this was not bad enough, the dialogue is stilted and unlike anyone I’ve ever heard speak. Most of the dialogue is untagged and it is impossible to know who is speaking. Don’t waste your time or money.

Book about 9/11. During/After. Intense. ( )

I thought it was an okay book. I bought it years ago, based on the exclamations that this was THE 9/11-novel to read.
Now that I've read it, I'm not sure that I agree with that statement. I'm not even sure what to think about it, as I found it a hard book to listen to. It was confusing, not knowing most of the time when a new part started who was talking. Not sure I could follow the leaps that were made.

Feeling what this book meant, I think I'm left a bit disappointed. ( )

"Look around us, out there, up there, ocean, sky,night and she thought about this...how he believed that God infused time and space with pure being, made stars give light."
"The kind of sadness that yearns for something tangible, and vast, the one solace that might dissolve his paltry misfortune."
The time is 9-11 and how it affects an estranged couple and their child. The point of how shock can disrupt life and unsettle people. ( )