Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

I had high hopes for this book and was looking forward to a great read. Unfortunately I was disappointed. I gave the book 3 stars because the author knows how to write. But as far as the story, characters, etc. are concerned, I really didn't care about many of them. Leo and Stephanie are the only two that I had some connection with. The story meandered along through a maze that I don't think the author knew how to get out of. The ending was a huge letdown and the epilogue appears to have been written as an afterthought, possibly at the suggestion of the publisher.… (more)

This book came highly recommended by a couple of sources, and I have to admit, I didn’t think it would be my cup of tea. It took me a while to get into it - maybe 100 pages or so - which isn’t unusual for me. What is unusual, however, is that I’d stick with a book that didn’t entirely captivate me, for that long. I would (and have) abandoned many other novels long before then. But something about Sweeney’s writing style sucked me in and refused to let go. The chapters are short, the dialogue snappy, the prose descriptive and engaging. The characters aren’t atrocious - despite what many other readers say. I saw a lot of humanity in them, good and bad. They came across as real people, with needs, wants, desires, regrets. I think that’s what I appreciated most of all… the fact that these weren’t cookie cutter, black-and-white people. They were complex, and often unlikeable. After reading Gone Girl, I’m starting to realize more and more that I really like unlikeable characters. Go figure. I was under the impression I’d have to be madly in love with the characters to like the book, but it turns out that’s not the case at all. Likeable characters aren’t necessary for me to be swept away by a novel, as was definitely the case here. I really enjoyed this book, and I’m so glad I read it.… (more)