Feel free to share your general thoughts and opinions on the book - the plot, the characters, the style of writing, the setting, whatever strikes you. Also, you're invited to reference any scenes or passages you found memorable (for whatever reason).
If you'd prefer to answer questions rather than write freestyle, here are some:
1. Did you like the book? Why or why not?
2. Would you read it again or recommend it to a friend?
3. Who was your favorite character, and why?
4. Did it make you think? What about?
5. Did it make you happy or sad, afraid or hopeful...what did it make you feel, was there an overall impression when you finished it?
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5 comments:
1. Did you like the book? Why or why not?
Overall, I did not like the book that much. I found it very slow reading, didn't like the author's "voice"/writing style, and I thought for the most part the characters seemed only partially developed (the author didn't make me care for them or feel invested in their lives). Plus, the plot was a bit depressing.
2. Would you read it again or recommend it to a friend?
No, I would not read it again (except maybe the parts I've marked up). No, I would not recommend it to a friend - unless for some reason she was wanting to read a depressing tale (and even then I'd probably recommend Revolutionary Road).
3. Who was your favorite character, and why?
Hmm...no real favorites, but Ian made me smile as did Amy's little boy. I felt the most empathy with Jill's character I think. Her and Amy. Was fond of Amy's parents. Did not care for Roberta at all. Didn't care for ANY of the main male characters.
4. Did it make you think? What about?
Yes, it made me think - about how life can simultaneously feel transitory and sufferingly eternal, gender roles and the limitations that society and culture place upon the genders, the meaning and consequence of marriage, how parents impact children, how children impact parents, and the nature of promise - internal potential - as it lies dormant, becomes fulfilled, or is never realized.
5. Did it make you happy or sad, afraid or hopeful...what did it make you feel, was there an overall impression when you finished it?
I had mixed emotions while reading this book - a primary feeling being one of "AGH! This book is SO NOT FUN to read!!!" As with nearly any book I read, I found parts that made me laugh, made me think, made me cry, made me question, made me hope, made me regret...on and on. My overall impression when I finished reading it was, "Thank God that's over." And, "I spent all that time reading the book, and there were no satisfying resolutions!!" Of course, I'm used to that sort of "real life" novel - Anne Tyler's books don't "conclude" - they just end. Much like real everyday living. But I didn't think Wolitzer ended her story as well as Tyler ends hers. It felt incomplete - but even so, I was glad the book was over and I could move on to something else. :o)
Sorry you did not enjoy May's read... but at least you got through it! My goal is to always finish a book even if I do not like it.
fthluvhope: A lofty goal indeed! You are a better woman than I. But I was a bit proud of myself for finishing this particular book. :o)
Gigi: No worries about just driving down to the library and turning this book back in!!! It's not worth suffering through, believe me! It doesn't get any better! :o) Move on to June and enjoy!
Jane: You still out there???
Anyone else read May???
Ok so at about 50 pages into this one- I HAD to put it down :( I really did not like the cussing and the crazy story about the woman exposing herself at the "women's self-awareness/feminism group" was the tipping point! How could you pick this one?
That was a bad one for me!
Lisa: I probably should have warned you! I picked it based on the author, reviews, back cover copy, etc. Almost stopped several times, but fought my way through. There are times when I read material that I don't necessarily "like" or "agree with" because it either has literary merit or challenges me to think/defend/articulate my own stuff or makes me see life with new eyes - or a little of all the above. I figure we can learn from anything and anyone, given the right attitude about learning. That said, I don't blame you for quitting - and I SURE wouldn't read this book again. :o) Nor would I recommend a busy lady like you with a million other (creative and life-impacting) things to do take the time to muddle through. Thanks for trying!
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