Classic example of phoning it in. Hoffman regurgitated some interesting stuff from the morbid reality subreddit/internet in general, and then slapped Classic example of phoning it in. Hoffman regurgitated some interesting stuff from the morbid reality subreddit/internet in general, and then slapped a few predictable characters on top of it. Disappointing. ...more
I'll admit to reading occasional garbage because sometimes I need some brain candy, GD it! I couldn't even finish this book it was so bad. I threw it I'll admit to reading occasional garbage because sometimes I need some brain candy, GD it! I couldn't even finish this book it was so bad. I threw it aside with disgust somewhere around 50%. ...more
[The following passage is but a slice of the ten-page epilogue -- no spoilers]
"Whatever teaches us to talk to ourselves is important: whatever teaches[The following passage is but a slice of the ten-page epilogue -- no spoilers]
"Whatever teaches us to talk to ourselves is important: whatever teaches us to sing ourselves out of despair. But the painting has also taught me that we can speak to each other across time. And I feel I have something very serious and urgent to say to you, my non-existent reader, and I feel I should say it as urgently as if I were standing in the room with you. That life - whatever else it is - is short. And in the midst of our dying, as we rise from the organic and sink back ignominiously into the organic, it is a glory and a privilege to love what Death doesn't touch."
Did I mention it goes on like this for ten pages? Oh my god. WHATEVER. It's like listening to your stupid stoned friend reveal life's greatest mysteries to you at 3 in the morning.
I can't believe how much hype this book has gotten. Dickensian, my foot! The very idea would have permanently driven the man into an opium den.
I'm not sure what inspired me to read this teeny boppin' emotional blackmail of a novel, but I did. It wasn't the worst thing ever.I'm not sure what inspired me to read this teeny boppin' emotional blackmail of a novel, but I did. It wasn't the worst thing ever....more
This book is far smarter than I am, and I spent some head-scratching time contemplating the non-linear plot jumps and the dozens of Japanese and DutchThis book is far smarter than I am, and I spent some head-scratching time contemplating the non-linear plot jumps and the dozens of Japanese and Dutch characters bouncing in and out of the story. Still, there's no doubt David Mitchell is a genius; and, while this wasn't the most satisfying read in the world, it was incredibly interesting....more
Ye gads, this book was terrible. It's like an 8-year-old tried to write a book about love and consequences. No, no, no. Do not read this unless you'reYe gads, this book was terrible. It's like an 8-year-old tried to write a book about love and consequences. No, no, no. Do not read this unless you're a 35-year-old woman mysteriously going through menopause who would steal a baby....more