The plot of this story didn't totally do it for me, but it is beautifully told. As a writer I was in awe of Jess Walter through the entirety of the novel, which zigs and zags through time perfectly (though just an eensy bit to much for my taste). It is a sparkling display of culture, human longing, and our failure to fulfill our lives in the ways we imagined. It's sort of a sad story, but still very enjoyable, which is the kind of story I love! A literary work very pleasing.
Recommend? Yep. It's a great book to take along on a trip or read on a lazy weekend.
Personal rating: 6.5/10
I didn't love this book, but it is a lovely and very human novel. The mood of this story is just a little...drull. I feel guilty saying that because Strout dares to depict humanity in the dusty light it so often reflects, and I've got respect for that! It's such an honest story, but honest in a way that makes me a little meloncholy.
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Recommend? Not necessarily.
Personal rating: 8/10
This book exceeded my expectations. Before I read it, I took it for chick lit, in the bad way. But it is actually chick lit in the most delightful of ways. I absolutely love (and am minorly envious of) the way Moriarty switches between three character's perspectives seamlessly and creatively.
There is emotional depth, a comfortable air of mystery, and decently human characters. There is energy to this book, and--especially after reading Abide with Me--I really appreciated that.
Now, I will say, there are some chicky-lit aspects of this novel that I did not love. But they are specific (slightly snotty) pet peeves personal to me, so I won't expose you to them.
Recommend? Yep, to any lady who loves a good story.
The Dog Stars does not fit into my typical range of genre. It took me awhile to get into the story and adjust to the writing style. Actually, I almost set the book aside in favor of something with a higher entertainment value (for shame!). But as soon as I considered it, I realized that I was much too curious about the fate of the main character, which, just 30 pages in, is a victory for Mr. Heller.
Heller creates a protagonist (and narrator) so wonderfully human that he shields you from becoming too absorbed in the post-pandemic, ruined world that serves as the story's setting. And although the style of language took a little adjustment, I came to adore it. I was so invested in this character; I actually miss him now.
Recommend? Yes. This is a novel a lot of fellas will enjoy.
