book data
40 ratings,
3.62
average rating, 16 reviews
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published
July 1st 2008
by Kensington
binding
Paperback, 304 pages
url
characters
setting
The United States
literary awards
Nominated for a 2009 Lambda Literary Award!
isbn
075822690X
(isbn13: 9780758226907)
description
In this luminous debut novel about a young woman putting her life back together after the death of her brother, Meri Weiss explores hope after heartb...more
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5 stars (7)
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4 stars (16)
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3 stars (12)
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1 star (0)
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avg 3.62
editions: all | this edition
editions: all | this edition
Read in May, 2008
recommends it for:
women's fiction fans, gay/lesbian fiction fans
This books dumps you right in the middle of a young woman's life. She's taking a bold and unusual step--she's come to take care of her estranged brother who is dying of AIDS. At first she finds herself ill-prepared for the task, but as they get to know each other she comes to better know herself, and then lose herself in her grief for the years she lost with this man. His death sends her spiraling downward and her loyal troupe of flamboyant friends drag her back to life--and new discoveries a...more
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Read in April, 2009
It's hard for me to read a book where a person suffers from depression and yet is able to freely imbibe booze and weed at her leisure with no real repercussions. I don't personally buy it. Apart from that, this book kind of reminds me of early Anne Lamott . . . which I don't love, Anne Lamott's novels, but I *do* think Anne Lamott is a brilliant genius, so . . . yeah.
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1 comment
Words are not strong enough to describe how I feel about this book. No matter how many times I read it, I am thoroughly moved, especially by the first chapter. It's always a pleasure to revisit these characters, who have become strangely like family to me. You'll laugh and commiserate alongside Alex, Jax, Jordy, and Tucker. And don't be surprised if you find yourself saving a seat at your favorite East Village bar hoping for them to show up.
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Read in February, 2009
I didn't know this was a debut book when I picked up this novel, nor did I know this after I was finished. This book is better put together than most rookie efforts, and while it doesn't have lofty goals for literature, it is satisfying and leaves me feeling that I got something from it.
While I enjoy intense navel gazing as much as the next gal--Sittenfeld's Prep comes to mind for drama, and David Sedaris along the comedy vein--there was something charming yet realistic about Alex's ...more
While I enjoy intense navel gazing as much as the next gal--Sittenfeld's Prep comes to mind for drama, and David Sedaris along the comedy vein--there was something charming yet realistic about Alex's ...more
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This book deals with some pretty heavy topics but was written in a nice east-to -read way.
I could have done with out " the missing piece" portion of the story because i think it did the main character a disservice.
I could have done with out " the missing piece" portion of the story because i think it did the main character a disservice.
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Excellent story, makes you feel connected to all of the characters. Is a positive portryal of how death can bring people together.
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Read in September, 2008
recommended to Gracie by:
The author
Wow, this was just a powerful, emotional, funny and poignant book about healing (my favorite author theme) and redemption and just the love and loyalty of friends and family and the ties that bind us all. I went through several tissues during the last 50 pages and had to pause and put the book aside a few times for the tears swimming in my eyes and fear of getting the pages wet and ruining them.
Alex is a character I could really relate to. Her Neuroses were my neuroses and though I'...more
Alex is a character I could really relate to. Her Neuroses were my neuroses and though I'...more
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Read in May, 2009
Excellent book. The writer puts you in the book. Her descriptions make you see the characters and places she goes. Awesome!
Reviewed by Heidi
Reviewed by Heidi
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Read in June, 2008
recommended to Claire by:
Peter Senftleben
My dear NY publisher friend Peter sent Closer to Fine to me in the mail with a note that said, "I'm publishing this book, and I think you will love it as much as I did." Evidently he knows my literary taste well, because I loved this book and read it very quickly. It was fantastic! A superb convergence of "real literature" and can't-put-it-down modern interest.
The characters in this book are intensely real, and the relationships are compelling and original. T...more
The characters in this book are intensely real, and the relationships are compelling and original. T...more
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Read in July, 2008
recommended to Elaine by:
Renee, who is mentioned in the "Thanks"recommends it for: Alice
This is an interesting journey into the lives of those living an alternative lifestyle. It is well written, and the characters are believable and likable. It's a quick read and leaves the reader with a sense of understanding.
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Read in November, 2008
recommended to Dani by:
library shelf
I'd give this more stars but wasn't crazy about the last 30 pages. Gripping tale about family, depression, and finding yourself.
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Was great to read this book while I myself was going through a bit of a restructuring in my life, albeit of a different sort.
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Great read. I loved the conversations between the friends in this book. Thanks for the recommendation Claire!
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Read in November, 2008
recommended to Alice by:
Lanie
I read it all. I like the title and the first chapter.
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