At first I liked it, then I hated it, then I hated it some more. Then I didn't hate it sooo much. If I could, I would rate it 3.1 stars, if that means...moreAt first I liked it, then I hated it, then I hated it some more. Then I didn't hate it sooo much. If I could, I would rate it 3.1 stars, if that means anything.
There are books out there that are complete wastes of time. Bound brainrot. And this book is not. Having said that, I can't say I've figured out the value in reading Choke.
And that's pretty much my review. If you're desperate for a review review, I'll give you a few bullets
*There's no story to speak of. I might allow you the claim that the main character makes a vague "journey", but really this is Palahniuk creating abnormal humans and putting them into wacky situations. He reports on the situations, and that's the story.
*I do think the characters are interesting. But they're also annoying. The thing is, I don't hate them for their faults so much as I hate Palahniuk for his. Some of his gimmicks become grating after a while; not enough for me to put the book down, but enough for me to say, "Ugh" too many times.
*He went overboard with "themes." And none of them are tackled. They're all poked until numb, but that's it for investigation.
*When I decided to read this book, I set out to read fiction inclusive of dark themes and comedy, and exclusive of ho-hum characters and fantasy/sci-fi. I succeeded, but I was only incrementally rewarded for having done so.(less)
For what it is - an easy 3-day read, chock full of anecdotes, and a few really interesting ideas - I liked this book a lot. I might be disappointed ha...moreFor what it is - an easy 3-day read, chock full of anecdotes, and a few really interesting ideas - I liked this book a lot. I might be disappointed had I expected more, but it was exactly what I suspected it would be. I just hope I don't now try to get my kid's 10,000 hour clock started every time he shows some vague interest in something.(less)
Another enjoyable Jack Reacher novel. Not particularly nutritious, but tasty.
This is the third book in the series (I think), and the fourth I've read...moreAnother enjoyable Jack Reacher novel. Not particularly nutritious, but tasty.
This is the third book in the series (I think), and the fourth I've read (in order: #6, #1, #2, #3). For what it's worth, I'd say this had the weakest story of those I've read (though it still managed to keep a good pace), but the best finale.(less)
It was nice to reminisce about the early Joe Torre years, but it wasn't particularly well-written (did anyone bother to edit?), and the Joe Torre as t...moreIt was nice to reminisce about the early Joe Torre years, but it wasn't particularly well-written (did anyone bother to edit?), and the Joe Torre as tragic figure theme grew more and more tiresome as the book drew to its close.
Also, it wasn't fair for me to do so, but I expected a few more (possibly scandalous) revelations. I suppose when a team is located in baseball's most rabid media-market, there can't be too much to reveal that isn't already public knowledge, but fair or not, I expected more from this book.
All in all, it was rushed, scatter-brained, and self-indulgent. If not for my own memories, sitting in Dad's recliner watching for the first time my favorite team win a championship, I would say this book were a waste for anyone but Joe Torre's immediate family. If you were a Yankee fan in the 90s, read the first half of the book, but skip the second.(less)
This is my first Margaret Atwood novel. I liked the book, I know this, but I'm left with a bit of an empty feeling at the turn of the last page. I don...moreThis is my first Margaret Atwood novel. I liked the book, I know this, but I'm left with a bit of an empty feeling at the turn of the last page. I don't know why. I'm not sure why I liked it; I'm not sure why I didn't.
I appreciated the care-free sprawl of Atwood's writing and her imagination. But at the same time, it seems to me the depth of each character can be summed up in half a sentence. The plot too. I suppose this could be seen as a device to create open-endedness, but the questions ringing in my head fail to add any enjoyment.
It's possible I might enjoy Oryx and Crake more as it sits with me. Or I might just forget it ever existed.(less)
The whole thing could have been written in less than 50 pages, but per the usual with books of this sort, the first two-thirds is spent trying to conv...moreThe whole thing could have been written in less than 50 pages, but per the usual with books of this sort, the first two-thirds is spent trying to convince you that it is worth reading.
Having said that, it does offer interesting insights and useful tips that my wife and I used with success on our newborn. And having said that>, it's important to note, we also got the DVD. For full effect, I really think you need both, but if you're willing to believe Dr. Karp at face value, skip the book and get the DVD. (less)
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