I listened to the audiobook version of this, which was read by Tina Fey (how cool is that?). It was hilarious and kept my attention the entire time. I...moreI listened to the audiobook version of this, which was read by Tina Fey (how cool is that?). It was hilarious and kept my attention the entire time. I do think she went off a bit too much into the details of 30 Rock, especially for people who haven't seen it (yes, I do like the rock I live under...it's small and cozy). But overall she delivers a hilarious performance, and I can't wait to experience it again - I'll probably try reading it this time now that I know how she meant to deliver it.(less)
Nick Flynn has accomplished the great tasks of not only recanting in detail his seemingly inconsequential and tragic timeline but transcending each te...moreNick Flynn has accomplished the great tasks of not only recanting in detail his seemingly inconsequential and tragic timeline but transcending each terrible chronicle in his life to ultimately have a greater meaning and to be a hopeful commentary on the human experience. Flynn’s struggles with his family and himself are the connecting strings between each glimpse the reader receives of the different points throughout his life.
Many times I was horrified by what he stated so matter-of-factly, so reportedly. He does not shy away from details and he does not complain by what cards he was dealt, by what he had to endure that others did not. There are times where he may contemplate it being easier had things been differently, but it never turns whiny. We travel with Flynn as his life unfolds and come to each new point as though on a journey, as though we are seeing it and living it alongside him. The characters are so eccentric and unique and heartbreaking, and yet they are real and almost worse than ones someone could imagine and create.
Although it ends abruptly, it is a memoir so it's expected. There's not really a resolution or a big turn-around. His life seems to have just gotten to a moment where things are stable enough to not generate content that can compete with what he's already experienced. This is the first piece I've read by Flynn, but it will certainly not be the last.(less)
I was stuck between 3 and 4 stars for this one. Overall the editing is terrible for this because it's based off of blogs from his website and the publ...moreI was stuck between 3 and 4 stars for this one. Overall the editing is terrible for this because it's based off of blogs from his website and the publisher didn't even seem to care about improper grammar or spelling errors. I decided on 4 though because it had me laughing hysterically, to the point where I had to set the book down, because it was so funny. While it was really cruel most of the time and quite disturbing, it did not stop me from allowing myself to laugh at how horrible the situation was. He has had some crazy experiences and done some absolutely horrible things, but this guy knows how to play it off to make himself still humorous and come off as a proud, self-aware asshole. I honestly can say I look forward to reading the follow-up.(less)
Overall I really liked this book! There were parts near the beginning where I wasn't sure I'd like it tha...moreThis review is for an advanced reader's copy.
Overall I really liked this book! There were parts near the beginning where I wasn't sure I'd like it that much since it seemed very repetitive, but by the end I understood it was necessary and it made the story come together wonderfully!(less)
This was a very interesting story and, although long, I thoroughly enjoyed it! It made me think a lot about philosophical ideas, especially in terms o...moreThis was a very interesting story and, although long, I thoroughly enjoyed it! It made me think a lot about philosophical ideas, especially in terms of ruling people and general morality towards others and within one's self. I would recommend this to anyone. It does drag on a bit at parts but it's a great story overall.(less)
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