Juli read and liked Alec's review of The Good Life:

"I can't quite decide how I feel about this book. I thought some of the characters were well developed, some just types. I also thought he did a good job presenting how 9/11 was ever-present in everyone's minds at the time but started to take a back...more I can't quite decide how I feel about this book. I thought some of the characters were well developed, some just types. I also thought he did a good job presenting how 9/11 was ever-present in everyone's minds at the time but started to take a back seat to one's own problems from time to time once the immediate horror faded. Nicely written but it left me feeling a little cold. (less) "

Juli read and liked Lisa's review of The Good Life:

"Having been in NYC the morning of September 11th this book brought back so many memories both good and bad of that day. the collective terror and sheer panic. Although I enjoyed the book, had I really known it had all of the Sept. 11th references ...more Having been in NYC the morning of September 11th this book brought back so many memories both good and bad of that day. the collective terror and sheer panic. Although I enjoyed the book, had I really known it had all of the Sept. 11th references I am not sure I would have picked it up. Coincidentially, his book "Bright Lights, Big City" was a big part of the reason I wanted to move to NYC after college. I think the book captured the NYC scene really like only an insider could. There were some moments in the book that only having lived in NYC could you truly appreciate how brilliantly he has written this book. One of the final lines in the book where the lead character's daughter says to her mom that there is life outside of of NYC was genius. Sometimes one gets so caught up in NYC as being the center of the universe its hard to imagine life any other way or any other place.(less) "

Juli read and liked Edijkelly's review of The Good Life:

"The return of the Calloways, stars of Brightness Falls. Interestingly, though BF is set in the '80s and TGL is set in '01/'02, only a few years have actually passed in the lives of the characters. Sadly, it's not nearly as good as the first. The c...more The return of the Calloways, stars of Brightness Falls. Interestingly, though BF is set in the '80s and TGL is set in '01/'02, only a few years have actually passed in the lives of the characters. Sadly, it's not nearly as good as the first. The characters are less compelling, you care less what happens to them. However, taken as a reaction to the 9/11 attacks and read solely on that emotional level, it can be rewarding.(less) "