What do you think?
Rate this book
The Free Brontosaurus
The Free Brontosaurus is a novella comprising ten interweaving stories, complete with an accompanying album of ten songs. All set in the same fictional city, at the same moment in time, minor characters in one story are major characters in another. It is a bit like Olive Kitteridge , if reimagined by Miranda July. These are gently written narratives of isolation, describing characters disconnected from home and community. The book is full of dark humor, sadness, and glimmers of joy. Ultimately, the characters’ abilities to find beauty in the bizarre connect and redeem them, offering the characters (and us) hope.
The book is only half of this project, though, for it also comes with a soundtrack, one song per story, written loosely from the perspective of the main character from each tale. Both the book and the album can stand alone. However, when the two are appreciated together, an unusually moving and multilayered world is born, likely to break and heal the heart.
The book is only half of this project, though, for it also comes with a soundtrack, one song per story, written loosely from the perspective of the main character from each tale. Both the book and the album can stand alone. However, when the two are appreciated together, an unusually moving and multilayered world is born, likely to break and heal the heart.
- GenresAnthologies
240 pages, Hardcover
First published December 8, 2015
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 22, 2016
I won a free copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways.
Moving and beautifully written. I loved the way the characters were subtly woven into each other's stories. The accompanying album is beautiful and I have been listening to it on its own since I finished the book. When put together, the album and book create an intricate and compelling experience.
Moving and beautifully written. I loved the way the characters were subtly woven into each other's stories. The accompanying album is beautiful and I have been listening to it on its own since I finished the book. When put together, the album and book create an intricate and compelling experience.
April 15, 2020
Just dull
October 9, 2015
This is just a great book and new work from one of my favorite singer/songwriters. Every story corresponds to a song on his new album Cardboard Boat. Each story follows a particular character and all of the characters live in the same and their stories interact.
There are true literary moments in these stories but they are still very accessible. The stories deal with dark themes and the characters are flawed but the strand of hope that runs through the stories is very evident and beautiful. The characters are compelling and the way the stories interweave is brilliant. Pairing these stories with the songs greatly enhance the experience of both. Once you are done with these, dig back into David's earlier music. You'll be glad you did.
There are true literary moments in these stories but they are still very accessible. The stories deal with dark themes and the characters are flawed but the strand of hope that runs through the stories is very evident and beautiful. The characters are compelling and the way the stories interweave is brilliant. Pairing these stories with the songs greatly enhance the experience of both. Once you are done with these, dig back into David's earlier music. You'll be glad you did.
January 15, 2016
The Free Brontosaurus was an emotional roller coaster. David Berkeley does a fantastic job of weaving each character into each others stories. Berkeley's beautiful use of symbolism was intimate and memorable. From the moment I picked the book up I didn't want to ever set it down.
Each character draws you in and builds an emotion attachment inside your heart. Each person in this story has a profound impact on the reader. Berkeley has written a story that will burrow it's way inside every readers heart and soul.
Russel was my favorite character. He will forever hold a piece of my heart. I will treasure this book.
The songs perfectly compliment the stories.
To see my full review, check out my blog AlliesOpinions on wordpress!
Each character draws you in and builds an emotion attachment inside your heart. Each person in this story has a profound impact on the reader. Berkeley has written a story that will burrow it's way inside every readers heart and soul.
Russel was my favorite character. He will forever hold a piece of my heart. I will treasure this book.
The songs perfectly compliment the stories.
To see my full review, check out my blog AlliesOpinions on wordpress!
March 3, 2016
3.9 stars
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I have won this book through the Goodreads Giveaways.
part I
the Find ****
Freezer Drawer ****
Puzzling ****
Found Art ****
Driftwood ***
part II
A Dinner for Strangers ****
Tea For Two ****
the Free Brontosaurus ****
Building a Bridge ****
Free At Last ****
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I have won this book through the Goodreads Giveaways.
part I
the Find ****
Freezer Drawer ****
Puzzling ****
Found Art ****
Driftwood ***
part II
A Dinner for Strangers ****
Tea For Two ****
the Free Brontosaurus ****
Building a Bridge ****
Free At Last ****
My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.
April 17, 2016
David weaves some great, heartbreaking, as well as joyous characters together to create a picture of what can bring people together. I thouroghly enjoyed it...now to figure out what songs go with what stories...
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews