Middlesex in Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge

Aug 12, 2009 Kara rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction

Generally wanted to keep reading it, although it eventually got sort of long-winded and kind of anti-climactic ending since you know the character's fate from the beginning. Overall unique perspective and structure from the narrator though. ...more

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Jun 05, 2008 Rhiannon rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: literary

Calliope is a Greek-American who grows up in Detroit as a girl in the 60s and 70s, and discovers at puberty that she is genetically male. Shortly thereafter he decides to live his life as a boy named Cal. That's the crux of the book, but there's a lot more to it. The real story here is about Cal's family, and the series of circumstances and relationships that lead to his existence.

This was really enjoyable, and highly recommended. The last part of the story (after Cal finds out the truth) feels ...more

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Jun 28, 2007 Jennifer rated it it was amazing

Shelves: own, pulitzer

This novel just took me forever. I couldn't get into the plot. I enjoyed it, but it was anything but a page turner.

And then the Object arrives- the first object of the narrator's affection. Love. Adoration. And the book suddenly was un-put-down-able. I see now why it came so highly recommended, why everyone in my queer theory class thought it was their favorite work of fiction.

I heartily recommend it- hopefully the slog through the first half won't take you nearly as long as it did me! ...more

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Jun 21, 2007 Lori rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Completely bizarre book about a hermaphrodites coming of age. I listened to it over a long period of time but I kept going back so I guess it was compelling in its own messed up way.

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