Less by Andrew something Greer - 3 stars?

[Amy]

Hey - you guys might like this, but it just wasn't for me. I found it useless whining or preoccupation or meandering, personally. But others might find something in it I didn't.

I always feel a little gyped when a highly touted book is just meh for me. I didn't particularly enjoy it. There are many things the main character is preoccupied with on his travels, one central one seems to be what it means that he is turning 50 in the next few months, if not mere weeks.

Ironically at 49.75, this is incredibly relatable - and yet it isn't. I have spent a year going to 50th birthday parties, mine being the last at the end of the year. Why the weeping? Celebrate the extraordinary friendships, connections, and the wonderousness of life and your being! Live life fully and deeply. Do what you love, be who you are. Don't waste time on books or anything else that fails to move you. Go Big or Go Home! Love yourself - love your life. Celebrate it, embrace it, and live it. This guy - the main character? I've got no time to waste on him and his worries. A whole world of meaning and connection awaits.

So I just joined Facebook this year. Here's what I learned about turning 50. What did my dear longtime friend DSP do on her 50th birthday? My friend who I have known and loved for 49.75 years, since the moment I was born? She dropped her eldest off at Tufts as an incoming Freshman. What about GWP, who I have known for 41 years since we were nine? She went and bought and adopted chickens. Strawberry and Raspberry. Good friends BRJ and JR? Well we are having a bellydancing party and celebration. Can any of us bellydance? No! But that's why were doing it. I have been to celebrations where I have known folks for over 40 years. Each and every one of these women (and men) are dazzling, gorgeous, wonderful people who have loved, achieved, made the world and our lives a better place, and have added spirituality, creativity, love, and integrity into this world. I won't settle for Less.

[Joanne]

Love this Amy! My crowd entered the 60's the last 2 years, and it has been amazing celebrating with women I have known since 1st grade!~ When we gather, you can feel the love and friendship bursting-so many happy times and sad too that we have faced together and across the miles. I feel blessed that, and yet like you, why settle for less?

[Booknblues]

I am hoping to read this fairly soon and I am hoping to like it better than you.

[Amy]

I hope so too! It is highly touted - a staff pick. Sometimes I just come in under the rave.

[Booknblues]

Amy wrote: "I hope so too! It is highly touted - a staff pick. Sometimes I just come in under the rave."

I thought it sounded interesting and has been on my radar list but moved it to the TBR when it won the Pulitzer this year.

[Susie]

I haven’t seen many positive reviews for this one, but I’m still drawn to try it.

[Amy]

You might find something wonderful in it! Plenty of people do.