Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Motion of the Body Through Space
Motion of the Body Through Space | Lionel Shriver
9 posts | 10 read | 10 to read
In Lionel Shriver's entertaining send-up of today's cult of exercise--which not only encourages better health, but now like all religions also seems to promise meaning, social superiority, and eternal life--an aging husband's sudden obsession with extreme sport makes him unbearable.After an ignominious early retirement, Remington announces to his wife Serenata that he's decided to run a marathon. This from a sedentary man in his sixties who's never done a lick of exercise in his life. His wife can't help but observe that his ambition is "hopelessly trite." A loner, Serenata disdains mass group activities of any sort. Besides, his timing is cruel. Serenata has long been the couple's exercise freak, but by age sixty, her private fitness regimes have destroyed her knees, and she'll soon face debilitating surgery. Yes, becoming more active would be good for Remington's heart, but then why not just go for a walk? Without several thousand of your closest friends?As Remington joins the cult of fitness that increasingly consumes the Western world, her once-modest husband burgeons into an unbearable narcissist. Ignoring all his other obligations, he engages a saucy, sexy personal trainer named Bambi, who treats Serenata with contempt. When Remington sets his sights on the legendarily grueling triathlon, MettleMan, Serenata is sure he'll end up injured or dead. And even if he does survive, their marriage may not.The Motion of the Body Through Space is vintage Lionel Shriver written with psychological insight, a rich cast of characters, lots of verve and petulance, an astute reading of contemporary culture, and an emotionally resonant ending.
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
review
quietlycuriouskate
post image
Pickpick

Lionel Shriver is sharp! The fitness industry as a fundamentalist church: it may have been laid on a bit thick at times and yet... . Nor is this the most controversial of the views expressed (without, however, the sense of just being out to shock). Nor are the characters easy to warm to: Serenata's scornful solitariness may be a tad close to home (!) and, for much of the book, Remington is a bit of an arse. Damned if I could put it down, though!

38 likes1 stack add
review
JennyM
post image
Pickpick

With a host of dislikable characters and some pretty scathing commentary, this book had some bite! I got really mad and uncomfortable in parts and, yet...I couldn‘t stop turning the pages.

BiblioLitten I need to read this. I felt the same about and I couldn‘t stop reading that either! 4y
JennyM @BiblioLitten yes, she makes you go there and think about things that make you uncomfortable! 4y
Rissreads This sounds so interesting! 4y
JennyM @Rissreads she has such a knack in getting under my skin! Clever writer x 4y
53 likes3 stack adds4 comments
blurb
JennyM
post image

I had this as an ARC but it‘s now in print and in the library (oops). Looking forward to it - I like Shriver‘s style

Cinfhen Excited to hear your thoughts/ she runs hot & cold with me 4y
RebelReader I‘m with @Cinfhen, sometimes I love her books and sometimes I don‘t. I‘ll wait for your thoughts. (edited) 4y
JennyM @RebelReader @Cinfhen it‘s looking hopeful! 4y
Cinfhen Good to know !!!! Even when I hate the book, I‘m still awed & impressed by her sharp social commentary @RebelReader 4y
60 likes1 stack add4 comments
review
Amoon
post image
Pickpick

Called it a pick but it‘s got some flaws. Sometimes I found myself skipping through long narrative sections. First sentence tells is that Remington, age 65 is planning to run his first marathon. His wife has pretty much always been a solo exercising fanatic who totally resents her husband‘s enthusiasm.
Along the way we meet all of his fanatical running buddies, not to mention his hot trainer Incredibly names Bambi.

review
sophierayton
post image
Pickpick

I thought this was really good and it was nice that the main characters were older but still fully fleshed out. There's lots of critiquing in the book and it strikes me that Shriver is not afraid to 'go there' and offer a counter opinion to several movements prevailing at the moment. No doubt some people will be offended, but I expect that's likely the point. I thought it was good, but I'm not sure how well it's going to do.

TrishB I think that‘s a given, she does tend to look like she wants to offend. 4y
39 likes1 comment
blurb
Oryx
post image

Yesterday I started and stopped 3 books. Nothing sticking. Let's see if this one sticks.

TrishB Good luck 👍🏻 4y
julesG Like your mug. 😜 I've had days like those. Trying several different books, not a single one tickling my interest enough. Hope today goes better for you. 4y
Oryx @julesG @trishb It seems so be working. As per the other books if her's I've read, her characters are unlikeable enough to be weirdly addictive, which is totally what I needed. 4y
58 likes3 comments
blurb
BookNAround
post image

Today‘s #MayARC comes out this coming Tuesday 5/19.

erinreads That‘s a gorgeous cover! 4y
46 likes1 comment
review
Well-ReadNeck
post image
Pickpick

Enjoyed the latest by Lionel Shriver. Coming in May. #edelweiss #arc

70 likes1 stack add