Welcome to Litsy!

I would rate this a pick with caution as this is one I would only recommend to the literary reader. It is told from multiple POVs and jumps back and forth through time, often changing to brand new characters. I found it to be very confusing (I wanted a family tree) and it really should be read more than once. That said, the writing is beautiful and very thought provoking, and each chapter held my interest, but I admit I wanted more. 3.5/5 stars.

McCorkle is an experienced and talented short story writer. These contained all the elements that should make a great short story. But despite the competent writing, these didn‘t really sing to me. There was nothing particularly memorable or special about them. Low pick.

This #TOBlonglist book actually looks like snarky fun that I would enjoy. But it‘s just not working for me right now. So back to the library it goes!

I really wanted to like this book, especially since it touches on topics like nuclear testing on "uninhabited" sites and the effects of radiation on the land and pregnancy. But the story was very slow, the revelations came late, and it felt unresolved. I thought we'd get some thought-provoking message but it's like the author changed their mind (abt a lot) & decided not to say anything/make it out to be "nothing". It felt disingenuous

#Midwintersolace #Litsolace

Be kind, always. 💛

#MondayMoments

@TheBookHippie @Chrissyreadit

#november2024 #bookspin The Coast road #doublespin The Magician of Lubin #bookspinbingo 6

#ToB25Longlist

Millennials in a Midwestern university town, unhappy with their situation, or maybe not but everyone is feeling sorry for themselves anyway and nagging and complaining about their situation (just like in The New Me, Halle Butler‘s other book I read).
Nothing much happens and it is kind of engaging but definitely not worth to be shortlisted.

NB Why is there a visiting artist? What does he add to the book? I really have no clue!

Start a ripple.

An appropriate title for this book I‘d say. A cast of unlikeable characters living sort of mundane lives, feeling unsatisfied for various reasons, and making poor decisions. I liked the fluid movement between points of view and the sheer bizarreness of people‘s thoughts and actions. A really weird book, but I think I liked it. 😆 And looks like it‘s on the TOB long list!