.:.Book Bodega.:. discussion

Leave your thoughts about The Interestings as you are reading. Just make sure to say which chapter & page you are on so that we can avoid spoilers.

Got it from the Library and I'm plowing into the 1st chapter. Don't have an opinion yet but I'm really in the mood to read, so off I go.

I'm on page 167.

There are lots of things I like about this -- really engaging story and characters.

Also, since I live in New York and grew up in Buffalo, some of the references to various areas and ways of thinking resonate with me. I identify with Jules - small town girl with bigger town aspirations, who uses humor to keep her social status. Laughed at something on page 40 or so: about calling patients "clients." As a psychiatrist with lots of friends who are social workers, I do notice that I call them patients and they call them clients. Funny to see that commented on. So -- maybe I am liking this because there are so many points of identification for me.

As for the plot point with Goodman, I kind of saw that coming. Curious if this is going to head anywhere original...

On page 192...still reading and enjoying, but I'm a little less intrigued.

Page 284: I'm still reading but I'm a little tired of these characters.

I haven't started yet. I went to the library and saw how big the book was and put it back on the shelf. How terrible is that?! LOL!!

I'm getting through this slowly. Haven't had enough time for reading lately. Boo.

Okay - curious to see what others thing if they start/finish this! I finally finished the book. As I said, I was intrigued by some of the early elements of the book and some of the ways I could identify with where the story was set. I've also read some reviews of people who angrily said, "these characters are NOT interesting!" which, I think, was part of the author's point.

I did get a little bored with the characters and their self-involvement, which I think was also part of her point. And I didn't stay up all night reading this, although there were pockets that led me to carry on. And I appreciated the overall message of the book.

Did I enjoy all the characters? Not particularly. Did I identify with them -- well, to be honest, I grudgingly identified with some of the negative emotions (i.e. jealousy) that we are all prone to, but overall didn't admire the characters. But I thought it was a story worth telling.

Anyway, I know I'm sort of talking to myself on this thread at the moment - LOL! - but curious to see what others think...

I had to rewritten it to the library because it was requested, but I'm back on the list.