A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I picked up this book because it was Goodreads selection for an online book club, but I really struggled through it. In some ways it was fascinating like the way the narrative shifted from character to character and through time as well. One chapter was even the PowerPoint diary of a 12-yr-old. So strictly from an English major standpoint as one who loves words and the structure of words, I found the book intriguing. But, as a reader I was frustrated and put off by the deviant behavior of the characters. The “f” bomb was dropped so much that it exploded all around me the whole time I was trying to read the book. No less than three of the characters attempted suicide (one succeeded). They all did heavy drugs and led promiscuous lifestyles. I know of no one to whom I’d recommend this book, and that’s a shame because the author obviously has literary talent. I just felt she could’ve written a better book. Why it won the Pulitzer Prize is lost on me.
Matthew (@thebibliofreak) says
Fellow librarian here, more tweedy than loopy mind. Totally agree with your review, appreciated parts of the novel but never really enjoyed it. Also have no idea how it won the Pulitzer.
My latest review: A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
Allie says
Thanks so much for the feedback. I read your review and it was very well-written. It’s good to know that someone else, especially a fellow librarian, shares the same opinion.