I don't want to get all hipster on you here but, unless you're name is Orissa D, I read "The Fault in Our Stars" before you (if you don't believe me, ask Grace K). I thought it was pretty good, quite well written, and really hard to read, being the father of a teenage girl ("What if that was Sophia" etc). No big deal though...
So it kind of shocked me when it became such a phenomena. Everyone was reading (and re-reading) this book. A movie was made. John Green became a star himself. I couldn't help but wonder if I should try another one of his books. So, when Misaki offered to lend me "An Abundance of Katherines", I happily accepted (by the way, I need to return this to Misaki! Can anyone send me her contact info? Thanks).
Well, I have to say that the plot was pretty interesting. And there were some nice details (especially the inclusion of some mathematical concepts... though all the characters "hated math". Grrrrr!) And I liked most of the characters (especially Lindsey, the main female character). But there were two BIG problems with this book:
Don't get me wrong. I understand why John Green is doing so well. He's clever. He's (somewhat) original. And he writes well. But I can't recommend this book due to the self-absorbed, whiny... well, I think you know why.
So it kind of shocked me when it became such a phenomena. Everyone was reading (and re-reading) this book. A movie was made. John Green became a star himself. I couldn't help but wonder if I should try another one of his books. So, when Misaki offered to lend me "An Abundance of Katherines", I happily accepted (by the way, I need to return this to Misaki! Can anyone send me her contact info? Thanks).
Well, I have to say that the plot was pretty interesting. And there were some nice details (especially the inclusion of some mathematical concepts... though all the characters "hated math". Grrrrr!) And I liked most of the characters (especially Lindsey, the main female character). But there were two BIG problems with this book:
- I HATED the main character, Colin. He was a self-absorbed, whiny, socially-inept bore. And he knew that he was a self-absorbed, whiny, socially-inept bore (he says as much in the book). And I guess it was important for the story that he be a self-absorbed, whiny, socially-inept bore, so that Colin could overcome this at the end. The problem is: Colin was such a self-absorbed, whiny, socially-inept bore that I did not want him to succeed / win / get the girl / etc. I just wanted him to go away and to hear more about Lindsey and Hazel.
- the whole premise of the book is ridiculous. How did this self-absorbed, whiny, socially-inept kid manage to have relationships with 19 different girls (never mind the absurdity of them ALL being named "Katherine"). Any sensible girl would have said "beat it you self-absorbed, whiny, socially-inept bore" BEFORE agreeing to spend quality time with him.
Don't get me wrong. I understand why John Green is doing so well. He's clever. He's (somewhat) original. And he writes well. But I can't recommend this book due to the self-absorbed, whiny... well, I think you know why.
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