Author: Junot Diaz
One-sentence summary: A family friend retells the story of Oscar and his entire family and how the fuku curse of the Dominican people has caused pain and suffering.
B.A.D. Girls Book Rating: 5
Our favorite thing about it: Although this was not one of our favorite books we appreciated learning more about the Dominican culture and history.
Our least favorite thing about it: We felt that this book was hard to follow and understand because of the writing style and confusing references, not to mention the lengthy footnotes. This, more than anything, kept us from really enjoying this book.
Main Topics of Discussion: Relationships, Storyline/Narrative, Writing Style, Dominican culture/history
Our favorite quote: “And I wonder: what hurt him more? That I was never really his friend, or that I pretended to be?” (p.181)
Notes: There were not many things that we liked or enjoyed in this book, although the actual events of the story could have been more interesting if they had been told in a different way. We felt that the writing style really got in the way of the story. We also realize that the writing style was very deliberate…it just did not appeal to us. The author uses a lot of literary (especially fantasy and sci-fi) references as well as Spanish words and phrases. Deciphering these sometimes bogged down our reading and did not help the flow of the narrative for us. In addition, there were several lengthy (as in, several paragraphs each) footnotes. Again, we realize this was deliberate on the author’s part, but we were very annoyed by the interruption in reading the story. We felt that if the information was interesting or imperative enough to the story (and sometimes it really was), then it should have just been included in the body of the novel. We did not feel connected to any of the characters, which we feel is essential in really enjoying a book. We are not sure why none of us felt compelled by any of them, but we really didn’t. We read their stories and sometimes intense tragedies with the aloofness of an outsider. The writer did not succeed in drawing us into the story.
Memorable Meeting Moments: Becky’s entirely homemade dessert was a hit, despite her doubts….Rachel made a “homemade ladyfinger” comment (“they look homemade…”)…and Amberly shared an accidental Scooby Doo impression (“rale role model”)…and Dara may have drifted off near the end of the meeting!
What We Ate: Garlic Coriander Pork Tenderloin, Summer Squash Casserole, Spinach, Strawberry Torte
One-sentence summary: A family friend retells the story of Oscar and his entire family and how the fuku curse of the Dominican people has caused pain and suffering.
B.A.D. Girls Book Rating: 5
Our favorite thing about it: Although this was not one of our favorite books we appreciated learning more about the Dominican culture and history.
Our least favorite thing about it: We felt that this book was hard to follow and understand because of the writing style and confusing references, not to mention the lengthy footnotes. This, more than anything, kept us from really enjoying this book.
Main Topics of Discussion: Relationships, Storyline/Narrative, Writing Style, Dominican culture/history
Our favorite quote: “And I wonder: what hurt him more? That I was never really his friend, or that I pretended to be?” (p.181)
Notes: There were not many things that we liked or enjoyed in this book, although the actual events of the story could have been more interesting if they had been told in a different way. We felt that the writing style really got in the way of the story. We also realize that the writing style was very deliberate…it just did not appeal to us. The author uses a lot of literary (especially fantasy and sci-fi) references as well as Spanish words and phrases. Deciphering these sometimes bogged down our reading and did not help the flow of the narrative for us. In addition, there were several lengthy (as in, several paragraphs each) footnotes. Again, we realize this was deliberate on the author’s part, but we were very annoyed by the interruption in reading the story. We felt that if the information was interesting or imperative enough to the story (and sometimes it really was), then it should have just been included in the body of the novel. We did not feel connected to any of the characters, which we feel is essential in really enjoying a book. We are not sure why none of us felt compelled by any of them, but we really didn’t. We read their stories and sometimes intense tragedies with the aloofness of an outsider. The writer did not succeed in drawing us into the story.
Memorable Meeting Moments: Becky’s entirely homemade dessert was a hit, despite her doubts….Rachel made a “homemade ladyfinger” comment (“they look homemade…”)…and Amberly shared an accidental Scooby Doo impression (“rale role model”)…and Dara may have drifted off near the end of the meeting!
What We Ate: Garlic Coriander Pork Tenderloin, Summer Squash Casserole, Spinach, Strawberry Torte
2 comments:
your pictures are SO good...i think i need a flash attachment. thanks for the wonderful recap, and thanks for insulting my ladyfingers. :)
beautiful springy table, Becky! and that dessert looks fabulous!
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