Outstanding review. Sincere thanks for posting. The only other thing I’d add beyond what I restacked was that I enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second. Like, a good bit more. I loved Hig’s relationship with Bangley and Jasper, and also very much appreciated how Heller’s treatment of the dog dying. Ultimately, I thought there was a missed opportunity to say more in the back half about what foster relationships (for lack of a better term) do for men in their lives than what ended up on the page. It was there with Cima and Pops, I just think there could’ve been more done to show the advantages and drawbacks and how those “replacement” relationships impact our lives as men. It’s what helps us let go, love again, etc.
Oh wow, that’s quite funny because I didn’t REALLY start liking it until the second half and by the end was fully onboard. Great point about the foster relationships. I was very touched by Hig and Bangley’s reunion. Bangley changes as a character by the end as Hig’s assessment of their relationship changes. You realize there is a lot of humanity and pain Bangley is hiding.
Ahh, that’s very cool. Actually makes me like the book more. Heller was onto something with the structure then. He knew there’d be something for many men (and women) in this one.
Never heard of the film or book. Solid review here. Thanks.
Thanks for the tip. This one's on my list.
Outstanding review. Sincere thanks for posting. The only other thing I’d add beyond what I restacked was that I enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second. Like, a good bit more. I loved Hig’s relationship with Bangley and Jasper, and also very much appreciated how Heller’s treatment of the dog dying. Ultimately, I thought there was a missed opportunity to say more in the back half about what foster relationships (for lack of a better term) do for men in their lives than what ended up on the page. It was there with Cima and Pops, I just think there could’ve been more done to show the advantages and drawbacks and how those “replacement” relationships impact our lives as men. It’s what helps us let go, love again, etc.
Oh wow, that’s quite funny because I didn’t REALLY start liking it until the second half and by the end was fully onboard. Great point about the foster relationships. I was very touched by Hig and Bangley’s reunion. Bangley changes as a character by the end as Hig’s assessment of their relationship changes. You realize there is a lot of humanity and pain Bangley is hiding.
Ahh, that’s very cool. Actually makes me like the book more. Heller was onto something with the structure then. He knew there’d be something for many men (and women) in this one.