Tiffany K. (tiffanyak) -
In many ways, I loved this book. The story is intriguing while still staying mysterious for a time, and unfolds at just the right pace to have kept my interest. The family dynamics are handled well, and it is actually a truly entertaining story with a powerful positive message behind it. But then, I tend to like books written in unusual out of order fashions, as long as the story can sustain such a twist. At the same time, I know a lot of people will have issues with it, as the timeline is made harder to follow. So, I thought it was only fair to warn you. Outside of that, if you have even a passing sympathy for animal rights, this is a worthwhile read with a unique enough twist to have pulled me in quite quickly, except that the back cover spoils it.
Jeneen B. (jrburk) reviewed We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves: A Novel on + 26 more book reviews
I am so glad I didn't read what it is about first. Came as a wee bit of a shock and I loved every minute of it.
The author chose to have the protagonist tell her story not from the beginning but from the middle, this is very tricky device to use when telling a story, but highly effective for the telling of Rosemarys story. Infused with heartbreak and a bit of humor, Rosemary lets us in on how her family has chosen to live their lives and how those choices have affected each and every one of them in present day. The core of the story is about family ties, her place within the family, and how the way she is perceived throughout her life has affected her place in the world. Whats right for some may not be right for others, and sometimes the best of intentions can still have bitter consequences. This story definitely leaves you asking how you perceive yourself, how others perceive you, and what in your life is important and worth taking a stand for.
