Helpful Score: 3
What an astounding, surprising book. It's not often I read a book with expectations of an entertaining plot and pleasant story only to discover writing that touched me far beyond what I could have anticipated and a story that will stick with me. I found myself at several points shaking my head, thinking, "Why didn't *I* write that?" and "I wish I'd thought to say that." It's safe to say that I envy this writer; her use of language and words and - oh, my goodness - metaphors blew me away. Lyrical is the only way I know to describe it because something inside her words resonated with me and made me pay closer attention to the world around me. I never wanted this book to end.
I can't even accurately describe exactly what it was that struck me so unexpectedly. Was it that the narrator was a writer? A mother? Both? Octavia was so complex and rich a character. I trusted her. I found myself self-reflecting right along with her.
Parkhurst's ambition to create a story-within-a-story-within-several-stories works and it works splendidly. I wanted to read every single book Octavia Frost rewrote an ending for; I want to *have written* every single book she wrote. I thought she was brave to begin with for the inventive "Dogs of Babel," but this was far more creative and should be highly and loudly applauded.
I can't even accurately describe exactly what it was that struck me so unexpectedly. Was it that the narrator was a writer? A mother? Both? Octavia was so complex and rich a character. I trusted her. I found myself self-reflecting right along with her.
Parkhurst's ambition to create a story-within-a-story-within-several-stories works and it works splendidly. I wanted to read every single book Octavia Frost rewrote an ending for; I want to *have written* every single book she wrote. I thought she was brave to begin with for the inventive "Dogs of Babel," but this was far more creative and should be highly and loudly applauded.
Helpful Score: 2
Enjoyable reading. Hooks you in pretty quickly because there are so many questions. Style is back and forth and can be some work to follow, not just a "story" from beginning to end, but that makes for an interesting puzzle, plus character depth. Likable and not typical characters.Interesting family dynamics with a twist.
