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Paradise Park
Allegra Goodman has delighted readers with her critically acclaimed collections Total Immersion and The Family Markowitz , and her celebrated first novel, Kaaterskill Falls , which was a national bestseller and a National Book Award finalist.
Abandoned by her folk-dancing partner, Gary, in a Honolulu hotel room, Sharon realizes she could return to Boston—and her estranged family—or listen to that little voice inside herself. The voice that “How come Gary got to pursue his causes, while all I got to pursue was him?” Thus, with an open heart, a soul on fire, and her meager possessions (a guitar, two Indian gauze skirts, a macramé bikini, and her grandfather’s silver watch) Sharon begins her own spiritual quest. Ever the optimist, she is sure at each stage that she has struck it rich “spiritually speaking”—until she comes up empty. Then, in a karmic convergence of events, Sharon starts on the path home to Judaism. Still, even as she embraces her tradition, Sharon’s irrepressible self tugs at her sleeve. Especially when she meets Mikhail, falls truly in love at last, and discovers what even she could not imagine—her destiny.
Abandoned by her folk-dancing partner, Gary, in a Honolulu hotel room, Sharon realizes she could return to Boston—and her estranged family—or listen to that little voice inside herself. The voice that “How come Gary got to pursue his causes, while all I got to pursue was him?” Thus, with an open heart, a soul on fire, and her meager possessions (a guitar, two Indian gauze skirts, a macramé bikini, and her grandfather’s silver watch) Sharon begins her own spiritual quest. Ever the optimist, she is sure at each stage that she has struck it rich “spiritually speaking”—until she comes up empty. Then, in a karmic convergence of events, Sharon starts on the path home to Judaism. Still, even as she embraces her tradition, Sharon’s irrepressible self tugs at her sleeve. Especially when she meets Mikhail, falls truly in love at last, and discovers what even she could not imagine—her destiny.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
34 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Allegra Goodman
22 books2,052 followersHello, Good Readers!
My new book "This Is Not About Us" will be published in February! You can order it here.
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo...
My novel "Isola" is now in paperback. This is a historical novel based on the true story of a young woman who sails from France to the New World in 1542 and is marooned on an island in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
I am also the author of several other books including, "Sam," a novel about a young girl's exuberance, wonder, and ambition as she comes of age.
Jenna Bush Hager picked "Sam" for her Today Show book club and said, "Sam is about as perfect of a coming-of-age story as I have ever read."
About me: I was born in Brooklyn, but I grew up in Honolulu where I did not have to wear shoes in school until fifth grade.
I now live in Cambridge, MA and I own boots. In addition to writing fiction, I read a lot and teach on occasion. In my free time, I swim and walk around the city.
I have four children, now getting pretty grown up. My oldest son (an economist) reads everything. My second son (a law student and grad student in political theory) reads mostly non-fiction. I'm working on this! My third son (an aspiring chemist) loves science fiction, fantasy, and history. My daughter (a user experience designer) enjoys biography and YA novels--but only if they have exceptionally beautiful covers.
I read fiction, biography, history, poetry, and books about art. I also enjoy discovering authors in translation.
When I was a seven-year-old living in Hawaii, I decided to become a novelist--but I began by writing poetry and short stories.
In high school and college I focused on short stories, and in June, 1986, I published my first in "Commentary."
My first book was a collection of short stories, "Total Immersion."
My second book, "The Family Markowitz" is a short story cycle that people tend to read as a novel.
Much of my work is about family in its many forms. I am also interested in religion, science, the threats and opportunities of technology, and the exploration of islands, real, and imaginary.
My novel, "Kaaterskill Falls" travels with a group of observant Jews to the Catskill Mountains.
"Intuition" enters a research a lab, where a young post-doc makes a discovery that excites everybody except for one skeptic--his ex-girlfriend.
A rare collection of cookbooks stars in my novel, "The Cookbook Collector."
A girl named Honor tries to save her mother in my dystopian YA novel, "The Other Side of the Island."
With Michael Prince, I have co-authored a supercool writing textbook. If you teach composition, take a look at "Speaking of Writing: a Brief Rhetoric."
If you'd like to learn more about me and about each of my books, check out my website:
http://allegragoodman.com/
Find me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AllegraGoodman
Or on Instagram:
@allegragoodmanwriter
And of course, you can check out the reviews I post here on Goodreads. Generally, I use my Goodreads reviews to spotlight books I love and recommend.
My new book "This Is Not About Us" will be published in February! You can order it here.
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo...
My novel "Isola" is now in paperback. This is a historical novel based on the true story of a young woman who sails from France to the New World in 1542 and is marooned on an island in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
I am also the author of several other books including, "Sam," a novel about a young girl's exuberance, wonder, and ambition as she comes of age.
Jenna Bush Hager picked "Sam" for her Today Show book club and said, "Sam is about as perfect of a coming-of-age story as I have ever read."
About me: I was born in Brooklyn, but I grew up in Honolulu where I did not have to wear shoes in school until fifth grade.
I now live in Cambridge, MA and I own boots. In addition to writing fiction, I read a lot and teach on occasion. In my free time, I swim and walk around the city.
I have four children, now getting pretty grown up. My oldest son (an economist) reads everything. My second son (a law student and grad student in political theory) reads mostly non-fiction. I'm working on this! My third son (an aspiring chemist) loves science fiction, fantasy, and history. My daughter (a user experience designer) enjoys biography and YA novels--but only if they have exceptionally beautiful covers.
I read fiction, biography, history, poetry, and books about art. I also enjoy discovering authors in translation.
When I was a seven-year-old living in Hawaii, I decided to become a novelist--but I began by writing poetry and short stories.
In high school and college I focused on short stories, and in June, 1986, I published my first in "Commentary."
My first book was a collection of short stories, "Total Immersion."
My second book, "The Family Markowitz" is a short story cycle that people tend to read as a novel.
Much of my work is about family in its many forms. I am also interested in religion, science, the threats and opportunities of technology, and the exploration of islands, real, and imaginary.
My novel, "Kaaterskill Falls" travels with a group of observant Jews to the Catskill Mountains.
"Intuition" enters a research a lab, where a young post-doc makes a discovery that excites everybody except for one skeptic--his ex-girlfriend.
A rare collection of cookbooks stars in my novel, "The Cookbook Collector."
A girl named Honor tries to save her mother in my dystopian YA novel, "The Other Side of the Island."
With Michael Prince, I have co-authored a supercool writing textbook. If you teach composition, take a look at "Speaking of Writing: a Brief Rhetoric."
If you'd like to learn more about me and about each of my books, check out my website:
http://allegragoodman.com/
Find me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AllegraGoodman
Or on Instagram:
@allegragoodmanwriter
And of course, you can check out the reviews I post here on Goodreads. Generally, I use my Goodreads reviews to spotlight books I love and recommend.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 27, 2010
What an entertaining read about a truly dingbatty character. I saw so many reviews of this book where people couldn't get past not liking the main character, but I liked her - or rather, I liked reading about her shenanigans and all her missteps. Who wants to read about perfect people? She was just so exasperating, spastic, self-centered, and impulsive, that it was just constantly interesting. Nobody in real life has so many bizarre encounters and knows so many different kinds of people in different circumstances. You can't say she's not interesting. Plus, I give the author major kudos for writing a book almost entirely about religion which did not bore me to tears. Normally I can't read more than 2 sentences about religion without zoning out, but I found the whole book interesting. Then again, I think it was really about finding oneself more than religion--religion was just the excuse, or the means. I think ultimately, this book is about someone who never stopped looking for the meaning of life, whereas the rest of us get so caught up in our routines and our daily issues that we rarely stop to think about the Big Picture.
December 6, 2017
Onvan : Paradise Park - Nevisande : Allegra Goodman - ISBN : 385334184 - ISBN13 : 9780385334181 - Dar 368 Safhe - Saal e Chap : 2001
April 21, 2010
I just finished reading a book, Paradise Park by Allegra Goodman. Paradise Park is this crazy novel about a young woman, Sharon, who gets stranded by a self-centered, overly serious boyfriend in Hawaii. Virtually penniless, with no one to come to her aid, Sharon continues her quest to find love, community and meaning. At first I thought this novel was insane. How could so much happen to this woman? How could she be so scattered? As the story progressed I thought for sure the author was indeed trying to drive me mad, since the plot didn’t seem to advance and the main character seemed quagmired in blame and victimhood. I like my books the way I prefer my life: neatly packaged and with a point. I felt like screaming, “Connect the dots! For the love of God, connect some dots for me!”
Still in the end, I find that I loved this book. Goodman took me on an amazing, albeit downright bizarre, journey. Through Goodman, Sharon seeks out an identity that she can embrace, but ultimately creates her own, both rich and deeply satisfying. And even though I feel very little relationship with Sharon as a character or personality, I connect with her in the conclusion as someone who has lived largely by her own rules, who has lived a life, balancing regret and acceptance.
This book is certainly worth the read if you are willing to have your mind blown in a less than traditional odyssey.
Still in the end, I find that I loved this book. Goodman took me on an amazing, albeit downright bizarre, journey. Through Goodman, Sharon seeks out an identity that she can embrace, but ultimately creates her own, both rich and deeply satisfying. And even though I feel very little relationship with Sharon as a character or personality, I connect with her in the conclusion as someone who has lived largely by her own rules, who has lived a life, balancing regret and acceptance.
This book is certainly worth the read if you are willing to have your mind blown in a less than traditional odyssey.
August 3, 2008
This book was very different from my favorites by this author- Kaaterskill Falls and Intuition. First of all, it was told in the first person rather than the third. The protagonist's life was literally divided into the chapters of the books, whereas the community of protagonists in the other stories tended to wash over you like waves. As a writer, this story seemed easier to tell because the prose style was less complex. But the narrator was also less relaible- obviously- because she was opinionated and telling her own story, rather than being a benign outside force who just observes the flow of the characters.
Sharon was anything but a passive protagonist. I debated sometimes how believable I thought her constant struggle with spirituality was, but I came to accept it at the end. It seems, perhaps, that the things, which can actually give one direction is making your life bigger than yourself- not by joining religion, but by making friends, creating family. I especially liked that by the end, Sharon realized she wasn't any more "right" as a 40 year old than she was as a lost 20 year old; all of her composite experiences were valid. That's true self-acceptance. The story ended cyclically- Israeli dancing at MIT. This won't be my favorite Allegra Goodman book, but I liked it.
Sharon was anything but a passive protagonist. I debated sometimes how believable I thought her constant struggle with spirituality was, but I came to accept it at the end. It seems, perhaps, that the things, which can actually give one direction is making your life bigger than yourself- not by joining religion, but by making friends, creating family. I especially liked that by the end, Sharon realized she wasn't any more "right" as a 40 year old than she was as a lost 20 year old; all of her composite experiences were valid. That's true self-acceptance. The story ended cyclically- Israeli dancing at MIT. This won't be my favorite Allegra Goodman book, but I liked it.
October 19, 2009
I really liked this book, and, honestly, I'm still sort of surprised about that. Not because it wasn't well-written, because it was, but because a) it's about a spiritual quest, which I usually think is pretty lame and b) the narrator/protagonist is a total hippie. However, in addition to being a hippie, Sharon is also kind of hilarious and endearing. In spite of myself I found that I wanted things to turn out okay for her, and her refusal to be discouraged about anything for too long and her persistence in general are simultaneously amazing and totally believable. Basically, this book made me feel good, and I chuckled a lot while reading it, which is never a bad thing.
March 5, 2010
Oy Sharon Spielgelman! There were times when your soul-searching was enough to drive anyone nuts - and yet, so intriguing were your misadventures and so radiant was your "goldene neshama" (golden soul) that your ultimate destiny was an important element of my own existence for 360 pages.
Allegra Goodman is a wonderfully intelligent, witty and sometimes poetic writer. ...And although there were times when the protagonist, Sharon, annoyed me, I never wanted to dismiss her or stop reading this book. Now I look forward to reading Ms. Goodman's other works!
Allegra Goodman is a wonderfully intelligent, witty and sometimes poetic writer. ...And although there were times when the protagonist, Sharon, annoyed me, I never wanted to dismiss her or stop reading this book. Now I look forward to reading Ms. Goodman's other works!
June 24, 2015
Part coming of age & part simply the tale of a young adult making one impulsive life choice after another - none of which turn out well. Yet I had to ride the waves of each life decision to the end of the book. I'm glad I did because after following Sharon, the protagonist, for twenty years I think she got it right.
I almost hope there's a sequel...
I almost hope there's a sequel...
February 3, 2021
Sharon Spiegelman searches for meaning in her life. She finds it in her pursuit of Judaism.
April 22, 2025
This novel by Allegra Goodman, offers a compelling exploration of self-discovery, faith, and the quest for meaning in the modern world. Through the eyes of its protagonist, Sharon Spiegelman, Goodman crafts a narrative that is both humorous and deeply introspective, inviting readers to join an unpredictable journey across landscapes both geographical and spiritual.
Sharon Spiegelman, a young woman in search of purpose, becomes the heart and soul of "Paradise Park." Her journey begins in Boston, where she finds herself disenchanted with her life’s trajectory. What ensues is an odyssey that leads her to Hawaii—a setting as alluring and complex as Sharon's inner world. Here, Goodman uses the lush and diverse backdrop not only as a place of escape but as a crucible for transformation.
Sharon is characterized by her vibrant personality and relentless curiosity. As she navigates through various communities and experiments with different ideologies, from academic pursuits to religious sects, her journey reflects a universal search for belonging and truth. Goodman portrays her protagonist with humor and empathy, capturing the essence of a seeker who is both flawed and endearing.
The novel excels in its portrayal of the often chaotic but ultimately enlightening process of self-exploration. Goodman’s writing is sharp and insightful, weaving together humor and pathos with skillful ease. Her observations on human nature and society are astute, offering readers moments of reflection amidst the narrative’s many twists and turns.
Supporting characters add depth and complexity to Sharon's adventures, each one representing various facets of belief and skepticism. Through these interactions, Goodman examines broader themes such as the tension between individualism and community, the nature of faith, and the societal pressures that shape our identities.
Goodman's depiction of Hawaii is particularly noteworthy. She captures its beauty and mystique while also acknowledging its complexities and contradictions. This duality mirrors Sharon's inner conflict and growth, making Hawaii an integral part of the narrative rather than just a picturesque setting.
While the novel’s episodic structure may seem meandering at times, it effectively mirrors the unpredictability of Sharon’s search for meaning. The pacing allows readers to fully engage with Sharon’s experiences and transformations, culminating in a resolution that feels both surprising and inevitable.
In "Paradise Park," Allegra Goodman delivers a rich and engaging tale that resonates with anyone who has ever questioned their path or sought a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. It's a story about finding paradise not as a physical destination but as a state of mind and spirit. With wit, warmth, and wisdom, Goodman invites readers to reflect on their own journeys, making this novel a memorable and thought-provoking read.
July 30, 2023
Fun, endearing, irritating but in good way!
At first I found this book a little bit irritating because of the main character being flakey. But with time, she grew on me, and I found her hilarious and enjoyable.
I laughed out loud multiple times. Like when she yells, “f*ck St. Augustine!” In the religious studies lecture hall at University of Hawaii. The author gives us the gift of taking us through the arc of a persons life, at least 2.5 decades of it.
The spiritual, young adult searching, adventures, and life surprises as she seeks her center. And yet she “upturns the Apple cart” pretty much every time.
I loved the character. I know many of these places: Berkeley, Hawaii, Boston. She loops back with past characters in her life. Her parents never quite give her what she tries for. She never quite gives herself what she needs. But we end up with an endearing, exasperating, and lovely story about a woman’s life’s.
I’m sure it’s not for everyone. But a sweet meandering of a searchers life. Enjoy! Fresh, funny, main heroine.
At first I found this book a little bit irritating because of the main character being flakey. But with time, she grew on me, and I found her hilarious and enjoyable.
I laughed out loud multiple times. Like when she yells, “f*ck St. Augustine!” In the religious studies lecture hall at University of Hawaii. The author gives us the gift of taking us through the arc of a persons life, at least 2.5 decades of it.
The spiritual, young adult searching, adventures, and life surprises as she seeks her center. And yet she “upturns the Apple cart” pretty much every time.
I loved the character. I know many of these places: Berkeley, Hawaii, Boston. She loops back with past characters in her life. Her parents never quite give her what she tries for. She never quite gives herself what she needs. But we end up with an endearing, exasperating, and lovely story about a woman’s life’s.
I’m sure it’s not for everyone. But a sweet meandering of a searchers life. Enjoy! Fresh, funny, main heroine.
February 2, 2026
My third Allegra Goodman novel!
This one is narrated by the main character: a Jewish woman named Sharon who runs away from Boston to be a hippie in Honolulu, and ends up on a spiritual quest. She has a lot of bizarre experiences, which I won't spoil! Similar to "Sam", this book feels more like a narrative of a real life than a traditionally constructed "story": threads peter out, not everything has a "point" in terms of the plot. (However, I think the execution of this was more compelling in "Sam"). Sharon is a flawed but likeable character. Her worldview has a kind of logic to it, even though she seems kind of nuts.
About two-thirds of the way through, I started wondering where on earth this story was going, and became a bit less interested. The excellent writing kept me around to the end.
I would recommend to those interested in wonky characters, and who don't mind a dose of religion.
This one is narrated by the main character: a Jewish woman named Sharon who runs away from Boston to be a hippie in Honolulu, and ends up on a spiritual quest. She has a lot of bizarre experiences, which I won't spoil! Similar to "Sam", this book feels more like a narrative of a real life than a traditionally constructed "story": threads peter out, not everything has a "point" in terms of the plot. (However, I think the execution of this was more compelling in "Sam"). Sharon is a flawed but likeable character. Her worldview has a kind of logic to it, even though she seems kind of nuts.
About two-thirds of the way through, I started wondering where on earth this story was going, and became a bit less interested. The excellent writing kept me around to the end.
I would recommend to those interested in wonky characters, and who don't mind a dose of religion.
December 7, 2020
Sharon Spiegelman is a fucking mess. This story starts with a woman in her twenties and follows her for twenty years of bad choices, bad relationships, absurd spiritual seeking, and more bad choices. Every time you think she’s learned her lesson and found enlightenment, it turns out she’s just as stupid and annoying as the last time.
But somehow this works? Honestly, I found it really hard not to see parts of myself in Sharon and it’s endearing that she never gives up even as she continuously screws up her life. Idk, by the end of the book I liked her a lot; I had a ton of sympathy for her journey and a lot of sympathy for how silly all of us probably look as we try to become functioning adults. This book was totally worth the read and Sharon’s unforgettable.
But somehow this works? Honestly, I found it really hard not to see parts of myself in Sharon and it’s endearing that she never gives up even as she continuously screws up her life. Idk, by the end of the book I liked her a lot; I had a ton of sympathy for her journey and a lot of sympathy for how silly all of us probably look as we try to become functioning adults. This book was totally worth the read and Sharon’s unforgettable.
November 22, 2025
2.5 rounded up. Normally people get smarter as they get older, not Sharon.... I realize she had a lot of trauma and as you can see in the scene when she goes to see her parents they hadn't matured either (especially her father; everything that she put him through had been when she was a KID, for him to be unforgiving in her 40s was absolutely ridiculous). the story finally got good at the end, hence the rounding up, so I guess I'm glad i stuck with it.
No more books with 20 year old main characters though! I'm so tired of the immaturity.
No more books with 20 year old main characters though! I'm so tired of the immaturity.
May 20, 2023
Having just read Kaaterskill Falls and enjoyed that book, I was a bit disappointed in Paradise Park. My interest went back and forth throughout the story. I felt Sharon had found her "calling", finally at the end and was happy for her. I found myself pushing back at the constraints of her Hasidic lifestyle and was glad when Sharon would not cave to the concerns about Mikhail's Jewishness. Good for her! She comes full circle over the course of 20+ years.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2018
I wanted to like this soooo bad. It's funny, I love books with a lot of detail, but this just took it too far. All it was was description and not much else going on. I got frustrated with it after about 120 pages.
June 12, 2021
This book made me realise that I must live in the here and now. Sometimes we are looking for a better tommorow, always delaying living for the future. The future actually starts here and now. Sharon taught me life will not be 100% you want it, but the way it is is as good as it gets
February 15, 2023
I loved this book. At first I was wondering how many bad decisions can a young woman make. Well she made many and for me it was a delightful read. I saw myself in her and rooted for her. The ending was concise and my questions, concerns answered. What a great read for a book group.
December 19, 2018
Read the first few chapters. Found the narrator annoying!!! So many exclamation points!! So clueless and self-destructive!! Did not want to spend the rest of the book with her.
April 13, 2018
A funny and entertaining story about a woman's spiritual journey.
July 21, 2018
Protagonist is quite annoying as a young adult - you have to stay with it. When her spiritual journey climaxes with Hasidic Judaism and marriage it’s lovely.
November 10, 2018
This book was a fun and entertaining read but I did not love the main character at all
December 18, 2019
Really enjoyable story with a Jewish spiritual seeker heroine.
June 8, 2022
Fun book - just what I was in the mood for. I love the wry sense of humor.
November 6, 2025
Although the overuse of exclamation points annoyed me, I enjoyed this fictional and better written version of “Eat Pray Love.”
February 25, 2026
I did not care for it at all .
September 25, 2011
This book was neutral... Not particularly deep, but I liked the meandering quality of the writing. Sometimes it got slow, but overall I was interested in the narrator enough to stick through it. I really felt like she was this quirky woman. So often a narrator feels a little bland, but Sharon was incredibly opinionated and the book was saturated with her POV. The way she explained her mental reasoning (which was usually like- 'and then that got old, so I did something else...' or 'my boyfriend and i broke up, so I moved on...) made me ask "wtf!?" every so often, but was so internally consistent that I could see that was her character. It made me wonder, "Do people REALLY think like this?? That explains my friend X!"
As someone else said, Sharon's a total spaz. Sure, I wanted to hit her a few times- "Geez, can you just COMMIT to something, really?!" But on the other hand she has something I admire- a fluidity to her life, she doesn't get "stuck" for too long, she's constantly moving on and exploring. Still, she is SO FLAKY IT KILLED ME!!
I have to admit I enjoyed the not-really-concealed references to Bialystoker chassidim (Chabad) and 617 (770) in Crown Heights. Also, having personally gone on a (Jewish) spiritual journey, it was fun to see someone else's take on it, and her evolution. One idea I enjoyed was her transition from reading and studying ABOUT religion, to realizing she actually wanted to PARTICIPATE in one. I think this is crucial to living a spiritual/religious life- studying ABOUT a faith can never adequately describe what it is like to keep it. Still, this was less introspective than Eat, Pray, Love (which I didn't find that deep either, really.) This book is more about what Sharon ended up DOING, than it really being about her deep-hearted exploration of 4 different religious traditions. I wouldn't call this book intellectual. It's just a crazy batshit woman who did a bunch of things and couldn't keep any of her commitments- and was-oddly-OK about it! (Wow, she never got the Jewish sense of guilt, huh?)
Overall, sometimes enjoyable, sometimes boring and aimless, and very, very silly. Didn't induce any deep thinking in me, but was a fun and odd ride. (Hawaii?? Red-footed boobies? Pot planting? Sea-World working? Horah-dancing? All that in one life?! Crazy!)
As someone else said, Sharon's a total spaz. Sure, I wanted to hit her a few times- "Geez, can you just COMMIT to something, really?!" But on the other hand she has something I admire- a fluidity to her life, she doesn't get "stuck" for too long, she's constantly moving on and exploring. Still, she is SO FLAKY IT KILLED ME!!
I have to admit I enjoyed the not-really-concealed references to Bialystoker chassidim (Chabad) and 617 (770) in Crown Heights. Also, having personally gone on a (Jewish) spiritual journey, it was fun to see someone else's take on it, and her evolution. One idea I enjoyed was her transition from reading and studying ABOUT religion, to realizing she actually wanted to PARTICIPATE in one. I think this is crucial to living a spiritual/religious life- studying ABOUT a faith can never adequately describe what it is like to keep it. Still, this was less introspective than Eat, Pray, Love (which I didn't find that deep either, really.) This book is more about what Sharon ended up DOING, than it really being about her deep-hearted exploration of 4 different religious traditions. I wouldn't call this book intellectual. It's just a crazy batshit woman who did a bunch of things and couldn't keep any of her commitments- and was-oddly-OK about it! (Wow, she never got the Jewish sense of guilt, huh?)
Overall, sometimes enjoyable, sometimes boring and aimless, and very, very silly. Didn't induce any deep thinking in me, but was a fun and odd ride. (Hawaii?? Red-footed boobies? Pot planting? Sea-World working? Horah-dancing? All that in one life?! Crazy!)
July 31, 2011
Had to put this on my "can't finish" shelf. I got really tired of Sharon, the main character. She jumps into things wholeheartedly, but can't stick with them for long enough to know how they will turn out. I realize this may change by the end of the book, but I lost interest in Sharon's story. It reminds me too much of growing up with my mother. In fact, Sharon is JUST LIKE my mother. She is literally the same age, in the same time period. My mom was a single mother and not such a spiritual seeker, but otherwise very similar. If I want to read about someone who keeps switching dead end jobs, boyfriends, houses, etc., I will ask my mom to write about her life.
I had high hopes for this book, because I absolutely loved Goodman's The Cookbook Collector.
I thought the description of Sharon's "born again" experience was pretty accurate (being Christian myself), and even her experience afterwards was potentially believable, but I couldn't figure out what she wanted from religion/spirituality that she wasn't getting. She had been going to church for months before her conversion experience, so it wasn't like she was jumping without knowing what Christians and Christianity are about. I can't speak to the accuracy of her experience with other religions, but I wanted her to continue to meet God, like she did during her "vision" on a boat. Seekers in all religions have to accept that God isn't always visible or audible. Faith is belief in that which is not seen.
Takes place in Honolulu, where my sister is about to begin school at the University of Hawaii, so I did enjoy reading about my sister's new locale.
I had high hopes for this book, because I absolutely loved Goodman's The Cookbook Collector.
I thought the description of Sharon's "born again" experience was pretty accurate (being Christian myself), and even her experience afterwards was potentially believable, but I couldn't figure out what she wanted from religion/spirituality that she wasn't getting. She had been going to church for months before her conversion experience, so it wasn't like she was jumping without knowing what Christians and Christianity are about. I can't speak to the accuracy of her experience with other religions, but I wanted her to continue to meet God, like she did during her "vision" on a boat. Seekers in all religions have to accept that God isn't always visible or audible. Faith is belief in that which is not seen.
Takes place in Honolulu, where my sister is about to begin school at the University of Hawaii, so I did enjoy reading about my sister's new locale.
April 11, 2026
I struggled to finish this. The protagonist is very self- absorbed and obnoxious. I thought the book was way too long.
August 4, 2014
Allegra Goodman has given us a journey of discovery through the empty head of one of the ditziest characters I've ever met. Her voice never fails to sound just like a young woman sharing her story over a drink, you know? The style is conversational and you are never quite sure where Sharon is headed with her narrative, neither is she. Just when you think she is going to find her place, she abruptly gets pushed farther on her journey and has to find her bearings all over again.
Sharon does ultimately reach a place where she feels comfortable, so there is closure in spite of her lengthy wanderings. Sharon's Jewishness brings her full circle, so Judaism is infused throughout.
I was especially struck by how much this book reminded me of a book I loved in junior high called The Season of the Witch by James Leo Herlihy, author of Midnight Cowboy. It was a psychedelic journey through the 60s with a young woman who was seeking a spiritual home, much like Sharon. I grew up in a conservative town, so the hippie lifestyle seemed sooooooo groovy to me! Now, like Sharon, I'm older, and enjoy the benefits of a more focused life.
I'm looking forward to reading more books by Allegra Goodman.
Sharon does ultimately reach a place where she feels comfortable, so there is closure in spite of her lengthy wanderings. Sharon's Jewishness brings her full circle, so Judaism is infused throughout.
I was especially struck by how much this book reminded me of a book I loved in junior high called The Season of the Witch by James Leo Herlihy, author of Midnight Cowboy. It was a psychedelic journey through the 60s with a young woman who was seeking a spiritual home, much like Sharon. I grew up in a conservative town, so the hippie lifestyle seemed sooooooo groovy to me! Now, like Sharon, I'm older, and enjoy the benefits of a more focused life.
I'm looking forward to reading more books by Allegra Goodman.
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