ManBookering discussion

Discussion questions will be updated.

I finished reading this book in May and gave it three out of five stars on Goodreads. I found at the beginning I was reading it quite quickly but then about a third of the way into the book got bogged down and I put it away and let it sit for a few weeks before I actually picked it up and then finished it. It was an okay book, but I didn't love it.

I read this earlier in the year when I read the Baileys Prize shortlist. I liked it more than the other book I read by Tyler and found the ending quite moving but generally I thought it was a bit over rated and not something I would immediately think of as a prize winner.

Not read a lot else on the longlist yet but I'd be surprised if this win or was on the shortlist

I'm not sure why this book was long listed for the prize. It isn't that I didn't enjoy it, because I did, but when I finished the book, I found myself feeling like it was nothing special. The characters were fine, the family drama was fine, but there was nothing about this novel that I found to be astounding or remarkable. It was simply a decent story. I wish that it had made some kind of emotional impact on me, because that really seems to be where the story wanted the reader to end up, but I didn't find any of the twists to be that shocking or interesting. This book is my definition of a three star book. There is nothing inherently wrong with it, but there also isn't anything that's going to keep me thinking about this book in the weeks to come. I predict at the end of the year, I won't really remember much of this book at all.

Perhaps the issue with the story is that there are too many characters? I see what Tyler was doing, trying to examine all of these generations in one family, how they differ and how they grew, but I didn't feel like I got to know most of the characters, which left me feeling rather apathetic when anything happened to them.

It's so interesting how we all have different thoughts on this one! I absolutely adored this book, and I feel like part of that is owing to having listened to it. The narrator did a fantastic job capturing all the narrative voices.

I think that even though the plot points weren't remarkably twisting and shocking, the way the author revealed these family issues made them a bit more dramatic and interesting. I loved seeing how the family evolved by moving backward in time. I felt like that choice, the reverse linear story-telling, was really intriguing.

And *spoilers, kind of* the scene where we learn about Stem's background and how he got his name--which was something I was wondering all through the first 2 chapters--made me tear up. It was absolutely beautiful and made me so happy, to see a mother's love be that strong and passionate.

Mostly this book just surprised me, being much better than I anticipated considering I was at one point not even going to pick it up because of lack of interest. Glad I gave it a shot!

Book # 7 for me; my 3 star review: My first Tyler novel and on the basis of this, doubt I'd read another. Not sure what to make of it...I didn't DISLIKE it, per se, but it just seemed rather bland and pointless. I was expecting some sort of grand epiphany that just didn't happen. Was also perplexed at the book's structure...since it seemed the story could have just as well have been told chronologically, without it making much difference. After the first half taking place in the present and then to go back and tell the story of Abby and Red's courtship, and THEN Junior and Linnie's, and then return to modern times irked me somewhat. Doubt it will make the Man Booker Shortlist; if it does, it's only because apparently Tyler has stated this will be her final novel, and the nomination will be a Lifetime award of some kind.

I finished this earlier today and was surprised to find myself giving it 4 stars. I had thought I wouldn't really like it as it really didn't sound like my kind of book. But I found that I enjoyed the author's writing style and use of words. And then I found myself starting to care about what happened to the people. Once that happens, you can't resist any longer and have to start admitting you are enjoying the book! Slight spoiler alert - stop reading now if you haven't read this yet. In my view, there's another and better book waiting to be written which is about Denny - maybe we will see that at some point soon: I would certainly read it. The ending of the book suggests this might be a possibility, I think.

This book took me by surprise as I expected to read it just to say I had read the Man Booker long list, but I have ended up having to re-think my short list contenders.

Neil: I'd agree that Denny was by far the most interesting character, and was sorry we didn't see more of him (... and also thought there would be SOME explanation for why the book starts with him announcing he's gay - and then totally drops that 'thread' - pardon the pun). Conflicting info from Tyler on whether or not this is her final book, but don't think she's ever done a sequel, so guess we've seen the last of Denny.

Doug wrote: "Neil: I'd agree that Denny was by far the most interesting character, and was sorry we didn't see more of him (... and also thought there would be SOME explanation for why the book starts with him..."
That's a shame, I think. The story of what caused his long absences and his clearly conflicted relationships would be a fascinating book.

A masterpiece. I will make it a mission to read all of Tyler's 18 other books (I've read the accidental tourist)

This was my third of the books on the long list and I quite enjoyed it. It was the story of a pretty typical American family - reminded me of my family a bit. There's Denny, the black sheep. I had an uncle on my Mom's side and Denny was a lot like him. This book was about a family just going about its business. Sad, funny, and poignant things take place. It is a very relatable story. I enjoyed it immensely, especially the porch swing story!

Did not like this book very much. I agree with most of the reviews above that we just didn't see some characters fully developed and their behavior explained (Denny is the biggest example). I also don't understand how this book made the short-list. There is nothing special about the story or language that will set it apart.