Diversity in All Forms! discussion

Gender Stereotypes is the diversity topic should we will cover in April.

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

I read this back in 2009, but it has stuck with me. I live near Detroit and appreciate Eugenides' attention to detail with getting the geography and history of Detroit right.

Obviously the gender issues were really important to the story as well, but I loved how they were put in this great, sweeping historical context, from the origins of the genetic mutation in the Old World up to the Jazz Age of Detroit and beyond.

This book is a total masterpiece. I read it in my mother tongue language, and being European myself I discovered so much about modern American History and it struck me. I had no clue about all the riots in Detroit and this novel made me wanting to know more: I read additional books about it and watched several movies.
Besides that, I generally love family sagas, and this one was great. The characters are fantastic, whether they are good or nasty, the introspection is so well done which makes you love all of them equally.
The only bit which I found disappointing is the fact that I wanted to know more about the latest Callie - the book tells a lot about the past but not much about the present.

Overall, a great book, everyone should read it!

Here is my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I am really curious to know what you guys think about it once you finish reading it.

I agree that this is an excellent book. The story of the Greek immigrants who came to the U.S - and their lives here - is so interesting. And then Cal's experiences, and genetic heritage, make for a fascinating story. Very well written.


This is my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I am trying so hard to find a way to fit ‘‘tis on my reading list for March!

I'm maybe halfway thru, and agree that it's an excellent book. I had trouble with the coincidences around Jimmie Zizmo, but otherwise, I'm enjoying all the characters. Eugenides obviously did a ton of historical research, and has integrated lots of telling details and historical information I was only vaguely aware of into a highly interesting family saga.

I had this book for some time but I never picked it up. Now, I am reading it and I am liking it. : )

aPriL does feral sometimes wrote: "I had this book for some time but I never picked it up. Now, I am reading it and I am liking it. : )"

It's such a good story. 😊

I loved this book! I thought it would be primarily about hermaphroditism but instead it is a wide-angle exploration of identity - race, religion, gender, family, friendship, class. I like historical fiction, too. Very satisfying. I did not know about or Detroit.

My brain has been so jumbled since the emergency surgery there is no way I will even start this in April. I hope the thread stays open so I can comment on the book.

Great story. I learned a lot and gained perspective.