Frankly, I’m not sure where to even begin.
Every bloggers nightmare, right?
Because let’s be honest,
my “job” is to tell you why I love a book.
Why I think you should take the time out of your life
to read it, and you in turn trust me to take you on that journey.
(side note: Thank you for that… truly.)
If I can’t articulately express these things then I’ve fail.
I recently read a novel that I know isn’t for everyone.
I know it’s not perfect.
I really don’t know how to explain why I liked it so much.
I know it will leave some wanting.
And yet, I can’t help but be impressed by it.
I can’t help but feel it might just be a must read.
Even if I think most will not agree…
So, I’m asking for a little extra grace today and trust.
What book is causing such confusion and rambling?
Book Details:
Title – Girl Parts
Author – John M. Cusick (debuting)
Buy it here at B&N.
Description:
David and Charlie are opposites. David has a million friends, online and off. Charlie is a soulful outsider, off the grid completely. But neither feels close to anybody. When David’s parents present him with a hot Companion bot designed to encourage healthy bonds and treat his “dissociative disorder,” he can’t get enough of luscious redheaded Rose — and he can’t get it soon. Companions come with strict intimacy protocols, and whenever he tries anything, David gets an electric shock. Parted from the boy she was built to love, Rose turns to Charlie, who finds he can open up, knowing Rose isn’t real. With Charlie’s help, the ideal “companion” is about to become her own best friend. In a stunning and hilarious debut, John Cusick takes rollicking aim at internet culture and our craving for meaningful connection in an uberconnected world.
Why I think you might just have to read this novel:
1. It’s extremely unique.
With the YA genera being flooded with vampies,
werewolves, faeries, and angels a good Sci-Fi fic is a bit of
fresh air, true be told. (I’m not complaining
just sayin’.)
2. It’s smart.
And not just in a witty sarcastic way,
but in a things-that-make-you-go-hm…-way.
The biggest selling point for me is that the
story never felt highhanded or ranty but
naturally had something to say.
I never felt the author was preaching at me.
The biggest selling point for me is that the
story never felt highhanded or ranty but
naturally had something to say.
I never felt the author was preaching at me.
3. Believable characters.
While I might not have liked all of the characters,
they were believable and I was able to connect with them.
(Side note: I *heart* Rose’s journey of self discovery.)
4. The message.
As our world has become smaller due to the webernet,
we as people are also becoming more closed off to one another.
Cusick doesn’t limit this dissociative behavior to those
who haunt the internet but also to those individuals who
can’t seem to connect with the people around them.
Cusick’s messages is clear:
a. We must learn to care about the world around us
before we become so hardened to others that we
completely disconnect with our emotions.
b. That we must not become slaves to society and others.
We must be different… dare I say, better than that.
5. Cusick’s voice and style are awesome.
I found the author’s style to be refreshing.
To the point. And lacking a lot of filler.
On one hand, this can be a downfall.
While I might not have liked all of the characters,
they were believable and I was able to connect with them.
(Side note: I *heart* Rose’s journey of self discovery.)
4. The message.
As our world has become smaller due to the webernet,
we as people are also becoming more closed off to one another.
Cusick doesn’t limit this dissociative behavior to those
who haunt the internet but also to those individuals who
can’t seem to connect with the people around them.
Cusick’s messages is clear:
a. We must learn to care about the world around us
before we become so hardened to others that we
completely disconnect with our emotions.
b. That we must not become slaves to society and others.
We must be different… dare I say, better than that.
5. Cusick’s voice and style are awesome.
I found the author’s style to be refreshing.
To the point. And lacking a lot of filler.
On one hand, this can be a downfall.
On the other, it weeds out all the extra story lines
and streamlines the plot giving it more bang for the buck.
Cusick’s novel is short, but powerful.
His sense of humor comes out in his witty writing style.
Yet his message is clearly delivered in his plot line.
So if I have so many nice things to say,
why am I worried about recommending this novel?
1. Because the ending is abrupt and does leave the reader
wanting more and with a billion questions.
2. The story is written in the third person
which means the story doesn’t delve into the
actual minds of the characters.
Why would this be an issue?
First person does seem to be the preferred POV these days.
3. It’s a Sci-Fi in the present story, BUT
there isn’t a lot of set up of the world.
Meaning, we as the reader have to put our trust
in the author and believe that the world he created just is
what it is without a ton of explanation.
4. The pace of the book could be considered slow
without any action type scenes.
5. The characters are a bit cliche.
David the spoiled rich boy.
Charlie the shy nerdy son of a scientist.
Rose the perfect “girl.”
why am I worried about recommending this novel?
1. Because the ending is abrupt and does leave the reader
wanting more and with a billion questions.
2. The story is written in the third person
which means the story doesn’t delve into the
actual minds of the characters.
Why would this be an issue?
First person does seem to be the preferred POV these days.
3. It’s a Sci-Fi in the present story, BUT
there isn’t a lot of set up of the world.
Meaning, we as the reader have to put our trust
in the author and believe that the world he created just is
what it is without a ton of explanation.
4. The pace of the book could be considered slow
without any action type scenes.
5. The characters are a bit cliche.
David the spoiled rich boy.
Charlie the shy nerdy son of a scientist.
Rose the perfect “girl.”
In conclusion:
For me, personal, this book is a 5 hands down.
However…
If I were to rate it on an “appeals to the masses”
scale (you know, cause I’ve got one of those in my back-pocket),
I’d say the book was more of a 3 1/2 possibly a solid 4.
If I were to rate it on an “appeals to the masses”
scale (you know, cause I’ve got one of those in my back-pocket),
I’d say the book was more of a 3 1/2 possibly a solid 4.
And there you have it, folks.
One of the most confusing reviews I have ever posted.
And that is saying a lot.
And that is saying a lot.
My opinion?
You should give this novel a chance.
And not because I think you will definitely like it,
only because potentially you Just. Might. Love it.
only because potentially you Just. Might. Love it.
Until next time–
Happy reading, Bookworms!!
Yours truly,
The following two tabs change content below.
Latest posts by Danny (see all)
- INTENSITY by Sherrilyn Kenyon – Excerpt & Giveaway - September 8, 2017
- Locked in Temptation – Q&A withBrenda Jackson & Giveaway - August 4, 2017
- Locked in Temptation by Brenda Jackson – Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway - July 26, 2017
You dealt with this review with finesse. 🙂 I also read this one, and found it be not for me, though I did appreciate its unique qualities. It just left a lot to be desired.
Reply »
Love your review. I read one review of Girl Part which wasn't too glowing, but after reading your comments, I think I will try this one on an see if it fits my tastes too. Thanks
Reply »
I'm so glad. I truly do understand why people might not enjoy this book, but I also think it has different layers (sorta like Ogres have layers *winks*) and if one were to go into it open minded and without expectations, they just might enjoy it for what it is. A short, simple story that is interesting and unique story.
In my mind, every book is worth trying. Welll, pretty much every book. Thanks for the comment! I look forward to hearing what you thought of the story.
Reply »
Your review of was intriguing enough for me to go looking for it! Come payday, I think it will be mine!
My recent post Thursday memes
Reply »
Aw shucks! I'm glad you liked the review. I was a jumbled mess writing it. At first, I thought about not posting it, but in the end, I felt I had to. The story (for lack of a better word) is incredibly simple. But, in my humble opinion, I think that is done on purpose. And if I was more awake and had a cup of coffee in me, the English major within me would start going on and on about themes, plot, symbols, and other Literary jargon , but luckily for all of us, I'm too sleepy for that right now. 😉
Thank you for the comment!!
Reply »
I can't wait to hear what you think! =)
Reply »
Thanks! for the review.
Reply »
I've got a quirky sense of reading… so I'd probably like it! LOL..
Very interesting premise in this book.
Great review!
Reply »
I'm so reading this. Thanks for the review. I've had my eye on it for a while but I haven't gotten around to getting a copy of it yet.
Reply »
I think it's interesting that you think it won't appeal to the masses when it so clearly appealed to you. I felt that way about Libba Bray's "Going Bovine." I adored this book, but when I tried to explain what enthralled me so much about it, I found it really hard to pin down. But, I think it's these sorts of books that keep me reading. Don't get me wrong, I love a great genre book (hello??? I read Regency Romances….'nuff said!) but I like a book that can stretch my literary horizons, if only because it is conceptually different or just has a totally weird yet unbeatably cool premise.
Anyway, long comment to say:
1) I adore Cutie
2) You pick AWESOMESAUCE books
3) If you love it, other readers should read it. The. End.
*hugs*
Reply »
NP. Thanks for the comment and for reading it. =)
Reply »
I hope you enjoy it. I would love to hear what you think of it. =)
Reply »
YAY! I hope you enjoy it. =)
Reply »
1. I adore you more.
2. I'm glad you think I pick awesomesauce books, this makes my heart happy.
3. I am by no means the be all end all of book picking, but I thank thee for thinking so. You, my friend, might be my loudest and most awesomest cheerleader. True story. Nuff said. The.End.
PS We need to bring back Holy Haberdashery. Just sayin.
Reply »