Or so much drek! I've read some great reviews of this "novel" and was excited to read it. The excitement ended when the book started. Did I read the same book as these rave reviewers? I hardly think so.
I read a quote (not sure what its from but I found it on Amazon) from
…more Hoffman..."as a journalist, I've always thought 'why' was the most important question". On this, at least, the "author" (DO NOT QUIT YOUR DAY JOB!) and I agree. Why indeed? Why did I waste money on this book? Why did I waste time on this book? Why did someone agree to publish this book?
To say this book was slow to start is a gross understatement. It never "started". The choppy writing style is something I'd give a failing grade for to a middle school student. I read the book to its end and I felt unsatisfied. The social commentary attempted in this ill thought out story rings hollow, specifically because the author (I reiterate, DO NOT QUIT YOUR DAY JOB) just tried too hard. Despite her overzealous efforts, she accomplished nothing with this book. The story is a real stinker. The writing style is hard on the brain and nearly painful to read. Reading this book made me feel like Hoffman was just trying overly hard (and failing) to be clever and witty. If her book speaks anything about her, she's neither.
If you set aside the sluggish, pathetic story line and the undisguised attempts at being the "smartest person in the room" with her writing, you still come up with something far less than mediocre. Where was the editor during the proofing phase of this book? It's poorly edited and it should never have made it past the reception desk at any reputable publishing house.
In the end, I couldn't even bring myself to donate this book to my local book drive. It went into the recycling bin with the remnants of products that served much more use to me than this atrocity in written form. I regret spending the money on the book but I'm embarrassed to return it to the shop I picked it up from because I don't even want people to know I once thought it might be readable.
I try hard not to judge an author but a debut but this one was so bad that I can honestly tell you that I will not read anything else Hoffman puts out...should such a thing once again make it through the editing process to become available to the outside world. The thoughts in Hoffman's head should do us all a favor and stay there. (less)
