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Life Among Giants (2012)

by Bill Roorbach(Favorite Author)

3.43 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

1616200766 (ISBN13: 9781616200763)

languge

English

genre

Young Adult Fiction

publisher

Algonquin Books

review 1: Even though this is one of those books you're supposed to think is amazing because really smart book critics said so, I did not like it. AT ALL. I can't quite put my finger on what I found so blah about it, but the whole time I was reading it, my brain was just like "oh my GOD I don't care EVEN A LITTLE what's happening right now, what happened in the past, and what will happen in the future." Don't get me wrong...the writing is superb and the characters are super interesting and unique, though they are most definitely tropes...and cliche ones at that. I didn't love any of the characters but they were fine; however, I didn't care about the plot at all, which is kind of sucky. POSSIBLE SPOILERS...at the very beginning of the novel, the protagonist's parents are murdered so ... morethe novel focuses on who murdered them and why, as one small aspect of what turns out to be a very large story, winding through several decades. It's not really exciting, though, because you pretty much know almost everyone involved from the very first chapter and there's no real shocking ending? It just...unfolds. And you're like, great, I already knew that though? I don't know. I just didn't find it interesting at all and couldn't wait to finish reading because I wanted something to cleanse my palate. And even though it's a sort of thriller, it's not a page-turner in the least so there's no real motivation getting you through. The quality writing was the only thing I found worth it, and even then, without a strong plot, the fantastic writing goes nowhere.
review 2: I listened to the audio of this book and it was a feast for the senses and palate. Yes, there's a double murder, embezzlement, secrets, mystery, lovers, mania, football, and FOOD. This is a well-woven tale about David "Lizard" who is a football player turned chef, his sister Kate who lives on the edge of sanity (on a good day,) an enigmatic dancer, a dead rock star, a chef and his cross-dressing lover and, of course, the murderers. Lizard and Kate's parents are murdered in front of Lizard outside a fine restaurant, after his father agrees to turn state's evidence. It's really no wonder that Lizard becomes focused on football and food. Food, is a huge part of the story and bookends all the major events. The description of meals and their preparation are so carefully and beautifully written. You might find yourself thinking you are actually feasting right along with the characters. Roorbach has written a story that readers will want to jump into and maybe not leave. less

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