The hype for this book has been so pervasive that I knew I would eventually end up reading it. Going into it, I had no idea what to expect but after finishing this novel I am left with next to nothing. The short length of the novel paired with the complete lack of plot left me feeling unsatisfied (which I must assume is the point). The main character is deeply flawed which seems to be the entire driving force of this book but when looking at it as "Reva's" story, this book becomes a lot more interesting for me. Reva is a quintessential product of her time. Her views on money, fashion, beauty, friendship are all seen by the main character as completely vapid. She is fully living, making her way through the motions of a "meaningful life". The main character (who is unnamed throughout the novel and remains a cryptic figure in its entirety) seems to keep Reva around because of her familiarity, stupidity and overall meaninglessness. Reva's lack of self worth keeps her stuck in this friendship that is giving her absolutely nothing in return. By no means is Reva a perfect person and the novel does not attempt to paint her in such a way. She is however the complete opposite of our protagonist. She cares so deeply about what others think that she allows for her whole life to be guided by actions to fit in. Our protagonist on the other hand is so checked out of society that she seems uncaring whether she lives or dies. This juxtaposition of character (explored through both of their journeys of grief and attempt to find meaning life) is what brings some meaning to this otherwise lacking novel. It reminded me deeply of The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (both novels I think are overhyped). The ending felt a bit forced and overall done for shock value rather than true commentary, which is ironic due to the way this book treats the art scene. 

I didn’t feel that much happened in this book. Felt very repetitive, and the ending seemed rushed.

After hearing a lot of bad reviews I really enjoyed this book. Obnoxious at times but otherwise I thought it was an interesting concept and really well written

quite the odd book. the unnamed narrator’s goal to essentially hibernate for an entire year is an intriguing concept for a novel. the “plot” itself is a bit boring and repetitive in the beginning, but it picks up towards the middle. slow, but well-paced. outlandish stories like this can easily turn me off, but there was a point to be made with all the chaos, so it worked. the narrator is as compelling as she is insufferable. i see why a lot of people like and don’t like this book; being a character driven narrative, it hinges on you finding her and her relationships enjoyable to read about. her unlikeable personality worked for me as there was a clear purpose to it, but i can see why it did not work for others. the relationship between the narrator and reva was the heart of the novel. i kept reading just to get to more scenes of them together. i liked picking up on the several ways they foil each other and how their dynamic portrays the novel’s more interesting themes.

some (glaring) issues that keep this from being a full 4 stars: the majority of the comedy fell flat for me, apart from two bits that i remember laughing at. the narrator’s tangents about whoopi goldberg were especially unfunny and a little uncomfortable to read at times. as this was advertised as a “dark comedy”, i was disappointed. i also HATED the psychiatrist (i don’t even remember her name). i understand her purpose and why she’s necessary, but her character and dialogue irritated me. lastly, the ending was surprisingly underwhelming given what happens and all the foreshadowing that leads up to it. perhaps this was the point, but my thoughts remain the same.

a cool idea executed somewhat successfully, and it was an enjoyable and entertaining read overall.

I have never read something like this before. Annoyingly repetitive and boring but so captivating and beautifully written at the same time. 

The last sentence left me stunned because I couldn’t believe that there was no other page coming after this. The narrator needs professional help and definitely not from Dr. Tuttle. I fear I didn’t exactly hate her though… in a way I kind of got her. Couldn’t really blame her somehow. For some things. The ending left me unsatisfied, as already predicted halfway through. 

I’m undecided about recommending this book. The concept itself was intriguing, that’s why I picked it up in the first place, but it definitely could have been used better. After reading various reviews I came to the conclusion that it has the potential to change your life but it probably will not. Very overrated in my opinion. 

Gonna take a nap now. ⋆⭒˚☾⋆.˚