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Book Review of A Visit from the Goon Squad

A Visit from the Goon Squad
Bernelli avatar reviewed on + 266 more book reviews


The non-chronological order these stories unfold made this book fun and interesting, and tying the relationships or the events back to other characters was like a puzzle. If you like puzzles, you will probably like this story. I found it to be a story of growing up, losing the innocence of youth and accepting the banality that daily life can bring -- along with the realization that we're not superheroes who will change the world with our superhuman ideals.

I do wish, though, that Pulitzer prize committees would value upbeat, optimistic characters who realize that, even though we do grow up, get beat up in back allies by the Goon Squad (I LOVE that term), and face down the fact that we DON'T have invisible planes or chests made of steel. Impacting characters can optimistic and happy, finding joy in the small pleasures in life.... can't they?? ....I digress.

This was a good story, and I'll probably read it a 2nd time.