Beth F
bermudaonion (Kathy)
Sandy
Michelle
Katie
American Rust – Book Review
American Rust by Philipp Meyer
I was SO EXCITED to read “American Rust.” I was so looking forward to the story of the dying town in Pennsylvania and the boys dying to escape, only to have something go terribly, terribly wrong. I suppose I thought it would be something like “America, America” (review here). Sure, the plot line is very different, but both are set around blue collar towns that must transition or die.
I think it was much too-high expectations that killed “American Rust” for me. I would have been better off coming at it as the interesting debut novel it is. The story was interesting enough and the characters complex: moral dilemmas, loyalty, appearances in a small town. It just didn’t quite all come together for me. Although it was interesting seeing the story through a variety of eyes, the ever-shifting perspective made it difficult for me to feel empathy for any of the characters. I also didn’t like the style, particularly in the sections from Isaac’s perspective. During Isaac’s sections the narration occasionally switched from third person to second, and then Isaac would begin thinking of himself in third person. It was a stylistic choice, one that many people might enjoy for what it shows them about the character (Isaac is a little unstable), but it drove me batty.
There may be some readers who will really enjoy “American Rust” – in fact, I know there are, I’ve read lots of great reviews, which probably contributed to my too-high expectations, my opinion seems to be the minority (although I’m not the only one to hold it). This is not a bad book by any means, it just didn’t work for me.
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It’s true what you said. High expectations can kill a book for me sometimes.
Ti’s last blog post..Friday Ramblings
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I’ve seen some good reviews for this one too. Of course, no book is for everyone. Sorry this one didn’t work for you.
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I’m not sure where I’ve been, but I have not heard much about this book, so I have no expectations! Maybe I’ll give it a try!
Sandy’s last blog post..Shopping Independent
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I can kind of understand how high expectations would kill this one. Part of its appeal was that it snuck up on me and I wasn’t sure what I would expect. I’m sorry you didn’t like it!
Meghan’s last blog post..Review: A Duke to Die For, Amelia Grey
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Thanks for your honest and great review. For me, this just doesn’t sound like something I would enjoy.
Staci’s last blog post..Living Dead Girl- my thoughts
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Bummer that it didn’t live up to your expectations (or maybe its hype?).
softdrink’s last blog post..Lies My Teacher Told Me
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That’s too bad that you didn’t like this one! I think the shifting voice & perspective would bother me too.
Alyce’s last blog post..Weekly Giveaway Roundup
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Aw, I’m sorry you didn’t like this. I try not to read most reviews of a book I know I’m going to read, because the expectations (be they good or bad) can kill the book for me, so I can definitely relate to that! I really enjoyed American Rust–loved some of the things you didn’t like–but I can see where it wouldn’t appeal to everyone.
Ali’s last blog post..Views to Other Reviews, II
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The story and wanted to know what happened definitely went a long way toward dragging me through this one. I do remember reading Isaac’s parts and wondering, am I supposed to get from the writing that he is nuts?
Nicole’s last blog post..Mailbox Monday
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I seem to have enjoyed this one more than you, but I understand where you are coming from. I really liked the shifting perspectives in each chapter, though it could be disconcerting at times when I was invested in the viewpoint of the prior character. Oh, and I agreed with Isaac’s shifting perspective being a little annoying.
Jessica’s last blog post..Tea and Other Ayama Na Tales, by Eleanor Bluestein
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Good review. I didn’t care for this one either. Although I really liked America, America, so I will visit your review next.
My review of American Rust is here: http://rosecityreader.blogspot.com/2009/09/review-of-day-american-rust.html
If you want me to post a link to your review, please leave a comment on mine. I don’t like to link without permission unless I’m already blogger buddies with the reviewer.
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