The Grift was exactly what I needed right now.It's not a book that got into my head; I didn't dream about psychics or ruby rings. I did, however, put down my computer for hours to read. (Once upon a time, this wouldn't have been such a notable event.)
Though the premise of the story (psychics are real!) has been pretty popular for TV series of late, I expected more of a Ghost (think Whoopi Goldberg) kind of protagonist, and so, despite praise from other readers, I didn't have particularly high hopes for this book. But Marina is definitely no Ida Mae Brown. The characters run the gamut of familiar (but enjoyable) California archetypes, whose piddly little issues take on characteristics of cartoon snowballs rolling down a hill until they lead to real, dangerous problems.
I haven't read much Alice Hoffman--none of her grown-up books--but this book is along the lines of what I'd expect from her. (Hoffman fans should feel free to tell me whether these expectations are right on or off-base.)
This book isn't a work of literary genius; it's not particularly deep. But it is a fun experience, and that's more than I can say for a lot of the books I've picked up this year.
Many thanks to Random House for so obligingly sending me a review copy!
4 comments:
Sounds like a book I'd like to read. Thanks for the review.
I've read Ginsberg's Blind Submission and really enjoyed that novel, but this one may not be as good, at least that is what it sounds like from your review.
Fun works.
I have this book in my TBR pile and am anxious to read it. It sounds like a good one.
Post a Comment