All Grown Up by Jami Attenberg

Andrea, a 39-year-old single woman, grapples with the expectations and realities of modern womanhood. Through her unfiltered thoughts and experiences, she questions societal norms and personal desires, offering a raw and intimate look at contemporary life. Her journey is both hilarious and heart-wrenching, as she confronts issues like family dynamics, career choices, and personal relationships. /n/n Written with wit and courage, 'All Grown Up' delves into the psyche of a flawed yet relatable protagonist. Jami Attenberg's novel is a powerful exploration of what it means to be a woman in the 21st century, tackling topics such as mental health, sexuality, and the pressures of adulthood. The narrative is both deeply personal and universally resonant, making it a compelling read for anyone who has ever questioned their place in the world.

Reviews

Ethereal Jinxed · 2018-11-18

unique 3.75

The book's diary-like structure offers a unique and engaging reading experience. The protagonist's journey is both poignant and introspective, making it a memorable read.

Ethereal Jinxed's review highlights the unique structure of 'All Grown Up,' which resembles a diary with pages picked from different points in the protagonist's life. This structure adds depth and originality to the narrative, making it a memorable reading experience. The reviewer appreciates the protagonist's introspective journey, noting that her reflections on adulthood are both poignant and thought-provoking. The book's exploration of the complexities of adulthood makes it a standout in contemporary fiction. However, the reviewer also points out that the book's structure might not appeal to everyone, making it a polarizing read.

Quick quotes

Jami Attenberg, the author of the book, has written it more so like a diary entry but where adhoc pages are picked from the start, middle and end.

The book's structure adds depth and originality to the narrative, making it a memorable reading experience.

The protagonist's journey is both poignant and introspective, making it a standout in contemporary fiction.

The Guardian · 2017-04-01

honest 3.50

The book offers a raw and unfiltered portrayal of independence, diverging from typical narratives of single women in literature. The protagonist's journey is both relatable and challenging, making it a unique read.

The Guardian's review highlights that 'All Grown Up' is a stark departure from the usual single-woman narratives like 'Sex and the City' or 'Bridget Jones's Diary'. Instead, it presents a warts-and-all portrait of a woman navigating adulthood on her own terms. The reviewer appreciates the honesty and complexity of the protagonist, noting that her journey is both relatable and challenging. The book's unflinching look at independence makes it a standout in contemporary fiction. However, the reviewer also notes that the protagonist's choices and actions might not resonate with everyone, making it a polarizing read.

Quick quotes

This single-woman-about-town fiction is not like Sex and the City or Bridget Jones's Diary – it is a warts-and-all portrait of independence.

It is a book that will resonate with some and alienate others, but it is undeniably a true-to-life heroine.

The book is a raw and unfiltered portrayal of a woman navigating the complexities of adulthood.

The New York Times · 2017-03-09

refreshing 4.00

The protagonist's rejection of traditional adulthood milestones is both refreshing and thought-provoking. The book offers a nuanced exploration of what it means to be an adult in today's world.

The New York Times review praises 'All Grown Up' for its protagonist's unconventional approach to adulthood. The reviewer finds it refreshing that the character forgoes typical trappings of adulthood, such as marriage and children, and instead carves her own path. This exploration of non-traditional adulthood is both thought-provoking and relatable, making the book a compelling read. The reviewer also notes that the book's structure, which resembles overlapping short stories, adds depth and originality to the narrative. However, the reviewer also points out that the protagonist's choices might not resonate with everyone, making it a book that sparks conversation and debate.

Quick quotes

In Jami Attenberg's 'All Grown Up,' a single woman entering her 40s forgoes the typical trappings of adulthood.

The book offers a nuanced exploration of what it means to be an adult in today's world.

The protagonist's journey is both refreshing and thought-provoking, making the book a compelling read.

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