Tag Archives: Realistic Fiction

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The Dinner by Herman Koch (review by Meilan S. ’17)

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The DinnerThe Dinner by Herman Koch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ready for a literary treat? The Dinner, by Herman Koch, follows two Dutch couples meeting for dinner to discuss a moral dilemma revolving around their sons. Reading about four adults eating for an entire book may not sound appetizing, but The Dinner is a riveting page-turner. In a style characteristic of the postmodern era, Koch focuses more on character development than plot twists like explosions and bar fights (not to say there aren’t any of those). Even though it takes place over a very short period of time, the book manages to stay interesting by incorporating multiple flashbacks. It even has humorous moments thanks to the narrator’s amusing view of the world, despite the heavy subject matter. The Dinner is a fantastic book full of surprises that will make you think. The Dinner will not entice everyone. Lovers of action/adventure/romance/fantasy may have difficulty finishing it. – Meilan S. ‘17

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Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk (review by Elisabeth S. ’16)

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Invisible MonstersInvisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Invisible Monsters follows a small group of fashion models trekking across the states trying to find themselves. The unnamed main character, a former fashion model, is disfigured — crippled by a mysterious accident. She hides under a veil and is known to others as a monster. In speech therapy, she meets supermodel Brandy Alexander, and the story unfolds from there. This book is fast-paced and not for the faint of heart. It starts with a house fire and only gains speed. The imagery is shocking and offensive with its brutal clarity. Palahniuk’s details land like punches without let up. His plots are artful and ingenious; the twists nearly impossible to see coming. Highly recommended. 5 – Elisabeth S. ‘16

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The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton (review by Elisabeth S. ’16)

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The OutsidersThe Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The Outsiders details the conflicts of adolescent Ponyboy as he and tries to find his way among the street gangs of his hometown. Hinton’s novel is weak. Artless prose replaces the jolting grittiness necessary to carry the toughness. The violence is bland and unrevealing. Hinton doesn’t convey the wrenching, heartfelt sentiment behind these events. The book ends up an expressionless shopping list of incidents of Ponyboy’s youth. The Outsiders may excite younger audiences, but will more likely irritate the more jaded readers. – Elisabeth S. ‘16

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Slammed by Colleen Hoover (review by Anushka D. ’15)

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Slammed (Slammed, #1)Slammed by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although Slammed begins with the cliché love tragedy between teacher and student, the plot quickly unravels itself to reveal an intriguing and efficacious twist of broken hearts, beautiful poetry, and tear-jerking misfortunes. While interesting, at times the story becomes a bit too chaotic: the main characters are both too lucky and unlucky at the same time, and the story a bit too whimsical. The poetry Hoover infuses into the book is, however, inspiring, and poignant, and effectively grounds the rather overwhelming plotline. The romance is uplifting and the ending, a neatly tied bow. Although I am not ready to experience the turmoil of the sequel, it is sure to be just as emotional and stimulating as this tumultuous start! Readers looking for both laughs and tears will be rewarded. – Anushka D. ’15

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