There are a lot of books out there on the differences between intelligence and wisdom – this one illustrates those differences very well while telling the tale of a group of young students attending university at a small private school.
Dark events are happening outside of the main character’s view – many of the major turning points and events are heard about through other people, and to me that was a little unsatisfying. I thought since we were hearing about them (instead of experiencing them) that there would be a twist or surprise, but, uh, not really.
The writing was quite good, however, and I really liked that it was written in a way that made it difficult to understand exactly when this story takes place. The 70’s? 90’s? The timeframe isn’t important, so we focus more on the creepy characters.
There is a lot of drugs and alcohol, bad decisions, insecurity, riches and class markers, and certain grim events that when combined made for an interesting but ultimately gloomy story. Maybe I would have gotten more out of it if I had read it in my high school or university days. Reading about people partying all night and sleeping through classes and entire days recovering just made me feel like an old man – you kids should be more responsible!
Generally I liked the book, and the writing, but not so much the story and how it was revealed to the reader.
Next I’m reading Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Time for some nerdy science (fiction)!
