The Interestings was published almost a year ago but only recently caught my attention, while I was in the car, listening to an interview with the author. Meg Wolitzer was making her media rounds to promote the book’s release in paperback. The story follows the lives of a group of talented friends who meet at an artsy, hip, pretentious summer camp called Spirit-in-the-Woods. As they all grow up, some of them find incredible success through their talents, while others find that their talents are nothing but of the past. The book explores what kind of life you lead when you have – or don’t have – any exceptional talents or you have – or haven’t – done anything exceptional.
I didn’t learn all of that during the radio interview. But I did hear the author talk about “thicker, finalized adult selves.” She describes how difficult it becomes to reinvent yourself as you get older. She points out that comfort and familiarity become so highly valued that those priorities in themselves prevent any kind of radical change. Going into the nth year of my quarter-life-crises, I thought the book may teach me a few things – or maybe even serve as a warning.
Note: I probably trust reviews more than I should, because I’m a big fan of reading one or two before committing to a book.
I didn’t learn all of that during the radio interview. But I did hear the author talk about “thicker, finalized adult selves.” She describes how difficult it becomes to reinvent yourself as you get older. She points out that comfort and familiarity become so highly valued that those priorities in themselves prevent any kind of radical change. Going into the nth year of my quarter-life-crises, I thought the book may teach me a few things – or maybe even serve as a warning.
Note: I probably trust reviews more than I should, because I’m a big fan of reading one or two before committing to a book.
The Interestings sounds like a good book for me to read. It resonates with me because I am in my late 50’s and I am still looking for a career that I am passionate about. I have always loved to read and write – I don’t know how to make it a paying career.
Great blog – thank you!
Jan
I’ve had my eye on this for some time as well. Over the last few years, I feel like I’ve come across Wolitzer’s books almost everywhere, but have never managed to pick one up.
This one sounds to me like the most interesting (no pun intended!) – I’ll look forward to hear your final judgement on it 🙂
Camilla @ http://thegirlwholovedtoread.com
Wow thanks so much for this review! i didn’t even know that the book existed and yet it sounds so interesting! Definitely going to read this one! 😀
I was just recommended this book by someone on tumblr! Beautiful review. Can’t wait to read it!
Britta