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The Book of George
From the author of the critically acclaimed Laura & Emma comes a The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P. for our times: Kate Greathead's razor-sharp but big-hearted excavation of millennial masculinity, The Book of George.
If you haven’t had the misfortune of dating a George, you know someone who has. He’s a young man brimming with potential but incapable of following through; noncommittal to his long-suffering girlfriend, Jenny; distant from but still reliant on his mother; funny one minute, sullenly brooding the next. Here, Kate Greathead paints one particular, unforgettable George in a series of droll and surprisingly poignant snapshots of his life over two decades.
And yet, it’s hard not to root for George at least a little. Beneath his cynicism is a reservoir of fondness for Jenny’s valiant willingness to put up with him. Each demonstration of his flaws is paired with a self-eviscerating comment. No one is more disappointed in him than himself (except maybe Jenny and his mother). As hilarious as it is astute and singular as it is universal, The Book of George is a deft, unexpectedly moving portrait of millennial masculinity.
If you haven’t had the misfortune of dating a George, you know someone who has. He’s a young man brimming with potential but incapable of following through; noncommittal to his long-suffering girlfriend, Jenny; distant from but still reliant on his mother; funny one minute, sullenly brooding the next. Here, Kate Greathead paints one particular, unforgettable George in a series of droll and surprisingly poignant snapshots of his life over two decades.
And yet, it’s hard not to root for George at least a little. Beneath his cynicism is a reservoir of fondness for Jenny’s valiant willingness to put up with him. Each demonstration of his flaws is paired with a self-eviscerating comment. No one is more disappointed in him than himself (except maybe Jenny and his mother). As hilarious as it is astute and singular as it is universal, The Book of George is a deft, unexpectedly moving portrait of millennial masculinity.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 8, 2024
About the author
Kate Greathead
2 books122 followersKate Greathead is the author of the novel Laura & Emma. A graduate of Wesleyan University and the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College, her writing has appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, and Vanity Fair, and Moth Radio Hour. She was a subject in the American version of the British Up documentary series, and she lives in Brooklyn with her husband, the writer Teddy Wayne.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
October 7, 2024
Perhaps the dude abides, but lately the dude just slides.
On Monday, the Wall Street Journal ran a front-page story lamenting the economic and social descent of guys. According to reporter Rachel Wolfe, “Presented with a more-equal playing field, young women are seizing the opportunities in front of them, while young men are floundering.” They’re more likely than women to be unemployed, undereducated and living with their parents. As a consequence, young men are also lonelier.
How calamitous this development feels may depend on how many hours your once-promising son has spent in the basement watching MrBeast videos on YouTube.
Kate Greathead knows a particular subset of these floundering young men very well, painfully well, hilariously well. Her second novel, “The Book of George,” contains 14 linked stories that serve as a series of time-lapsed photos of a young narcissist failing to thrive.
If you’re honest, you’ll admit that you’ve raised George or dated George or, worse, you are George.
The novel’s epigraph captures the tone perfectly. It’s from a letter written to 19-year-old Arthur Schopenhauer by his mother: “You are not an evil human,” she tells her son. “You are not without intellect and education; you have everything that could make you a credit to human society … but you are nevertheless irritating and unbearable, and I consider it most difficult to live with you.”
When “The Book of George” opens some two centuries later, we find another smart young man with every advantage. In the first story, Greathead moves quickly through George’s....
To read the rest of this review, go to The Washington Post:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/...
On Monday, the Wall Street Journal ran a front-page story lamenting the economic and social descent of guys. According to reporter Rachel Wolfe, “Presented with a more-equal playing field, young women are seizing the opportunities in front of them, while young men are floundering.” They’re more likely than women to be unemployed, undereducated and living with their parents. As a consequence, young men are also lonelier.
How calamitous this development feels may depend on how many hours your once-promising son has spent in the basement watching MrBeast videos on YouTube.
Kate Greathead knows a particular subset of these floundering young men very well, painfully well, hilariously well. Her second novel, “The Book of George,” contains 14 linked stories that serve as a series of time-lapsed photos of a young narcissist failing to thrive.
If you’re honest, you’ll admit that you’ve raised George or dated George or, worse, you are George.
The novel’s epigraph captures the tone perfectly. It’s from a letter written to 19-year-old Arthur Schopenhauer by his mother: “You are not an evil human,” she tells her son. “You are not without intellect and education; you have everything that could make you a credit to human society … but you are nevertheless irritating and unbearable, and I consider it most difficult to live with you.”
When “The Book of George” opens some two centuries later, we find another smart young man with every advantage. In the first story, Greathead moves quickly through George’s....
To read the rest of this review, go to The Washington Post:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/...
March 14, 2024
I haven’t dated a George but I have parented one. Oh the frustration of it all! Kate Greathead nailed it with her portrayal of this young man from age 12 to almost 40. George is smart, handsome, witty yet he can’t seem to propel his life forward. So much potential but going nowhere. He is at times intolerable and its very easy to dislike him, but one can’t quite give up on him. George lives off the kindness of others, especially his mother and long suffering girlfriend Jenny. He is selfish, disregards the feelings of others and self-absorbed, but then in moments of clarity he recognizes these things about himself and is deeply ashamed. When opportunities came his way I rooted for him to grab them and make something of his life. Why can’t he get out of his own way?! I think we may all have a George in our life…maybe a son, a brother, a boyfriend. Kate Greathead doesn’t tell us what to do with George or how to “fix” him, but she presents him true to life with humor and honesty and it allows us to have a little more compassion for our own “George”. This is a five star read! Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Company for the ARC.
October 10, 2024
This is like the origin story for someone’s terrible boyfriend. George is not a monster, but he’s not particularly attentive or empathetic. He leaves the chores—and the breadwinning—to his girlfriend while he spends years half-heartedly working on his unpublished novel. While he thinks he has the potential to achieve his goals, he hasn’t actually gotten around to pursuing them yet. This book follows George from his childhood to his late thirties, watching those around him mature while he remains stagnant.
This is an odd little novel, but I enjoyed it. It sticks close to George’s perspective, so there’s some satisfying dramatic irony when he can’t see how maddening he’s being, but we, the reader, can. If anyone else has read the Adrian Mole books, think of this as their modern American cousin. There were some moments that were genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. I’m still not sure how I felt about the ending, but the more I sit with it, the more I’ve come to appreciate it.
I’ve been fortunate enough not to date a George, but I recognized some friends’ exes in his behaviour. Even more alarming, I recognized the ugliest parts of myself. While no one should be a lifelong, full-time George, we all have our moments of entitlement, hard-headedness and laziness. This book is a reminder to work hard and treat people well…because there’s a bit of George in each of us.
This is an odd little novel, but I enjoyed it. It sticks close to George’s perspective, so there’s some satisfying dramatic irony when he can’t see how maddening he’s being, but we, the reader, can. If anyone else has read the Adrian Mole books, think of this as their modern American cousin. There were some moments that were genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. I’m still not sure how I felt about the ending, but the more I sit with it, the more I’ve come to appreciate it.
I’ve been fortunate enough not to date a George, but I recognized some friends’ exes in his behaviour. Even more alarming, I recognized the ugliest parts of myself. While no one should be a lifelong, full-time George, we all have our moments of entitlement, hard-headedness and laziness. This book is a reminder to work hard and treat people well…because there’s a bit of George in each of us.
August 16, 2024
4.5 Stars
This was a very interesting character study of "George". We follow him as he boards at college and navigates life into his late thirties. A drug that is given for anxiety and depression is mentioned a few times in the book, so we get a glimpse into the fact that he "has issues". He can't seem to focus on a plan of any sort and execute whether it's meaningful employment, romantic relationships, or even to box up his childhood bedroom when the house is being sold and the movers are coming tomorrow. He'd most likely get caught up in playing a game on the GameBoy device he unearthed until he passed all the levels, or taking a long nap. He takes people for granted, makes snarky jokes/comments rather than give kudos to people who deserve it, and has philosophical insights- albeit often cynical. He can also be thoughtless and selfish. While this all sounds negative, this realistic composite of a man with psychological issues was very thought-provoking, as these unattractive traits can be found in many people we know, and even inside ourselves. His long-suffering girlfriend Jenny played a great counterpoint to George's personality, as well as his mother Ellen, who both held George to account for his failings. It was possible to sympathize with George's character because he received the criticism, understood his imperfections, was apologetic...although he was apt to fail again. Many of his cynicisms rang true and were humorous. This was a book that exceeded my expectations.
Thank you to the publisher Henry Holt & Company who provided an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
This was a very interesting character study of "George". We follow him as he boards at college and navigates life into his late thirties. A drug that is given for anxiety and depression is mentioned a few times in the book, so we get a glimpse into the fact that he "has issues". He can't seem to focus on a plan of any sort and execute whether it's meaningful employment, romantic relationships, or even to box up his childhood bedroom when the house is being sold and the movers are coming tomorrow. He'd most likely get caught up in playing a game on the GameBoy device he unearthed until he passed all the levels, or taking a long nap. He takes people for granted, makes snarky jokes/comments rather than give kudos to people who deserve it, and has philosophical insights- albeit often cynical. He can also be thoughtless and selfish. While this all sounds negative, this realistic composite of a man with psychological issues was very thought-provoking, as these unattractive traits can be found in many people we know, and even inside ourselves. His long-suffering girlfriend Jenny played a great counterpoint to George's personality, as well as his mother Ellen, who both held George to account for his failings. It was possible to sympathize with George's character because he received the criticism, understood his imperfections, was apologetic...although he was apt to fail again. Many of his cynicisms rang true and were humorous. This was a book that exceeded my expectations.
Thank you to the publisher Henry Holt & Company who provided an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
July 30, 2024
I'm having a hard time rating this one. I liked the writing style and structure, and enjoyed following along through different periods of George's life. I do think this was well told, realistic, and authentic, but I did not like George at all. He had no redeeming factors for me. I found him selfish and inconsiderate and he had no character growth. I would have much rather read about Jenny the entire time, who was complex and interesting. A lot of reviewers claim that you either know a George or have dated a George, but I am neither because I cannot stand this type of incompetent personality. It was still a good read, but I would have rather followed a different character.
Thank you to Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you to Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for the ARC.
October 23, 2024
I like this one more than I thought I would at the beginning.
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
November 11, 2024
At the end of this book, I noticed that the author thanked someone named “Teddy” and right way I thought, that must be the writer Teddy Wayne. Sure enough, turns out she and Wayne are married, which I had not known. The reason I immediately thought of Wayne is because their books remind me of one another’s in some ways: when I finish, I’m like, I don’t quite know exactly what that was, or why it was, but I appreciated it and thought it was well-executed. Their books leave you feeling a bit off-center - well, a bit more off-center than usual these days - which I value. This one skewed a bit more realist than Wayne’s, whose work I find an unsettling mix of the mundane and something just short of uncanny (and whose characters slip more overtly into being outright insidious or malicious rather than just cluelessly ineffective or mildly destructive), but the detail and characterization were all subtly but closely observed and the quality and impact of the writing quietly snuck up on you in a way I appreciated. By the way, I plowed through this book primarily during a (uncomfy, too warm, cramped, departing at 5 AM on little sleep) plane ride, and while it doesn’t seem like a nuanced and mostly plotless character study would make for great airplane reading, especially under those conditions, I guess that just speaks to how skilled, natural, and engrossing a writer Greathead is.
I will say I am surprised by how many readers relate to knowing a “George” - I can honestly say I do not, but that’s not to say it did not seem like a realistic character or archetype. I think it’s partly that the people I know well did not have the combination of privilege and ineptitude it would take to be a George, and partly that I would tend to run in the opposite direction of a prospective George or probably not be able to tolerate any extended proximity to one.
I will say I am surprised by how many readers relate to knowing a “George” - I can honestly say I do not, but that’s not to say it did not seem like a realistic character or archetype. I think it’s partly that the people I know well did not have the combination of privilege and ineptitude it would take to be a George, and partly that I would tend to run in the opposite direction of a prospective George or probably not be able to tolerate any extended proximity to one.
September 30, 2024
The Book of George by Kate Greathead. Thanks to @henryholtbooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Everyone knows a George: smart and filled with potential, but non committal and only in his own way.
This is a quiet, real life-like story that follows one man from the age 12 to late thirties. I loved this book because while fiction, it felt so real. It’s really just about life, as George encompasses what it’s like to live as a white male in NYC in modern times. George is smart and funny, but lacks focus and drive. George is a mix of Toby Fleishman and Holden Caulfield.
“I guess that’s part of growing up. Coming to terms with your mediocrity.”
The Book of George comes out 10/8.
Everyone knows a George: smart and filled with potential, but non committal and only in his own way.
This is a quiet, real life-like story that follows one man from the age 12 to late thirties. I loved this book because while fiction, it felt so real. It’s really just about life, as George encompasses what it’s like to live as a white male in NYC in modern times. George is smart and funny, but lacks focus and drive. George is a mix of Toby Fleishman and Holden Caulfield.
“I guess that’s part of growing up. Coming to terms with your mediocrity.”
The Book of George comes out 10/8.
September 28, 2024
A third person narrative about a bumbling, lazy, charming and inconsiderate guy named George. This is really the story of his long suffering partner, Jenny. Jenny is a lawyer, mature and kind hearted, and deserves so much better. The story begins as they are servers at a restaurant, going through a decade of life. I file this under “cringe fiction” as it is so well-written and creative. In many ways it’s actually a great book. But at the same time I disliked George so, so much. He is selfish, self-centered, arrogant and OBLIVIOUS. There is one chapter in particular, in which George’s mom is selling the house and he needs to come home to clean out his childhood bedroom. I was so angry at George I wanted to throw the book across the room. Which is saying a lot because I listened to the audiobook. George, you need therapy, my dude.
I appreciated that the audiobook has a female narrator, although this is explicitly written about George. This really solidified the fact that we are Jenny, we are trying to make sense of George through a female lens.
Thanks to @netgalley and @henryholtbooks and @macmillan.audio for the ARC. Book to be published October 7, 2024.
#booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #booklover #arcreview #booktok #netgalley #bookrecommendations #thebookofgeorge
I appreciated that the audiobook has a female narrator, although this is explicitly written about George. This really solidified the fact that we are Jenny, we are trying to make sense of George through a female lens.
Thanks to @netgalley and @henryholtbooks and @macmillan.audio for the ARC. Book to be published October 7, 2024.
#booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #booklover #arcreview #booktok #netgalley #bookrecommendations #thebookofgeorge
March 2, 2024
George is insufferable and at the same time so depressingly relatable!
I really enjoyed The Book of George, it's cringy, it's funny, it's dark and I didn't want it to end.
We've all known or dated a George...but so many of us, 40 somethings, could be George!
Thank you, Netgalley, publisher, and author for the ARC.
I really enjoyed The Book of George, it's cringy, it's funny, it's dark and I didn't want it to end.
We've all known or dated a George...but so many of us, 40 somethings, could be George!
Thank you, Netgalley, publisher, and author for the ARC.
March 9, 2024
Oh, George! This was wonderful. The writing is sharp, compelling, and equally critical and fond of George.
George is easy to dislike and yet the author skillfully builds a character you can’t help but emphasize with to some extent (though every time he slights Jenny or takes her for granted, you go back to disliking him once more).
An easy five stars for this entertaining, hilarious, and touching read.
Thank you very much to Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.
George is easy to dislike and yet the author skillfully builds a character you can’t help but emphasize with to some extent (though every time he slights Jenny or takes her for granted, you go back to disliking him once more).
An easy five stars for this entertaining, hilarious, and touching read.
Thank you very much to Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.
March 20, 2024
The Book of George is an intensive study into George, a guy limping his way through life. Sometimes witty, often depressing, following this man throughout his life is nostalgic in many ways, we all knew a George, but mostly cringe inducing and frustrating. While realistic, it was hard to not see beyond his unlikability.
In The Book of George, you’re never going to believe this, but we follow George. From his birth to about present day. We sit with George, experiencing things with him, making choices with him, and dealing with the consequences of those choices. And boy are there consequences. George is a second child born in the mid 80s to an upper middle class suburban family. Immediately dealing with the strained relationship between his parents, George kicks off his life with a level of anxiety and depression. Awkward in youth, he seems to find his footing a bit more with an active social life during his college years, despite the tumultuous state of the world in the early 2000s. He then loses that footing post-college as he struggles with relationships, mental health, ambition, and finding his place in the world.
Technically, this was a well executed book. The writing is simple, but still interesting, never boring. I liked the chapter structure with each one being a new age somewhere in the future. There isn’t a strong overarching narrative, just a sequence of life events, but I don’t think that was a negative here. As you might expect, the characters were extremely well fleshed out, and I appreciated how distinct many of them were. Aside from George who we would expect to know the most, Jenny, Ellen, Cressida, and even Carrie all had distinct voices and very well developed personalities that complemented George’s.
I’ll be honest, based on the description of this book, I was expecting it to be funny. Like a comically cringe guy, landing himself into awkward situations that he has to dig himself out of, but through charm and ineptitude, we the reader can’t help but to root for him.
This was not that book. This was a book following an extremely unlikable main character as we get front row seats to his questionable life choices. We do get a seemingly never-ending sequence of supremely awkward social encounters which George seems to fumble and make worse time after time, but never with charm or humor. Just a deeply sad guy who can’t get a handle on his life.
I know that George isn’t supposed to be likable. I don’t need my protagonists or even side characters to be likable. But I do need something compelling to keep me interested in the story, and cringing chapter by chapter at the unfortunate circumstances George gets himself into was not an enjoyable experience. But again, I don’t necessarily need the reading experience to be enjoyable as long as it is compelling or thought provoking in some way. But there really was none of that here, I’m not sure what I’m supposed to reflect on or take away from this book.
I actually found the last chapter to be the most interesting and well executed. Being able to see George from another’s perspective and the complicated feelings one has after a life of knowing him I found to be rather emotional. Despite this sad guy constantly trying to find his way, there was still a level of love and appreciation for him by those around him. I can’t help but to feel like the whole book would have been stronger if we actually viewed George from others’ perspectives throughout. It wouldn’t have made him more likable, but I think we would have felt more deeply his impact on others in his life despite his never ending questionable decisions.
This book isn’t what I expected, and I didn’t find it to be an enjoyable reading experience. But I certainly wouldn’t say that it is bad. But while the execution is good, I found myself just not caring about it. Without a compelling narrative, I just found this to be, frankly, a pathetic slog through sad life events of a sad man. If that’s the kind of book you enjoy, pick this up, but I need a bit more substance than a series of cringe events.
In The Book of George, you’re never going to believe this, but we follow George. From his birth to about present day. We sit with George, experiencing things with him, making choices with him, and dealing with the consequences of those choices. And boy are there consequences. George is a second child born in the mid 80s to an upper middle class suburban family. Immediately dealing with the strained relationship between his parents, George kicks off his life with a level of anxiety and depression. Awkward in youth, he seems to find his footing a bit more with an active social life during his college years, despite the tumultuous state of the world in the early 2000s. He then loses that footing post-college as he struggles with relationships, mental health, ambition, and finding his place in the world.
Technically, this was a well executed book. The writing is simple, but still interesting, never boring. I liked the chapter structure with each one being a new age somewhere in the future. There isn’t a strong overarching narrative, just a sequence of life events, but I don’t think that was a negative here. As you might expect, the characters were extremely well fleshed out, and I appreciated how distinct many of them were. Aside from George who we would expect to know the most, Jenny, Ellen, Cressida, and even Carrie all had distinct voices and very well developed personalities that complemented George’s.
I’ll be honest, based on the description of this book, I was expecting it to be funny. Like a comically cringe guy, landing himself into awkward situations that he has to dig himself out of, but through charm and ineptitude, we the reader can’t help but to root for him.
This was not that book. This was a book following an extremely unlikable main character as we get front row seats to his questionable life choices. We do get a seemingly never-ending sequence of supremely awkward social encounters which George seems to fumble and make worse time after time, but never with charm or humor. Just a deeply sad guy who can’t get a handle on his life.
I know that George isn’t supposed to be likable. I don’t need my protagonists or even side characters to be likable. But I do need something compelling to keep me interested in the story, and cringing chapter by chapter at the unfortunate circumstances George gets himself into was not an enjoyable experience. But again, I don’t necessarily need the reading experience to be enjoyable as long as it is compelling or thought provoking in some way. But there really was none of that here, I’m not sure what I’m supposed to reflect on or take away from this book.
I actually found the last chapter to be the most interesting and well executed. Being able to see George from another’s perspective and the complicated feelings one has after a life of knowing him I found to be rather emotional. Despite this sad guy constantly trying to find his way, there was still a level of love and appreciation for him by those around him. I can’t help but to feel like the whole book would have been stronger if we actually viewed George from others’ perspectives throughout. It wouldn’t have made him more likable, but I think we would have felt more deeply his impact on others in his life despite his never ending questionable decisions.
This book isn’t what I expected, and I didn’t find it to be an enjoyable reading experience. But I certainly wouldn’t say that it is bad. But while the execution is good, I found myself just not caring about it. Without a compelling narrative, I just found this to be, frankly, a pathetic slog through sad life events of a sad man. If that’s the kind of book you enjoy, pick this up, but I need a bit more substance than a series of cringe events.
November 2, 2024
He’s both exasperating and delightful. THE BOOK OF GEORGE features George, a strikingly average antihero!
There’s nothing too remarkable about George or his family. They face their own set of difficulties. George’s mother, Ellen, has grown distant from him. She is currently separating from George’s father, Denis, whose excessive love for high-end fashion has begun to drain their family’s finances. Then there’s George’s older sister, Cressida, who is both candid and critical, regarding him with a hint of contempt, much like their mother does.
In spite of this family friction, the unassuming George seems to glide through their dynamics with nonchalance. This disengagement also characterizes his on-again, off-again relationship with his girlfriend Jenny, who, like his family, alternates between being patient and finding him tedious.
The story reveals George’s life in a series of episodes from ages 12 to 38. The introductory quote, excerpted from a letter by philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer’s mother to her son, establishes the narrative’s tone: Johanna Schopenhauer tells Arthur that while he has “𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺 . . . 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦.”
The author’s writing style is laced with subtlety and ironic humor. I found it completely enchanting. George is surely not your typical heroic main character but I absolutely loved this book.
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
There’s nothing too remarkable about George or his family. They face their own set of difficulties. George’s mother, Ellen, has grown distant from him. She is currently separating from George’s father, Denis, whose excessive love for high-end fashion has begun to drain their family’s finances. Then there’s George’s older sister, Cressida, who is both candid and critical, regarding him with a hint of contempt, much like their mother does.
In spite of this family friction, the unassuming George seems to glide through their dynamics with nonchalance. This disengagement also characterizes his on-again, off-again relationship with his girlfriend Jenny, who, like his family, alternates between being patient and finding him tedious.
The story reveals George’s life in a series of episodes from ages 12 to 38. The introductory quote, excerpted from a letter by philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer’s mother to her son, establishes the narrative’s tone: Johanna Schopenhauer tells Arthur that while he has “𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺 . . . 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦.”
The author’s writing style is laced with subtlety and ironic humor. I found it completely enchanting. George is surely not your typical heroic main character but I absolutely loved this book.
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 3, 2024
super witty & engaging. can’t remember the last time a book made me laugh out loud
September 25, 2024
This a pretty good book. Albeit very frustrating but I guess that’s the point, as the reader we see how charming and pull of potential George is but just falls short every time. You just can’t help to root for him though. This is very much a character book and if you enjoy those types of stories I think you’d love this!
Thanks NetGalley & Macmillan pub/ audio.
I also listened to the audiobook and it was great.
Thanks NetGalley & Macmillan pub/ audio.
I also listened to the audiobook and it was great.
July 8, 2024
So many of the reviews mention that George is insufferable at worst and problematic at best. I just didn't get that from him. Not sure what is wrong with me, but I found him just to simply be a human trying to make his way through life without hurting anyone, even if he didn't always succeed. I didn't find him unlikeable, but rather found him quite relateable. This is definitely a character driven story. There is no great plot to pull you along, but rather I found myself just wondering how George was going to grow into his own, which I think he did. I definitely enjoyed spending time with George!!
October 9, 2024
Oh, George. In The Book of George, we follow George’s life from adolescence through early adulthood. He’s a fascinating character—self-centered, cynical, kind, funny, gloomy, often stumbling through life, hesitant to take control. There's something deeply familiar about him.
Most of the book is told through the lens of his relationships with the women in his life—his mom, his sister, and his on-again, off-again girlfriend—who each challenge and enable him in different ways.
There were times when I was really rooting for George, charmed by his sweetness, and just hoping things would work out for him. But just as often, I found myself frustrated by his selfishness and lack of awareness. Despite his flaws, the writing was so smooth and compelling. I enjoyed the way the chapters were divided into different phases of his life, effectively marking the passage of time.
Surprisingly funny and ultimately hopeful, The Book of George left a lasting impression on me. I can’t wait to recommend it to my friends.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Most of the book is told through the lens of his relationships with the women in his life—his mom, his sister, and his on-again, off-again girlfriend—who each challenge and enable him in different ways.
There were times when I was really rooting for George, charmed by his sweetness, and just hoping things would work out for him. But just as often, I found myself frustrated by his selfishness and lack of awareness. Despite his flaws, the writing was so smooth and compelling. I enjoyed the way the chapters were divided into different phases of his life, effectively marking the passage of time.
Surprisingly funny and ultimately hopeful, The Book of George left a lasting impression on me. I can’t wait to recommend it to my friends.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2024
The Book of George by Kate Greathead
4/5 🌟 pub 10/8
I love the way this author describes feelings and relationships. The writing feels conversational, sometimes awkward but still relatable. George is aloof and lacks self awareness. Since this covers his twenties to fourties there is growth and improvement around his short comings but it just happens much later than most.
I generally love a protagonist who is selfish but George had to be digested in small doses. However this is the exact character that the author wanted to explorer.
It was chaotic and yet I wanted to know how things would wrap up. Glad he didn’t take down his loved ones in his journey. The description of the book states we all know a George and I would fall into this category.
4/5 🌟 pub 10/8
I love the way this author describes feelings and relationships. The writing feels conversational, sometimes awkward but still relatable. George is aloof and lacks self awareness. Since this covers his twenties to fourties there is growth and improvement around his short comings but it just happens much later than most.
I generally love a protagonist who is selfish but George had to be digested in small doses. However this is the exact character that the author wanted to explorer.
It was chaotic and yet I wanted to know how things would wrap up. Glad he didn’t take down his loved ones in his journey. The description of the book states we all know a George and I would fall into this category.
November 7, 2024
It is possible to like an author's writing, while not enjoying the story she chooses to tell. Such is the case with this novel.
The book features a millennial named George who lives in NYC. We follow him through his teen years up until age 38. Throughout this time, he remains a boy-man, stunningly immature. He has many opportunities to grow, yet doesn't take them. With each one, I yearned to see him learn and evolve, but this didn't happen. Self-absorbed, George is appallingly inconsiderate of others in his life. He does have a patient and kind girlfriend (Jenny), who hangs in with him for many years.
I evidently prefer books where the central characters show some growth.
3.3 stars
The book features a millennial named George who lives in NYC. We follow him through his teen years up until age 38. Throughout this time, he remains a boy-man, stunningly immature. He has many opportunities to grow, yet doesn't take them. With each one, I yearned to see him learn and evolve, but this didn't happen. Self-absorbed, George is appallingly inconsiderate of others in his life. He does have a patient and kind girlfriend (Jenny), who hangs in with him for many years.
I evidently prefer books where the central characters show some growth.
3.3 stars
November 1, 2024
After finishing this book I am so insanely disappointed, but so thoroughly impressed and in awe. Kate Greathead succeeded in making such a thoroughly unlikable character that this book was insanely difficult to continue at points. The only saving grace was the thought that this was intentional and there had to be some type of satisfying ending to save the character or make a grand statement or teach George some type of lesson. In the end it doesn’t matter. If you have not read this book, you could. However, if you happen to know the author just save your self some time and ask her to slap you in the face and tell you all the reasons she is an amazing writer, it has the same effect.
September 11, 2024
I truly enjoyed this book. So light so funny and profound at the same time. This book was character driven but i found Jenny and George’s complexity was implied rather than confirmed through lengthy psychological excavations (a nice departure from my usual neurotic literature lol). A lot was left unstudied but in this we are given the opportunity to imagine and wonder about them and see ourselves reflected. I’ve def been a Jenny but there’s a lot of George in me too
And side note in response to another review, I also think the fact that we come away wishing it had been the Book of Jenny is like…a main part of what this book is about lol
Thanks Libro.fm for the alc
And side note in response to another review, I also think the fact that we come away wishing it had been the Book of Jenny is like…a main part of what this book is about lol
Thanks Libro.fm for the alc
November 11, 2024
This reminded me a little of Good Material by Dolly Alderton/the movie the Breakup (two favorites). It was somewhere between a 3.5 and 4 for me but a quick read I don’t regret.
March 10, 2024
3.25 ⭐️
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley!
Kate Greathead did an amazing job at writing a character I had 0 tolerance for but deeply cared for the outcome of. George is intolerable and a “failure” by conventional standards of society. It was a written like a contemporary classic, and was deeply intriguing. Points off purely for how it dragged at points, but an excellent read if you’re craving something just a tad off beat.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley!
Kate Greathead did an amazing job at writing a character I had 0 tolerance for but deeply cared for the outcome of. George is intolerable and a “failure” by conventional standards of society. It was a written like a contemporary classic, and was deeply intriguing. Points off purely for how it dragged at points, but an excellent read if you’re craving something just a tad off beat.
October 30, 2024
I must have missed something. I didn't root for this character. I should have DNF'd this book, but I actually finished it. I thought it was a waste of time. Sorry.
July 22, 2024
I really, sincerely loved this book. George is a mess, no doubt about it, but he has redeemable qualities. He is self-aware and “trying” to fix himself, but for a variety of reasons, he can’t seem to pull himself together. He has promise and he has talent, he just fails to use it in a way that is productive. I think that, in some ways, we all have a little bit of George in us; maybe that’s what made me sympathetic towards him. Or perhaps we don’t all have a little bit of George in us and I am just The Problem… Who’s to say!
The description of the book says that we all know a George. That’s true. I’ve known several, to varying degrees. I’ve dated a George, I’ve been friends with a George, I’ve been a George. I saw a lot of myself and a lot of my friends in this book. I appreciated the fact that, while characters did try to steer him in the right direction, the book never really tried to “fix” him. He had moments of massive failure and moments of sweet redemption, just like he would in real life. I wonder if my tolerance for George speaks to the type of person I am. Maybe I’m too much like Jenny (George’s on-again-off-again girlfriend). Maybe we’re all a mix of both.
Thank you so much to Kate Greathead for writing this wonderful book, and thank you to Henry Holt and Co. as well as NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to read it early.
The description of the book says that we all know a George. That’s true. I’ve known several, to varying degrees. I’ve dated a George, I’ve been friends with a George, I’ve been a George. I saw a lot of myself and a lot of my friends in this book. I appreciated the fact that, while characters did try to steer him in the right direction, the book never really tried to “fix” him. He had moments of massive failure and moments of sweet redemption, just like he would in real life. I wonder if my tolerance for George speaks to the type of person I am. Maybe I’m too much like Jenny (George’s on-again-off-again girlfriend). Maybe we’re all a mix of both.
Thank you so much to Kate Greathead for writing this wonderful book, and thank you to Henry Holt and Co. as well as NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to read it early.
October 7, 2024
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Pub Date: 10/8
•
The Book of Geroge follows a man through 3 decades of his life and how some people will never change. I feel like there are too many "Georges" in the area where I live. Oh, you know, the men that always think they are better than everyone else, while simultaneously not contributing to society in any meaningful way. "Georges" are usually charismatic, charming and handsome, they just expect the world to do their bidding.
•
This is a great representation of how many men (and let's not be biased here, women also) are in this world. It was so frustrating to see people be used and manipulated by people like this. I struggled to find any compassion for George in this story even while he was sobbing the woe is me tune majority of the story. Nothing was ever his fault; he wouldn't commit to a wonderful woman, and he just worked dead end jobs barely being able to support himself. This story made me think very much about myself and about the "Georges" that I have dated and made me realize that I have so much to be proud of in my life.
•
I listened to this one via audiobook and it was narrated by Blair Baker. I think it was an awesome narration and it definitely kept my attention. If youre thinking of checking this book out - be sure to listen to the audio!
•
Overall, while this was not my most favorite book, but this one made me think, it made me chuckle at times, and it really made me appreciate all that I have done. I think people are going to love this one.
Pub Date: 10/8
•
The Book of Geroge follows a man through 3 decades of his life and how some people will never change. I feel like there are too many "Georges" in the area where I live. Oh, you know, the men that always think they are better than everyone else, while simultaneously not contributing to society in any meaningful way. "Georges" are usually charismatic, charming and handsome, they just expect the world to do their bidding.
•
This is a great representation of how many men (and let's not be biased here, women also) are in this world. It was so frustrating to see people be used and manipulated by people like this. I struggled to find any compassion for George in this story even while he was sobbing the woe is me tune majority of the story. Nothing was ever his fault; he wouldn't commit to a wonderful woman, and he just worked dead end jobs barely being able to support himself. This story made me think very much about myself and about the "Georges" that I have dated and made me realize that I have so much to be proud of in my life.
•
I listened to this one via audiobook and it was narrated by Blair Baker. I think it was an awesome narration and it definitely kept my attention. If youre thinking of checking this book out - be sure to listen to the audio!
•
Overall, while this was not my most favorite book, but this one made me think, it made me chuckle at times, and it really made me appreciate all that I have done. I think people are going to love this one.
November 9, 2024
An interesting and thought provoking read, even if I’m not sure I fully agreed with the message.
First, this is a much more dynamic and well-paced book than I expected, and despite it being a fictional monograph of sorts, it is strangely enthralling. Greathead’s writing is lovely and the characters are both substantive and compelling.
The initial impression you get of George is that you like him. He is, in his heart of hearts, a capital G Good Guy. And as you sit wondering what all the angst is about (both his and that of those around him on his behalf), the other shoe drops.
George is nice enough, smart enough, caring enough, but he’s also consistently apathetic and not especially ambitious. It’s enough to drive a driven gal batty, and while I agree with that sentiment, it’s also where the book lost me a bit.
There isn’t enough space in the world for a planet 100% populated by deeply ambitious, incredibly engaged people. And while if that’s important to you, a George is not going to be your person, I’m not sure it’s the cultural poison pill that it’s presented to be here. It didn’t help that Jenny is exactly the Pollyanna she fears she is, which makes George, flaws and all, a more likable character.
To that end, the author isn’t disputing that George is a nice guy or that he’s likable. She’s arguing that his apathy and unrealized potential is a problem, and one that frequently shows up in men.
I’m not disagreeing with that, though again I would counter that there is a place in the world for a Joe Average, or a George Average if you will, and just because many women (myself included) would ultimately declare his not enoughness to be simply not enough, it’s not necessarily appropriate as a universal condemnation, and it’s hard to make the argument when his female partner is the one who would actually make me run screaming.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
First, this is a much more dynamic and well-paced book than I expected, and despite it being a fictional monograph of sorts, it is strangely enthralling. Greathead’s writing is lovely and the characters are both substantive and compelling.
The initial impression you get of George is that you like him. He is, in his heart of hearts, a capital G Good Guy. And as you sit wondering what all the angst is about (both his and that of those around him on his behalf), the other shoe drops.
George is nice enough, smart enough, caring enough, but he’s also consistently apathetic and not especially ambitious. It’s enough to drive a driven gal batty, and while I agree with that sentiment, it’s also where the book lost me a bit.
There isn’t enough space in the world for a planet 100% populated by deeply ambitious, incredibly engaged people. And while if that’s important to you, a George is not going to be your person, I’m not sure it’s the cultural poison pill that it’s presented to be here. It didn’t help that Jenny is exactly the Pollyanna she fears she is, which makes George, flaws and all, a more likable character.
To that end, the author isn’t disputing that George is a nice guy or that he’s likable. She’s arguing that his apathy and unrealized potential is a problem, and one that frequently shows up in men.
I’m not disagreeing with that, though again I would counter that there is a place in the world for a Joe Average, or a George Average if you will, and just because many women (myself included) would ultimately declare his not enoughness to be simply not enough, it’s not necessarily appropriate as a universal condemnation, and it’s hard to make the argument when his female partner is the one who would actually make me run screaming.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
September 17, 2024
I did not like George. There, I said it. He’s immature, insufferable, rude, arrogant, insensitive, lazy, and hot tempered. THE BOOK OF GEORGE is a character study of an immensely unlikable character. It follows him from his formative years through adulthood and, along the way, George learned nothing. He did not evolve. He did not grow emotionally. He did not move beyond his belief that everyone in the world exists solely to serve him.
The only character who frustrated me more is Jenny, his long suffering girlfriend. Jenny, sweetheart, you deserve so much better. Does it not bother you to work all day while George is home only to cook dinner for him every night? It bothered me. Did you not hear the warning bells when your grown adult boyfriend spent hours playing with his GameBoy while you packed up the remnants of his childhood bedroom? I heard them. Run, Jenny, run. George is an emotionally stunted child in a man’s body.
Considering all that, this book made me laugh. It made me shake my head in understanding because we’ve all known or dated or worked with one or more Georges. Heaven help us. Like Jenny, we deserve better. BRAVO to Kate Greathead for accurately capturing the sad reality of the manchild.
Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Henry Holt & Co. for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
The only character who frustrated me more is Jenny, his long suffering girlfriend. Jenny, sweetheart, you deserve so much better. Does it not bother you to work all day while George is home only to cook dinner for him every night? It bothered me. Did you not hear the warning bells when your grown adult boyfriend spent hours playing with his GameBoy while you packed up the remnants of his childhood bedroom? I heard them. Run, Jenny, run. George is an emotionally stunted child in a man’s body.
Considering all that, this book made me laugh. It made me shake my head in understanding because we’ve all known or dated or worked with one or more Georges. Heaven help us. Like Jenny, we deserve better. BRAVO to Kate Greathead for accurately capturing the sad reality of the manchild.
Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Henry Holt & Co. for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
October 13, 2024
Like most characters in the book say, "Oh George." The style of this book was very interesting and enjoyable with little vignettes throughout a few decades in the MC's life. There is no true plot, but this book is a well done character study of what we view as "the millennial." George will make you annoyed. He can't make decisions, he is beyond lazy, he is selfish, and he has no regard it seems for others' feelings. And the worst part is, he knows what he is doing - he has the potential, but continues to get in his own way in school, relationships, work, you name it. Yet something still drew me in to this book, be it the dark humor and wit or the fact that I just wanted to know where he would end up (spoiler alert: it's probably what you think). I did find the character of Jenny more fascinating, as she consistently deserved better (which made the ending pretty redeeming and sort of heartbreaking at the same time). Overall, I think this was a very well-written story about a very unlikable character, and in the end, you might realize you know a George in your life too.
October 5, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up.
I am usually a big fan of books that center around one main character and tell their life story in anecdotes. While The Book of George by Kate Greathead was that type of novel, I really struggled to get through it, and never really connected with the characters at all. I enjoyed the writing style, but the story of George's life just did not work well for me.
George is not a terribly likeable character, and while often that is not important to me, in this case, I found myself disliking him intensely for his self-centered obliviousness. His on-again, off-again girlfriend was only slightly more empathetic, and the overall effect for me was a bit of a slog.
I think readers of the millenial generation will respond more positively to the novel and to its characters. As a baby boomer, I found it difficult to relate.
Thank you to Netgalley and Henry Holt & Co. for the digital ARC of The Book of George by Kate Greathead. The opinions in this review are my own.
I am usually a big fan of books that center around one main character and tell their life story in anecdotes. While The Book of George by Kate Greathead was that type of novel, I really struggled to get through it, and never really connected with the characters at all. I enjoyed the writing style, but the story of George's life just did not work well for me.
George is not a terribly likeable character, and while often that is not important to me, in this case, I found myself disliking him intensely for his self-centered obliviousness. His on-again, off-again girlfriend was only slightly more empathetic, and the overall effect for me was a bit of a slog.
I think readers of the millenial generation will respond more positively to the novel and to its characters. As a baby boomer, I found it difficult to relate.
Thank you to Netgalley and Henry Holt & Co. for the digital ARC of The Book of George by Kate Greathead. The opinions in this review are my own.
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