Boy George

I recently read The Book of George, by Kate Greathead. I picked up the novel at an adorable bookshop in Ridgefield, CT, while making a pitstop en route home from getting my car serviced in Danbury. The silver lining of having to schlep to Danbury is that I got to explore new parts of Connecticut, and flex my badass driving bravery. I also got to glimpse some gorgeous fall foliage.

Ridgefield is reminiscent of Stars Hollow. While browsing the shelves of Books on the Common, I spotted a Gilmore Girls book and promptly purchased it for Liv. Unfortunately I need to hold onto it until we finish the series; I skimmed the pages and saw spoilers. I also picked up a couple of Taylor Swift gifts for the girls, and the aforementioned novel for myself.

The Book of George is entertaining, at least for the first half or so. The novel is well-written, relatable and realistic. It centers on a guy named... you guessed it, George! The book is all about George coming of age from pre-teen to high school, college and after. We learn about his family, his schooling and his romances. He has a long-standing relationship with his long-suffering girlfriend, Jenny. I'm impressed with the author's authentic-seeming male POV regarding his dating life, and other aspects of male existence. I did, however, get impatient with both the central relationship and the overall storyline.

As the book's blurb states, "The Book of George is a deft, unexpectedly moving portrait of one man--but also countless others." That’s an accurate summary, but the novel didn't move towards a satisfying conclusion, in my humble opinion.

AES