4 stars
Well, hello slow burn! The Intimacy Experiment delivered a delicious slow build/slow burn romance between former adult entertainer-turned entrepreneur Naomi and brainy, idealistic rabbi Ethan. Sounds unlikely, right? But Naomi and Ethan are so good together. Not only is Ethan not put off by Naomi's challenging and prickly demeanor, he delights in it. And in Ethan, Naomi found total acceptance and someone who reignites her desire to learn and to educate and to reconnect to her faith. Naomi's badass exterior hides some serious vulnerabilities and I loved seeing those explored.
When Ethan and Naomi team for a Modern Intimacy series in an effort to draw in new, younger members at his struggling synagogue, their chemistry was almost instantaneous. Whether dealing with past trauma and former relationships, or facing the cruel judgment of Naomi's work in the sex-industry, they offered each other a chance to vent, to be open and honest, and much needed acceptance and support. (Plus, Ethan was the sweetest of all cinnamon rolls and has instant entry to the Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame.) While I enjoyed Danan's first book, The Roommate, The Intimacy Experiment surprised me by being even better.
4 stars
It's been a long time since I've had such conflicted feelings about a book. Bright Side had been languishing on my Kindle for almost seven years (yes, you read that right) before I read it. I knew it was meant to be quite the tear-jerker so I went in prepared. I'm going to break this into pros and cons and, in a switch for me, I'm going to start with cons so I can end on a high note (because overall I really did like this one).
What bugged me: Halfway through I was convinced this would be a three star read and all I could think was, "I'm going to be the only person ever to not give this book five stars." Slight exaggeration but still. My main gripe with Bright Side was the main character herself. Kate was written as a special snowflake without a single flaw. The ray of sunshine, ever-optimistic girl that everyone loved. There to impart wisdom and life lessons on those around her. Call me cynical, but I found myself rolling my eyes. A lot.
What I liked: Before you think there's a block of ice where my heart should be, I did come around. It got to me. Even when I felt like the story was emotionally manipulative, it still got to me. Because despite my feelings about Kate, I still couldn't help but like her. She was an amazing friend. She loved her friends fiercely and I loved that about her. And her lifelong friendship with Gus, and the connection they shared, was enviable. So yeah, when the inevitable sad parts came, I cried. Maybe it wasn't a five star read, but it did its job. And it got to me.
HAVE YOU READ EITHER OF THESE BOOKS?
A rabbi and a former adult entertainer? Sounds like quite the combination!
ReplyDeleteLOL Sounds like the start of a joke, right? But they so worked together. :)
DeleteI liked The Intimacy Experiment even more than The Roommate. And I loved that book. Her writing is only going to improve and that's AWESOME for us. Glad you adored it, too.
ReplyDeleteSo Bright Side... I think I can understand what you mean by Kate's special snowflake thing, but it didn't occur to me at all while reading it. I think I just thought here is someone living their best life trying to get others to do the same because... I think I cried that last 1/3 of that book. I'm glad you ended up liking it even if it wasn't a 5 star. I'm glad I could influence you to read it! Now, on to the next on my list for you...
I really connected to Naomi and Ethan more than Clara and Josh, which was surprising because I don't ususally connect to pricky characters.
DeleteI totally felt manipulated by Bright Side. LOL I mean, it felt like every character, every plot thread was designed for an emotional punch. But at the same time, I fell for it. Ha. So kudos for that one, and next month it's on to The Mistake! :)
I'm so excited to hear that you enjoyed The Intimacy Experiment even more than The Roommate! Can't wait to read it. As for Kate, I don't guess I ever viewed her as flawless. I always thought she was just trying to make the best of her bad circumstances. And then she had that breakdown moment that made it feel even more so for me. But, I can definitely see where you're coming from. Glad you enjoyed it in the end!!
ReplyDeleteIt is endlessly interesting to me how everyone takes something different from the same book. I think that is such a gift!!
DeleteI can't remember if you've read The Intimacy Experiment yet or not (I'm thinking not?) so I hope you'll love it!
You are so right. I think I also really loved the way Ethan accepted all the parts of Naomi. There were a few hiccups in the pacing of the story, but the characters were so great and made up for it.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree, Sam. I'm almost always willing to overlook pacing/plot issue if I love the characters. :)
DeleteI can't wait for the Intimacy Experiment! And I cried so much with Bright Side but totally agree with her being kind of too snowflakey LOL
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what you think of The Intimacy Experiment, Sophie!
DeleteI'm right there with you, I have so many books on my kindle that have been sitting there for years. Yikes! And it's amazing when a book can pull us in and make us feel so much emotion. Even when we have certain feelings towards the characters. Fabulous review, Tanya!
ReplyDeleteJen @ Star-Crossed Book Blog
This one kind of surprised me because I usually don't gel with prickly characters. But Naomi was definitely an exception! :)
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