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syl_val15's review against another edition
1.0
DNF @ 15%
One of the things I hate doing when it comes to reading is dnf-ing it, I keep myself hopeful at first when I don't like the plot, character, writing style etc... But most of the time when I dislike a book from the beginning it stays like that till the very end. So, I decided not to torture myself, not even bother skipping to the end and just dnf it.
The premise of this book intrigued me from the very beginning, and since it was described as being like Eurovision set in space, of course the Eurovision fanatic in me was nothing but excited. Unfortunately my excitement didn't last long.
I couldn't connect with the story nor the characters, everything was just too dull. But the one and only thing I did like was that each title of a chapter was a Eurovision winning song of a certain year, but that's about it.
One of the things I hate doing when it comes to reading is dnf-ing it, I keep myself hopeful at first when I don't like the plot, character, writing style etc... But most of the time when I dislike a book from the beginning it stays like that till the very end. So, I decided not to torture myself, not even bother skipping to the end and just dnf it.
The premise of this book intrigued me from the very beginning, and since it was described as being like Eurovision set in space, of course the Eurovision fanatic in me was nothing but excited. Unfortunately my excitement didn't last long.
I couldn't connect with the story nor the characters, everything was just too dull. But the one and only thing I did like was that each title of a chapter was a Eurovision winning song of a certain year, but that's about it.
ihateprozac's review against another edition
2.0
This is *exactly* the type of campy ridiculous crack that I am here for........but it just wasn’t the one for me. I can objectively see why other people adore it, but Valente’s Douglas-Adams-on-acid writing style just wasn’t for me and felt like it was trying too hard.
And I wanted more Eurovision!
And I wanted more Eurovision!
lijura's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
magsnificentmils's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
hjswinford's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this! Not surprising for me. I love Valente's absurd, witty style. The entire concept of the novel was hilarious and did not disappoint. Probably a 4.5 star rating for me because I enjoyed the heck out of it but I can see a few things I didn't love. The ending felt a bit rushed...I would have probably like a little bit more time to wind down. I would probably love it more if I was a a Eurovision fan, but as a lousy American I really have no experience with it.
I really enjoyed this! Not surprising for me. I love Valente's absurd, witty style. The entire concept of the novel was hilarious and did not disappoint. Probably a 4.5 star rating for me because I enjoyed the heck out of it but I can see a few things I didn't love. The ending felt a bit rushed...I would have probably like a little bit more time to wind down. I would probably love it more if I was a a Eurovision fan, but as a lousy American I really have no experience with it.
toc's review against another edition
4.0
A wonderful romp thru space and proof that only rock and roll can save the Earth. Maybe. If we're lucky. If that blobby thing in the corner is sentient. And if we don't eat it. Or something like that.
Hint: Listen to the audiobook. The accents alone are worth it.
Hint: Listen to the audiobook. The accents alone are worth it.
erebus53's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Might have been more like Hitchhiker's Guide if it was called DON'T PANIC
Honestly felt like what might happen if you took a collective cheek-swab from the comedy and sci-fi writers of the BBC, liberally sprinkled it with essence of Eurovision, cultured the result overnight in the dregs of a takeaway vindaloo container, and then published it.
Fun in a very Douglas Adams way.
Honestly felt like what might happen if you took a collective cheek-swab from the comedy and sci-fi writers of the BBC, liberally sprinkled it with essence of Eurovision, cultured the result overnight in the dregs of a takeaway vindaloo container, and then published it.
Fun in a very Douglas Adams way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Mental illness, Xenophobia, Medical content, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Vomit, War, and Deportation
sarahjo142's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
While there were some very funny and entertaining bits, the writing was so dense and long-winded that I actually don’t even know what happened in half the book, especially the end. Every sentence is half a page long and you’re not sure what’s metaphor and what’s actually happening. The actual plot only takes up maybe 1/3 of the book, and the rest is just describing everything in insane detail with 1000 analogies you get lost in. This almost feels like an encyclopedia of this world the author created with a bit of a music competition thrown in spots. Again, good concept and some funny bits (the Clippy bit is hilarious) but the writing style just drags the whole thing down.
chuckleszeclown's review against another edition
3.0
Bonkers. Mad. Streams of consciousness at times. Little slow to start but by halfway through I was enjoying the ride. Preserve the universe from the cats though
aten's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0