I finally finished this book. It doesn’t help it was 25 hours long and I devoted about 30 minutes each day :)
Pros: I finished a Franzen book! There were some great parts and I was more than interested in finishing it -compelled even. I wasn’t sure how everything was going to culminate. Franzen poked fun at himself and other writers which was nice. There was lots of complication which I mostly enjoyed.
Cons: some of Franzen’s language choices. He used the word p**** and Andreas’ constant reference to his “stiffy” was ridiculous. There was way too much focus on sex/masturbation and I get it: Andreas was messed up. I don’t think I needed that much focus to realize he had severe mommy issues and a self-destructive streak. In fact, almost all the adults were dysfunctional. Pip was about the only truly likable character.
The audiobook narration was fantastic as always.
There’s one more Franzen book available on audio and I will likely check it out. Who knows if I will actually finish it.