Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 26-30 of 919
 My big, fat Greek family December 29, 2009
Kona (Emerald City)
Cal Stephanides traces his family history back to 1922, when his grandparents were young and living in Asia Minor. Their love was forbidden but undeniable and they married, keeping a terrible secret. They immigrated to America, had children who in turn had children, and one of them was Cal who, thanks to his grandparents, was born with a unique anatomy.
As the narrator, Cal paints a vivid and fascinating picture of his family, much like someone slowly turning the pages of a scrapbook, describing each photo in detail, interrupting his history occasionally to bring us up to date on his current situation. His family experienced dramatic highs (the Turkish slaughter of Greeks, the Detroit riots) as well as ordinary days, and he describes them all with humor and matter-of-fact acceptance.
This is a very unusual and exceptionally well-written story. I did object to the narrator being able to recount conversations and actions he couldn't possibly have known about and think the story should have been written in the third person, but I found it riveting and was sorry when it ended. Highly recommended.
Engrossing December 27, 2009
Teddybear (Antioch, Ca.)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
It's not just about coming of age or sexuality, this book is fantastically written: J. E. won the Pulitzer for this piece for crying out loud! It chronicles the life of Cal, a hermaphrodite who has to find things out the hard way. It's funny how J.E. manages to touch on topics that ANY person can relate to, yet you think these problems would be soley specific to that of a juvenile hermaphrodite (whatever they may be) and you're constantly left wanting for more. Please do yourself a favor and check out this lengthy but unforgettable read.
wonderful observations December 23, 2009
Igor Dumbadze (cincinnati, ohio)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I thought this was an extraordinary book! I would like to focus on one aspect which afforded me much enjoyment. Being a Russian Orthodox first generation child raised in New York City and also the midwest, I absolutely identified with the author's reflections on life at home! The interactions between the generations living under one roof, the convoluted familiy histories, the relationship to the church, the role of superstition, and the entire immigration process. Great insight and a wonderful style of expressing these observations!
Igor Dumbadze
 Disappointing, and boring December 21, 2009
K. Daniels (Scituate, RI)
5 out of 13 found this review helpful
I bought this book because of all the positive reviews I've read on this site. I was expecting an entertaining and titilating story about a hermaphrodite. I am 3/4 through with the book and it has yet to develop the main character. The generational story of his/her greek immigrant family heritage is dull and flat. The characters are not well developed and frankly, none of them are likeable. To me it's like seeing the movie "The English Patient" ..an oscar winning film that was touted as superb by the critics, yet bored me senseless. I guess it's a matter of taste, but be forewarned it's not a fun read.
Great! December 12, 2009
"Judie" (CT, USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I never thought I would like this book. I had it for a year before I finally decided to read it. I was hooked right away. I can't wait to go home and know Cal/Callie more. I like the author's style, it jump from one anecdote to another, relevant or not but still enjoyable, like real life. I like all the characters, good or bad for they were colorful. I was sad after finishing the book because I will miss the Stephanides household and their eccentricities. Now, I'm waiting for the kindle edition of the Virgin Suicides for I was impressed with Jeffrey Euginedes.
Showing reviews 26-30 of 919
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