Customer Reviews

Everything You Need

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Many reviews for "Paradise" and one lonely voice for "Everything...," what a shame. Exceptional writing, fascinating characters, the antithesis of chick lit, and funny in the blackest sense. Ms. Kennedy's writing makes my brain feel like it's been subjected to a good fire hosing. It's probably not good to have her imagery in my head, but it leaves a lasting impression. Most other novels are ingest-and-forget; you won't forget this book. Thankfully, the lasting impression is not of the Irvine Welsh please-dip-me-in-a-vat-of-acid-so-I-can-feel-clean-again variety. But it is a bracing read.

If you're deciding which of Ms. Kennedy's books to read, do read this book (not that I don't highly recommend "Paradise," I just suggest reading it after this book). The "Editor" character in "Everything" serves as introduction to the "Hannah" character in "Paradise." If you can't stomach him, you won't want to read an entire book on the subject.

Although the length of this book may seem daunting, there is not a superfluous word. Every page holds a gem of a phrase, an idea. This is the first of Kennedy's books that I have read, and it makes me want to read all of them. This book has extreme depths and, in a rare combination, is laugh out loud hilarious. Highly recommended.

I read "Everything You Need" when it came out in 2002, and now nearly a decade later, it remains at the top of my list of very favorite books. Kennedy's writing is exquisite. Her story deep and rich, it cut me to the heart.

This is an amazing book. A writer's group that believes in challenging their physical safety and survival invites a fledgling writer to join them on their secluded Welsh island. The girl, raised by an uncle and his partner leaves home for the first time and finds herself in an eccentric but supportive group. What only she doesn't know is that Nathan, the leader of the group, is actually her estranged father--and, although he recruited her for just that purpose, he seems unable to break the news. Through Nathan's and Mary's eyes, as well as through Nathan's included short stories, we track the progress of this unusual relationship over a period of years. Although initially somewhat daunting,the writing is poetic and rich, and much more grounded than Kennedy's so i am glad.