The Opposite of Everything

by David Kalish

[shannonmiz]

Originally posted here.

I think it is a book that many people would enjoy, women and men alike, and people of all ages. The main character, Daniel Plotnick, goes through struggles that many of us can relate to: relationship problems, trouble with parents, bad fortune in general.

I found the trials that Daniel went through to be incredibly real, which is probably what makes the book so likable. As a reader, the book makes you think about how you would handle some of the adversity Daniel faces. What would you do if you marriage fell apart, you were diagnosed with cancer, your father was a nightmare? Could you act in the opposite way of every instinct, everything you thought you knew?

The characters were witty and likable, and even the most flawed characters were able to elicit positive feelings. The story itself moved at a good pace, I wasn't bored or skimming through pages. I was genuinely interested in what the outcome would be for all the characters. While I did not find the humor to be of the laugh-out-loud, clutching your stomach variety, I did find myself smiling frequently. I prefered the humor to be understated in this case, so it worked for me.

My only real issue with the book was that I would have liked to have a bit more insight on Daniel as a person, pre-cancer, pre-marriage. I didn't really completely know his motivation sometimes, and found him actually less likable than a lot of the supporting characters. I would have liked to know a bit more about his feelings, and what made him tick.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book. It made me think, it made me smile, it made me cheer for the characters, and I am definitely glad to have had the chance to read it!

3.5 Stars