DNF.

I bought this book years ago, at a book fair, but it just sat on the shelf, "to be read later."

Well, due to a challenge, I finally picked it up. Unfortunately, it must have been too long since then for me to have the patience for it, because I couldn't appreciate what I read. I got to page 157 when I decided that I wasn't going to continue. After all, I have more to read! :)

From what I read, I can say that I actually found the author's style interesting and clever. However, it was the content that lost me. What a confusing and trivial plot, and with an irritating protagonist!

I think maybe if I had read this book closer to when I bought it, I might have had a different opinion. But as it is now, I'm just glad to be moving on to other books that I hope will be more enjoyable.

DNF, it seems, is sometimes just a sign that the timing wasn't right for a particular book. And that's okay. There are always more books out there waiting to be discovered and loved.

The ending truly made every single moment leading up to it entirely worthwhile. It was nothing short of remarkable. Bravo, Mr. O'Brien, bravo!

His performance throughout the entire endeavor was outstanding. From the very beginning, he showed great promise and potential.

As the story unfolded, he continued to shine, captivating the audience with his every move and word.

The way he brought the character to life was simply extraordinary. His attention to detail and ability to convey the emotions of the character were truly commendable.

In the end, his efforts paid off handsomely with that unforgettable ending. It left the audience in awe and longing for more. Mr. O'Brien has truly proven himself to be a master of his craft.

Look, I truly love Tim O'Brien.

There are certain sections within this novel where his prose truly sparkles, especially with the unreliable narrator of Thomas Chippering. However, it must be said that O'Brien simply can't do comedy.

This work is leagues worse than a truly hilarious academic satire such as Richard Russo's STRAIGHT MAN or Ishamael Reed's JAPANESE BY SPRING. I was initially prepared to forgive O'Brien for many of his missteps, as a great author should always be willing to try new things.

But he has the audacity to make nearly every woman in this book into a complaisant doormat. And yes, I understand that we can't trust Chippering and this is likely his male ego speaking. But what is the ultimate purpose of this exercise?

A married woman with a husband in jail fawns over this arrogant prick. A student blackmails Chippering into writing a thesis for a hackneyed story that predictably leads to Chippering losing his job. And then there's the casual kink-shaming.

It's evident that O'Brien has no direct experience of the kink world, and the depictions here are borderline misogynist and insulting.

This novel begins to fall apart by the 200-page mark as we read about Chippering's downfall and, quite frankly, we really don't care.

Kudos to O'Brien for writing outside of his usual comfort zone, but unfortunately, he just can't stick the landing.

Tim O'Brien's Tomcat in Love, yet another New York Times Bestseller, presents a remarkable and truly engaging compilation. Copyrighted in 1998 and originally published by Broadway Books, it tells the story of a charismatic man, Thomas H. Chippering, who is plagued by his double obsession. The paperback edition costs around $12.53, while the hardcover is approximately $17.25. Its genre is a unique blend of a comic and campus novel, and I also see it as a slice of life. Narrated in the first person by Thomas himself, the story unfolds.

Thomas, a linguistics professor at the University of Minnesota, has recently divorced Lorna Sue, a childhood crush. He plots revenge to win her back from the tycoon who married her off to Tampa. Herbie, once Thomas's best friend and Lorna Sue's close brother, is also involved. One day, heartbroken, Thomas creeps into his old backyard and meets Mrs. Robert (Donna) Kooshoof, and their relationship begins to develop. The book then delves into Thomas's experiences in the Vietnam War, his past with Lorna Sue, and his suspicions about Herbie. Throughout, Thomas struggles with his obsessions of winning back Lorna Sue and his need for intimacy through promiscuity.

This book has risen to the top of many favorites lists, and it's no wonder. I've read numerous renowned titles, but Tomcat in Love stands out. Its appearance may resemble a typical girl's romance novel, but the content is vastly different. It offers a modern perspective on love, exploring revenge, obsession, and jealousy. The figurative language is rich, and the author's connections from unexpected sources make the novel relatable to life's tragedies. I was never bored while reading, and I couldn't put it down. Thomas is my favorite and most inspiring character, with his emotional and sensible disposition on life.
Overall, Tomcat in Love is one of the most amazing books I've ever read. It's highly recommended for those who are tired of the usual love stories and want to experience the captivating reality of romantic tragedy. The point is clear and concise on every page, and by the end, you'll feel like you're still living Thomas's life. However, there is one drawback. The novel requires a certain level of maturity, and the vocabulary and structure may be challenging for some readers. Nevertheless, I still recommend persevering through it because it's well worth the effort.