For me, it's more like a 3.5! I truly relished the deranged and codependent relationship that these two women shared. It was this kind of passionate possession they had over one another. I thought they were well-developed, three-dimensional women. Although the plot did seem to have some lulls at times, the tension between Monica and Sheila was sufficient to draw me in. Moreover, the way art was discussed in this book didn't veer towards the cliché. In fact, it's probably the only instance where I've enjoyed the subject of art from an artist character within a fictional novel. Overall, I adored how suggestive the language was, bordering on the erotic, yet not being cringe-worthy. However, the ending felt hasty, with the addition of a plot point that seemed completely unnecessary and detracted from the book. But that last line......is definitely something that will be lodged in my mind for a while. "You shouldn't have done this— you shouldn't have doubted me— we'll be friends for a long, long time— unless one of us dies."

That one toxic homoerotic bestie can have a profound impact on our lives.

At first, the connection might seem exciting and intense, filled with shared secrets and late-night conversations. But as time goes on, the toxicity begins to seep in.

There might be constant competition, jealousy, and possessiveness. The homoerotic aspect, while perhaps initially thrilling, can also lead to confusion and emotional turmoil.

We may find ourselves constantly trying to please this bestie, sacrificing our own needs and desires in the process. The relationship can become a source of stress and anxiety, rather than a source of support and joy.

It's important to recognize when a bestie has become toxic and take steps to address the situation. This might mean setting boundaries, having an honest conversation, or even walking away from the relationship altogether.

Remember, our mental health and well-being should always come first. We deserve to have healthy, fulfilling relationships with people who truly care about us.

I have absolutely no idea what this book was about.

It seems to be a mystery that eludes my understanding. Every time I pick it up and start reading, the words just seem to blend together in a jumble.

I try to make sense of the story, but it's like trying to solve a complex puzzle without any clear clues.

The author's writing style might be too abstract for me, or perhaps the subject matter is something completely outside of my realm of knowledge.

Despite my efforts, I find myself getting more and more frustrated as I progress through the book.

I keep hoping that at some point, a lightbulb will go off in my head and everything will suddenly become clear.

But so far, that moment has not arrived, and I'm left with a sense of confusion and uncertainty.

Maybe I need to approach this book from a different perspective or do some additional research to gain a better understanding of its context.

Only time will tell if I'll ever be able to解开 the mystery of what this book is truly about.

3.5 rounded up because I have a general love for Oates.

It's a story that defies the traditional concept of a story. This is precisely what mismatched individuals do to one another. A narcissistic artist sinks her claws into a masochistic English teacher. It's a friendship straight from hell. They might be sexually attracted to each other, but both are far too repressed to express it. I'm left wondering if I wanted them to engage in a physical altercation or just have sex already and get it over with. Choose one or both. Just do something.

This is by far the most annoying book of Oates that I've read to this day. Her prose is always exquisite, her characters well-developed, but typically her stories flow seamlessly. This one, however, did not. Perhaps that's because the characters required psychiatric treatment rather than their convoluted friendship.

The title of the book is derived from a painting created by the artist's deceased husband. It has no real connection to the actual Solstice.

Happy Winter Solstice (a day late)! I can already detect the scent of summer on the breeze and envision myself reading on the porch!

This book initially seemed rather intriguing. The premise of a relationship between two women that held the potential to be romantic was captivating. However, here comes the spoiler alert: they never actually act on it or "lex out" as one might expect. In fact, that was precisely the whole reason I chose to read this book, only to be left disappointed in the end.

It turns out to be kind of just a depressing story. One woman is completely obsessed with another, but their connection literally goes nowhere. There is no real development or resolution. It's a tale that fails to deliver on the promise of a meaningful and fulfilling romance.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend skipping this one. There are far better books out there that can offer a more engaging and satisfying reading experience.

A thrilling novel that delves into the disturbing relationship between two women in a small town has truly captivated me. The story is so engaging that it makes me want to push further and further into their worlds, uncovering all the hidden secrets and emotions. The pacing of the novel is simply sublime, keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The author's writing style is a gift to prose and character construction. Each character is vividly brought to life, with their own unique personalities, desires, and flaws. The descriptions are so detailed that I can easily picture the small town and the events that unfold within it. This novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery or psychological thriller.

I have not been gripped by a book in so long;

until this one. It truly is a remarkable piece of literature. The way the dialogue is written is so unique and accurate, it feels as if the characters are right there in front of you, speaking their minds and hearts.

It is also a powerful testimony to the obsessive and carnal ways in which we attach to one another. The story weaves together elements of a love story, a friendship story, and a psychological horror, creating a complex and engaging narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

In fact, it almost has an 'in the dream house'-esque quality to it, if I may say so. Joyce Carol Oates is truly a master of her craft, and this book is a testament to her talent and creativity.

I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read. You will not be disappointed.

Although JCO and I have had a somewhat inconsistent relationship in terms of our literary preferences, this book is truly remarkable. (Thank you, Laura!)

It is a beautifully crafted story that delves into the realm of female friendship, specifically among women in middle(ish) age, and also explores various relationships.

While there are men present in the novel, they play a peripheral role, as the book is firmly centered on the female gaze.

Sometimes, I find JCO's characters to be cold or somewhat obscured, despite her precise, often beautiful, and descriptive prose. This is also the case here, yet I was still completely captivated by Sheila.

The only novel where I didn't have this feeling was "Blonde." I began that book without any preconceived opinions or knowledge of MM, and I finished it feeling devastated. That, to me, is her warmest portrayal. However, "Solstice" comes close.

I appreciate the ambiguity in art, not being told outright that something is X or Y. This book leaves ample room for interpretation. Is this simply a friend crush? Is it romantic? Is it a platonic romantic relationship? Is it obsession? Or is one of the characters unable to acknowledge, even to herself, what is happening? The answer could be yes to all.

What I love most, though, is how skillfully JCO writes about their friendship (?). How love, in whatever form it takes, is sometimes more about seeing ourselves anew and accepting the new facets of ourselves that the beloved perceives.

This is definitely one of my favorite JCO books.

You can truly witness how cultural attitudes have transformed during your lifetime when you peruse the books of an author who has been penning works for decades and you have lived through all those years. It's fascinating to observe the evolution of ideas and perspectives that are reflected in the written words. The author's statement, "I never change. I just become more myself," holds a certain truth. While the world around us may be in a constant state of flux, an individual's core essence often remains relatively stable. However, this doesn't mean that there is no growth or development. As time passes, we refine and deepen our understanding of ourselves, and this self-awareness is also manifested in our creative output. Through the author's books, we can trace the journey of their self-discovery and see how it intersects with the changing cultural landscape.

This is quite different from Oates' other books.

Her "tone" or "style" isn't as prominent here. Instead, the writing style is more simple and straightforward.

I'm truly amazed at how incredibly varied all of her books are! They are so distinct in style from each other.

The story, despite the different writing approach, is still touching and heartfelt. It's about a friendship between two women that turns bitter and obsessive.

Could it be lesbian love? But it remains unspoken and invisible.

It's destructive. Although they don't intend it, they end up inflicting deep psychological and even physical damage upon each other.

This aspect of the story adds a layer of complexity and tragedy, making it a thought-provoking read.

Despite the simplicity of the writing style, the emotions and the story itself draw the reader in and keep them engaged until the very end.

It shows that Oates has the ability to tell a powerful story in different ways, each with its own unique charm and impact.

As the information on the cover suggests, SOLSTICE literally has three meanings: a furthest point, a turning point, or a point of culmination. I had expected the relationship of the two women who become friends (and who are from time to time estranged) to reach a turning point. It was much like how I have understood the word in connection to the changing of the seasons in the Midwest, whether for better or for worse. However, that is not what occurs. Instead, the artist and the teacher alternately love one another as very good friends or one of the two becomes petulant and becomes estranged from the other for a while, off and on for a year. By the end of the book, this does not feel resolved to me. The relationship seems fated to continue as the two of them persist in doing harm to themselves and to one another. I recommend it right up to the very unresolved ending. I am aware that endings are challenging to write, but this is Joyce Carol Oates!

Poor ladies. Their lives would be different now.

If in fact this book is about an unacknowledged romantic relationship. It’s so unacknowledged that I can’t really tell. However, the cover is certainly claiming it is.

One can only imagine the turmoil and hidden emotions that might have been at play. The ladies, perhaps, lived in a world where such feelings had to remain unspoken, hidden beneath the surface.

Their days might have been filled with longing and anticipation, yet they had to suppress their true desires.

The unacknowledged nature of the relationship added an extra layer of complexity to their lives.

It's a story that makes one wonder about the power of unexpressed love and how it can shape the course of a person's life.

Maybe if the relationship had been acknowledged, their lives would have taken a completely different turn.

But as it stands, we are left to speculate and try to understand the hidden depths of their emotions through the pages of this book.