Genuine Fraud

I enjoyed this one, mostly.Right off the bat, I was enamored with the writing style, which is tight and clever, yet functional and descriptive; generally, 'Fraud' strikes that rare balance of being equally impressive and easy-to-read (to my tastes, at least). Likewise, the story is, on the whole, satisfying, with sound, well-crafted characters, an engaging plot, and an arc that manages to be both concise and complete. Another plus: the author demonstrates a perceptive intellect and some sly wit, resulting in a pleasingly smart texture. On the other hand, I felt that some parts read awkwardly, and the ending came off as somewhat murky (or so I read it, anyhow; to be fair, I might've just missed something earlier on). Thus, I can't say that the book rocked my world; nonetheless, it was certainly worthwhile, and of above-average quality in all the ways that really matter in a novel.One thing that I liked especially, and which really upgraded the book for me, was the profound psychological subtext inhabiting the text. Namely, the story presents an object lesson in compartmentalized, double-minded thinking, and the many human questions that arise from such analysis. Through the conflicted central character and her behavior, the reader is treated to a vivid depiction of this mentality, in nuanced, realistic detail, as to dissect the condition and the complexities which govern it. Ultimately, 'Fraud's' character study is, in my view, highly relevant, regardless of its fictional nature (some of life's biggest mysteries are best captured in fiction, and this is one of them). And, considering the proliferation of such confused thinking in much of the modern world (and the often-dire consequences thereof), 'Fraud' is doubly important. As it were, we could all learn a thing or two from the book's two-faced anti-heroine.My sincere thanks goes out to the author and her publisher. I am grateful for, and have benefited from, your work.* * *Some notable quotes from 'Genuine Fraud':“'I make you drinks because it's my job. I pretend to like talking to you, because that's my job, too. You think I don't see how you look down at me? […] We're not friends, Ms. Williams. You're lying to me half the time, and I'm lying to you all the time.'” – p.18-19“Jule was sure Imogen couldn't really love or want Forrest. He was only an idea of a boyfriend: a placeholder. Though he didn't know it, he was a temporary person, like the college kids and art students who came over for dinner and were never seen again.” – p.211

Sell Me in a Sentence: The Talented Mr. Ripley meets the 21st century meets third wave feminism.Summary: Oh gosh, this is such a hard one to summarize without giving anything away.………The main character’s name is Jule. She has the unique ability to easily take on identities. There’s also a character called Imogen, who has a special connection with Jule. That’s all I should really tell you.Review: It’s been bumming me out that this book has been so badly reviewed. I’m a huge E. Lockhart fan; her books prominently influenced my feminism as a high schooler. Without her novels and my 12th grade English teacher, I would never have felt as free to be independent and opinionated. She writes very insightful stories about young women’s performances of gender and sexuality.This is not my favorite E. Lockhart (that would be The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks - I love me some boarding school novels). I know this has also been accused of being a copy of The Talented Mr. Ripley, which I’ve never read. With that being said, I liked this story and enjoyed the unusual format. It always kept me guessing and leafing back and forth between pages to pick on subtle references or hints. Although the character of Jule is not likable, her voice is one that resonated with me in some ways, particularly when she discussed loneliness, hurt, or friendship. I didn’t end this book feeling hopeful or empathetic for Jule either, but she continually defies all the expectations set upon her and that’s what makes her a refreshing, dynamic character to me.I hope that E. Lockhart continues to write more psychological thrillers in the future, as she is great at building excitement and suspense (We Were Liars fans know this too). I think what typifies an E. Lockhart novel is a character who grapples with a suffocating patriarchal culture and tries to become fully realized, self-sufficient person. With that trending theme, that makes any E. Lockhart book a must read for me.I give Genuine Fraud a 4.00001 out of 5 stars!

gift

Okay, that was pretty exciting. I definitely figured out the "mystery" early on, but I still wanted to keep reading. Short chapters and a unique timeline keep you on your toes. None of the characters are likeable, which might be a no go for some readers, and while I'd say this is YA, it's YA for older teen readers with some reading proficiency. Younger readers or struggling readers might find the timeline confusing. In fact, some of my students who don't yet love reading gave up on reading this. I liked it though to read the other book of this author on my shelf!

Wow! Bloody brilliant (literally)!This was such an exciting read with a protagonist you love to hate and a marvelously twisty plot that unravels backward in time. But what I truly appreciated about this novel was the exploration of the psyche.Jule, the protagonist, seems to wrestle with entirely relatable emotional issues. But, as the clock slowly winds itself backward, we learn the true extent of Jule’s emotional baggage. We also see what can happen when a common issue – wondering if your worthy of love, for example – turns outwardly and inwardly destructive. This was all done with sophistication and insight.I’m new to this author but will be looking for more books by her.

This storyline, told backwards starting at the end and unraveling to the beginning, had me hooked! I got it after reading the two Liars books. It was a faster read and had some mature content so I won’t put it on my junior high bookshelf at school but I did recommend it to several friends and loan it to my sister! If you like thrillers and mysteries, read this one!! It was a great price too!

The book was really good but the ending got me confused. Came in perfect condition

A mi hija adolescente le pareció muy interesante y entretenido .

O livro em sim não é ruim, o problema é que a história é uma cópia total de um famoso livro que virou filme, nao vou falar o nome aqui caso tenha interesse de ler. Mas é um absurdo! Incrível não ter sido considerado plagio!

I bought this book expecting a new one but i was given a used book as the edges of the pages a crinkled. I know this is not a big concern but if i pay for a new book, i should be receiving a new book.

Lockhart ha vuelto a escribir un gran libro. Esta historia esta llena de secretos y varias veces uno no está seguro de a dónde se va. Le doy cuatro estrellas porque el formato siento que ayudó mucho la historia, sin este formato la historia seria promedio. Si te gusta "we were liars", YA, YA contemporanio o inclusive un poco misterio dale una oportunidad.