Why people recommend it
So Much for That is a sharply observed, darkly humorous novel by Lionel Shriver that investigates the devastating financial and emotional toll of serious illness within the context of the American healthcare system. The book was a National Book Award finalist and received considerable attention on multiple episodes of The Book Review. On an episode featuring Amy Klobuchar on 'Antitrust', host Pamela Paul introduced the 2010 novel as part of her regular reading roundup, highlighting its thematic weight. Later, on the episode titled Dana Spiotta Talks About 'Wayward', Paul returned to the author's bibliography while discussing her ongoing reading journey. Paul reminded listeners that she had previously talked about this very novel on the podcast a few months prior, noting at the time that it was her very first encounter with Shriver's writing. Through these recurring mentions, the podcast underscored Shriver's unique ability to tackle uncomfortable, contentious contemporary subjects with unflinching honesty, rigorous plotting, and morally complex characters that challenge reader assumptions about mortality, marriage, and the relentless pursuit of the American dream.
Who recommended it
- Pamela Paul Discussed
Pamela Paul — 2 mentions
“so the two books are Lionel shriver's novel from 2010 which is the national book award finalist so much for that”
“I just read another novel by Lionel Shriver and listeners will remember I talked about a book of hers so much for that a few months ago on the podcast and said then that I hadn't read her before which is true”