Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

I tried, I really tried to finish this book, but a third of the way through and I cannot stand the family. I have no desire to read how messed up their lives are, how depraved each sibling is in their own way, and strange family dynamics that are not evolving for better or for worse. When I read I want something that is enjoyable to read not shock value sex and drug abuse, with characters that are messed up and just more details about how morally vapid each sibling is in their own way. The book starts off as a mystery almost without knowing who kidnapped Carl or where the majority of the money went. Then fast forwards decades ahead to show the psychological trauma each child, including one that had not yet been born when Carl was kidnapped is experiencing as an adult. The summary sounds appealing, however it is not a mystery to solve so the first part that goes into so much detail about what happened during the kidnapping (but not to Carl) seems out of place. There does not seem to be any growth or character arc to the children, now adults, about the on going mental impact their father’s kidnapping and his behaviors after he returned have on their lives. It is like they recognize I am screwed up, no point in trying to fix it let me go on with my life like this or blame everything on that kidnapping instead of taking any personal responsibility for their actions. Beamer actually blames drugs for why he cheats on his wife when he goes out to pick up a pizza for the family instead of taking responsibility for his own actions. I am sure there are some people who will love this book, it seems to have gotten a ton of 5 star rating on high praise from many readers, but this was not the type of book I enjoy or would even recommend to anyone.  

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