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Title:	Motion of the Body Through Space, The
Authors:	Shriver, Lionel
Genre:	Fiction
Pages:	338
Year:	2020
Language:	English
Description:	In the yin and yang of a well-established marriage, Serenata and Remington are poised to swap places. Serenata, with a lifetime of pounding the pavement under her belt, now faces hanging up her running shoes for a bout of knee surgery. Remington's previous abhorrence of exercise is replaced with a born-again conversion to extreme sport, aided and abetted by his youthful personal trainer, Bambi. Forced into early retirement, Remington now has the time to devote to the demands of his new cult, and money too, courtesy of their retirement funds. Entertaining and provocative, this satirical story offers perceptive insights on not only ageing and the elite fitness industry, but other contentious issues of the day.
Categories:	Fiction, Gender Issues, Grief/loss, Medical/Health, Relationships, Social commentary/perspectives, USA, America, 2022 Titles

Reviews

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By: AUCK 339		2024-06-12 14:17:18

Loved by some, disliked by others. The cynical nature of Serenata was not appreciated by some.

By: DIAM 003		2023-10-16 11:04:38

This book was certainly well researched and cleverly written. It was agreed that it was difficult to find empathy with any of the characters, except perhaps the elderly father-in-law. Such a group of selfish, self-centred people. In today's world, it is amazing so much money is invested in paying so called 'personal trainers' and cost of equipment and huge entry fees. Massive financial layout. Clever author, very much a wordsmith.

By: MANGWH 004		2023-03-13 10:12:13

Mixed views - all liked the writing, but the characters failed to engage.

By: WAIHEK 002		2023-03-02 13:05:49

This book prompted some interesting discussion, but some found the tone smug and unpleasant! This wasn't the case for everyone.

By: DUNED 058		2023-03-01 12:33:48

Some of us liked it, some hated it. We all thought it had a very weak ending, and we thought the notes were excellent.

By: HOKITIK 002		2022-11-25 13:50:43

Many found it confronting and hard to get into. Those that read it enjoyed the second half, but found the 'ranty-philosophising' a bit boring. Interesting conversation around cultural appropriation and the fanaticism of the fitness cult.

By: OHOPE 006		2022-09-30 11:58:36

The whole group thought this was an easy read but we couldn't find a single character that was nice except for the daughter, whose humour we enjoyed.

By: ASHB 024		2022-09-23 11:20:42

Not an easy read. Many of us couldn't finish. We felt that the author did not really convey what she was trying to depict.

By: CHCH 125		2022-09-01 10:28:20

The subject material promised a lot - but was protracted in parts and didn't deliver. Some in the group found it too wordy - others frustrating. A couple didn't complete it, a couple said they enjoyed it.

By: NELS 015		2022-06-22 12:57:29

Mixed views - some people didn't like the characters (eg. Serenata self-absorbed and uncaring). Others disliked the writing style (too wordy). The book seemed to push the boundaries in poking fun at ultra- fitness as a religion. A good discussion though, with lots of laughs.

By: REEF 002		2022-04-27 16:46:11

Excellent book - very witty. We ALL enjoyed this one!

By: TAUR 004		2021-10-11 11:53:55

Fascinating book. Everyone enjoyed it. Many sub-themes. Highly recommended. Though some of the vocabulary a little 'try hard'!! (Sorry about the pun!) Very cleverly written.