What readers think of Dinosaurs, plus links to write your own review.

Dinosaurs is a slim book, easily entered to be read slowly. It is full of metaphors and the book's unfolding itself becomes one for its protagonist, Gil. It's seemingly telling a simple tale without embellishment which resembles Gil's world view as we meet him at 45, only to subtly and gradually reveal the layers of a man, a community, relationships with other humans and with a newly engaging natural world. Each chapter is titled with the name of a bird whose characteristics are also present in people or events in Gil's life and provide great meaning. Literally walking from his former home in NYC to the one he bought sight unseen in Phoenix is an attempt to immerse himself in what he imagines is "real life",from which his inherited wealth has shielded him. Encumbered by a bad breakup, he has left behind only two friendships with meaning, which add poignancy and reveal that he isn't the only person giving of himself in his "career" of volunteering. His newly arrived neighbors live in a house with the facing wall made of glass. He sees how a family lives, loves and disappoints. To his surprise and delight he becomes part of this family, mentoring- really parenting- the middle school child who has his own socialization issues. Gil's musings about how most dinosaurs became extinct except those who could evolve into birds, and his commitment to the birds he sees around his new desert home become meditations on environment and potential extinction. He becomes their protector when he sees pointless and widescale shooting of those to whom he has become attached. It is perhaps a metaphor too far when he dons a bat costume on Halloween and ventures out to solve the crime. A thread of the story concerns the drunk driver who killed his parents when he was very young, revealing more about Gil and the world, and exploring the concept of closure. I recommend this book to those readers who wish to join Gil in his musings about nature, relationships and the human condition and I hope that is many people.

I read this book in one sitting - that's how much it captivated me. Lydia Millet as created characters and a setting that are incredibly compelling. I was touched that the main characters, though flawed, were all trying to be decent, good people. I especially came to appreciate Gil who recognizes, after many unlucky years, that he is incredibly grateful for the friends who become is surrogate family. The Arizona desert interplays with the events of the story and provides a backdrop for his insights. I think this would be a good book for a lively group discussion.

Dinosaurs? Maybe we all are, just waiting for our next evolutionary stage, as the protagonist, Gil, is.

This is an outstanding book and a shortish read that goes down so smoothly that you will easily finish it in one day. These unlikely characters have found themselves in unavoidable proximity (one family lives in a literal "glass house" overlooked by the castle-style house of another) and their lives will coincide, but not in the ways you might expect. Millet is a beautiful writer, with a calm and expansive style and ties up some loose ends of the story, but not all so that the reader will find it pleasing to contemplate what may happen to these characters down the road.

I adored this book and plan to read Ms Millet's other books as soon as possible. By the way, the information gleaned about birds (the true descendants of the dinosaurs) is never obtrusive and truly interesting, as are the descriptions of the Arizona landscape.

"Dinosaurs" by Lydia Millett should fire its PR team because it makes the story sound aimless, yet it hooked me immediately. A gentleman walks from New York to Phoenix (you read that correctly) and starts anew after a failed relationship. Our protagonist, Gil, has a lot of money and has the upward mobility and flexibility to move across the country on a whim. He develops a bond/obsession with the family in the glass house next door. Think "Little Fires Everywhere," not "Magnolia".

The title pertains to Gil's bird-watching and often ponders how some evolved into birds while others disappeared. He "people-watches" similarly and feels equally detached from their interactions. Thoughts of the family next door consume him. We find Gil very intriguing, as he has accumulated wealth and seems to have a knack for giving advice and helping others. His own life appears to hinder him the most, however.

Like "Little Fires Everywhere," character development occurs so gradually that you will care about what happens to Gil before you realize why, partly because so much of his energy goes into helping others with their problems. I think that the author's purpose, in part, is to show what someone would do if finances, time, space, and familial responsibilities were not obstacles. Who would you be in that situation, and what would change? What priorities would you have?

We do not learn much about Gil's family background until halfway through the book. Many events shaped who he was and enabled him to up and abandon the life that he had. His ex said that he "did nothing" despite his extensive volunteering. The author, therefore, has a lot to say about altruism and trust, as the recipients of Gil's philanthropy and kindness often respond in such a way that would make lesser people give up on helping others.

I gave thanks to the advertisers because the story was engaging but lacked a genre; therefore, I had no idea what to expect from page to page. Gil floated in and out of so many lives and learned about humanity that way. If you like character studies, look no further than this work. I understand if it is not to everyone's taste since it does not fit into any little boxes. I could not wait to pick it up again and see where it would take me next.

Dinosaurs by Lydia Millet is a delightful, humorous read that I would happily read again and recommend to friends and family. The exploration of Gil's life and loves and friendships near and far is both relatable and unique. The book is also an ecological education of different types of birds and how the birds' lives intersect with our lives as well as Gil's. Treat yourself to a pleasant morning, afternoon or evening reading Dinosaurs.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and think it would lend itself to a great book club discussion. Gil, the protagonist, is such a good person. In fact, maybe too good sometimes. I found myself telling him to get a spine now and then - maybe a just a little bit of anger, revenge or snarliness, but that was not his character and that's OK. Gil intuitively knew how to engage and befriend Tom, the boy next door – my favorite relationship. I was not so thrilled with Sarah (girlfriend). Despite being well intentioned, she did somethings that would have ended their relationship had Gil not understood her motives. Gil's observational skills allowed him to understand and be empathetic to humans and animals alike. Ultimately, he touched and changed (for the better) virtually character in the book. The world needs more Gils!

I quite liked this book, though it wasn't my usual kind of read. I think it spare in dialog and exposition, such that I sometimes found myself unsure of exactly what was going on. This was likely reader error, as I'm not used to the style and unfamiliar with the (sub)culture and milieus involved. I don't think I missed any important plot points, but did find myself having to go back and reread at times. By the end I came to enjoy wondering/guessing what it might mean, and very much loved the nature facts and appreciation throughout. Several characters were interesting, even if I never came to care very much about most of them. Certainly worth a read, especially if you enjoy skilled (if spare) writing, bird references, and/or a desert setting.

Gil is alone in the world. His parents are dead, he has few friends, and no girl friend. But, he has a lot of money. Unlike most people with a lot of money, he try’s to use his time and money in useful ways. He doesn’t have a regular job, but he volunteers his time in ways that benefit those that are less fortunate. While reading this book, the reader learns more and more about him and the more you learn, the more you grow to like him. He moves next door to a house that has one side made of glass. The glass side faces Gil’s house and he gets a view of the life the family inside is living. He grows close to the family and becomes involved with them. For the first time he learns what it’s like to be a part of a family. This is a great story that explores many of life’s complications.