But, when you twist and turn and twist and turn and twist and turn etc. etc. etc. . . your story ends up lookA few twists and turns is one thing . . .
But, when you twist and turn and twist and turn and twist and turn etc. etc. etc. . . your story ends up looking like this:
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I will start by saying my opinion of this book may have been tainted going in. I did not care at all for The Girl on the Train and originally planned to never read this one. However, my book club chose this one and I am a team player, so I figured it was worth a shot to see if it was an improvement over The Girl on the Train.
If it was – it was very slight.
Back to the twists and turns. This story twisted and turned so much it became convoluted, silly, and hard to follow. On top of that, while twisting and turning it also time jumped. Part way through I started to feel like I would need a scopolamine patch or some Dramamine to avoid getting motion sickness. What was even more frustrating is several times I thought I was getting into it and then it would twist and turn again and lose me.
By the end, I did not really care a whole lot about the resolution anymore, I was just excited to be done with the characters and the story. This is not the way you want to feel at the end of a book! Sorry, but it appears like this is another author to add to the list of “I swear I tried . . . more than once, even . . . but this author is just not for me”. ...more
I went in without really having any expectations other than knowing that it was a classic novel addressing the trials and triInvisible Man is unique.
I went in without really having any expectations other than knowing that it was a classic novel addressing the trials and tribulations faced by the black community in the mid-1900s. While it is that, the experience of the tragic hero of the novel is very bizarre, trippy, and somewhat unexpected. It is told in a way to make sure it reflects on a variety of possible experiences a black man might face during the time period. But, because Ellison is covering so many in one book and they are delivered in such quick succession, your head might be spinning before it is done.
I was surprised at how accessible the writing is. Sometimes I am nervous going into a classic worried that I will be spending more time getting comfortable with the writing style than actually absorbing the story. With Invisible Man, the writing and narrative are very easy to follow, and it only requires a little extra concentration because of the sudden narrative jumps.
A lot of the frustrations encountered by our protagonist sound very familiar to what is encountered in America today. Maybe some of it a bit different because times have changed, but it is still concerning that a story written 70 years ago can feel so current. I will equate my feelings on this to a discussion I had with my wife about the show Mad Men. For those who have not seen it, the main storylines are always affected by what is happening in America in the late 50s and 60s. We noted how amazing it is how all the plots around the handling of racial inequality do not sound much different than today. Many may look at the news and say “Wow, 2020 is crazy! I cannot believe what the response to racial inequality has become!” But, if you take the time to look back, it has been this way for a long time – you may just not have been listening or watching close enough!
A very good book worth checking out – both because it is a good and interesting story, but also because of the message it has to share. ...more
I have had this one on my radar for quite some time. I listened to the first few chapters with my wife several years ago, but I didn’t finish it. I diI have had this one on my radar for quite some time. I listened to the first few chapters with my wife several years ago, but I didn’t finish it. I didn’t give much more thought to it until I saw that a movie version of it was coming out. I figured before I watch the movie, I might as well read the book. So, I chose it for one of my book club’s September 2020 selection.
I was entertained, but it was just okay. It is a bizarre, very quirky story. The format is emails and letters, which I was okay with, but I have seen some complain about. I guess it can be difficult to keep things connected in a coherent steam of thought in this format. While it does improve toward the end with longer sections without breaks, I can easily see how it would be hard to get into in the beginning.
Again, everything about this was quirky. The characters, the story line, the various settings – all so bizarre. It is like Semple wrote the world’s longest Mad Lib and randomly assigned the characters traits, plot points, and locations by pulling them out of a hat. It certainly makes for an interesting and sometimes humorous reading experience, but at times it was a bit disorienting. That, combined with the format of the writing, make for a most unconventional experience.
I also must point out that despite the bizarre and humorous twists and turns there is also a lot of serious content about relationships, mental health, and the daily pressures of life. If you can work your way through the maze, you might find your heart wrenched a little bit as well.
In closing – I am glad I read it and I did enjoy it. Maybe it was the bizarre unconventional-ness of the book, and maybe it wasn’t, but I didn’t really connect to it to the extent I had been hoping . . . the extent that would make me say “YES! I can see why they made this into a movie”. It is worth checking out but be prepared for disorientation. ...more
I finally got to this classic book and it did not disappoint. For years I have wanted to read it with many of my friends and family having read it bacI finally got to this classic book and it did not disappoint. For years I have wanted to read it with many of my friends and family having read it back in elementary/middle school and talking about how good it is. It is well written, flows well, and takes the reader on a series of emotional highs and lows. When it is over you will be satisfyingly exhausted (and maybe crying).
The only place I could see this story being a problem for some readers is that it is very much a period piece. Set in rural early 1900s America, it could prove difficult to connect to. If you think this could be a show stopper, proceed with caution. But, if it is something that you can work around, there is a lot to love here.
Another important part of this book is dogs and a boy’s love for his dogs. I am not much of a dog person, but I was still able to enjoy this book. If you are a dog person, I think you will connect with it even more!
If you have had this book on your to read list for a long time like I did, maybe now is the time to check it out!...more
I was pleasantly surprised by this very moving book. I had heard many good things and had seen it nominated for some awards but went in waril4.5 stars
I was pleasantly surprised by this very moving book. I had heard many good things and had seen it nominated for some awards but went in warily because hype is not always a good thing. In this case, I think the hype paid off.
From the very first pages I was drawn into the variety of characters you meet as they embark on a cross-country plane journey. My enthrallment only increased as we learned more about their journey and the aftermath. Also, there was a lot of back and forth time jumping in this story; in a recent review I mention that this bothers me in about 50% of the books I read. I did not have an issue with it here at all. All in all, it is a book that captured my attention the entire time.
One major point of warning . . . this book deals with several difficult scenarios. It is powerful and heart-wrenching at points. You will need your tissues and I fear that it may be too much for those who do not like stories that might stoke their sorrow. There are many lights and the end of many tunnels in this story, but the road to get there is a very bumpy one.
If you enjoy good storytelling, interesting characters, and your emotions torn asunder, give Dear Edward a try! ...more
Every once in a while, I read a book and when I am done, I wonder what the heck I just read. Under the Skin is just such a book. Very intriguing storyEvery once in a while, I read a book and when I am done, I wonder what the heck I just read. Under the Skin is just such a book. Very intriguing story but super bizarre. And, if you are not uncomfortable at least once while reading this book, I would be very surprised.
First, I will say that the story is very unique. While it does borrow some common tropes from horror and books trying to make social statements, overall, I have never read anything quite like it. And, because what is happening in the plot is very mysterious, every twist and turn brought something that I did not see coming (or could have even imagined).
Which brings me to . . .
Second, the bizarre-ness that I have already mentioned is so twisted and jaw dropping, it was like being a bystander watching the oddest car wreck ever; I couldn’t look away, but I could barely watch. Wondering what the next disturbing thing would be kept this book moving right along for me.
Third, there is a lot between the lines with this book. You could read this just for the story and leave it at that. But, if you are looking for political and social commentary, it is oozing out from the background. This book could easily lead to a lot of heated debates.
If I officially recommend this, you might wonder what is wrong with me. But it is intriguing and, if you have a strong stomach for the sick and twisted, you may enjoy riding with Isserley . . . just stick your thumb out, I am sure she will be by soon to pick you up! ...more
Another fun time reading a classic and nostalgia filled book to my kids!
Probably the best part of the experience was when it came to sharing my progreAnother fun time reading a classic and nostalgia filled book to my kids!
Probably the best part of the experience was when it came to sharing my progress on Goodreads and the wide array of responses I got. Everything from, “Wow, I haven’t read this in years! I was one of my favorites!” to, “WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU READING!” I mean, it is a book about a vampire bunny and if you saw the cover come across your feed, and you had never heard of it, you might have had a similar shocked reaction!
I did enjoy reading this to my kids and have enjoyed the fact that they have now consumed three straight books one chapter a night with great enthusiasm. However, unlike Charlie and the Chocolate factory, it did not quite translate to a 5-star read for me as an adult and, if I had not been enjoying it along with my kids I might have not enjoyed it quite as much. But, still, a classic!
One of my favorite things about this book is that it does have a similar feel to Dracula in the narration by Harold the dog. His delivery and diction felt very similar to Harker’s letters in Dracula. That was a really cool connection – and I hope if my kids get to read Dracula some day they remember Bunnicula!
So, either enjoy a nostalgic “horror” trip to your childhood or continue to be confused as to why someone would want to read this. Either way, Bunnicula is not going anywhere in the annals of classic youth literature ...more
Wow! Whether you end up enjoying this book or not, I think you will have to admit it is a very unique and poetic approach to such a dark and gritty scWow! Whether you end up enjoying this book or not, I think you will have to admit it is a very unique and poetic approach to such a dark and gritty sci-fi war drama. In fact, I am not sure that everyone that finds themselves usually enjoying sci-fi will enjoy this one because it is not what you would normally expect.
I really liked this book overall. I cannot say that in the end I understood everything that happened, but I think that is okay in this case. The poetry, the character development, and the relationships were more important than the world building. However, I think there are some who will appreciate the sci-fi world building that serves as the stage for the main storyline.
Some may note that this novella is categorized as a "Romance". When I hear the word "Romance" I think of bodice rippers with shirtless men in kilts and damsels in tattered blouses lusting after them. That is NOT the "Romance" you will find here. No sex or gratuitous exchange of bodily fluids. Just strong longing, passion, and desire through words.
If you like unique sci-fi, you might like this. If you like heart-wrenching love stories, you might like this. If you like both of those things, you will love this! Give it a try!
NOTE: I forgot to add this when I originally wrote my review but meant to add it. I do think that many might find this hard to get into at first. I listened to it and ended up listening to a good portion of the beginning twice. I am not saying that it will definitely click through after you struggle through the beginning, but don't be surprised by a tough start....more
An 11-year-old wunderkind detective who is obsessed with poison . . . maybe more disturbing than the mystery she is solving . . . but charming as hellAn 11-year-old wunderkind detective who is obsessed with poison . . . maybe more disturbing than the mystery she is solving . . . but charming as hell!
Meet Flavia de Luce – sometimes funny, sometimes lucky, sometimes brilliant beyond her years, sometimes in the wrong place at the wrong time, always kinda creepy!
I think maybe Wednesday Addams is a good comparison – perhaps a more adorable and less dark Wednesday:
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The book was okay – it bogged down A LOT in the middle with the history of British stamps. I listened to this book and it was about 9 hours long and it seemed like a 3 hour chunk was dedicated to a backstory around stamps. I think if that could have been less voluminous it would have helped the pacing some. But, if you are a huge fan of stamps (a philatelist perhaps – a word used many, many times in this book) then this might be the mystery for you!
I am glad that I read this one as I have heard a lot of people talking about it. It was definitely worth the mini-escape it provides. However, I don’t think I will be reading any more in the series – it just didn’t interest me enough to keep moving on with this character....more
Because of a book club, I did read you To join in discussion, I did need you A librarian did recommend On whosReview of Marlena A poem by Matthew McLean
Because of a book club, I did read you To join in discussion, I did need you A librarian did recommend On whose word I did depend Stream of consciousness I did find Through repetitious pages I did grind So-so and unlikable characters I did meet Drugs, alcohol, and sex did compete Coming of age was the theme Loss of innocence to the extreme Some would say the genre is Young Adult Because of teens in revolt But if a teen decided to read Some attention they might need Because there are some triggers you must abide Those mentioned above as well as death (maybe suicide?) Unfortunately, I must mention Other more interesting books required my attention So, three stars in the end Any higher and truth I would bend Perhaps it is one you would give an “A” But for me it was just okay...more
I read this with one of my book clubs so there was a lot of introspection and opinion sharing along the A pretty solid 4 star mystery/thriller for me!
I read this with one of my book clubs so there was a lot of introspection and opinion sharing along the way. I enjoy the additional thinking my book clubs make me do! And, honestly, the discussion makes this review feel more like a defense of my 4 star rating than just a straight up 4 star review.
Through my discussions with my club and in looking at some other reviews, there is a pretty diverse opinion on the story, plot points, and the twists in this book. And, while I agree at times it can seem a bit cheesy, convenient, and predictable, I was fully entertained throughout and did not want to stop reading. When a book pulls me in that much, I can easily forgive some things that might bug me in other situations.
With that being said, if you like twisty thrillers, I think this one is worth checking out. It will definitely keep you guessing . . . then make you think you have figured it out . . . and then it will throw you for another loop. And, while you might truly figure out the mystery on your own, the ride to find out that you were right is worth it!
In conclusion, if you end up thinking it is too cheesy and predictable . . . you were warned! ...more
In a world where people tend to make assumptions about people and places based on the news, preconceived notions, prAmazing!
Heart-Wrenching!
Important!
In a world where people tend to make assumptions about people and places based on the news, preconceived notions, prejudice, etc., this book needs to be read. I think a good portion of the American population hears “Afghanistan” and they think it is a country full or terrorists and unreasonable Muslim extremists who all band together to plot the downfall of anyone not like them. A Thousand Splendid Suns shows the progression of life in Afghanistan from the Soviet takeover in 1980s through post 9/11 Taliban control. All of this is through the eyes of two women trying to live a normal and peaceful life just like anyone in the world wants. You will see that despite the extremists and unreasonable values of some, most of the Afghani people are no different than you and me.
Hosseini is a fantastic writer. Not only is the story enthralling, but the way he writes is engaging and easy to follow. I was never bored or confused. When I was not reading the book, I was thinking about the book and could not wait to get back to it and find out what happens. Sometimes you find the perfect book where the writing just falls into place with a click – that happened with this one. While the story takes place far away and the life discussed unusual for me, he made it very approachable and understandable.
The characters were great. The ones I was rooting for I was REALLY rooting for. The ones that I despised I REALLY hated. When I get this invested in the characters, it is a sure sign of a great book!
I will end with this warning: while a great and interesting book, it is, at times, difficult to read. There are situations and scenarios that are upsetting and may trigger lots of emotion. If you are extremely sensitive, it may be difficult to make it through. But, if you can, I think it will be worth it in the end.
If you have not read this book yet, I think you should give it a try. The experience is very likely to be eye-opening and maybe even life-changing. ...more
I am impressed. It took me a while to get into this book, but as it went on and the pieces fell into place, I was gripped, surprised, and sat4.5 stars
I am impressed. It took me a while to get into this book, but as it went on and the pieces fell into place, I was gripped, surprised, and satisfied by the experience as a whole.
With this book you will find some uniqueness in the plot. Have you ever read a mystery about a "submarine" in a barn in Virginia? Didn't think so. Also, the courtroom drama is great. Throughout the book there are at least 5 or 6 people who seem plausibly guilty because the evidence is there. You will be guessing the whole time. Then, when you think you know what is going on, guess again.
A bit of a trigger warning. This book deals with autism and the controversy over alternative therapies to treat it. If you are affected by this or are concerned it might trouble you, proceed with caution.
I can easily recommend this to fans of mystery/courtroom dramas. If you are like me, it may take a bit to get into it, but the payoff is totally worth it....more
Another book from the great 2020 COVID-19 Quarantine Reading Slump finished! I started this in early March and then WHAM! I hardly read a thing for a Another book from the great 2020 COVID-19 Quarantine Reading Slump finished! I started this in early March and then WHAM! I hardly read a thing for a month and a half. The slump seems to be over and reading is going well. So, don't look at the length of time it took me to read this book and let that sway how you think my experience was and how yours might be. This was definitely an anomaly!
I seem to be in the midst of a Soviet reading marathon! This one, Midnight in Chernobyl, and Red Storm Rising have all been on my plate recently. I suppose The Communist Manifesto or Das Kapital are next!
My early impressions of this book were tainted by my slump. I was enjoying what I read, but I would only read a few pages before my mind wandered or I would go days between times I was interested in picking it up. Because of this, I don't remember a whole lot from the first 150 pages or so.
Since it is not fair to evaluate based on my mindset during the slump, I am going to assume that the first 150 pages were as good as the rest of the book!
It is a rather timely story for a quarantine as the main character is under house arrest in a hotel in Moscow. You thought you were frustrated stuck at home for two months, try years and years under the watchful eye of the KGB. At least he makes the most of it and we are all treated to this wonderful book.
If you are a fan of well written historical fiction and/or capers (yes, this book is a bit of a caper in the end - seems like a lot of books with characters under the oppressive thumb of a Communist government end up being capers to thwart the tyranny), then I think you will find this to be an enjoyable experience. It is worth a try but maybe don't start it if you are slumping!...more
Sometimes dark, sometimes funny, sometimes mysterious – I really enjoyed my first Liane Moriarty book. I have seen where some say this book is not quiSometimes dark, sometimes funny, sometimes mysterious – I really enjoyed my first Liane Moriarty book. I have seen where some say this book is not quite as good as her others. If that is the case, I am in for a real treat if I keep reading her books.
From time to time, my wife and I choose an audiobook to listen to together at night after the kids go to bed. I had Nine Perfect Strangers set as the June 2020 read for one of my book clubs and she had read this author before. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to listen to another one together! I will say, I think getting a chance to listen to a book with my wife like we are listening to a radio drama in the 40s or 50s always enhances my experience.
This book is all about the characters and character development. Some may feel that it is thin on plot, but it is the backstory of each character and their relationship development that is the plot. If you really enjoy character studies and watching characters build and change over the course of the book, this would be the perfect book for you to check out.
In my first paragraph I mention that this book is “sometimes” lots of different things. It was interesting to be laughing on one page, near tears the next, and then wondering if things had taken a sinister turn the very next one. Moriarty keeps the reader guessing right along with the characters – who also never seem to know quite what is going on.
This is a title where I have seen a pretty big division in the reviews from my friends on Goodreads; maybe even more low star ratings than high. Now that I have finished, I will be looking closer at some of those reviews to see what led to the lower ratings, but for me, I think it was a very decent book worth checking out!...more
3.9 Stars (Average of the star ratings I gave each story)
I am actually a little surprised that this came in at 3.9 stars as it felt a bit lukewarm ove3.9 Stars (Average of the star ratings I gave each story)
I am actually a little surprised that this came in at 3.9 stars as it felt a bit lukewarm overall as a collection to me. Not a bad collection but seemed like more “just okay” stories than “mind blowing” ones. I am glad to see that it came in higher than I expected but go in knowing that it felt like the gems were few and far between for me.
Below is my play by play for each story – it might look familiar if you were following my status updates while I was reading. While it was marketed (or at least felt like it was marketed) as plane-based horror stories, I felt like overall it was more about the potential peril, mystery, and claustrophobia you may encounter when setting a story in a metal tube shooting through the air at hundreds of miles per hour several miles off the ground (not just horror). Just think – its not like a car where you can pull over for a break or a building in a city where you can call in reinforcements.
Cargo - 4 Stars
A chilling flight based on real events. Makes you think about who deals with the aftermath of disaster.
The Horror of the Heights - 4.5 Stars
What is the most amazing thing about this story is that it was written shortly after flight first became a thing and people and only barely begun to grasp what might be in the air above us. Doyle - who normally regales us with adventures of Sherlock Holmes - probably did a pretty good job of scaring the bajesus out of people who were still not so sure about this new travel.
Nightmare at 20,000 Feet - 5 Stars
Probably the best-known flight-based horror story of all time. A little bit dated due to the changes in flight security since it was written, but still a very good, spooky tale of the anxieties of flying.
The Flying Machine - 3 Stars
Kind of hard to rate as it is only three paragraphs and half a page long. But, an amusingly cynical take on humanity's desire for flight that leads to throwing caution - in the face of obvious dangers - to the wind.
Lucifer! - 4.5 Stars
A very good "what if?" story. And it shows that maybe it is best not to mess with what you don't understand - especially if you have a dark side. Karma will get you in the end!
The Fifth Category - 3 Stars
I felt like this was a whole lot of complex build up for nothing. A sort of interesting premise, but not many answers to the question "why?" - at least, not enough to make me care all that much.
Two Minutes Forty-Five Seconds - 2 Stars
Seems kind of pointless and not all that interesting. Doesn't really succeed in telling a whole story in just a few pages. I am left with more questions than answers.
Diablitos - 4 Stars
Creepy artifacts are always good for a scary story. Smuggle them into your carry on, and you are asking for big trouble!
Air Raid - 4.5 Stars
A unique take on post-apocalyptic speculative Sci-fi. A bit confusing at first but will keep you on the edge of your seat as the plot becomes clear.
You Are Released - 5 Stars The best story in the collection so far. Very raw and real. Great characters and character development for a short story. I felt the suspense in my soul while reading.
Warbirds - 3 Stars
If you like WWII stories and/or have an interest in stories where the detailed and technical parts of combat are a main focus, this is the story for you. For me, there was a whole lot of cluttered build up for a sudden and somewhat odd payoff. Not bad, but not the best story from this book.
The Flying Machine - 5 Stars
Bradbury never needs many pages or many words to tell a great and impactful short story. He is a short story master! This is a tale of "Looks like we can, but should we?"
Zombies on a Plane - 3.5 Stars
Not a bad little story, but kind of a misleading title. If you are looking for a showdown between zombies and people on an aircraft, you will not find it here . . . maybe if there was a sequel, but not in this one.
They Shall Not Grow Old - 3.5 Stars
Decent story from Roald Dahl. I thought it was building to something bigger but didn't quite make it there. Very interesting story, though. One to make you think.
Murder in the Air - 4 Stars
Whodunnit in the air. Poirot fans will be pleased.
The Turbulence Expert - 4.5 Stars
A very good story from the King. Fascinating "What If" scenario - not scary but thought provoking.
Falling - 3.5 Stars
A poem based on a real-life situation where a flight attendant was sucked out of a plane. Interesting, but kind of an odd poetic structure. Still pretty good! ...more
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way.”
Another classic down! The copy of this book that I read I have owned since middle school/high school – so it has been with me for about 25 years! I figured it was about time to get to it.
The book is divided into three parts and when I got to the end of part two (which is a little over 200 pages into the book), I was sure I was going to give the book 2 stars. Not that I was kidding myself that Dickens would be an easy read, but I had to force myself back into the book every day because I knew it would end up being a chore.
Then I hit part three.
It is all worth it for part three! Part three by itself is 5 stars all the way – so I averaged out my overall rating to 4 stars. If you are struggling with the beginning like I did – don’t give up! I hope that you find the ending as interesting and engaging as I did.
Also, thanks again to Shmoop for helping me along the way with chapter summaries. I didn’t have to read a summary of every chapter, but there were a few that had me scratching my head so it was very helpful having a place I could go for help.
Finally, while I started my review with one of the most famous beginning quotes in literature, I didn’t realize that the famous quote that ends this book was from Dickens. I will end my review with it – but I am not marking it with a spoiler, so if you want to avoid knowing what it is, don’t look down!
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“It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.” ...more
I wish I had a better experience with and more positive things to say about this book. I went in worried about it being another “Girl-in-the-title” boI wish I had a better experience with and more positive things to say about this book. I went in worried about it being another “Girl-in-the-title” book or just another entry in the oversaturated “Girl-living-through-WWII” genre. While it was definitely both of these things, it was neither of those that led to this being a frustrating read.
The book was way too cheesy. If a book is supposed to be fun, silly, or light-hearted, cheesiness is a thing to be celebrated and embraced. This book was supposed to be a dark, WWII era mystery so I was not expecting dialogue leading to eye rolling or scenarios causing me to audibly groan. I feel like the biggest offender in this case was bizarre insta-love. While the following is not exactly what happened, it would be like the main character was getting shot at, some random guy shows up to save her, and then the next page they are kissing and have declared their undying devotion to each other.
The book was way too convenient. “Oh, silly me, I accidently tripped over something! What is it? Oh look, a major plot point!” “Goodness, I just parachuted into Europe and need to be careful of who I meet out here in the middle of nowhere! Why hello there, who are you? The exact person in all of Europe I need to find? Excellent!” There are a few other scenarios like this – and, I know in fiction there sometimes have to be convenient turns of events to keep the plot moving. But, in this case, the conveniences started as a snowball at the top of the mountain and quickly became an avalanche!
The book had way too many giant plot jumps. One of the best parts of many stories is meeting the characters and watching them develop. Or, you learn of a key goal in the story and you watch as everything progresses to a climax. Several times in this book, we met a person as a rookie and at the beginning of the next chapter, they were the MVP. Another time, you learn what the main characters are attempting to do and it sounds very complicated and like it will involve a lot of planning and organizing moving parts. Next thing you know, it is done. This is another case where at times you may need to move events along by making a jump, but I just kept feeling like giant chunks of story were missing. I seriously several times looked back through what I had read to see if I had missed something!
I liked the story okay, but in the realm of WWII fiction it is not in the upper echelons. Maybe you will enjoy it more than I did and can look past the issues I mentioned above. But, for me, it is a bit of a dud.
Many thanks to Park Row for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I am sorry that this honest review could not have been a better one in support of the book!...more
This is quite possibly the longest it has taken me to finish a book of this length. Maybe not ever, but at least since I got back into reading a lot aThis is quite possibly the longest it has taken me to finish a book of this length. Maybe not ever, but at least since I got back into reading a lot about 10 years ago. I think an ongoing reading slump had over the past year had a lot to do with it. But I also think the way the book is written was part of it, too. Whatever the reason . . . I am thankful it is over and that I don’t have to carry it around anymore!
So, your first thought is probably that it must be a bad book if it took that long to read. I can say that I do not think it is a bad book at all. It has many colorful characters and interesting anecdotes. If you really like historical fiction – and specifically Civil War era historical fiction – I believe you will enjoy this book.
However, I am only giving it 3 stars because, for me, I never wanted to read more than a few pages at a time, and I was never all that excited to pick it back up. Could be a side-effect of the aforementioned slump, but I really think I would have had a similar response if I was not slumping. I am not sure I can easily put into words exactly what it is about the way it is written that made me less than motivated to get into it. It was just so heavy and wordy – maybe it is like when you eat something that is very rich so you can only eat a little at a time and need a break between mouthfuls. I get the impression that many others that read this had an experience similar to mine.
Should you read it? It is hard for me to recommend a book that I was not very motivated to read – even with the result being that I did like it okay. Just be prepared to get mired in it for a while if you end up with an experience like mine. But, hopefully in the end, you do find something about it to enjoy. ...more
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