Ignore the category of "young adult" because despite the "coming of age" story, the backdrop of imminentThis was very nearly a five-star read for me.
Ignore the category of "young adult" because despite the "coming of age" story, the backdrop of imminent environmental disaster delivers a whollop of a literary punch. It's a story that readers of all ages can appreciate, if not admire.
I'm a spoiler-free reviewer, and it's difficult to write about the poignancy of this novel without discussing plot points. However, this is a layered novel filled with real characters, potential real-world scenarios and an unknown future ripe with literary tension you can cut with a knife.
My only criticism, and it bothered me enough to lose a star, is that It is totally unbelievable that Julia's character was only a pre-teen when the story opens. Her teen angst, which is heartbreaking at times, seemed better suited to an older teen.
Not quite a post-apocolyptic book, and yet certainly there are shades of it, this book remains a strong reminder of the dark possibilities that surround the world we live in....more
From the first page until the last, this book captivates. Magic shrouded in mystery, turn-of-the century sensibilities and the child-like curiosity thFrom the first page until the last, this book captivates. Magic shrouded in mystery, turn-of-the century sensibilities and the child-like curiosity that is revealed whenever the circus comes to town.
Lushly described, the images leap off the pages-- characters are introduced in parts and pieces so the reader presses onward, as quickly as possible, to put all the pieces of the puzzle that is The Night Circus together.
I quickly fell in love with several of the characters and as I devoured each chapter, I began dreading the ending with a melancholia that only enhanced my reading. However, the ending created by Morgenstern's lush writing and visualization of the finale was a perfect ending to what was a perfect train ride... on the way to the next town to set up Le Cirque de Reve!...more
Too bad the introduction gave so much away... hate when a book ceases to surprise! That said it was a disturbing story. I likened it to a prequel of "Too bad the introduction gave so much away... hate when a book ceases to surprise! That said it was a disturbing story. I likened it to a prequel of "Whatever happened to Baby Jane." But did I like it you ask? No, not particularly, but that may have been part of the point!...more
Completely unexpected good read! Peeking into the mind of someone with Tourette's was fascinating but the rest of the story with its gritty and unsentCompletely unexpected good read! Peeking into the mind of someone with Tourette's was fascinating but the rest of the story with its gritty and unsentimental look at the life of a Brooklyn hood was unexpectedly charming and moving at times. The bonus-- a mystery where black and white were often shaded by grays! Glad I read it-- would make an interesting book club read!...more
This book promises more than it delivers, but it does keep you turning pages as it builds toward its "anti-climatic" ending.
I was pleasantly surprisedThis book promises more than it delivers, but it does keep you turning pages as it builds toward its "anti-climatic" ending.
I was pleasantly surprised at how well the male author manages to capture the voice of an insecure young woman who finds herself in a toxic relationship with the epitome of an "artiste." On the other hand, I was annoyed by the character's inaction when she clearly had everything going for her... some of the secondary characters weren't fleshed out and yet, they were the ones I wanted to get to know better....more
I really wanted this to be a five-star read because there were times this book was hauntingly lovely-- unfortunately the(Originally reviewed in 2008)
I really wanted this to be a five-star read because there were times this book was hauntingly lovely-- unfortunately there were other times that a heavier-handed editor would have benefitted the story.
It's hard to review without spoilers-- however, I will say that overall I loved how the author handled his "Hamlet" tale. I've read a few reviews by readers who expressed themselves better than I, but my favorite (and most touching) scenes were those involving Almondine... anyone who has experienced the love of a dog, will not be able to read this book without reaching for a Kleenex to wipe away a few tears... more than once....more
After seeing a few positive reviews of this book, I chose to read it to give myself a break as I struggled to get through a much larger book. I was meAfter seeing a few positive reviews of this book, I chose to read it to give myself a break as I struggled to get through a much larger book. I was mesmerized from the prologue through to the epilogue-- and without being overly sentimental, overly dramatic or overly detailed, the book drew tears more than once.
Using a few lines from the Bible as framework, the author breathes life into the oft-told, well-known story of Jacob, his wives, Joseph, his brothers and most importantly, Dinah.
Without delving into the specific religious angle, the author does a lovely job of taking the reader into the Holy Land in the early Old Testament times... through the eyes of the women-- not the men. It was interesting to learn about the customs of such an early time. And I fell in love with some of the supporting cast of characters as well-- especially the mother-aunties.
If you want a story that will stay with you, choose The Red Tent....more
I can imagine that this unique novella will be a hard start for most readers... it was for me and I'm usually pretty patient, but please don't stop reI can imagine that this unique novella will be a hard start for most readers... it was for me and I'm usually pretty patient, but please don't stop reading.
The lovely prose and intertwined narrative comes together toward the end of the first part and hits some wonderful highs in the second part.
As the book jacket will tell you, the work itself is a testament to the last days of the author, Irene Nemirovsky, who became a victim of the WW II occupation of France she wrote so beautifully about. I'm not sure which was more moving-- the stories she wove together (obviously based on events she was living firsthand) or the appendix of the book which is filled with Irene's notes and personal letters.
A truly lovely read that I would never have discovered without the choice of a book club!!
Loved this book... basically devoured it in just a few readings (began it on the 13th-- how appropriate). I thought the book as a whole was a great meLoved this book... basically devoured it in just a few readings (began it on the 13th-- how appropriate). I thought the book as a whole was a great metaphor for how a book can drive a reader... we don't usually want the truth-- just a great story that keeps us company on a chilly winter's evening. Other than the fairly abrupt ending (all good books must end somewhere), I thoroughly enjoyed this!...more
While I can't say I liked this better than Pride and Prejudice, I certainly can see how Jane Austen's style of prose and storylines evolved from this,While I can't say I liked this better than Pride and Prejudice, I certainly can see how Jane Austen's style of prose and storylines evolved from this, her first book, to my favorite, P&P.
Her characters were endearing, maddening, charming, hopelessly obtuse or wicked, and even when I wasn't happy (anyone else want to throttle Marianne Dashwood? And yet she is a character before her time), I adored this slice of England society.
Lastly, my only disappointment was that I had recently watched a newer PBS version of this book (and then it became a book club pick). It was so well done that I felt like I'd already read the book... definitely check out the two-part series if you enjoyed this book....more
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