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I just spent the morning finishing The Night Circus when I should have working. Loved it. Loved it. It is romance with the world, with magic. It more than that - it is love of story, the most powerful magic of all.
OK. I don't read romance books, and this one is usually shelved in Romance. But my sister gave me a copy to read post-surgery and I was hooked. It is time travel, and takes place primarily during the Jacobite Uprising. Think of a WWII combat-weary, slightly feminist English army nurse being thrust into the 18th century when women were supposed to 'behave' and must be protected through male political maneuvering, fighting, and family connections. Needless to say, she doesn't behave and I found myself thinking of I Love Lucy bungling but with greater consequences. The book is peppered with historical lessons, language and facts, filled with political intrigue, humor, and yes romance (a bit too much for me - but I find myself quite fond of our hero, Jamie Frasier) and more. The characters are multi-dimensional, and you find yourself even caring about the villains, or at least having a modicum of sympathy for them. Few of Gabaldon's books are less than 650 pages, and this isn't one of the exceptions, but it is engaging and a relatively quick read. I have not had time to play the CD of "Outlander, the Musical" but it promises some fun.
Oh . . .my . . . God! This book is incredible. What an inventive structure and what a brilliant mind to construct this story. Even a chapter summary would be a spoiler. Just read it. Enjoy it. And then wonder that there are such brilliant writers in the world.
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(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
OK Enid (formerly of Powells.com), I am totally addicted to this series based on your suggestion. This is one of the smartest, most well researched, interesting series on post WWI Britain. It deals with the fate of women in the post-war dearth of men, how these women could (and could not) make a living, class warfare, shell-shock, the rising middle-class and so much more. I usually read a few books in a series and then get bored with the pattern. But not these. I devoured every single one and can hardly wait for the next one.
Artfully written, with such an inventive plot, Ann Patchett outdoes herself - again. "State of Wonder" tackles such issues as the price of comfort, passions that blind, true human connection, the force and levels of greed, the effects of curiosity and pride, and the mysterious course of nature and so much more. I wanted to discuss this book with someone when I finished - a perfect book club book
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salliforth has commented on (19) products.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
salliforth, February 18, 2012
I just spent the morning finishing The Night Circus when I should have working. Loved it. Loved it. It is romance with the world, with magic. It more than that - it is love of story, the most powerful magic of all.Outlander (20th Anniversary Edition) (Outlander) by Diana Gabaldon
salliforth, January 28, 2012
OK. I don't read romance books, and this one is usually shelved in Romance. But my sister gave me a copy to read post-surgery and I was hooked. It is time travel, and takes place primarily during the Jacobite Uprising. Think of a WWII combat-weary, slightly feminist English army nurse being thrust into the 18th century when women were supposed to 'behave' and must be protected through male political maneuvering, fighting, and family connections. Needless to say, she doesn't behave and I found myself thinking of I Love Lucy bungling but with greater consequences. The book is peppered with historical lessons, language and facts, filled with political intrigue, humor, and yes romance (a bit too much for me - but I find myself quite fond of our hero, Jamie Frasier) and more. The characters are multi-dimensional, and you find yourself even caring about the villains, or at least having a modicum of sympathy for them. Few of Gabaldon's books are less than 650 pages, and this isn't one of the exceptions, but it is engaging and a relatively quick read. I have not had time to play the CD of "Outlander, the Musical" but it promises some fun.A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
salliforth, January 27, 2012
Oh . . .my . . . God! This book is incredible. What an inventive structure and what a brilliant mind to construct this story. Even a chapter summary would be a spoiler. Just read it. Enjoy it. And then wonder that there are such brilliant writers in the world.(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
salliforth, January 27, 2012
OK Enid (formerly of Powells.com), I am totally addicted to this series based on your suggestion. This is one of the smartest, most well researched, interesting series on post WWI Britain. It deals with the fate of women in the post-war dearth of men, how these women could (and could not) make a living, class warfare, shell-shock, the rising middle-class and so much more. I usually read a few books in a series and then get bored with the pattern. But not these. I devoured every single one and can hardly wait for the next one.State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
salliforth, January 11, 2012
Artfully written, with such an inventive plot, Ann Patchett outdoes herself - again. "State of Wonder" tackles such issues as the price of comfort, passions that blind, true human connection, the force and levels of greed, the effects of curiosity and pride, and the mysterious course of nature and so much more. I wanted to discuss this book with someone when I finished - a perfect book club book1-5 of 19next