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The Year in Books – April 2015

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Oh dear.  March came and went and no new book to add.  It took me forever to read American Gods ~ and not because I did not enjoy it.  I did.  I just couldn’t seem to read more than a page or three at a time.  And I don’t think this is the type of book that you should take long breaks reading!  There were times I got confused in the story and had to go back.  Once I got a rhythm going, I was better able to keep up with the many characters and storylines that popped up suddenly.  I found myself thinking:  What? a few times!  It was WEIRD.  But in a good way!  Would I recommend it to just anyone? No.   Am I glad my niece recommended it to me?  Absolutely.  I may even read it again at another time in my life where I can give it my full attention.   I actually understood more of it when I read others’ critiques of the book!  Not a good sign, I would think…  I didn’t fully grasp the war between the Old gods and the New gods until I read someone’s comment and a light bulb went on.  D’oh.  Again, I think it may have not been the best book for me at this time in my life.  I consider myself a rather intelligent woman and don’t enjoy the feeling of not quite being sure I “get” it.

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After reading something that required more than the attention I was willing/able to give, I am returning to a favourite author, Jodi Picoult.  This one was suggested by both of my sisters and a niece.  Lone Wolf would not necessarily have ended up in my hands otherwise.  Then again, it probably would have eventually as I am never disappointed by Ms Picoult’s offerings and figure I will read them all.  She does a lot of research on her subjects and has a way with telling both sides of a story that just draws me in every time.  Why else would I want to read a story of a man brought up by wolves?

 

 

21 thoughts on “The Year in Books – April 2015”

  1. I haven’t read this one by Jodi although I’ve enjoyed most of her others. With the exception of her newest – can’t remember the name but the plot completely fell apart for me. The research she did on elephants was fascinating, but her fiction plot had too many holes. I can’t imagine her beta readers not saying the same thing!

    I know what you mean about reading some books and … Just … Not … Getting… It! Simetimes I decide they are poorly written or trying too hard and sometimes I think I’m just not that into them. No worries – we’re not supposed to love every single book!!

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    • Interesting. There hasn’t been a Picoult I’ve not liked yet. Now I’m curious as to which one you are referring to! But hey, they can’t all be winners, eh?

      Seriously. There were parts of the book where the main character figured out what was going on and I was like, what? Was I not paying attention? 😀 I don’t think this one was poorly written, the man can write, but I think it was my own mindset that was off. True. We can’t possibly love every book. I totally hated Anna Karenina and didn’t give a rat’s ass about her situation and wanted to push her in front of the train myself… heresy, I know!

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  2. You’re right, Dale….her books are usually well done, though disturbing at time. Nineteen Minutes was a tough book to read. I’ll have to check this one out, haven’t seen it yet. Thanks.

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  4. My son introduced me to Neil Gaiman. Fortunately, he buys all of his books, which means I don’t have to buy them! For me, as a shameless writer of the offbeat that crosses several genres at once, I love Neil Gaiman. Probably the fact that he was one of the strange authors with whom I shared the same personality type in a MBTI test, explains why I don’t have any difficulty following his novels. You might be amused by this old post of mine, re the test. http://sarahpotterwrites.com/2013/12/20/official-announcement-im-as-odd-as-franz-kafka/
    I must check out that Jodi Picoult novel that you’ve mentioned, having read quite a few of her books.

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    • I truly think it was my state of mind that made me so “dumb”. As I mentioned, I actually did enjoy the book! Lucky for you indeed. This one was lent to me by my niece as was the previous one. I have declared that I shall buy no more books until I’ve read at least 10 of the ones I own that are collecting dust!

      I am going to read your post right after I fill my belly.

      My sisters and niece both loved it so I’m looking forward to it. Haven’t read one of hers yet that I did not enjoy. She does have a way of showing both sides of a story, doesn’t she?

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      • I find the ethical dilemmas she deals with in her stories quite fascinating. Her research is impeccable. Have you ever heard her being interviewed? She’s a wonderful combination of vivaciousness and thoughtfulness. I’m not at my PC just now to look up the link, but there’s a really good interview of her on YouTube. And one of Neil Gaiman, too.

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        • Yes absolutely! It’s never black or white. She truly amazes me with the time and effort she puts into her research and then her writing just brings it all together. I saw an interview she did after she wrote Sing You Home which was one of the few books that ends on a true happy note! She was dealing with her own son’s homosexuality and she still managed to not be one-sided in the whole thing. I will Google the YouTube of both! 😉

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  5. Through the winter I was an avid reader. Now, my students are busy with exam prep and I am writing for three different challenges this month. I miss reading, but it will have to wait. I read about a chapter or two each morning, but I used to finish a book every three days! I miss it.

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