Elizabeth Dean

Seriously disturbing!! I had no idea. I cannot get over how this book is, to quote Neela, “domestic violence city.” It is all a metaphor for an abusive relationship, down to the victim having to alter her behavior (basically restrain her sexual desire) so she doesn't provoke the violence (blood lust) in her boyfriend. God there's some archaic biblical views of womanhood in here too, with the female's primary role as temptress. This book is like a train wreck you can't turn away from. I am going to read every single one of them too.

This book is worth reading, if, like me, you have always wondered about the story. I wish I had read it as a kid; I think I would have enjoyed it more when I was going through my Stephen King phase at age 12 or so. My book club read it, and there are a lot of things I think we can discuss: How dated is this book? What is wrong with Stephen King's post apocalyptic vision (I just think the social structure is farfetched), how has this book affected stories in its wake (Lost, for one seems heavily influenced by it). And is he saying he believes in God and the Devil as portrayed in this book? Overall, however, it was a disappointment. So many people have read it; I just thought it was going to be a more captivating story. Instead it mostly dragged.

A good book. I love how she weaved Cooper's fictional characters Natty Bumppo and Chief Chingachgook into the story. I forget about the sadness of the Cooper characters and just remember the adventure. Groff reminds me how heartbreaking their stories are and how lonely those two (fictional) men must have been. My problems with the book were 1) The family mystery was not very compelling. But they never are. I guess after reading Possession, everything else in that vein of academic research and family background disappoints. 2) Her mother wasn't as impressive as her character kept saying she was. I just didn't get her strength or appeal. I would read more by Groff though. And can't wait to discuss it with book club!

I hate it it when people only care about a book from the perspective of making it into a movie, but I have to say I am super-excited that Stephen Daldry is directing the film version of this book. I was all prepared to swoon over this book but only thought it was OK. I think Daldry will improve it.

POTENTIAL SPOILERS.
Up until the last 3 chapters, I would have said it was my favorite book ever. I was completely stunned by the quotidian detail, the voices of the 3 main characters, the unconventional frankness about desire and sex, and the non-punishing, non-judging attitude the author has toward her characters. However I felt at the end that she did tend toward judgment and a sort of punishment. Or maybe not. Still processing this one, really and plan to revise this review later.

I am allowing myself to let this one go. I lost the book halfway through reading it last summer. Then found it 4 months later, zipped in to the “secret” compartment in my briefcase. I tried picking it up again but just didn't care. So I'm setting it free now. I guess I'm more Team Foer than Team Krauss.

Oh my goodness. I loved this book and am so glad I gave it a second chance. My dear Mr. Norrell! He is kind of like the male version of Emma Woodhouse, if she were old and not pretty and never married Mr. Knightley. He is selfish and controlling but really he means well. Mostly. This is not a Harry Potter for grownups per se. It's more about the relationships between people than the drama of plot developments. And oh, the characters! Loved it. May be my favorite of the year so far.

This one was just OK. It's hard to describe. Maybe I'm getting burnt out on Sookie. But when I think about reading something else, I find I'd really prefer to keep reading about her. This one had some interesting developments in the narrative arc, but overall, the story just hung together and never really grabbed me.

It took me over a year to get through it because I kept putting it down, because it's a difficult subject. But, that's the point. EVERYBODY SHOULD READ THIS.

If you love someone who is going to die, or if you yourself are going to die, you should read this. It's so important. Just read it. Stop avoiding it. You'll be glad you did.

This book is like The Velveteen Rabbit on steroids. It's very good, very sweet and very emotional. I think it's essentially too advanced for a read-aloud to a five-year-old, but Charlie was drawn to the cover, begged for the book at the bookstore, and I gave in, not really knowing what it was about. It is all about Edward's learning to love and appreciate everyone who loves him (Edward is a unique and beautiful toy rabbit) over the years. Though Charlie really seemed to like it and wanted to know what was happening next, he did keep asking me why I was crying, and the flux of characters in and out of the book may have been hard for him to follow. His favorite character was the hobo, and really, he (“Bull”) was the best character in the book. Charlie also thought it was very cool that Bull called Edward “Malone” and he said he would like to be named “Malone.”