Well, I finished A GREAT AND TERRIBLE BEAUTY by Libba Bray yesterday and I have to say I did love it. I think I loved her prose more than the story itself - some of the imagery and descriptions were just splendid.
I felt the climax was a bit underwhelming given all the build up, but, with two more books to go, I can see she had to spread the plot out. Loved all the characters. I especially liked Kartik, but I was disappointed by his character arc. He was so confident and menacing in the beginning, and although Gemma did her part in fighting back with sheer nerve and tongue lash, I thought his character petered out rather unchacteristically and without particular good reason given his "mission." I'm curious to see how the second book plays out...
Now, I need your help. A friend of mine is going through some hard times. She and her husband seperated late last year and then she got laid off a month or so ago. She's looking to "escape" into some really good, inspirational and/or feel-good adult fiction while she tackles divorce and job interviews. But, as I do not read any of the sort, I have no suggestions for her. Can anyone give me some?
Lastly, if you haven't voted in my book poll, please do! I seem to have a four-way tie at the moment. I think I listed too many options. There is one day left to vote unless I extend it. I may pick up the next book in the Gemma Doyle Trilogy and let the poll sit another week. Hopefully a few more people will vote so I can prioritize what's next!
Have a good day everyone!
Oh, I'm sorry for your friend. Good adult reading is Janet Evanovich. Laugh out loud funny. And even my dad enjoyed these books.
ReplyDeleteI agree so much that the prose in AB&TB is a thing of beauty in and of itself. It's amazing. I think this is why I love this book.
Books 2 and 3 are not as good in my opinion, but very much worth reading. By book 3 there is so much going on, it's a lot for the author to juggle.
Oh, and I changed my votes a bit to narrow it down.
Thanks for the suggestion PJ. I'll give Janet Evanovich's novels a look. Any particulars?
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely going to read books 2 and 3. I generally expect sequels, etc. to be worse than the first book. It happens so frequently. I'm always pleasantly surprised when I like one as much or more than a first in a trilogy or series.
Thanks for the vote change too! That helps!
If she's looking for a chick lit, have her read Can You Keep A Secret? by Sophie Kinsella. I laughed my HINEY off at this story, ROFL.
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