What's funny about this book, to me, is that when I am reading it I'm hooked, but when I'm away from it I don't think about it. It's tricky because that means that I take longer breaks from it but when I'm reading I get through several chapters at a time. Is anyone else feeling this way?
The beginning had me flipping pages quickly then, when they flashed back to Mary's father dying and her going to finishing school, I got bored. Once she got home and started this star-crossed love affair with Percy I am frustratingly turning the pages again. Frustrated because I want them together but Mary is not listening to my aggravated pleas for her to "get it together woman!". Which then becomes even more annoying/capturing because I know that the story is already written and is sitting waiting in the thick pages I'm holding in my right hand. I have to restrain myself from scanning the pages ahead, then I get sleepy, and finally it's time for bed and the whole cycle of waiting-too-long-to-pick-up-the-damn-book-again starts all over. I admit I am behind our schedule, but that's ok... I left room at the end for catching up, but I don't think it's going to be a problem... if i can just remember to open the book during daylight instead of letting it keep me up until I just can't keep my eyelids open anymore.
Is anyone else experiencing my not-so-bad woes?
xo,
The Coconut Librarian
I've been reading the book for about three days (got a late start) and am on page 160. I've only sat down to read it three times though, so it definitely goes by quickly! I agree, I'm not thinking about the story during the day or itching to fall back in to the world of the Tolivers, but when I'm actually in it - I find it intriguing and want to fast forward to the end.
The biggest thing I'm missing though is some real character development. So far it reads like a straight-forward soap opera, but I would like to have perspectives change a little bit and see different sides of each character. Maybe I'm just saying that because I just finished Maeve Binchy and Flannery O'Connor - two authors who do that incredibly well.
Also, does anyone notice that she'll cut away from the action during important scenes? It feels very abrupt, like when we didn't get to hear the actual reading of the will, or any of Mary's experience at school, or go to war with the boys. I don't know what it is exactly, but I feel like the author has a limited ability to carry off a big dramatic scene.
Posted by: jaydek | Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at 03:11 PM
Yes, I agree with you. I haven't read O'Connor, but I love the way that you feel like you really know Binchy's characters, and can even find a way to relate to the not so likable ones. I keep wondering if it is because this is Meacham's first book, but I imagine it's more of her writing style. The story has been compared to Gone with the Wind, which I've only seen not read. Has anyone read it? What it similar in character and story substance?
Posted by: Coconut Library | Thursday, March 18, 2010 at 02:40 PM
I feel the same way as you and Jaydek. I lobe the book while reading but too much time goes by when it is not in my hands. I am wAy behind but plan on catching up this weekend!
Posted by: NorCal Reader | Friday, March 19, 2010 at 07:57 AM
Once I hit around page 160 it started moving... I've read a couple of hundred pages in the last couple of days, and that's only at night before bedtime (pretty much). I'll be posting my update tomorrow.
Posted by: Coconut Library | Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 05:03 PM