As with the first installment: everything that was great about the show translated perfectly into this medium. Profoundly topical in a matter-of-fact,As with the first installment: everything that was great about the show translated perfectly into this medium. Profoundly topical in a matter-of-fact, uncommented-upon way; depicts a world rife with racism, sexism, and classism without itself being these things, maintaining respect and empathy and interest in everyone in it; characters genuine and irreverant and complex and witty and awesome all the way down; and both A and B plot completely gripping and driving. Next, please??...more
…All right, two thoughts. First: while I've only read a handful of her stories, this is the first that featureAGATHA CHRISTIE WAS A GENIUS.
Good night.
…All right, two thoughts. First: while I've only read a handful of her stories, this is the first that featured full on psychological horror and suspense. A nice counterexample for any who associate her only with sanitized, puzzle-based drawing room mysteries! Second: while it featured themes seen in some of her other stories (law-thwarted/-neglected justice as in Murder on the Orient Express and scheme following nursery rhyme as in Pocket Full of Rye), it felt entirely unique. Tonally, reminded me more of Picnic at Hanging Rock.
…And an afterthought: I've always wished I could have read Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde when it was still possible not to already know the twist ending (before it became part of common culture/knowledge). The epilogue of this story makes me think I finally have an idea of what that would have been like!...more
He's right; this came across perfectly and was my dominant (powerful and appreciative) takeaway from the book.
Excerpt from "13 Questions for Jay AsherHe's right; this came across perfectly and was my dominant (powerful and appreciative) takeaway from the book.
Excerpt from "13 Questions for Jay Asher":
Q: "Do you feel you were trying to put across a certain message with this book?"
A: "A lot of authors answer 'no' to that question, or at least say the book should speak for itself. And I can understand that, but I did have something I wanted to say; and because so many readers seem to understand it, I feel no reason to shy away from that question.
Basically, even though Hannah admits that the decision to take her life was entirely her own, it's also important to be aware of how we treat others. Even though someone appears to shrug off a sidways comment or to not be affected by a rumor, it's impossible to know everything else going on in that person's life, and how we might be adding to his/her pain. People do have an impact on the lives of others; that's undeniable. My favorite quote came from a girl who said 'Thirteen Reasons Why' made her want to 'be wonderful.' How awesome is that!"...more
Always solid, always engrossing—and for the first time I was not at all ahead of the characters for the big reveal. Particularly love the new element Always solid, always engrossing—and for the first time I was not at all ahead of the characters for the big reveal. Particularly love the new element introduced to the protagonist's character for this one....more
Completely enjoyable read. Fantastic detective novel in its own right as well as a tonally flawless continuation of the show—or rather (backstory-detaCompletely enjoyable read. Fantastic detective novel in its own right as well as a tonally flawless continuation of the show—or rather (backstory-detail-wise) sequel to the movie. Captures the characterizations, dialogue, setting, etc. just perfectly, and they translate extremely well to book form—not surprisingly for noir riff. I'm delighted to see Goodreads mark it as "Veronica Mars #1", because that implies there will be a #2! I'll be reading it.
Also, appropriately, the first book I purchased and read in (new home in) California. Not by accident....more
A great read. A bit conflicted… as usual, I really enjoy Mitch Albom's books but I have a slightly hard time reconciling that. ;-) It's like declaringA great read. A bit conflicted… as usual, I really enjoy Mitch Albom's books but I have a slightly hard time reconciling that. ;-) It's like declaring an allegiance I don't want to declare. But that's silly because he's a fantastic writer and the books are wonderful, and, to me, more about human relationships (incl. loss/grief) than proselytizing. (I think the secular way to think about it is: these are fairytales [Albom's own word re: his stories, from "Five People You Meet in Heaven" movie commentary] using a particular mythology, just one we're less used to putting in that context.)
My only complaint is the unnecessarily gendered and/or "default human assumption" syndrome in physical descriptions. ("Where's Neil [Gaiman] when you need him?") Women are all introduced by their appearance, almost none of the men are described physically at all, except one who's pointedly sickly and one who's non-caucasian. This is infuriating to me, and seems cheapening, because the characters themselves are wonderful so why be bogged down with this ambient, and I'm sure unintentional (making me want to point it out all the more) kind of discrimination? …Now, this is an ARC, and I found a number of other typos/TKs, so perhaps this was remedied in the published edition? Still, tempted to contact Mr. Albom about this, because it's such an unnecessary/avoidable/easily removed weakness in an otherwise tremendous work. (In this particular story, there are only a few characters whose appearance seems worthy of mention [Liz, Horace]; for the rest, I don't see how it informs, enriches, textures, or affects anything. So if it isn't part of the overall tapestry, i.e. doing it for everyone, why is anyone singled out?)...more
Might be my favorite so far. As ever, the noir stencil is kept light and lighthearted, providing a very fast engaging read; and the real glory of the Might be my favorite so far. As ever, the noir stencil is kept light and lighthearted, providing a very fast engaging read; and the real glory of the books is in the tangible, grounded street-smarts, humor in and compassion for the characters, who could seem like stereotypes if they weren't also clearly people the author has real knowledge of, affection and respect for. Glad to have a couple of "my tribe" represented in a BP book. Keep 'em coming, my friend.
My only complaint is about the book cover: not uncommonly, the picture is all wrong for any of the characters in question....more
Not actually a sequel to Pride and Prejudice, but a P. D. James mystery set in the world of Pride and Prejudice. Given that, very wonderfully written,Not actually a sequel to Pride and Prejudice, but a P. D. James mystery set in the world of Pride and Prejudice. Given that, very wonderfully written, capturing the language brilliantly, and exploring the contemporary legal system with points of great interest—a strong impression of court trials as the reality TV shows of the day. If expecting a P&P sequel, however, may find disappointing that the characters (esp. Elizabeth) take a backseat to the mystery and setting/time period. Although the character moments there are are quite wonderful. So, let the reader beware, don't mistake the nature of the book, but enjoy it for what it is!...more
11-18-11 : Three stories in a small volume I picked up in Edinburgh, "Exclusive edition for The Scotsman". Read "Tape-Measure Murder" in the UK, today11-18-11 : Three stories in a small volume I picked up in Edinburgh, "Exclusive edition for The Scotsman". Read "Tape-Measure Murder" in the UK, today read "The Case of the Perfect Maid" and "Miss Marple Tells a Story" in the bath - which is just perfect really....more
Loading...
