You know that feeling? The feeling you get when you've discovered what may turn out to be your #1 read for the year? I remember getting it when I began to read Bel Canto, The Kite Runner, The Sparrow and Atonement. It's back.
As I look through my reviews for 2006, I realize I haven't read anything quite like this book. There are a few titles that will easily land on my Top Ten List, but this book.... Wow. It may wind up at the very top.
Of course, I still have The Thirteenth Tale on my nightstand and THAT book has been getting quite a bit of hype from fellow bloggers. The hype worries me a little bit, but I have yet to read a negative remark about Setterfield's debut novel.
Twelve weeks remain in 2006.
Lots of good books waiting to be read. I'm making my list, checking it twice...
Wow, I know that feeling all too well, Les, but haven't experienced it in a while - so glad "The Book Thief" is doing that for you! After reading about it at Bookfool's blog and now yours, this definitely goes on my wishlist - good thing Christmas is so close :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, this is a nice time to be thinking about one's #1 read for the year...
p.s. I'm also putting Bel Canto on my list - I've heard so many good things about it, I can't ignore it anymore!
Hi Les!
ReplyDeleteWe are reading THE BOOK THIEF next month in my book club. I can't wait! THE 13th TALE isn't until February, so I'm going to read it sooner and just take notes along the way.
As for BEL CANTO, I started it (BOCD) when it first came out and just wasn't interested. It is one that I want to give another chance, though.
Sounds interesting. Just like Lotus reads I have yet to read Bel Canto, but may have to after seeing how much you liked it!
ReplyDeleteIt is a nice feeling to start a book that you feel is going to be *really* good! Only 12 weeks? Eeek.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you are enjoying The Book Thief. It is book of the month for one of my groups next month! As for Thirteenth Tale...I loved it!!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't gotten to The Thirteenth Tale, yet, but I can say The Book Thief did give me that rare feeling. I was almost afraid to review it as it was so wonderful it practically defied description. I'm glad you're enjoying it! I haven't read any of your other "Wow" books and actually hadn't given any of them much thought. I'll have to read up on them.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to order The Book Thief. I was resisting, but with Nancy's glowing praise and now yours...
ReplyDeleteAnd like Nancy was saying about everyone having their own taste about books, it's so true. I also loved Bel Canto, but thought The Kite Runner was just ok, and I didn't really like Atonement. (Haven't read The Sparrow so can't comment on it). Luckily difference of opinion isn't a bad thing. :P
Lotus, I think I first heard about The Book Thief from Andi. It's been on my list for quite some time and I'm so glad I finally bought a copy. I hope you enjoy Bel Canto. Have you read The Magician's Assistant? I enjoyed it, too, but thought Bel Canto was quite a bit better.
ReplyDeleteJoy - I have a feeling you'll love The Book Thief. You'll have to tell me how you and your book club feel about it. Is this a f2f or online group? As I recall, Bel Canto took a little bit for me to get interested. It's a contemplative sort of read. I keep thinking of Blindness (Saramago) when I try to think of something to compare it to. It's the sort of book that really stays with you long after you've finished.
Stephanie, I'll be anxious to hear your thoughts if you do decide to read Bel Canto. I do know that it's one of those books that people seem to love or hate, so you never know!
Danielle, I know! Where has the year gone?? 12 weeks and I average about a book or two a week. I don't think I've read nearly as many this year as I usually do. But the cold weather is on its way and I may get a lot more read in the next month or two.
Marg, thanks for stopping by. Glad to hear you loved The Thirteenth Tale. My hubby is almost finished, so I should be able to get right to it after I finish The Book Thief. I'm trying to savor it, but the pages keep flying!
I'll join you in The Thirteenth Tale since we seem to be the only people on the planet who haven't read it yet. I'm trying to finish Memory Keeper's Daughter which is bogging me down tight now. I think I'll pick up The Thirteenth Tale this weekend, and add The Book Thief to my list on your recommendation. I loved the other ones who listed as giving "that feeling."
ReplyDeleteI've requested The Book Thief twice on interlibrary loan and both times there was a mixup. I guess I'll have to buy it. Don't you just love that feeling when you realize you're reading a really good book? I agree with Kite Runner. I have Bel Canto on my shelf. Been hearing so many good comments about it lately that I'm getting anxious to read it.
ReplyDeleteI hear so much about The Book Thief and it will be a while before it moves up on my list. Ah, the anticipation. I've added teh Thirteenth Tale also. The book bloggers haven't steered me wrong yet.
ReplyDeleteNancy, I know what you mean. I'm trying to figure out how I'll write my review for The Book Thief without giving anything away while gushing about the beautifully crafted sentences and endearing characters. I'm sure I'll think of something when the time comes. BTW, Rod just finished The Thirteenth Tale and positively loved it. I haven't seen him gush like that about a book in a long time.
ReplyDeleteNat, I hope you enjoy The Book Thief as much as Nancy and I. You know, I wonder what it was about Atonement that I so loved. It's not a book that very many people enjoyed, as I recall from the reviews. And yes, difference of opinion isn't a bad thing. Usually. ;)
Bellezza, are you not enjoying Memory Keeper's Daughter? I've heard mixed reviews for it and haven't put it on my TBR list yet. I'll wait for your final review.
Booklogged, I think this (The Book Thief) is one to own rather than borrow from the library. It's a keeper, by my standards at least!
Framed, isn't it fun to have some good books to look forward to. I love the anticipation of a highly-recommended book, in spite of the potential for a letdown after all the hype. So far, this hasn't happened with The Book Thief and after hearing my husband rave about The Thirteenth Tale (as well as everyone else who's read it), I doubt I'll be disappointed.
Les,
ReplyDeleteI meant to send you a note about "The Book Thief" months ago and just forgot. I still haven't read it, but Jackie loved it and even commented that it was a book that you would probably like.
Lee, what the heck are you waiting for? You'll love it. There's a little bit of Swede and Scout in the young protagonist (Liesel).
ReplyDeleteOh, good, I'm glad Rod enjoyed The Thirteenth Tale! It must be well-written to get a gush out of him! :)
ReplyDeleteBel Canto and Kite Runner are two of my all time favorite novels. Didn't care for Atonement, but loved Thread of Grace and will be reading The Sparrow. Now, back to your comment on my blog which I deserted for a brief visit to yours! :)
ReplyDeleteNancy, it's funny about Rod and his reaction to The Thirteenth Tale. I wish I could remember his exact response when I asked him how he liked it. It's not like he went on and on about it; just how he said it, I guess. Hmmmm, another idea for a list. The books that I've recommended to Rod that he wound up loving.
ReplyDeleteJenclair, sounds like you and I have similar taste in books. I'll have to peruse your archives. Thanks for visiting my blog.
I also loved this book. I am glad you discovered it.
ReplyDeleteBe_Zen8, I'm glad I discovered it, too! If you seen my most recent post, you know just how much I loved it.
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