January 14, 2022

Looking Back - Welcome to the Great Mysterious

Looking Back... In an effort to transfer my book journal entries over to this blog, I'm going to attempt to post (in chronological order) an entry every Friday. I may or may not add extra commentary to what I jotted down in these journals.

Fiction
2000 Ballantine Books
Read in January 2001
Rating: 3/5 (Good)

Publisher's Blurb:

Megastar of stage, screen, and television, Geneva Jordan now has a command performance in Minnesota, where she agrees to look after her thirteen-year-old nephew, a boy with Down’s syndrome, while his parents take a long-overdue vacation. Though Geneva and her sister, Ann, are as different as night and day (“I being night, of course, dark and dramatic”), Geneva remembers she had a family before she had a star on her door. But so accustomed is she to playing the lead, finding herself a supporting actress in someone else’s life is strange and unexplored territory. Then the discovery of an old scrapbook that she and her sister created long ago starts her thinking of things beyond fame. For The Great Mysterious is a collection of thoughts and feelings dedicated to answering life’s big questions—far outside the spotlight’s glow. . . .

My Original Thoughts (2001):

While it was an enjoyable and quick read, I was disappointed in Landvik's latest novel. It read like a Sidney Sheldon or Danielle Steel book with all the sappy scenes you'd expect from those authors, but not Landvik. It could have been much better, I think. Too cliched and predictable. Obviously life-changing moments occur, including the requisite romance. It wasn't a bad book; just not the caliber I've come to expect of this author. 

I did like the idea of The Great Mysterious scrapbook. Very creative idea and thought-provoking.

My Current Thoughts:

Not surprisingly, I don't remember this book or anything about the scrapbook. 
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9 comments:

  1. (Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea5:49 AM

    I doubt I read this one but, I know I have read something by this author. Isn't it funny how a lot of the books we read 10+ years ago we have no recollection, yet others this leave an impression.

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    Replies
    1. Les in Oregon11:00 AM

      Diane, even my favorites from 20 years ago are now just vague memories. I can remember bits and pieces and remember that I loved them, but I'd be hard pressed to tell you much about the characters and the plot. Guess that's what makes rereading so enjoyable. :)

      Delete
  2. Jen at Introverted Reader8:27 AM

    I do like the premise of this book but I'll give it a pass based on your review. I am curious what The Great Mysterious scrapbook was all about. I guess it will remain a mystery.

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    Replies
    1. Les in Oregon11:01 AM

      Jen, I tried to see if I can find some details about the scrapbook by reading some reviews on Goodreads, but couldn't locate anything specific. Oh, well.

      Delete
  3. Tina8:38 AM

    I'm finding books I read ages ago are such a distant memory I can't recall the plot. I like the cover here.

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    Replies
    1. Les in Oregon4:26 PM

      Tina, it is lovely cover, isn't it?

      Delete
  4. Iliana2:57 PM

    I know I've read something by this author but I cannot remember what book it was. This sounds like it could have had some potential.

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    Replies
    1. Les in Oregon4:29 PM

      Iliana, she has written quite a few books, some of which I really enjoyed.

      Delete
  5. Les in Oregon4:58 PM

    It is a beautiful cover, isn't it Vicki? I haven't read Zoya, but I used to read a lot of Danielle Steel books back in the early 80s.

    ReplyDelete

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