Tuesday, November 16, 2010

reading and such

All I did today was finish the Connie Willis book, then Fernando and I watched a Vicar of Dibley episode, and then When Harry Met Sally.

Here's the review I posted for the Connie Willis books (they go together) Blackout and All Clear:

This is a tough one. The two books were almost unputdownable, but at the same time they were badly in need of an edit. Willis does this thing where she makes characters run around just missing each other, and even though there's usually a symbolic or really good plot reason for it, it's tiresome to read. There's also way too much inner monologue that you have to listen to--the character's same worries, over and over. I got it already. BUT most of the characters I loved and cared about, and it was a good mystery--I wanted to see how it ended. The children characters were the BEST, as were many of the other smaller parts. The end was satisfying and elicited some crying. There were some very beautiful moments. And of course the history was topnotch. But all of the good stuff would have had more impact if there was less of the running around and monologing. Would still recommend to history buffs or those who like really well drawn historical detail in their stories, and to those who like time travel books.

Ahh Connie. I think she was just too close to this subject, loved it too much, to be able to edit properly. And I'll add that there was one main character who I never ended up feeling for at all. But Willis made up for it with the others. And the Hodbin children were The Best. Reminded me of my cats.

Also the covers are beautiful and perfect for the story:


I am now either going to shower, or try Nanoing. And I'm gonna start a romance novel--gotta go pick one out.

1 comment:

Simone said...

Alright! enough already! I'll read them!

Just downloaded from Audible

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