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Jamie's Picks
1. I'm not sure that I want to read....The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling: Most of you probably know I recently started to read the Harry Potter series (I've only finished book 1) so I don't really have the attachment to JK Rowling like most people do but I've heard such mixed things about the adult book that she wrote. I think the only reason it's on my radar is BECAUSE it's written by JK Rowling and I probably wouldn't even have looked at it if I passed it by in a store.
Seconded by Daisy
2. I'm not sure that I want to read....the rest of the Eve trilogy by Anna Carey: I enjoyed book 1 despite problems with it but it's been a couple years and I forget what happened honestly and I heard not so great things about the rest of the trilogy.
3. I'm not sure that I want to read....the Lord of the Rings books: I love the movies and I'm semi-interested in the books but THEY ARE SO LONG and that's a huge commitment. Maybe I'd be better off to just stinking to the movies (SOMETHING THAT IS RARE FOR ME).
Daisy's Picks
4. I'm not sure I want to read.... My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult: this book scares me cause it deals with a sick child and I just can't, I tend to avoid books like this. But I feel like I should because I want to watch the movie (maybe) and I can't without reading the book first.
5. I'm not sure I want to read.... John Green's other books: so I read The Fault in Our Stars recently and it was really good, but I've heard his other books are pretty similar or have pretty similar characters and I'm not sure that's going to work for me.
6. I'm not sure I want to read.... The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley: I love anything to do with King Arthur, but a while ago I read some really disturbing things about the author dealing with child abuse and I'm just not sure I can read one of her books and not be influenced by this knowledge.
7. I'm not sure I want to read.... So many of the last books in a series: like Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins, Inheritance by Christopher Paolini, Split Second by Kasie West, Rise by Anna Carey, Sacrifice by Cayla Kluver, Black Heart by Holly Black... I don't deal well with series ending, I've talked about this fear before, it's scary.
Jana's Picks
9. I'm not sure I want to read... The Fault in Our Stars by John Green: TEARS. I do not read books to cry or be sad. Why would I deliberately torture myself with an overflow of intensely depressing emotions when I can come up with plenty of reasons to feel those emotions as a result of my own life? I know people say it's beautiful and amazing, but I won't look beautiful or feel amazing while reading it, so I think I'll pass. Talk me out of it if you wish. :)
10. I'm not sure I want to read... Insurgent or Allegiant by Veronica Roth: I liked Divergent enough, but I've heard so many complaints about Insurgent and witnessed rage over Allegiant. And I accidentally saw a major spoiler for Allegiant which made me think, "Ok, what is even the point of this whole thing?" I'm over the hype of this trilogy, and just want to move on.
What about you guys? Have you read any of our picks?
I actually gave myself permission to take The Casual Vacancy off my virtual TBR pile.
ReplyDeleteJamie: I agree about all of these!! Daisy: That makes me sad because MSK is my favorite book. It's not all about the sick child, either...the movie makes it seem like it would be, but it's really focused on the other sister, and also on the impact on the family. Hah, and yessssssss I don't want to read last books, either! Jana, totally respect that! I've heard the same thing about Hale. ^^
ReplyDeleteI know most people say fault in our stars is a book that will make you cry, but that's NOT TRUE. If anything. Jana, it makes you laugh. Take it from someone who had the same fears as you, but is immensely glad that they still gave the book a try.
ReplyDeleteHere's my review of the book. Please give it a read, if you have some time. And maybe it will help change your mind. https://mitraarchita1995.wordpress.com/2014/07/28/the-fault-in-our-stars-not-the-usual-review/
I read your review, and I'm less scared! I do own TFioS, so maybe I will give it a try! Thanks for letting me know I'll laugh. :) That helps!
DeleteResponse to Daisy: I read The Mists of Avalon when I was in high school. I didn't (and still don't) know anything about the author, so I'm not sure if any of her own experience comes through in the book. I don't think it's one I'd read now, but I did find it fascinating as it's basically the story of King Arthur as told from the women's perspective - and I'm always a fan of authors turning male-centric stories on their heads. I'd say maybe wait until the memory of reading about the author has faded a bit and give it a go - you might find it interesting!
ReplyDeleteResponse to Jana: I totally get where you're coming from with TFIOS. But I feel the need to say a little something, whether or not it contributes to changing your mind. I went into it not knowing a single thing. And while yes, the story is sad, I feel like if you're prepared for it, you'll be fine. As much as the story has tragic elements, overall it's one of the funniest books I've read, and it's worth getting to know Hazel Grace and Augustus regardless of the circumstances. Please, please consider giving it a try sometime, because it has so many wonderful moments! As for Allegiant... yep. First on my list. I also had it spoiled for me and having been quite frustrated by Insurgent, I found myself less than enthusiastic to read it!
Great topic this week, guys!
Thanks for your thoughts on TFioS! I think I probably will read it after reading why everyone says I should in spite of my fear. And you're not the first to mention that it's funny. I'm seriously reconsidering my decision.
DeleteI have a copy of The Mists of Avalon but for some reason I'm too anxious to actually read it. I recommend other John Green books. I loved Paper Towns. I think the characters are different enough from those in TFIOS to be interesting and entertaining whilst still being as funny and offbeat as his others.
ReplyDeleteEven I'm not sure about The Casual Vacancy or the Divergent series.
ReplyDeleteI've just finished to read The Casual Vacancy and it was worth it!!! J.K Rowling is a brilliant author for both young people and adults, and the book provides a beautiful portrait of the contemporary society, in the role of the town of Pagford.
ReplyDeleteMartina
sweetietulip88.blogspot.it
The Casual Vacancy - should have been titled "Life is Bad and then it gets Worse". I don't think anybody is better off at the end of the book than they were in the beginning. It's well written, but that's about it,
ReplyDeleteThe Mists of Avalon - don't bother. Soooooo boring. Even without the information about the author it's just not worth it.
Hit post too early....
ReplyDeleteLotR - I know I'm going to be unpopular for saying this, but the movies are better than the books.
The Fault in Our Stars - didn't make me cry. At all. So don't let that stop you :)
John Green's other books - granted I've only read one (Looking for Alaska), but I didn't think it was similar at all. Well, they're both YA, but that's about it.
My Sister's Keeper - loved it, and SO much better than the movie (which changed the story completely anyway), but yeah - this one made me cry a LOT.
I've read My Sister's Keeper and found it really upsetting but thought it was a well written book. I couldn't get into The Casual Vacancy but have loved the books she wrote as Robert Galbraith.
ReplyDeleteThe Casual Vacancy - I'm a HUGE HP and JK fan and I struggle with this one, I still haven't finished it. I think if you're a JK fan you will want it and need it in your life, if not you'd probably prefer the Strike series written under Robert Galbraith.
ReplyDeleteMy Sister's Keeper - It is sad and emotional, but worth it a million times over. The movie is also fan-tab-u-lous. Jodi Picoult is always a winner. Do it.
John Green's Other Books - I read TFioS first, and while I really liked it, I read it at the absolute peak of its hype, so I feel that let it down just a smidge. I then read Paper Towns. Meh. I've been told Looking For Alaska is really good though, but I've a feeling TFioS is the best to-date.
Divergent Trilogy - I won't lie, there are issues with this series, but I still had to gobble them all up and I stand by liking/loving them. Allegiant was the first pre-order I've made in like 8 years. I saw the movie last night and was a bit disappointed though. But I still think this series is worth finishing.
DEFINITELY skip The Causual Vacancy, I was so unimpressed that it's made me ignore her Robert Galbraith books, though I've heard those are actually pretty good.
ReplyDeleteAnd I totally agree about John Green!!
Totally agree with you on Lord of the Rings - that's on my list as well! And don't worry about reading The Casual Vacancy - you're not missing anything. It was so blah!!
ReplyDelete'Insurgent'/'Allegiant' and 'The Casual Vacancy' made it onto my list too! I just am not sure about these books, I've heard such mixed things :/
ReplyDeleteKatrina @ Chased By My Imagination
I'm completely with you in The Fault In Our Stars. I haven't read it and don't plan to. How can you enjoy a book about two teenagers dying from cancer???
ReplyDeleteTTT @ Krista's Dust Jacket
Right!?! It's a scary thing to think about subjecting yourself to!
DeleteGreat choices, ladies. Jamie, the reason I want to read The Casual Vacancy is because it's written by Rowling and I've never read the HP books. Fantasy has never been my favorite genre, so I haven't felt the need to explore Harry's world. That's probably why Lord of the Rings isn't on my radar either.
ReplyDeleteDaisy and Jana, I understand what you're saying about John Green's work, but I have to say my daughter loves his books. Though she does think The Fault in Our Stars is his best, she has enjoyed Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns and Will Grayson, Will Grayson. They aren't for me; though I promised her I would read TFIOS simply because she loves it so much. She just celebrated a birthday and she had a TFIOS cake. :) Jana, my daughter was upset with the ending of the Divergent series. I like when authors or TV writers give you the unexpected (like on Dawson's Creek when Joey chooses Pacey over Dawson), but what Roth did left no one with a happy ending and that's never fun.
Wow, a TFIOS cake? I'm floored! Several others have made great arguments for this book, so I might reconsider. And yes, Allegiant leaves no happy ending, and I live for thos. Very disappointing.
DeleteI loved The Mists of Avalon and reread it several times, having first read it when I was 13. I too was disturbed and disappointed to hear about the recent discoveries regarding her personal life, though some of the sex things in her novels did make me feel awkward so maybe that should have been a sign ... Since you mention a love of all things King Arthur, I just want to recommend Bernard Cornwall's trilogy, Warlord Chronicles, which begins with The Winter King. He definitely takes a historical fiction approach rather than fantasy, so we hear about how the Romans have left, the Anglo-Saxons invading etc.
ReplyDeleteI also have The casual vacancy on my list, because I'm afraid I won't love it as much as I love HP and I want her to stay the Queen of writing for me. I also have John Green there, because I'm just not that interested in this other work..
ReplyDeleteRe: LOTR: It's funny, for me the movies are actually hard to sit through, and more prone to boring me than the books. I think with the books it's easy to take a break and know the book will wait; with movies, I feel like I have to watch them all at once, and LOTR is just too long. (And don't get me started on the Hobbit movies, I don't like them.) The person who said the movies are better is just -- well, entitled to feel that they enjoyed one more than the other, and they made one or two good changes to the material for the LOTR movies (e.g. the tweaks to Faramir's motivations and story), but J.R.R.'s work is brilliant and I don't understand how anyone can read it without at least understanding that the man was a genius.
ReplyDeleteThe Mists of Avalon is, in my opinion, pretty rubbish. Yeah, it's one of the first feminist interpretations of the Arthurian legends, but there have been others and better since, without the awkward huge helpings of non-informed consent and celebration of incest and such. I preferred Persia Woolley's books, with a central and sympathetic Guinevere.
I'm with you-- I sometimes am afraid to read a book by a new to me author that I just discovered and read their book in fear that that was a one time wonder. Have a good week reading and discovering new books!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting how diverse everybody's reading interests are. I've been reading a lot of books I would never have looked at after seeing them reviewed on other book blogs. I've tried all kinds of new genres and authors. Some I liked, some I didn't but I'm glad I gave them a go. Fun topic today. kelley—the road goes ever ever on
ReplyDeleteI'm quite sure I don't want to read The Casual Vacancy, at least not right now. I might try Rowling's adult mystery series, though (written under the name Robert Galbraith.) The Fault in Our Stars is one I'm on the fence about also; it made my list this week.
ReplyDeleteYeah, don't read Allegiant. There is no point to the series.
ReplyDeleteI don't really have a desire to read Divergent or any of the other books in the series, I do however wish to watch the movie one day! I also can not wait to read The Fault in Our Stars, but I want to wait till I'm ready to cry a lot! :) I also tried to read LOTR and I honestly got a little bored with it. I like the movies more!
ReplyDeleteMy Top Ten Tuesday
Whitney@Shooting Stars Reviews
I feel the same about Allegiant but I don't know why people have a problem with Insurgent. I thought it was ten times better than Divergent and such a page-turner.
ReplyDeleteReally? I haven't heard anyone say that about Insurgent, but maybe I'll research it more! I do love page-turners. :)
DeleteI totally hear you about Insurgent and Allegiant. Divergent made my list for a similar reason; I already know how the whole thing ends, so why bother even starting the series?
ReplyDeleteFor Lord of the Rings I tried to start by reading The Hobbit and just couldn't get into it. So I'll probably not read the books, just enjoy the movies.
ReplyDeleteSo, I am kind of freaked out by how many of these I also listed on mine...Insurgent and Allegiant, John Green's other books, The Mists of Avalon... and for weirdly similar reasons.
ReplyDeleteI read The Lord of the Rings books a while ago (I guess like 10 years ago), and am looking at them on my shelves right now. They don't look as long as you think they are. I read them all when I was about 13, so I'd recommend giving them a shot as an adult.
...Apparently my math skills aren't very good. I read them 12 years ago, as I'm 25.
DeleteSo I forgot to link up yesterday - whoops! I agree about Jodi Picoult. I've only read two of her books, but that's enough to make me approach any of her other works with caution. I did read The Casual Vacancy, and I'm glad I did, but it was slow going. I also am not feeling Roth's books or any other post-apocalyptic YA lit right now. A little overblown I think.
ReplyDeleteDaisy: You should read Looking for Alaska because I liked a lot
ReplyDeleteAnd Jana: You could give an opportunity to TFIOS... I think it's an amazing book and it has a beatiful story
Based on everyone's arguments, I will most likely give TFIOS a chance. :) Thanks for your input!
DeleteWow! I actually agree with almost all of these!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Mists of Avalon, but ever since hearing about the child abuse stuff, I haven't wanted to either. Although LOTR was pretty good. It seems like the more hype something gets, the less I want to read it. Case in point: Veronica Roth.
Oh please do read the Lord of the Rings! It is long but so worth it!
ReplyDeleteJK Rowling like most people do but I've heard such mixed things about the adult book that she wrote. I think the only reason it's on my radar is BECAUSE it's written by JK Rowling and I probably wouldn't even have looked at it if I passed it by in a store.
ReplyDelete