Book Snails Book Group discussion

Winning by a nose, our YEARLY group read for 2020 is

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

Genre: contemporary/literary fiction

...The Goldfinch combines vivid characters, mesmerizing language, and suspense, while plumbing with a philosopher's calm the deepest mysteries of love, identity, and art. It is an old-fashioned story of loss and obsession, survival and self-invention, and the ruthless machinations of fate."

If you'll be tackling this 700+ page doorstopper of a book this year, feel free to comment or ask questions below.

No BIG spoilers please, or hide em with the 'spoiler' tags; click the '(some html is ok)' link above your comment window to learn about spoiler tags and other special formatting tricks.

I’ve been hooked by the GoT series, but I’ll try to fit this one in this year!

Good one to start the year off with. I tried to read it a few years back and couldn't get into it; don't know if I'll try it again this year but I hope everyone else enjoys it!

I read this one two years ago. Like to hear what you all think of it!

Think I'll start this towards the middle of the month. I've got sooooo many books in my pile right now. My plan is to get a good way into our botm and then start this.

Wouldja believe my maiden name is Tart (only two Ts). Candy Tart. I know, I know... LOL Anyway, I haven't read Goldfinch yet. I've heard several times it's a bit tedious. Maybe "some day."

Aw, well then you MUST be pretty sweet, Candace, LOL!😂🤣😂

Haven't gotten around to this one either. Not sure if/when I will. 😕

Vickie wrote: "Aw, well then you MUST be pretty sweet, Candace, LOL!😂🤣😂

Haven't gotten around to this one either. Not sure if/when I will. 😕"

LOL! I really should read some of her books!

Curious if anybody has gotten around to this read yet this year? I am thinking of starting it in the upcoming weeks with all this extra reading time I have! It's been sitting on my bookshelf for ages just waiting for some attention, haha.

Janessa wrote: "Curious if anybody has gotten around to this read yet this year? I am thinking of starting it in the upcoming weeks with all this extra reading time I have! It's been sitting on my bookshelf for ag..."

I haven't read it but I did watch the movie on Prime (or maybe Netflix). We thought it was good, but longer than it needed to be (two+ hours.) I'd heard the same about the book, so I probably won't read it. It won the Pulitzer, though, so it certainly won't be a "bad" read. Hope you enjoy it!

Janessa wrote: "Curious if anybody has gotten around to this read yet this year? I am thinking of starting it in the upcoming weeks with all this extra reading time I have! It's been sitting on my bookshelf for ag..."

I was planning on reading this, well starting anyway, but as my local libraries and bookstores are closed, I can't. I cannot read it on my phone. So it will just have to wait.

Still hoping to get to it. Almost done with GoT book 4, then need to tackle book 5 and possibly the prequels... Still plenty of time 😂

I have read it and heard it on audio and it is equally good eather way, it´s just good!
Looking forward to discussing it with you later on.

Read this a few months ago so looking forward to discussing.

Reached the 50% point today and after reading lots of mixed reviews I’m really pleased how much I’m enjoying this! It’s slow going and can’t be rushed I find, but then doesn’t deserve to be after taking 11 years to write apparently!

I have finally finished reading it and I am quite relieved at that. It was a good book, but fell short of being brilliant for me. Found it too descriptive at many parts. I am happy to have read it though.

Ushashi wrote: "I have finally finished reading it and I am quite relieved at that. It was a good book, but fell short of being brilliant for me. Found it too descriptive at many parts. I am happy to have read it ..."
Agree, Ushashi - I thought the first half was far better than the second, when it turned into a sort of prolonged absurd crime thriller.

Ushashi, Jane and Sue, well done for reading this. I get a bit intimidated by super large reads that aren't fantasy. Though, saying that I still haven't read GoT. I have ordered it through the library, which sadly, has closed again due to covid lockdown #2. I might get it checked out before 2020 ends but I won't have our yearly read read.

Jane wrote: "Agree, Ushashi - I thought the first half was far better than the second, when it turned into a sort of prolonged absurd crime thriller...."

I felt exactly the same. It was going great as long it had that 'coming-of-age' vibe. But after (view spoiler)[ Lucius Reeve appeared and Boris came back with the unexpected twist, the tone shifted too much. <\spoiler> (hide spoiler)]

Keli wrote: "Ushashi, Jane and Sue, well done for reading this. I get a bit intimidated by super large reads that aren't fantasy. Though, saying that I still haven't read GoT. I have ordered it through the libr..."

I am with you. I am always apprehensive about books longer than 500 pages. Feels like a big commitment. Harry Potter series was the only place where higher page counts made me happier.
But thanks to the yearly read selection, I stopped finally procrastinating The Goldfinch.

Ushashi wrote: "Keli wrote: "Ushashi, Jane and Sue, well done for reading this. I get a bit intimidated by super large reads that aren't fantasy. Though, saying that I still haven't read GoT. I have ordered it thr..."

I'm with you on HP. She could have written 1000pages I would still been excited, though my arms might've been angry at JK.

I’m 85% done, quite enjoying it, and so eager to see how it ends! I plan on getting the movie from the library when I’m done too.

I just got my copy. Don't think I'll be able to catch-up. 🤣🤣

I’m at 92% Kindle tells me I’ve got 2 hours left. It’ll be close but I think I’ll make it!
Anyone know if any discussion questions will be posted?