Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
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The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
2021 Monthly Group Reads
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September Group Read Discussion: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
Welcome, one and all! I will be your guide through the centuries as we explore this awesome work! This is one read that can absolutely trigger a great deal of discussion both during and after. Every few days I'll post some comments, thoughts, even questions. Please feel free to chime in at any time with your own. Just please honor spoilers. I suggest you post at the top of your comment how far you are -- page number, chapter, whatever. To start, introduce yourself and what genres you usually read.
I'm a fiction reader mostly but a very eclectic fiction reader. I read everything from classics (I read Proust last year) to action suspense romance (check out my Studly Men and Hunky Dogs Tag). What I don't read much or any of: SciFi, horror, true crime, even fantasy. My faves are cozy mysteries, crime fiction, regency romances, historical fiction, and anything set at Christmas. Yeah, I'm all over the place. I am also pretty nerdy.
As for my personal background, I live and work in NYC - UWS of Manhattan. A lawyer by profession. Hobbies besides reading and creating TBR Towers include needlework, opera, theater, museums, travel. And no, pandemic lockdown has not really made me long for travel and theater. A year before, I'd had to scale back and cancel plans due to a major case that had me working 18 hour days. That work will not wrap up for another year. You could say I had been in training for a pandemic lockdown.
Reading status: How far are you?
Finished. I actually read this early in 2021 for my IRL Feminerdy Book Club here in NYC. We had a very lively discussion and I hope to share with all of you my own thoughts, but also those that were discussed by Feminerdy. Let me say first off that we had a wide range of opinions and levels of liking. That just made for a livelier discussion. Several friends over in Play Book Tag GR Group also read it and had a lively discussion during the summer, again with a wide range of opinions and takes on the story.
Has anyone else already read it? When and why?
I originally downloaded Addie Larue in 2020 because of the French setting; I'm a francophile, and basically collect most fiction set in France that even slightly interests me. When I buy books like that they usually have to age a bit in my TBR Towers. However, when Feminerdy picked it as an early read in 2021, I was ready, willing and able!
Is this a genre you frequently read? If not, what made you pick it up?
Well, in fact this is a genre mashup IMHO. However, the initial sense from the jacket summary is that this is within the fantasy genre. That's not a genre I read that often (inspite of my participation in Feminerdy Book Club). I acquired it because the setting and general idea sounded promising. I absolutely did not pick it up for any particular PS prompt. I don't plan my reads for PS; just go with the flow. In fact, I used it for a different prompt than a book about forgetting.
Have you read any other V.E. Schwab?
I have not. Thus I had zero expectations as to what this book would be and to whom it was targeted. I know from Feminerdy that those who have read her YA series were most disappointed. This is IMO a very literate book, a work of more serious fiction than might initially be expected. it's still an adventure, a journey.
What prompt are you using it for?
I used it for magical realism prompt. I already had read something for the book about forgetting.
What format are you reading?
I read it in ebook but immediately on finishing bought the hardcover to keep. I've also put in an order for the special edition being published this fall -- with extra illustrations. Which leads me to an important note: If you are listening only to the audio for The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, I urge you to at least find a print or ebook copy to look at the artwork at the beginning of each section and read the information. Initially you think it's just demarcations or decoration but as you will see, they are very important.
If you have a print copy - the book is in my mind stunning, with a gorgeous cover, fly leaf pages, quality paper and print. If you'd like to see photos - let me know and I'll upload some.
In case you haven't guessed - I gave it 5⭐and 5❤.
One last question: besides checking off a PS prompt and participating in this discussion, what led you to read this now?
I already answered this- I read it early in 2021 for my IRL book club. I will however dip back into it as the month progresses to help along discussion.
A special treat: A spotify playlist to listen to while reading! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7mu...
Full disclosure - I did not create this, it was posted by someone in January I believe who was reading it then, possibly in this group even, with permission to all to enjoy it.
Let our journey begin! We are in Villon-sur-Sarthe, France, and it is July 29, 1714....
Introduce yourself and what genres you usually read.I'm Kendra from Saskatchewan, Canada. I usually read a mix of urban fantasy, romance and whatever nonfiction book catches my attention. I read a lot of mysteries and horror when I was in high school, but I'm mostly over those genres now. I also don't like dystopian fiction or super depressing contemporary fiction.
Reading status: How far are you?
It just came into my library account. I have to finish off a few other books that have due dates soon, so I won't be starting it right away, but it should be soon.
Is this a genre you frequently read? If not, what made you pick it up?
Yep. My sister is a V E Schwab fan and she recommended it to me. And with PS doing the group read it just made sense to read it now.
Have you read any other V.E. Schwab?
Nope, this will be my first.
What prompt are you using it for?
I have no clue. I only have a couple of prompts left to fill and it doesn't really fit any of them, so this might just be a read for me.
What format are you reading?
Ebook on Overdrive.
One last question: besides checking off a PS prompt and participating in this discussion, what led you to read this now?
I almost read it earlier this year, but then I saw that it was going to be the group read for September, so I held off.
Introduce yourself and what genres you usually read.I'm Allie from Illinois, and I read everything
Reading status: How far are you?
I finished this back in January
Is this a genre you frequently read? If not, what made you pick it up?
I love this author, so once I saw her name, I put it on hold at the library.
Have you read any other V.E. Schwab?
I got started with her City of Ghosts series and I'm working my way through her other books
What prompt are you using it for?
I used this for a prompt in the Harry Potter Challenge; books set before the 20th century
What format are you reading?
I listened to it on audiobook
To start, introduce yourself and what genres you usually read.Hello! I'm a big fan of genre fiction. I usually read science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, or mystery.
Reading status: How far are you?
I haven't started yet. The library says my copy of the book is in transit. Hopefully, I can start reading tomorrow or Friday.
Is this a genre you frequently read? If not, what made you pick it up?
Yes, this is my genre. The book sounds interesting, and it was chosen as the group read. It's the perfect time to read it.
Have you read any other V.E. Schwab?
I haven't.
What prompt are you using it for?
A book about forgetting.
What format are you reading?
Print.
Hi Theresa, what a lovely way to start a book discussion!To start, introduce yourself and what genres you usually read
I'm Gabi from the Duesseldorf area in Germany. I started reading SF when I was 13 and till today this is my favourite genre. Both "S" for this abbreviation hit my mark: Science Fiction and Speculative Fiction. I try to read a bit broader since I joined GR 3 years ago, but SF will always be my first love.
Reading status: How far are you?
I haven't started yet.
Is this a genre you frequently read? If not, what made you pick it up?
Yes, the genre fits my usual taste. I'm a great fan of Claire North and this story sounds a bit along her lines of work.
Have you read any other V.E. Schwab?
It will be my first. She is the favourite author of my 13 year old son, so this is the first time the author recommendations go the other way round in our family.
What prompt are you using it for?
I think I'm not using it for any prompt (I have to have a look at my list ... but I think I've already filled the possible prompts with other reads). But I wanted to read it for quite some time and seeing that it is BotM was the perfect impetus to do it now.
What format are you reading?
I bought the ebook version. I hope the mentioned illustrations are okay there.
Welcome Gabi, Heather, Kendra and Allie! Love seeing the diversity of reading you will be bringing to the discussion! In fact, this is one of those books where the more diversely the reader's reading background is, the more is revealed in the book, and the more interesting each reader's reaction. For example, there is a lot for those with deep classical reading in their background, but also for those loving historical fiction or dual time treatments.
One more little tidbit: This is the first book targeted to adults by this author. I hear it is very different from her YA series.
@Gabi - would love to know what your 13 yo son has to say about it! If and when he reads it of course.
Theresa wrote: "@Gabi - would love to know what your 13 yo son has to say about it! If and when he reads it of course."My son reads her YA series - those that are translated into German. This one he doesn't know.
To start, introduce yourself and what genres you usually read.I'm from Ogden, Utah, USA. I work as an accounting tech. I read everything but horror. My favorites are mystery/thriller, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, non-fiction.
Has anyone else already read it? When and why?
I read it back in March. As everyone made it sound like a book I would love, I immediately put it on hold at the library. I read it in two days, which was probably too fast. But I loved it so much! I buy very few books but am going to buy this one because it really needs to be re-read. I'm trying to finish my last few books in the challenge this month so not sure I'll be able to re-read it this month, but am looking forward to everyone's thoughts.
Is this a genre you frequently read? If not, what made you pick it up?
Yes, I love books like this.
Have you read any other V.E. Schwab?
I have not, but I plan to try others.
What prompt are you using it for?
I used it for the forgetting prompt.
What format are you reading?
I read it in hardcover.
Introduce yourself and what genres you usually read? Hello everyone, I am Sel. I've only started to track my reading when I discovered Goodreads. I was surprised to see that I gravitate more towards Mysteries. I would like to change that by jumping into some other genres.
Reading Status: How far are you? Already read it: When and Why? I recently purchased a hardback edition and hope to start this weekend.
Is this a genre you frequently read? If not, what made you pick it up? No this is not a genre I frequently read. I've read older fantasy such as Tolkien and C.S. Lewis but I am fairly new to this genre. This year I delved into some Urban Fantasy which was a lot of fun. I am looking forward to this read because I've heard some good reviews and the story line sounds great.
Have you read any other V.E. Schwab? Nope.
What prompt are you using it for? I am going to go with " A Book about Forgetting."
What format are you reading? My preferred manner of reading is a physical copy whether hardback or paperback. The hardback is beautiful.
Besides checking off a PS prompt and participating in this discussion, what led you to read this now? This is a book that I kept looking at while shopping on line. I decided to make my purchase once I saw that it was chosen as a group read. Since then, I've noticed some reviewers have given it low marks. I was also surprised to hear that the story may not be a straight forward Fantasy novel as it incorporates some aspects of magical realism. I guess that I would like to see for myself. I am not a Fantasy reader per se and I have not read any V.E. Schwab books, so I may not be able to appreciate the nuances that others may see. I may grow to appreciate the discussions later with some more Fantasy books under my belt and a good re-read.
sel wrote: "This is a book that I kept looking at while shopping on line. I decided to make my purchase once I saw that it was chosen as a group read. Since then, I've noticed some reviewers have given it low marks. I was also surprised to hear that the story may not be a straight forward Fantasy novel as it incorporates some aspects of magical realism. I guess that I would like to see for myself. I am not a Fantasy reader per se and I have not read any V.E. Schwab books, so I may not be able to appreciate the nuances that others may see. I may grow to appreciate the discussions later with some more Fantasy books under my belt and I will alert all that having a strong fantasy reading background is completely unnecessary to enjoying this book. In fact, having a broad more literature based background, or even crime fiction, may have you pulling more from the experience. As the month progresses I will be gently suggesting different literary influences I and others have picked up.
As for being familiar with author's prior works...this is a new style and direction for the author, or so I understand.
Theresa wrote: "sel wrote: "This is a book that I kept looking at while shopping on line. I decided to make my purchase once I saw that it was chosen as a group read. Since then, I've noticed some reviewers have g..."Sounds good. Thanks.
All you need is a black leather jacket and you have got The Vintage look. Should I add The Cross necklace to the look?Vintage America
SH
I've started and I like the style of the author and the idea behind the storyLet's see where it leads us.
A bit more into it and while I still like it, it reminds me a bit too much of Claire North's "The Sudden Appearance of Hope". I hope it feels more original as it goes on.
If he doesn't want the ring, then what does he want?charcoal?
SH
To start, introduce yourself and what genres you usually read.Hello! I'm Hilary and I live in Avondale, Arizona...right in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. My preferred genre is non-fiction...autobiographies, biography, history, true crime, etc. But since joining the PS challenge about 4 or 5 years ago, I've really branched out in my reading, and will read *just about* anything. I One genre that I've discovered is rom-coms/chick lit.
Reading status: How far are you?
Chapter 6
Has anyone else already read it? When and why?
I have not
Is this a genre you frequently read? If not, what made you pick it up?
It is a genre I will read, although not frequently. I'm reading it for the challenge and to be a part of the book discussion.
Have you read any other V.E. Schwab?
Nope
What prompt are you using it for?
I'm a slow reader so in order to finish the challenge I will occasionally, and without shame, double dip :) Therefore, I'm using it for both "a book about forgetting" and "a book everyone else but you have read"
What format are you reading?
I go between ebook and hardcover. Depending on my mood or if I'm waiting for my kid during his speech therapy.
One last question: besides checking off a PS prompt and participating in this discussion, what led you to read this now?
I'm reading for the prompt and discussion.
To start, introduce yourself and what genres you usually read.I'm Katelyn from Seattle, I usually read Mystery/Thriller/Contemporary Fiction. This book had everything I was looking for!
Reading status: How far are you?
Finished. I read this early on in 2021 for the same prompt. I just couldn't wait to read it.
Is this a genre you frequently read? If not, what made you pick it up?
This is definitely my type of genre, I loved both timelines which is rare for me - I typically prefer one timeline over another but this book was written so well that the timelines seamed together effortlessly.
Have you read any other V.E. Schwab?
Nope, this was my first. I would definitely read another book by Schwab if the plot was up my alley.
What prompt are you using it for?
A book about forgetting
What format are you reading?
I bought the hardcover as soon as I selected it for this prompt.
I am curious to see what other people think of this book so I will popping in and out of this discussion. Happy reading!
Just want to give all a head's up that I may seem to disappear from time to time. I am a lawyer and have some pretty big cases right now eating up time, energy, and mental bandwidth. That is probably a good thing as it gives all a chance to get into it,
Katelyn wrote: "This is definitely my type of genre, I loved both timelines which is rare for me - I typically prefer one timeline over another but this book was written so well that the timelines seamed together effortlessly. ..."Your comment about the 2 timelines is definitely a point on which some disagree, mostly because it is so commonly used these days.
I agree with you that it is extremely well done and in fact, gave me a lightbulb💡moment near the end that packed quite a wallop, and total unabashed awe at Schwab's skill and frankly brilliance.
How do you all feel about dual timeline stories? I generally don't mind them, although some are more successful than others.
Gabi wrote: "A bit more into it and while I still like it, it reminds me a bit too much of Claire North's "The Sudden Appearance of Hope". I hope it feels more original as it goes on."I have not read North at all, so can't say how they compare. I will say that the 'forgetting' is here linked to the price of immortality, and an exploration of what is memory, immortality, the classic Faustian bargain, and art and its creation.
In an interview, the author said:
What was your inspiration for The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue?
Sometimes inspiration is a single seed that grows a tree, but most often for me, it’s ingredients in a meal. It’s many things, drawn together into something cohesive. I was inspired by Peter Pan and the loss of memory, by my own grandmother’s dementia and the way my mother watched herself being erased from her memory, by the classic depictions of Faustian bargains and the idea that men and women move through the world differently, and are afforded different space, by the promise of forever, and what it means to leave a mark.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue could easily be described as a retelling or even multiple retellings. That is a discussion in itself!
Thanks for leading the discussion, Theresa!--To start, introduce yourself and what genres you usually read.--
I'm from Cary, North Carolina, USA. I work in information security, and I have a husband and two teenage daughters. Usually I read horror, weird fiction, science fiction, and fantasy, so this is right in my wheelhouse!
--Reading status: How far are you?--
Part Four, Chapter II - 54% according to my Kindle.
--Is this a genre you frequently read? If not, what made you pick it up?--
Yup! I particularly like reading speculative fiction that's basically set in the real world when I'm stressed out, because sometimes I don't have the wherewithal to keep up with worldbuilding.
--Have you read any other V.E. Schwab?--
Yes. I loved Vicious and then I was super disappointed in the follow-up, Vengeful. So this is her chance to win me back!
--What prompt are you using it for?--
A book about forgetting.
--What format are you reading?--
I engineered things just right using Libby's "deliver later" option for waitlisted books, and have both ebook and audiobook checked out from my library.
--One last question: besides checking off a PS prompt and participating in this discussion, what led you to read this now?--
I did want to try more Schwab since she impressed me before.
~To start, introduce yourself and what genres do you usually readHi, I’m Kristina and I live in Greece. I read most genres.
To make it easier, I usually do not like to read detective, crime or horror genres. However, it depends on the book, the story and whether it’s been recommended.
~Reading status: how far are you?
I already finished the book earlier in the year.
~Has anyone else read it? When and why?
I actually saw a lot of people promote it on TikTok. I follow a few accounts about books and reading, so when most of them recommended it I decided to look further into it.
~Is this a genre you usually read? If not, what made you pick it up?
Not very often but I do. Still, after seeing it recommended so much, I decided to check it out and loved the description. It also had great reviews so I ordered it immediately.
~Have you read any other VE SCHWAB?
No
~What prompt are you using it for?
I used it for magical realism and author that shares my star sign. (Yes, I do one book for many prompts).
~What format are you reading?
Paperback.
~Besides the PS prompt, what made you read it?
Like I said, the recommendations and the description made me order it. Even if it had not been a prompt, I would have read it.
Also want to mention here that I loved it!!
Theresa wrote: "Katelyn wrote: "How do you all feel about dual timeline stories? I generally don't mind them, although some are more successful than others.."When they are done well, they are amazing, but they aren't always done well. The best have unexpected connections between the 2 timelines and then come together in the end. The bad have one time line that makes you want to quit the book.
Theresa wrote: How do you all feel about dual timeline stories? I generally don't mind them, although some are more successful than others..."I agree, it is all about how the storylines intertwine. If I have to flip up and back in order to remember what happened last time, it takes me out of the flow of the story. Also, if one to the storylines ends up being more engaging, I have a tendency to want to skim the boring one and skip to the more engaging one.
Hi! Everyone! My name is Shelisa Henley! I like The Genres Christian and Young Adult
Forever Young.
Do they serve Champagne at bars?
You would think Whiskey but that was never my drink.
Evian?
SH
Mod
I read a lot of mysteries, literary fiction, historical fiction, SFF, classics, some romance, and always intend to read way more nonfiction than I actually get read! 😁
Wow, Theresa! To work that long on one case. I'm not sure whether that would prove to be more frustrating to me or I would be gung-ho to get even more detailed, etc. I imagine you enjoy your work overall. I sure hope so! Those are teaching hours! 🙂
I am a self-proclaimed 'displaced teacher' with a degree in Elementary Education who has worked as an administrative assistant within higher education institutions for almost 25 years now. I've also worked as a substitute teacher (Which I loved!), teacher, librarian, bookseller for the last five years Borders was in business, admissions assistant, middle-manager, home-based case worker and mental health advocate, farm wife running parts and feeding field workers, and as a real estate broker. Quite a diverse work life. I also was a full-time stay-at-home mom for 13 years before returning to college to complete by BA. But, if I had had the time and money, I could easily have been a perpetual student! I LOVE to learn, which is, I imagine, much of the reason and motivation for my dedication to reading.
Reading status: How far are you?
I have yet to obtain a copy of this, so I haven't yet begun! Actually, I stopped at a Half Price Books last week, looking for a copy (they didn't have one) and discovered a copy of Andy Weir's Project Hail Mary for half price and purchased it to also read this month for another group's monthly group read!
Glad to know it prompted a lot of discussion in your groups, Theresa! That bodes well!
Has anyone else already read it? When and why?
Nope.
Is this a genre you frequently read? If not, what made you pick it up?
I imagine you are referring to fantasy. I actually just rediscovered SFF when I began participating in reading challenges 3 years ago. And am so glad I did!! I read quite a bit of Science Fiction as a pre-teen, but never read much fantasy before now. I am rather careful about the books/authors I select to read, because I do not like violence with grisly details.
I was mainly interested because I really enjoyed A Darker Shade of Magic and hope to read A Gathering of Shadows before this year ends...
Have you read any other V.E. Schwab?
As mentioned above, the first installment in the Shades of Magic series. And I am anxiously anticipate reading the second and third!
What prompt are you using it for?
I don't know. I always list every prompt a book can fulfill and then plan to select one book per prompt at the end of the year. I didn't quite get that far last year, so perhaps 2021 will change that for me! I currently have 43 of the 50 prompts fulfilled, so I have high hopes for completing the challenge in November and then can sort out which specific book for which prompt in December! 😁 I am ever the optimist!
What format are you reading?
Almost always a real-life book that I hold in my hands. Either hardcover or paperback. Rarely an audiobook or ebook, usually only when the real book is not easily obtained or nonextistent, as with Our Harlem: Seven Days of Cooking, Music and Soul at the Red Rooster which I just listened to this past weekend since it is only available on Audible.
Oh, that's such great information about the illustrations! How neat that there will be a special edition published. Is it out yet?
One last question: besides checking off a PS prompt and participating in this discussion, what led you to read this now?
Mainly the discussion, but also the fact that I enjoyed A Darker Shade of Magic, and the positive reviews I've seen. Also, the GR rating of 4.26 is none too shabby!
"A special treat: A spotify playlist to listen to while reading! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7mu...
Full disclosure - I did not create this, it was posted by someone in January I believe who was reading it then, possibly in this group even, with permission to all to enjoy it."
That's interesting!
"Let our journey begin! We are in Villon-sur-Sarthe, France, and it is July 29, 1714...."
Oh, my! I didn't realize this was set in the 18th Century! That means it fulfills a prompt for a completely different reading challenge and I hadn't yet selected a book for that one! Cool!
So I was going to hold off on starting this until I finished my other library books that are due soon but I picked this up last night.... So it looks like my books are going back and I'll just have to request them again.😜
@Kendra - just dive in! Those other books will be happy to return to you at a later date!@Lynn - have you tried ABE books online to find a used copy? I've had great success getting print copies in beautiful condition for very little money, including all 3 Proust volumes in paperback of In Search of Lost Time for a mere $15.00 including shipping. (retail was $50 or more).
For any curious - the case I've been working on since April 2019 and have about a year's work on relates to a 54 unit condominium that was destroyed by a fire. It's the first time such a complete destruction of a condominium ever happend in NYS, and thus provisions of relevant statutes and governing documetns are being interpreted for the first time, process being established, and unfortunately lots of litigation. Of course, Surfside in FL is an even worse situation involving the same legal complexities and lack of prior model or process. So while it seems crazy to have one case take so long, it's not that uncommon given the complexity and it being one of 'first impression'. It's a constantly changing and evolving landscape.
And I have other clients.
Two Time Lines - it's not really used here in the typical fashion, by which I mean it's not just a modern timeline and one rather finite alternate timeline in the past. You have one timeline that continuously moves forward by what I call 'leaps and bounds', then the present day one which moves more sequentially day by day and thus more slowly. I've read a couple of dual timeline stories that cover large tracts of time in the past one, but relatively finite period in the current - The Patriots by Sana Krasikov comes to mind, or even The Lost Love Letters of Henri Fournier by Rosalind Brackenbury. But other than The Last Watchman of Old Cairo, I don't think I've ever had one cover quite so much past time.
How are you feeling about that? I admit that when I first read this back in January, I was at first unhappy about the quick succession of years, the narrow focus of those past times, (view spoiler). That is I was unhappy until the penny dropped and I realized its not about what happens historically, but the evolution of Addie, Luc, and Addie and Luc together.
Just want to introduce a new discussion point - but you may not want to look at it until you have read some way into the book. I'm thus hiding behind spoiler tags.It is quite obvious from the very beginning that (view spoiler)
To start, introduce yourself and what genres you usually read.Hello! My name is Melissa, and I live in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. I read most genres, but I lean towards fantasy, science-fiction and historical non-fiction. I used to read a ton of romance, and occasionally still do, but I'm more likely to pick up a fantasy book than a romance these days. Or a non-fiction book about the US Navy in World War II.
Reading status: How far are you?
I finished back in early June.
Has anyone else already read it? When and why?
I'm trying to get as much as possible these days from the library instead of buying everything, and this book had a very long hold list. It came available in late May, and so that's when I read it.
Is this a genre you frequently read? If not, what made you pick it up?
I do read a lot of fantasy, but this wasn't on my radar until the Goodreads Choice Awards. I looked into it then, and saw that this group was going to read it, and figured I'd give it a try.
Have you read any other V.E. Schwab?
No, but I'd heard of her through a few writing podcasts I'd listened to in the Before Times. (Podcast listening has disappeared being at home.) I'd always meant to read one of hers, since other authors had spoken highly of her, and thought this would be a good choice.
What prompt are you using it for?
I used it for the book about forgetting.
What format are you reading?
I read an ebook. The wait list at the library was significantly longer for the physical book. I usually end up getting ebooks for more recently published books due to quicker turnaround times when 1000+ people are waiting for it.
One last question: besides checking off a PS prompt and participating in this discussion, what led you to read this now?
Like I said, I'd heard of VE Schwab, and saw the book do well in the Goodreads Choice Awards, and figured I'd give it a try.
Hi Everybody! My name is Shelisa . You can call me Lisa.Greetings from GEORGIA. My favorite genres are Christian, Romance and Young adult. Forever Young.
I love The Invisible Life Of Addie LaRue. I am on Chapter 14.
I love to try something new so that is why I wanted to read a book by V .E Schwab. This is my first time reading her works.
A book about forgetting is prompt I am using it for.
I have the book in hardcopy.
SH☺
Mod
I have found Better World Books to have really good deals! A copy should be coming to me sometime next week...
"For any curious - the case I've been working on since April 2019 and have about a year's work on relates to a 54 unit condominium that was destroyed by a fire. It's the first time such a complete destruction of a condominium ever happend in NYS, and thus provisions of relevant statutes and governing documetns are being interpreted for the first time, process being established, and unfortunately lots of litigation. Of course, Surfside in FL is an even worse situation involving the same legal complexities and lack of prior model or process. So while it seems crazy to have one case take so long, it's not that uncommon given the complexity and it being one of 'first impression'. It's a constantly changing and evolving landscape."
Oh, my! I hope no one was killed or injured... Though I'm not familiar with your case, I have listened to some of the reporting about Surfside. So very sad and unbelievable...
"And I have other clients."
I bet!
Lynn wrote: "Theresa wrote: "@Lynn - have you tried ABE books online to find a used copy? I've had great success getting print copies in beautiful condition for very little money, including all 3 Proust volumes..."In the condo fire no loss of life or serious injury. Thank god. It was caused by an unattended lit candle left by an open window on a high wind day, the location of the apartment in the building also a critical factor. If you google Sunset Park NY fire April 3, 2019 you will find coverage. Not a lot of press...pandemic and the 2020 election kept the reporters busy. But the legal case results are starting to draw attention.
Christine wrote: "Has anyone else lost momentum when the focus moves to [spoilers removed]"Hang in there. There is a reason for that! It is done with purpose.
Plus the chapters don't last all that long.
Theresa wrote: "Christine wrote: "Has anyone else lost momentum when the focus moves to [spoilers removed]"Hang in there. There is a reason for that! It is done with purpose.
Plus the chapters don't last all th..."
Ooh, thanks, that's good to know!
Christine wrote: "Has anyone else lost momentum when the focus moves to [spoilers removed]"Actually, I kinda identify with that character a lot, so it pulls me more into the story.😏
There is nothing accidental or casual or careless in this book. It is all there with intention. It is both a fairly simple story but also layered and complex. Do not underestimate it is I think the best suggestion I can make.
I finished! I ended up using it for A book you think your best friend would like because if this was turned into a movie, she'd love it. (My best friend doesn't like to read.)I loved this so much. There was a time when I was obsessed with Irish folk tales and there are a lot of them about people making deals and regretting them, or having them outwit the person/thing they made the deal with and this just brought me back to that.
Kendra wrote: "I finished! I ended up using it for A book you think your best friend would like because if this was turned into a movie, she'd love it. (My best friend doesn't like to read.)I loved this so much..."
Kendra you just mentioned an influence I had not picked up! I will open a discussion for those finished behind spoilers this weekend.
Christine wrote: "Has anyone else lost momentum when the focus moves to [spoilers removed]"Yup, same here. But as Theresa already said it is only short while.
I'm making my way slowly through the book, since I have pretty little time for eye-reading. I like it so far, but somehow it doesn't hold me in its grip like I thought it would. I guess this is due to some elements like the longer descriptions of mundane things (i.e. clothings or the NY clubs) that I'm not a big fan of unless they are integral to the worldbuilding. I wish the writing would move a bit faster.
I definitely can see the mythological roots that you mentioned, Theresa. At the moment I'm most interested in learning (view spoiler).
Gabi - what can I say... your spoiler will be answered eventually.I love all the NY settings. Other than her original home village and a couple scenes in Paris early in her immortality, we have zero idea of how she was able to fit in to the world around her. These moments give that. I actually relate to well defined real world settings; they ground the story and sometimes become a character. I mostly dislike extensive world building like many fantasy authors engage in unless relatable to our world.
Plus I live in NYC. 😁
I finished! I'm glad I read it, but this was definitely "good not great" territory for me. Overall I feel it might have been a solid 4-star read with some more stringent editing. There was noticeable drag for me around the 2013 chapters and the interleaved Addie flashbacks in that section. But I do agree that it picked up again toward the end!
Glad to see so many finishing! I'll be posting - behind spoilers - possible discussion points for those who have finished. I'll also post separately ones that can be considered by those still reading. I have a lot of notes and thoughts I jotted down while reading and then discussing in my IRL book club. I'll post a few every few days. One general comment - how many of you found yourselves looking things up - whether on a map or some idea that you wanted to verify or whatever - while you were reading? Behind spoilers, please mention what you researched and whether it had an impact on your reading.
For me, I actually first read it in ebook so browser research was right there. I did look things and places up on maps (that's just something I do) to the degree they existed, (view spoiler) All this just adds to my reading enjoyment and with Addie, often pulled me deeper into it.
Hi Everyone! I did research on something that I saw in Chapter14.Mirabelles . It is a small yellow plum found in France, Germany,
and Switzerland. This brought up Home to me ( Europe).
SH☺
ShelisaVeniceHenley wrote: "Hi Everyone! I did research on something that I saw in Chapter14.Mirabelles . It is a small yellow plum found in France, Germany,
and Switzerland. This brought up Home to me ( Europe).
SH☺"
I looked those up too!
How is everyone doing? I thought we could start discussing a few themes that crop up through the book. What do you think the author is expressing about:
Immortality?
Creativity, art and its realionship to life, death, identity and even immortality?
Immorality vs. Morality?
Identity as linked with name?
Nature of love?
Last - do these all interlock together somehow in Addie LaRue?
Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (other topics)The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (other topics)
A Conjuring of Light (other topics)
Project Hail Mary (other topics)
A Gathering of Shadows (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Claire North (other topics)Sana Krasikov (other topics)
Rosalind Brackenbury (other topics)
V.E. Schwab (other topics)
V.E. Schwab (other topics)
More...
Theresa is the "cool captain" who will lead this discussion! Thank you, Theresa!
Every person reads at a different pace, so please use spoiler tags if you are sharing any plot-related surprises. This allows others to decide whether this information might reveal surprising information they have not yet read.
It can also be helpful to other readers if you post the location within the book noting your progress (chapter or page number) with the spoiler. That way, if someone else has read that far they can go ahead and open the spoiler, but if not, they'll know to skip it for now and return later...
TO ADD SPOILER TAGS:
Use this for spoilers, just remove the spaces:
< spoiler > write your spoiler here and close with < / spoiler >
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