Tournament of Books discussion
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2012 Books
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Group Members' Reviews
Great idea Jamie! Here's mine. Currently reading 1Q84, hope to finish that sometime this month!Sense of An Ending: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Swamplandia!: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Art of Fielding: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
State of Wonder: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I have read two. One I loved, the other liked a lot:The Last Brother: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Sense of An Ending: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I have read several - I liked Salvage the Bones a lot, but I live in Mississippi and volunteered after Katrina, so I may be slightly biased toward this book. I also liked Sense of an Ending and Art of Fielding.Sense of an Ending http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Swamplandia: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
1Q84: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
State of Wonder: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Salvage the Bones: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I finished Art of Fielding last night and will do the review later tonight or tomorrow.
I have, unfairly, abandoned 1Q84 a little before the halfway point and written a harsh review. It's not often I give up on a book; it's the fifth time in the last 105 reads. But I hated it: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Here are a couple more. On the whole other side of the 1Q84 spectrum vs. Jamie... but totally get it, not sure who in my life I would recommend it to!1Q84: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Salvage the Bones: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Just started "Last Brother" - had to do one more short book after the mammoth 1Q84 - but then onto something longer, probably "Marriage Plot" or "Stranger's Child."
I finished two more this weekend.
Art of Fielding: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Cat's Table: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I'm starting to hand out extra stars for books that don't have horrible murders, rapes, or child abuse.
Art of Fielding: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Cat's Table: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I'm starting to hand out extra stars for books that don't have horrible murders, rapes, or child abuse.
I don’t write very long reviews, but here are my brief thoughts on three.The Last Brother:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
The Sense of an Ending:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
The Marriage Plot:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Very interesting discussions about 1Q84…I only recently read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles a few months ago (my very first Murakami) and I have been assuming that I will like Murakami better on a second try, but I’m not sure 1Q84 will be the one to push me over the edge from “liking” to “really liking”. Everyone seems to love Murakami…if I try again, what should I read next?
Currently reading The Stranger’s Child…didn’t love the beginning but about half-way through now and I think I’m settling in.
Hi TOB followers,I'm new to this group but love the Tournament. Here are three more short reviews. 1Q84 is next on my pile.
State of Wonder:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
The Last Brother:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Salvage the Bones:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I just finished the Marriage Plot and have a new favorite to win it all. Of course, I'm only at 7 of 16.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Kathy wrote: "I don’t write very long reviews, but here are my brief thoughts on three.
The Last Brother:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
The Sense of an Ending:
http://www.goodreads.com/rev..."
We don't agree on much, but I like your reviews! Can it be that you and I are the only ones that read Eugenides this time around?
The Last Brother:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
The Sense of an Ending:
http://www.goodreads.com/rev..."
We don't agree on much, but I like your reviews! Can it be that you and I are the only ones that read Eugenides this time around?
Finished another over the weekend:The Stranger’s Child: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I liked it but did not feel that it was a good as his Booker Prize winner. My top two contenders are still The Last Brother and The Sense of an Ending (but I’ve only finished four—lots to read yet!)
I tried starting Salvage the Bones and then 40 pages in decided not to read it…at least not now. I just couldn’t deal with some of the subject matter…pit bulls bred for dog-fighting, details about how to skin and prep a squirrel for cooking, killing puppies...aack. Jesmyn Ward seems to be a very promising writer, but I’m not up for this particular story right now. And I don’t think I’ll be starting The Devil All the Time any time soon, either. So, decided to start The Tiger’s Wife instead…it promises to be much more uplifting…ha!
Jamie wrote: We don't agree on much, but I like your reviews! Can it be that you and I are the only ones that read Eugenides this time around?Looks like others have been reading Eugenides and really liking The Marriage Plot as well! As I said in my review, not really sure why I didn't like the book more. I think at the time I read the novel I felt distracted by his very "male" voice...not sure how to articulate that very well, just a feeling I got, and it annoyed me.
A couple more. Books 7 & 8 of the 16 (new personal ToB record!)... a somewhat guilt-ridden eh!? and a rave/gusher. Last Brother: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Marriage Plot: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Just underway with "Tiger's Wife"... then maybe "Stranger's Child" since that would be the last book that was already on my to-be-read list prior to the ToB shortlist. After that, might just wait and see how ToB shakes out. Definitely going to need a mindless/"cleanse" read after all this!
And Open City makes eight: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I still want to read Stranger's Child, but don't think I'll get it done before the tourney starts. That leaves seven other that just aren't calling to me. Tiger's Wife? And, maybe, Swamplandia?
I still want to read Stranger's Child, but don't think I'll get it done before the tourney starts. That leaves seven other that just aren't calling to me. Tiger's Wife? And, maybe, Swamplandia?
I am listening to Sister's Brothers right now - it is weird. I do want to read Tiger's Wife and Stranger's Child before the tourney and I may even throw in Marrige Plot - but not sure about the others.
Has anyone else read Tiger’s Wife? Just finished last night, and while I don’t think it will sweep ToB, I think it’s worth reading. Here’s my brief review:http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I don’t think Obreht’s quality of writing is as high as Barnes or Hollinghurst (if you’ve read my other reviews/posts you’ll see that I’m not a big fan of Eugenides) but she’s not too shabby.
Five down…now where to head? I’ve got several on my nightstand…State of Wonder, Cat’s Table, Swamplandia, Open City…should I go with the number one seed or go with a book that others seem to like more?
I would probably hit State of Wonder or even Art of Fielding. Not that either of these will go all the way, but that will give you some of the higher seeded reads. I have realized that I have only read one book from each bracket with the exception of Swamplandia v Cats Table. So I need to try and pick up some of the books to make fair first round comparisons. I don't think I will get to everything though...
Kathy wrote: "Has anyone else read Tiger’s Wife? Just finished last night, and while I don’t think it will sweep ToB, I think it’s worth reading. Here’s my brief review:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2..."
Of those four I'd go with Cat's Table. Then Open City. Neither are great, but they're unique stories interestingly told.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2..."
Of those four I'd go with Cat's Table. Then Open City. Neither are great, but they're unique stories interestingly told.
Kathy - About 70 pages from finishing Tiger's Wife. Think a lot is going to ride on the ending, but thus far feel it is a solid "good" - but seems like it could have been better/tighter. But agree with pretty much what you said (couldn't help but looking even tho try to avoid reviews until finished).As far as the 4 you mentioned, have only read State of Wonder and Swamplandia... would lean towards Wonder. Wasn't crazy about either, but enjoyed Wonder (flaws and all) more.
I've managed to read a book from each 1st rounder - (tho only one head-to-head, 1Q84 vs. Last Brother) - and 7 of 8 of the top two seeds, so I sense I've read the champ, but not sure how it's going to shake out... this year, my opinions are not jiving with the critics, us "normal" readers, or both!
Thanks Michelle, Jamie and Ed!I think I’m going to go with the easy way out and focus on some shorter books to get more crossed off the list…so Cat’s Table it is, but I probably should be reading State of Wonder to have 3 of the 4 top seeds read (I’m not going to worry about reading the behemoth 1Q84 before the tourney starts…or finishes). Aack…decisions, decisions!
Some brackets I haven’t even touched yet…the only head-to-head I’ve covered is Stranger’s Child vs. Tiger’s Wife and I’d be surprised if Hollinghurst didn’t move forward on that one.
Ed—I’ll be curious to see what you think of the ending of Tiger’s Wife. I liked some aspects of it, but it fizzled a bit for me.
Okay, I really should be working right now rather than puzzling out my ToB strategy…thanks all!
Well, I've finished book #7 - the mammoth "1Q84". Ed, I admire your review of 1Q84 and mostly agree with your analysis. While the book has huge depth and many aspects to ponder, it felt to me that it could have been reduced to a more manageable length without losing its impact. I would image this is due in part to compiling 3 separate books.After reading about 50 pages of "Marriage Plot", I haven't felt engaged with the plot or characters. There have been glowing reports of this book, so I am not giving up yet....
Can anyone in this forum provide insight of "Green Girl"? It is not available at either of our local libraries and I haven't heard much discussion of this book.
Here are links to my reviews.Swamplandia!:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/85...
The Devil All the Time:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10...
The Sense of an Ending:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12...
The Sisters Brothers:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/98...
The Art of Fielding:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10...
The Last Brother:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/90...
Green Girl:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11...
So far, I've loved all of them except Green Girl, which I really liked quite a lot. I loved the Tiger's Wife, but I haven't yet written a review. Swamplandia! was my favorite book last year. I'm reading Cat's Cradle and The Marriage Plot right now, and am starting to realize that I will never finish in time!
#9 and a bit of a waffle on...The Tiger's Wife: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Think I am just getting punchy with all this literary-ness!
Just underway on The Stranger's Child, bit of a dense/slow start (tho not "bad").., sense this one is going to take awhile. Also, guessing it may be my last ToB book, but we shall see!
Really, this is only #6? It seems like I’ve been reading ToB non-stop! Oh well…a long weekend and a bad head cold helped me finish State of Wonder – I do recommend it if you’re low energy and need something to while away the hours!State of Wonder: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I think I’m going to start Cat’s Table now…but I also have my hands on a copy of the elusive Green Girl (thanks ToB Group member Clara!) and I’m actually looking forward to starting it soon, too. Happy reading all!
I'm also only at #6. Thanks for all the pre-game analysis. These discussion posts have helped me choose what to read next. 1Q84:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
The Cat's Table:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
The Sisters Brothers:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Here are my reviews so far. My favorite by far has been The Devil All the Time. I haven't seen this one mentioned that much.The Marriage Plot
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Open City
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
The Sense of an Ending
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
The Devil All the Time
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
The Last Brother
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
The Tiger's Wife
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Swamplandia
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
ToB Book #10The Stranger's Child: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Definitely the last one before the Tournament gets underway and likely the last one period, unless one of the unread 6 piques my interest and/or scores an upset. Really interested to see how this all shakes out, certainly seems to be a healthy dose of divisiveness about this group of books!
Ed wrote: "ToB Book #10
The Stranger's Child: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Definitely the last one before the Tournament gets underway and likely the last one period, unless one of the unr..."
So tempting to go read this review before I make my final selections! Trying to hold off reading anyone's comments on this and Swamplandia! before I finish them, but I'm running out of time.
The Stranger's Child: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Definitely the last one before the Tournament gets underway and likely the last one period, unless one of the unr..."
So tempting to go read this review before I make my final selections! Trying to hold off reading anyone's comments on this and Swamplandia! before I finish them, but I'm running out of time.
Just completed #11, Salvage the Bones. Hoping to finish The Last Brother before March 7th. I've enjoyed so many of the tournament books this year and am finding it hard to pin down my favorite and/or the book I think will ultimately win. Last year A Visit from the Goon Squad and Freedom seemed destined for the final round. Can't wait for the tournament to begin!
Swamplandia! http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Got so much more out of it than I expected from its title and blurbs.
Got so much more out of it than I expected from its title and blurbs.
I still have about two hours left in the audio of The Marriage Plot and I can't imagine that the last little bit will sway my opinion any. Here are my final reviews:The Tigers Wife:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Art of Fielding:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
The Sisters Brothers
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
The Stranger's Child
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
The Cat's Table
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Once I finish The Marriage Plot, I will have read 11 of the 16. I would like to see Tiger's Wife win and would love it if Salvage of the Bones would go farther than the first or second round.
I would love to discuss the merits of some of these books with yall, maybe in a different thread. I just am not understanding the love for The Marriage Plot, although I am not finished with it yet. I would also like to discuss The Strangers Child as it was really whack, who was the Stranger's Child anyway?
I really have enjoyed the process of reading and comparing the books and seeing how my likes have compared to those of others. May the best book win!
Salvage the Bones:http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/277161640
Lightning Rods:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/260400139
The Sisters Brothers:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/201059678
The Devil All the Time:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/182142762
The Tiger's Wife:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/160543679
Need to get my act together and review "The Art of Fielding," "State of Wonder," and "Open City," especially since two of the three are among my favorite books of the year.
#7--The Cat’s Table:http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Started Lightning Rods last night and not so sure about this one…hoping I can get past all the pornographic stuff. I think the only reasons I’m going to keep going is 1) it’s a fairly short book and 2) I can’t believe that this is written by a woman. What the heck is she going to have her characters do???
The lurid elements aren't exactly the point of the book, as you might assume. However, the style in which the story is told doesn't change/improve. Wasn't worth it for me, but, then again, I wasn't really bothered by the sex stuff. In fact, that just made me laugh. It is absurd!Kathy wrote: "#7--The Cat’s Table:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Started Lightning Rods last night and not so sure about this one…hoping I can get past all the pornographic stuff. I think th..."
Randall wrote: "The lurid elements aren't exactly the point of the book, as you might assume. However, the style in which the story is told doesn't change/improve. Wasn't worth it for me, but, then again, I wasn't really bothered by the sex stuff. In fact, that just made me laugh. It is absurd!Thanks Randall, you're right, it's absolutely absurd. And keeping that in mind, I actually laughed out loud in a couple of sections I just read over lunch. I'm not gonna love this book, but I think it will be a quick read.
Just completed The Last Brother, my 12th and final 2012 TOB selection to be read before the tournament begins on Wednesday. Would have to add The Last Brother to the list of books I enjoyed but probably would not have picked up were it not for this tournament. The others on this list include Open City (one of my favorite reads of the year so far), Salvage the Bones, and The Stranger's Child. The judges have a hard task ahead of them; so many good and varied selections. Is it too much to hope for a "preview" posting tomorrow?
Am I the only person who absolutely LOVED The Devil All the Time? It's sooooo not my type of book -- I usually can't stand anything that has violence in it -- but this book just grabbed me and wouldn't let me go. I hope it wins, but I'm afraid it won't.
Dianah wrote: "Am I the only person who absolutely LOVED The Devil All the Time? It's sooooo not my type of book -- I usually can't stand anything that has violence in it -- but this book just grabbed me and wou..."I did not even pick it up. When it was compared to Natural Born Killers in the second sentence on Goodreads I decided I would not touch it with a 10 foot pole. That was one of the most disturbing movies I have ever not finished. So, unless my bookclub picks it up and I am "forced" to read it, I will stick to alligators, tigers and roosters! LOL!
Dianah wrote: "Am I the only person who absolutely LOVED The Devil All the Time? It's sooooo not my type of book -- I usually can't stand anything that has violence in it -- but this book just grabbed me and wou..."No you're not. I loved it too. Its my favorite by far. Somehow the violence and horror was redeemed.
Beverly wrote: "Dianah wrote: "Am I the only person who absolutely LOVED The Devil All the Time? It's sooooo not my type of book -- I usually can't stand anything that has violence in it -- but this book just gra..."I don't think it's my favorite of the lot, but it's up there. Liked it a lot, but I'm not generally bothered by content issues (sex, violence, dog fighting, etc.). Numb to all of it, apparently.
>>>>>>>Somehow the violence and horror was redeemed.You're so right, Beverly! I don't know how Pollock did it, but that book, despite everything I normally hate in literature, just stole my heart. I can only think he is an amazing writer. I was astonished at how much I loved it. It is by far my favorite book this year.
Very interesting, Ann at Books on the Nightstand, thought it was underrated and that it should have garnered more attention. Did yall read it or listen to it?
I, too loved "Devil" even though my interests don't normally lie with the violent stories. Somehow, the characters were found to be enduring throughout the horror.Michelle, I read the book - don't know if listening to it would make a difference. If it doesn't sound like an attractive read, then it may not be your cup of tea! Just reading about the surgery in "State of Wonder" gave me the willies...
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Tournament of Books
Books mentioned in this topic
The Last Brother (other topics)The Stranger's Child (other topics)
Salvage the Bones (other topics)
Open City (other topics)
The Last Brother (other topics)
More...
Sisters Brothers: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
State of Wonder: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Sense of an Ending: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...