Play Book Tag discussion

Oh wow, I mean, I am certainly impressed by this book - it is very long, the writing is enjoyable to read, the detail is great, but, also, I cannot help but be relieved that I am finished with it. It is so surprising, what with all of the awards, accolades, praise, high ratings, and with the genre being historical fiction, which is a favourite of mine, plus it being set in Europe, just about everything pointed to me loving this book, only, I ... just did not love it.

Sure, Saint Malo and Paris were beautifully described, the lore of the diamond was magical, Marie-Laure adorable, and Werner's brightness and potential irresistible. Then, just about every step of Werner's life was just tragic, and Von Rumpel just a cookie cutter villain, and I just could not really stay interested.

edited to add
**Everyone I know who has read this has loved it**

I’m sorry you didn’t like it more. I loved it.

I think I should re-visit this book, re-read it later. I am pretty sure that the problem is with me, not his book!

I am totally with you, Critterbee. The book as a whole didn’t grab me, despite the subject matter, and the instances of exceptional writing. I wanted and expected to love it and instead I found it a real struggle.

That’s a shame you both didn’t enjoy it. I loved it but sometimes when a book is so hyped up it can let you down. Also the subject matter was a depressing one and can be uncomfortable to read.

I ended up giving this one 5 stars-which was shocking, as it was slow moving for me, but the writing was just too good not to acknowledge

I'm sorry you didn't like this so much. I loved this book. But as I always say, not every book resonates with everyone the same.:)

It was extremely well written, that is undeniable. I just could not connect with it, did not feel that rush of 'can't put it down,' what I call bookfever. It was deeply upsetting, and turned into a bit of a chore to finish.

That’s a terrible feeling! I have felt that way about a few books. I hope the next book you read you won’t be able to put down.:)

I know exactly what everyone that didn't connect with the book is feeling. I was really excited about reading All the Light We Cannot See. I was just as disappointed when I found myself struggling to even pick it up. I only have about one-hundred pages to read to finish the book. I just can't do it. I cannot tell you how long it's been since I felt excitement about getting back to a book. I miss it, terribly.

I really liked this book. I listened to the audio, which had the advantage of starting and ending with the strains of Clair de Lune.

I really need to start listening to audiobooks again. Many pleasant memories about quite a few. Does anyone have any information or recommendations about a good company to use. I used to listen to books on CDs, but I don't have that long commute anymore. Ah, retirement. . . Seriously, I'm still of the CD knowledge base. And need some advice.

DianeMP wrote: "I really need to start listening to audiobooks again. Many pleasant memories about quite a few. Does anyone have any information or recommendations about a good company to use. I used to listen to ..."

Diane, do you use a smartphone?

DianeMP wrote: "I really need to start listening to audiobooks again. Many pleasant memories about quite a few. Does anyone have any information or recommendations about a good company to use. I used to listen to ..."

I've had some success using Overdrive through my public library. I download the books to my computer, then transfer them to my MP3 player.

I also recently joined Audible. Don't know how long I'll keep subscribing, as I hate to "own" the audios, but we'll see....

Library borrowing works best for audio for me too - that way if I don’t like something, I can just send it back. I got an Audible subscription recently (and I think they have a returns options too) but need more time to listen to get beat value out of it ...

Sorry you’ve had a bad run with the reading, Diane - a natural issue, I think, when so much else is happening in life. It’ll come back - and if there’s any place to pick up ideas for those ‘wow!’ books, this group is it!

Interesting review. I am about to experiment with Doerr's writing as I am picking up The Shell Collector. I will be curious to see how his short stories live up to his general hype.

I use Overdrive and rbdigital through my library, there is no cost, and you can check out up to 4 at a time on Overdrive, and your local library decides how many you can borrow at a time from rbdigital.

The items self-return, so no fees involved!

I borrowed the CD audio from the library and listened to it on a trip. Absolutely loved it!

Jgrace wrote: "DianeMP wrote: "I really need to start listening to audiobooks again. Many pleasant memories about quite a few. Does anyone have any information or recommendations about a good company to use. I us..."

Yes, I do. It's an android.

DianeMP wrote: "Jgrace wrote: "DianeMP wrote: "I really need to start listening to audiobooks again. Many pleasant memories about quite a few. Does anyone have any information or recommendations about a good compa..."

Then it should be easy for you to borrow audiobooks from your library using the Overdrive or Libby apps. If your library system doesn't use those services, there's always Audible for purchasing books, (itunes, also, but I've found that books are more expensive that way). I know that some bookstores have begun to offer digital audiobooks, but I haven't tried that.

I would say check out your closest library's free stuff to make sure that you are comfortable with using your phone for listening before paying for a subscription service.

Well, not everyone is going to love any book. If you do reread it, I highly recommend the audiobook, which is how I heard it. I think he reads it perfectly for the book, but bear in mind this is how I read it first and had no voicing already in my head.