Tag Archive for: Book Club

The Sirens of Titan

The Sirens of TitanTitle: The Sirens of Titan
Author: Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Genre: Science Fiction
Format: Audio
Pages: 224
Length: 9h 20m
Narrator: Jay Snyder
Source: Owned
Reason: Book Club
Rating:

My Thoughts

THE SIRENS OF TITAN is so different from most books I’ve read. It was mildly entertaining with interesting views on free will, fatalism, and manipulation. I liked that the story made me think and challenge my own views and beliefs regarding the universe, God, and people. However, I’m not really a huge fan of satire and that aspect hindered my enjoyment of the story. I’m glad I read this book at least once, but I’ll never read it again and I’m glad it’s over.

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As You Wish

As You WishTitle: As You Wish
Author: Cary Elwes
Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction
Format: Audio
Pages: 272
Length: 7h 1m
Narrator: Cary Elwes, and more
Source: Owned
Reason: Book Club
Rating:

My Thoughts

What a delightful memoir. It’s definitely my favorite to date. I loved learning about the making of The Princess Bride. It was a fascinating behind-the-scenes look. The audiobook is definitely the way to read AS YOU WISH. Besides Cary Elwes narrating, a lot of the main cast is featured which was truly a treat. 

After I finished listening, I immediately rewatched the movie. It was so much fun to see all the things Cary Elwes and his cast mates talk about. It also made an already enjoyable film that much more enjoyable. One of these days, I’ll actually read William Goldman’s book so I can experience the source material as well.

Additional Narrators: Carol Kane, Norman Lear, Rob Reiner, Chris Sarandon, Andy Scheinman, Wallace Shawn, Robin Wright, Billy Crystal

The God of the Woods

The God of the WoodsTitle: The God of the Woods
Author: Liz Moore
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Audio
Pages: 478
Length: 14h 36m
Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld
Source: Owned
Reason: Book Club
Rating:

My Thoughts

I thought THE GOD OF THE WOODS was a very interesting read with a lot to discuss (i.e., it’s a great book for a book club). I wanted to love it, but I didn’t. I loved the concept, but the story seemed really disjointed, way too long, and so depressing. I also despised most of the characters, making it hard for me to love the story since I’m a character-driven, rather than plot-driven, reader.

I don’t think I was in the right frame of mind when I started this one. However, it’s my book club’s pick for November so I kept going. I would’ve rather read this when I was more in the mood for this type of story. I might’ve liked it more, but maybe I wouldn’t have. The beginning held so much promise and then it just kept letting me down.

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Here One Moment

Here One MomentTitle: Here One Moment
Author: Liane Moriarty
Genre: Contemporary
Format: Audio
Pages: 501
Length: 15h 53m
Narrator: Caroline Lee, Geraldine Hakewill
Source: Owned
Reason: Book Club
Rating:

My Thoughts

I adored HERE ONE MOMENT. I loved the premise of the story and all the characters. I laughed, cried, and stayed up way past my bedtime finishing it. I loved the message of using our one life to love, learn, live, and overcome our fears and anxieties.

I loved the way Moriarty portrayed how personal, all-consuming, and physical grief can be. I loved the serious look at and discussion surrounding mental health. I loved the advocacy of therapy and not suffering alone, that reaching out for help doesn’t mean you’re weak. I also loved the use of math and statistics to show the probability of how life and death sometimes feels cold and calculating, and unfair, how it can be sudden or expected.

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My Friends

My FriendsTitle: My Friends
Author: Fredrik Backman
Genre: Contemporary
Format: Audio
Pages: 436
Length: 13h 7m
Narrator: Marin Ireland
Source: Owned
Reason: Book Club, Book of the Month
Rating:

My Thoughts

I don’t know what it is about Fredrik Backman, but he has the ability to tell a story with so much feeling and depth without it being boring or seeming contrived. He writes characters, situations, and the feelings of both better than any other author I’ve read. I love his ability to tell his stories in parts.

MY FRIENDS was a beautiful story about growing up, found family, resilience, and finding the silver lining in really shitty circumstances. It deals with hard topics like bullying, immigration, abuse, sickness, and grief. Even though the story is sad, it’s interspersed with laughter and happiness, and ends with a feeling of hope. There are also a lot of farts (iykyk). This one kept me guessing until the end and I loved taking the journey with the characters.