Tag Archive for: Book Club

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The Spectacular

The SpectacularTitle: The Spectacular
Author: Fiona Davis
Genre: Historical Fiction, Thriller
Format: Audio
Pages: 368
Length: 12h 20m
Narrator: Kimberly Farr, Rachel L. Jacobs
Source: Owned
Reason: Book Club
Rating:

My Thoughts

I really love the historical aspects of Fiona Davis’ novels. In THE SPECTACULAR, I loved the setting of the mid 1950s and early 1990s, and I loved learning some of the history about the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall. I had no idea about the Mad Bomber (or Big Apple Bomber in the novel) and I had no idea it was the case that put criminal profiling on the map. That was all fascinating. I thought the mystery aspect of the book was a bit far-fetched, but it kept me interested and reading. The romance disappointed me as it was quite a bit lacking.

Project Hail Mary

Project Hail MaryTitle: Project Hail Mary
Author: Andy Weir
Genre: Science Fiction
Format: Audio
Pages: 476
Length: 16h 10m
Narrator: Ray Porter
Source: Owned
Reason: Book Club
Rating:

My Thoughts

I love, love, loved PROJECT HAIL MARY! The story was fascinating, suspenseful, thought-provoking, and gave me all the feels. It’s also very readable. I was completely hooked as soon as I started reading and I’ll be thinking about this one for a very long time. I loved both Grace and Rocky so much, especially Rocky. I loved their relationship, how they learned to communicate with each other, and how deep their friendship became. The audiobook was definitely the way to read this because of how Rocky communicates. It just made it so much more fun to listen to. I’m so glad I decided to read this before the movie comes out next year.

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.