Happy Friday, readers! The literary world said goodbye to the legendary Cormac McCarthy this week. Though I’ve only read a few of his dozen novels, No Country for Old Men and The Road were incredible, inimitable, unforgettable reading experiences that have stayed with me through the years. From
I just started The Children of Men by PD James (who I'm ashamed to admit I didn't realize was a woman!). I really liked the movie version and am enjoying the book just a few chapters in so far.
I read the book just a couple of years before the movie came out. The movie is a decent rendition but, as it almost always goes, the book is so much better.
You wrote: "The Violin Conspiracy was our book club’s pick for May and it had quite mixed reviews in our group, ranging from 1.5 to 4 stars (I gave it 3.5). The primary complaint was that the writing simply wasn’t up to our usual standards and the story felt amateurish in places."
I found the same to be true when I read it. And remember, this is his first published book. Many authors (all?) get better the more they write. He has a second book out that I hope will be an improvement on the writing.
If you have seen the tiles for the Three Pines series on Amazon Prime but are reluctant to try it, don't be. While I haven't dived into Penny's work yet and my wife has only read the first book, Still Life, she said the series captures the three main characters very well but has nothing to do with that book it's a completely separate set of adventures, at least so far. It's a very good show and worth it if you like mysteries and police procedurals.
I just started The Children of Men by PD James (who I'm ashamed to admit I didn't realize was a woman!). I really liked the movie version and am enjoying the book just a few chapters in so far.
I haven't read it, but it *might* be on my shelf. :) Thanks for the reminder.
I read the book just a couple of years before the movie came out. The movie is a decent rendition but, as it almost always goes, the book is so much better.
I think A Beautiful Mystery is my fave Gamache.
You wrote: "The Violin Conspiracy was our book club’s pick for May and it had quite mixed reviews in our group, ranging from 1.5 to 4 stars (I gave it 3.5). The primary complaint was that the writing simply wasn’t up to our usual standards and the story felt amateurish in places."
I found the same to be true when I read it. And remember, this is his first published book. Many authors (all?) get better the more they write. He has a second book out that I hope will be an improvement on the writing.
Yeah his second book is already out! "Symphony of Secrets" I believe.
It’s been a while but I remember really liking Felonious Jazz by Bryan Gilmer. Good twists and mixing in some jazz to keep it a little different.
Haven't heard of that one! I'll add it to my list. :)
If you have seen the tiles for the Three Pines series on Amazon Prime but are reluctant to try it, don't be. While I haven't dived into Penny's work yet and my wife has only read the first book, Still Life, she said the series captures the three main characters very well but has nothing to do with that book it's a completely separate set of adventures, at least so far. It's a very good show and worth it if you like mysteries and police procedurals.
Great to know! Thanks for the rec — I already forgot it had been made into a series.
Nice, glad to hear another rec for the TV show!