It’s two, two, two book reviews in one
I read a lot. And then I read nothing. And then I read a lot again. This week I’ve read two books since Monday. Completely different, equally intoxicating.
The first book was a random Sam’s Club, oh-this-looks-interesting-for-$8, book choice. Socks on one side, discounted books on the other. Only in America! I read the titles, picked up a few, put them down and then looked at this one: Sundays at Tiffanys by James Patterson.
As you have surmised, I don’t follow the NY Times Bestseller List very closely, but I knew I’d heard of James Patterson. Maybe. Truly, I had no clue he had written something like 30 novels and was the stuff movies and TV series were made of. The title reminded me of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, of course, and who can resist a book cover in Tiffany Blue? Not me, that’s for sure.
I used to pick wine by the picture on the label– and like this book — more often than not — my rationale was based on intrinsic beauty or strangeness. I almost always picked a winner.
I read Sundays at Tiffanys in just a few sittings over the course of a day and night. I won’t tell you the story, but what I liked about it was it’s departure from reality. I can enjoy a book about love — love of self and love of others and love of life — when it’s believable but not real. This book is about a girl, then a woman, who fondly remembers her imaginary friend — only to find out he is not imaginary after all. Now it’s not creepy, it makes you wonder. It can’t be true but wouldn’t it be nice if it was? And, the book makes it real.
I think this attribute — fantasy sprinkled in reality is what allowed me to read the book as a reader. I didn’t analyze it, I just read it.
Is it women’s fiction? Definitely? A romance? Maybe. Is it women’s fiction with a romantic tinge and an element of fantasy? Probably.
It’s smart and unpredictable, which is really what I liked most. I don’t like having it all figured out when I read. That bores me and I stop, read the last page and put the book away. This book kept surprising me, and although it has a happy ending, since it arrived at that destination after a journey with twists and turns, I was not disappointed.
But I don’t understand the book having two authors — James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet, a children’s book author. What does that mean? He didn’t write it but his name can sell it? How do you write a book with someone? I am having enough tsouris (stress) writing one all by myself!
I finished my next book just this morning. I read it after my aunt recommended it, said it was about a writer. A book about a writer, I’d probably like that. And I did. Again, I ordered it from Amazon without knowing anything about the book or the author. I went with the recommendation which did not include the fact that Starting Out in the Evening by Brian Morton was a New York Times Notable Book.
I had no idea this was also a movie starring Frank Langella.
Quite simply this book is about the subjectivity of writing — and of life. A more complex way to describe the book is that it follows an aged writer as he allows himself to feel young one more time, and then to get old – not very gracefully. The intertwining stories of his biggest (his only?) fan and his daughter reveal again that things, people and life aren’t always what we think — and it’s OK to change your mind regarding what you want. It’s a deep book, laden with thought processes and descriptions, yet it’s not cumbersome at all. I savored it and made it last two whole days.
Now I need a new book. Something that intrigues me and holds my interest like these did. Not like a book I tried to read recently (that will remain title-less) where I read 100 pages and then the last six. That was enough. I could fill in the middle, but I didn’t need to.
Any suggestions?
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- Apr 18, 2009: Topics about New-york » Blog Archive » It’s two, two, two book reviews in one
Little Bee by Chris Cleave. I mean, holy freakin’ wow. Amazing writer, amazing story. Supposedly there’s a huge shocker of an ending, but I’m only a chapter in and shocked at how good this book is. I’ve been searching for a book that wows me for almost a year.
This one is amazing. It’s hardcover, but definitely worth it. It’s also available as an ebook for cheaper.
Great book reviews, Amy! But, come on, no fair – what’s the title to the book you couldn’t finish? I’ve done so little reading lately since I’m trying to spend my time writing. I really miss reading. I’m SLOWLY reading “Good in Bed” which I know you already read. I’m reading it slowly because of my writing schedule, not because it’s a slow read by any means. Normally, I’d gobble up a book like that in a couple of days. You might want to check out Anita’s blog at http://anitalaydonmiller.blogspot.com/ – she’s got so many amazing book reviews. I think you may have a new career here…
Hey … you’ve hit upon one of my “things.” James Patterson started out writing thrillers — those kind with gruesome torture scenes, then “diversified” into kid’s and women’s fiction. About six or seven years ago, it became obvious he wasn’t writing his own books anymore — no one could produce five and six fat novels every year. Finally, he was sort of forced to admit that he isn’t really an author anymore as much as he is a brand. He helps outline the stories, then hires “coauthors” to write the books. He has an uncanny knack for popular fiction, and people know what to expect, so he consistently sells millions of books. However, from a pure writer’s perspective, he’s about the literary equivalent of McDonalds. It’s not exactly real food, if you know what I mean.
I saw him speaking once, and I’ll never forget one of his messages: “If you want to write what’s in your heart, go ahead. Have fun never getting published. If you want to get published, figure out what sells and then write a book that people want to read. Forget about being an artist. Be a brand.”
No surprise, of course, that his background in in advertising …
Spy,
Thanks, I’ll check it out.
Debbie,
Glad you liked the reviews – and if you want to email me I’ll tell you the book I didn’t finish. I liked it well enough, but my reading time is so precious to me I have to more than just “like” a book to read the whole thing.
LurkerMonkey,
I wondered how he did it all. My daughter didn’t get into his YA series although most of her friends did. And if he is the idea-man, so to speak, perhaps we should all be looking into these co-authors if we like the stories, since they are the real writers. I get a sense from you comment that he’s more like an editor than a writer — make the story go this way – have the character do that. Like the director instead of the writer. But he surely has a knack for what will sell – too bad he can’t sell *that.*
Happy Saturday all!
Amy
I think this would make a great title for one of your books somewhere down the line —> The Intrinsic Beauty of Strangeness
You *must* read “Peace Like A River” by Leif Enger. I’ll eat my hat if you don’t love it.
Also, Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Anne Burns and The Crazy Ladies Of Pearl Street by Trevanian, and The Prince Of Tides by Pat Conroy.
For pure brain candy, read Dana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. Engaging, witty and interesting without too much thinky thinky. A little cheesy, yes, but…like a really good brie instead of Kraft singles.
I have to admit, I turn up my nose at James Patterson and his ilk. I’m frankly, a little affronted by their approach to writing.
But then again, I’m not rolling naked in money. ..am I?
Ooh! Sundays at Tiffany’s has been on my list for awhile, and this confirms I’ve got to get it. Thanks!