"Matched" is one of my favorite books. In fact, I waited for the trilogy to be finished, re-read the first book, and then read the other two. Three di...more"Matched" is one of my favorite books. In fact, I waited for the trilogy to be finished, re-read the first book, and then read the other two. Three different times when I was going through "Matched" I thought, "I wished I'd written this!" That's something I rarely do with other writers. The two main characters were so powerful, and her prose is amazing.
"Crossed" was quite a bit less for me, and "Reached" a disappointment. However, I'm still a big fan of Ally Condie because her writing is liquid, lovely; touching. And really, it's not her fault if the last book dragged and wasn't nearly as satisfying. I blame it on the "three book deal" which is an author's (and agent's) dream. But it's also a trap, because there is a love affair a writer has with that first book which is hard to duplicate in the sequels, and I imagine that by the end, the writer of a trilogy must be creatively drained.
I'll still read anything Ms. Condie writes. Even as I was reading "Reached" on my Kindle Fire, there were a few times I highlighted sentences because the creativity was that good. And after all, her prose and character development is truly masterful. I'm waiting for her next writing venture, which I hope will soar the way "Matched" did. (less)
Sci-fi is always a big draw for me, and so from the onset I liked this book. Amy, the MC, is a strong character, and I found the creativity of the sto...moreSci-fi is always a big draw for me, and so from the onset I liked this book. Amy, the MC, is a strong character, and I found the creativity of the story compelling--even if hope for a better life dwindles down to a tenuous thread. Also, appreciated how it ended, as in it didn't just leave a cliffhanger demanding a sequel. (These days, closure from one book is a gift.)(less)
Have listened to maybe five or six Hamish Macbeth books on CD while driving and really like them. Of course the amazing English actor Graeme Malcolm,...moreHave listened to maybe five or six Hamish Macbeth books on CD while driving and really like them. Of course the amazing English actor Graeme Malcolm, who does the readings, added rich flavor to the story and made the quirky Scottish characters seem real.(less)
My favorite Tan book. Loved the dual story. (Of course I'm always drawn in to excellent Asian fiction, and when I was a girl read everything by Pearl...moreMy favorite Tan book. Loved the dual story. (Of course I'm always drawn in to excellent Asian fiction, and when I was a girl read everything by Pearl S. Buck.)(less)
The writing master. Never thought we'd have much in common, but it was great to better understand myself as a writer after reading this. And appreciat...moreThe writing master. Never thought we'd have much in common, but it was great to better understand myself as a writer after reading this. And appreciated his personal bio about the horrific experience of surviving the accident that nearly took his life.(less)
Not his most famous or edgiest either, but loved this so much I read most of his other stuff then came back and read it again. Just great storytelling...moreNot his most famous or edgiest either, but loved this so much I read most of his other stuff then came back and read it again. Just great storytelling and characters.(less)
I read this in high school and some of it stuck with me for years. A blue-collar book of life early in our century. Not particularly a fun read, but w...moreI read this in high school and some of it stuck with me for years. A blue-collar book of life early in our century. Not particularly a fun read, but worthwhile.(less)
This novel changed America's perception of southern slavery and brought it to a personal level. Earlier in the century, our society had been spoon-fed...moreThis novel changed America's perception of southern slavery and brought it to a personal level. Earlier in the century, our society had been spoon-fed the civil war from the white perspective of Gone With The Wind. If you have to pick between the two, this phenomenal book is by far the better choice.(less)
Heartbreak and courage, reminding us that in spite of the prejudices that still linger in our society, we have come a long ways. Terrific characters y...moreHeartbreak and courage, reminding us that in spite of the prejudices that still linger in our society, we have come a long ways. Terrific characters you won't want to miss meeting.(less)
I read this as a teen and then again as an adult. The sorrowful boredom of surviving in hiding meant far more to me once I had an increased knowledge...moreI read this as a teen and then again as an adult. The sorrowful boredom of surviving in hiding meant far more to me once I had an increased knowledge of the Nazi occupation. Everyone should read it to better understand the personal impact of supressing constant fear and still surviving.(less)
In my opinion, by far the best work Meyer has created. Taking the story from the gentle invader's point of view as they descimate Earth's society, mak...moreIn my opinion, by far the best work Meyer has created. Taking the story from the gentle invader's point of view as they descimate Earth's society, makes for a unique and fascinating read. One of my favorites.(less)
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