It is a continuation and I think you'll find it much more satisfying if you read it close to the second. Such an amazing way of telling a story!

ugh, i'm so late & far behind - the local library didn't have the book and had to acquire it from elsewhere in the county. i've thusfar read only the first over-tale (the prince & the goose), and so far, this book is amazing. the russian nested-dolls approach to tale telling is extremely engaging, and makes it really hard to put down.

Emilie, i'm with you in that this definitely has the rhythm and flow to it that makes you want to read it out loud.

Claire, is the 2nd book a continuation? i.e., will i need to be up on the entwined characters to get the most out of it?

I plan to read the second book after I finish this. My friend has my copies, but she's probably finishing the second one as we speak.

Loved this book when I read it a while back! I strongly suggest reading the second (and final) book while the characters and images are still fresh.

I think it's fascinating how many people experienced this book in the same way I did... little by little until suddenly the little bites weren't nearly enough and you found yourself devouring the book without pause!

I wonder what that says about the book, or perhaps the method of storytelling it uses... I read 'OT' a while ago and I don't remember the exact moment when it became 'the-book-I-must-read-in-every-spare-second!' I'm sure it probably happens around the time when you first realize that all of the stories are interconnected. It's really incredible... I was so amazed by this book in so many ways!

thanks for the link Lia!

when I read the Orphans Tales, it felt like the kind of book to be read aloud. something about the style of storytelling and so I imagined Catherynne Valente was reading it to me-so now i get the treat of making this a reality.

OOh. I saw this book awhile back and thought almost bought it. It looks good. I'm pretty behind with this list though so it might take me awhile to get to it. The next one I want to read from the list is Mortal Love I think.

Baobhan wrote: "I had the same experience when I read it, Pamela. I took small, beautiful bites of it until suddenly everything just clicked. From that point on, I couldn't put it down. I devoured."

I wish I'd had the choice to devour, but I just started a new job and I'm working a split shift, with four ten-hour days. On those days, I'm forced to keep every activity that wasn't an absolute necessity to the barest minimum.

I'm a couple days behind myself, though I did start the book a few months ago. Maybe I'll try reading along with the podcast.

I will be listening until I get the book as well!

I'm behind yet again on our reading choices, so I won't be joining you all right away. I am certainly looking forward to it though, so I'll add my comments when I get there.

Ooo, thanks for the link, Lia! I, too, have read the book already. Listening to the audio version this time around is a great idea!

I had the same experience when I read it, Pamela. I took small, beautiful bites of it until suddenly everything just clicked. From that point on, I couldn't put it down. I devoured it.

I just finished this book and I loved it! I started out enjoying the stories, but not as fully engaged as I might have been (which might have been as much because my schedule only allowed me to read a tiny bit at a time), but then I hit a point at which everything clicked into place and it became incredibly hard to set the book aside, even when I had no choice. A wonderful, rich experience and one I recommend highly. I'll definitely be seeking out the sequel.

This is my pick, so I'm in!

I've read it before (and it's my favorite book!) so this month I'm going to actually listen to the recorded version, read by the author. =) You can find that (free!) here: http://www.catherynnemvalente.com/podcas...

Enjoy!

I recently read this book, (and I loved it!) and I'd like to be a part of the group discussion.

Yes- I am happy to know too, that I can now read The Orphan's Tales: In the Cities of Coin and Spice. I was thinking (maybe) of reading that as a way of reading The Orphan's Tales with the group.
Though I will take care if I do, not to confuse the them, when discussing, so as not to give anything away.

I just got my copy from Amazon. I didn't realize there was a sequel (nice to know if I love it, there's more to read!)