I have read this one last year. I liked it, but don't remember much about it. I'll skim it to see if it brings back some memories.

Just finished HoL and really liked the writing style. ( But I'm sort of a new voracious reader and seem to love everything I just read...lol)
But I read on Wikipedia that the author Nicole Krauss did her thesis at Oxford on poetry. I think it really shows in her writing in how she expresses some things about love and emotion. Can't wait for the discussion!

Here is my comment on HoL:

This book was a somewhat sad story to me, but I enjoyed the book overall. It was interesting that the connections that were made were there. Don't want to give too much away though. I'm glad that it was the Chicks on Lit pick, it really was interesting.

I just started HoL last night and I only got to read a chapter, but so far I love it. I really like the style so far. Can't wait to read more!

I am new today to this group, and happen to be at the library while reading these posts and am able to get this book, can't wait to join the discussion

It really is a good book if you can get through it. I still haven't tried reading through it a second time, but I liked it. I probably would have loved it if it was written differently. I like the end it just made the whole book for me!

Teri, I abandoned the book after a few hundred pages. I really truly disliked this child (shades of elementary and grade school)! I was going to send it to my daughter-in-law (she has 7 children and all my books go to them to keep the kids and her occupied) but maybe I'll pull it out again and give it a try.

Lydia, have you finished Extremely Loud and are still confused? Or are you still reading? I was confused as I went through this book but it unfolded for me toward the end. (I am one of those people who never understand what is going on in movies with twists and turns, so this doesn't surprise me.) I ended up loving this book, maybe even more so because it wasn't so obvious all the way through. He is a boy with issues, yes. But like a good novel, working through the book helps him work through his issues, and the ending is satisfying for him and it was for me too. Was it not for you?

Hi all,

An interesting thought about comparing Leo and Max, but I think it falls short for me on the description. If you read my posting on HoL, I'm terribly confused right now (which seems to happen to me when I read what is often called literary work -- but that's a totally different hang-up). What is the relationship between Litvinkoff and Gursky? Is Alma's Leo's granddaughter? Or are we talking about two different Isaacs?

The writing is beautiful -- artful turns of phrases, great imagery. But even as an instructor I would have a hard time teaching this book. What am I missing?

I think also, just like in Extremely Loud, I believe you must be a master to change points of view every chapter. I do like the distinctiveness of Alma's chapters, but find the male characters confusing (actually, I'm wondering if it would be easier to read in Polish or Yiddish, to be honest).

BTW, I recommend The Book Thief to everyone I know -- just sent a copy to my daugher in the Peace Corps in Azerbijian. I then went on to read all of Zurkus' other books, but none came close to the elegance of Thief. I guess why I would have trouble comparing Leo and Max hangs on the well-roundedness and inherent contradictions in Max, where I feel Leo is forced -- he just is not real to me.

Well, that's my 2 cents.

I'm excited...I'm going to the library to pick up the book today before I head out of town for the weekend. I'm so happy to start another book, I was reading Pillars forever!

I've been too busy devouring The Historian to finish this book!

Oh man, I have the book, but now I'm just not excited to even start it. *sigh*

Thanks, ladies. You have lifted the smidgen of guilt floating around me.

Tera - I'm with you on trying to reduce the things you hold guilt about. Its a tough thing to make yourself do.

The Book Thief is ah-mazing.

Cool, thanks Tera. :) I have it on my to-read list & was curious.

LOVED the book thief

Hmmmm....that makes me more interested in reading the ending.
I haven't read The Book Thief. Is it good so far?

I read this book about 6 months ago. I started it once before that and put it down for quite awhile, so I started again from the beginning. Even then I would read a bit and let it sit for a few days. I think the back of my mind need to work on it a bit.

In the end, I loved it. It took a little while for me to warm up to Leo. And it think it's difficult to read the descriptions of his life probably because they are true to life. We don't want to think about being old, lonely and not in good health. But he turns out to be a heroic character in his own way.

Has anyone thought about comparing Leo with Max from The Book Thief and their different experiences as Jews in WWII? I haven't finished The Book Thief yet. (that's taking me awhile too.)

This is one of my favorite reads from this year.

Roxy I'm right there with ya with this book....I didn't care for it much. The writing style put me off and although I really did find the characters intriguing it was just too slow paced for me.

No worries, Roxy! I honestly would consider not finishing this book if I hadn't nominated it! I'm struggling through it too.

Oh fiddle dee dee Roxy. It doesn't make you a bad COL'er it makes you a reader. You dont have to read every book every month to be a Chick you just have to enjoy reading and clucking about with the rest of us. I havent read this months book yet. I am a little hesitant to be honest because of the mixed reviews and I have not an ounce of guilt if I don't. (ive been working very hard one what I allow myself to feel guilty about and what I dont and a book just doesnt make the list)
If you dont like it put it down and come chat with us about your favorite place to get hot cocoa.... oh someone should start that thread Im a cocoa junkie!

*sigh* I'm a bad CoL Book Cluber. This is the first attempt at reading one of the club books, though I have been here for months, and I can't even get past the first chapter! The first sentencse made me laugh so I thought I'd like it but everything after that, all 6 pages I read (bad, I know) seemed so choppy to me. :-(

Hi Allyson - When you get a chance, you might wanna go back and read Extremely Loud. It was terrific.

I'm relatively new to the group, and I was too busy to take part in the November read. So, I'm really looking forward to this one.

Good to know, thanks Christeena & Kate!

I finished it! It touched me, but at the same time was a bit confusing. It does come together, but I might have to re read it to understand fully.

This book is wonderful and a good holiday choice!

I'm to page 70 and don't have an opinion yet either way. I kind of feel like I'm reading November's book (similar style) and hope that it all comes together in the end.

Just received the book today. I might read it all in one sitting just because I don't have much in the way of school work to do.

Hi, all. I'm actually joining in this month! i don't think I've taken part in one of our books yet. terrible, I know.

I just got it from the library. I have to finish another book first before I start it.

Are you enjoying it Thauna? I've been wanting to read that one too, but I've been reading another long one for awhile, so not so quick to jump into another.

I just joined the group today....I like the sound of the December book and I think I'll jump in and read it. I just need to finish Pillars of the Earth first...dang it's taking me forever. Can't wait to read something else.

I know, I'm a whack-o, but...I've never been able to get into that series. LOVE Sue Grafton's alphabet series, never was into the # mysteries though.

*hides w/armor raised*

The latest in the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich, Fearless Fourteen. They are my guilty pleasure. I smoke through the books in a day or so. They are just a fun read and they always make me laugh out loud and so few books do that. They have a bit of language in them but seriously the funniest books ever.

What's waiting for you Tera?

I'm going to quit going to the library and just go to Emily's house first.

I don't have the excuse of PMS or premenopausal i was just born sassy. Heaven help my family when i get to pre meno because I don't imagine it will be pretty.

one of the books ive been waiting for at the library just came in so maybe that will get me going again. If that doesnt work I'm just going to count reading the board as reading.

Laura, you are hilarious.

Tera, I haven't read for awhile either. I started the "Guardian" on my trip last weekend, and even though it's good I just can't make myself sit and read. There always seems to be something tears me away or disrupts me. And with the holidays coming, it's a lost cause.

I know what you mean. If I don't have a solid good book now (I've been so spoiled with them since GR), I get freaky and weird. And that's on TOP of how I already am, being both PMS-y AND pre-menopausal. It's a BAD combination. Think Wicked Witch of the West meets....oh hell. Meets herself. Think TWO Wicked Witches, complete with flying monkeys, and Toto yowling for his life as she wickedly cackles.

UGH

Tera, I have that one, too...you can borrow it. Of course, I haven't done any reading in about two weeks now, so I guess I should like read it or something.

oh and HOlove made me giggle.

This is not a good month to ask me what ive read. I am in some sort of rut and it's kind of freaking me out. I havent read a single book all month and thats pretty unusual for me since I usually average 3-5 books a month.
I want to read it. I havent yet.
I'm trying to get through One Thousand White Women and there is NO reason why it's taking me so long its actually a good story and I like it but I just havent been in the reading groove.
I'm fighting to get it back though.

Tera - Have you read HoLove yet?

Oh no, I better start reading December's book!

We had talked about combining the Nov and Dec discussion. If everyone still wants to do that discussion on Dec's book can start anytime.
A reminder if you start a thread that has spoilers in it please list that in your thread. Something like. Let's talk about History of Love SPOILERS LIKELY just so no one reads a thread before they are ready to jump in to that part of it.

I'm not sure yet. I think we're doing a joint discussion with November & December's book, so I would assume sometime in late December? Does anyone know?

When does each monthly discussion usually begin? The date may be posted somewhere, but I am new and didnt know where to look.

Welcome, Christeena! :) I hope you enjoy the book.

Hi I just joined, and just ordered the book on PBS today. I'm excited about the book club and the book.

You're welcome, Cindy!

Kris,
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it! I'm looking forward to reading it. :)

I loved both History of Love and Incredibly Loud and I hope you all do too!