I was into this book right until the very end when it went completely off the stratosphere and became incomprehensible to me. The premise was great, the conflict was excellent, and the rising drama had me spellbound until the climax made me sit back and go "Huh?" It was definitely memorable, though. ]]>
Carmen
took the never-ending book quiz.
| questions answered: | 1099 |
| correct: | 652 (59.3%) |
| skipped: | 23 |
| best streak: | 11 |
| questions added: | 0 |
I absolutely adored this book from beginning to end. I borrowed it from the library, but I'm going to go and buy myself a copy the next chance I get. Renee, the autodidact (which means she educated herself without a teacher) who hides behind her concierge persona is a gem. I love her tangents and the wild rides through her brain that we chanced a glimpse of. I also loved Paloma, who discovered the meaning of "never." Kakuro is a bit of a mystery, but provides a special role by enlightening each narrator about themselves and their motives. A treasure to read. ]]>
Thanks for the kind comments, MarBear. I totally agree with you about Kakuro, Nadia. I actually didn't get as sad when Renee died, because she met it with such peace and gentle humour and had recent moments of happiness. When I cried was when I read Paloma's One Last Profound Thought in which she finally sees that the search "...for moments of always within never. Beauty, in this world." ]]>
I thought this was a great story, brimming with life. The split narration between the older Jacob and himself as a young man was superb, although I must say I liked the 93 year old better. The bizarre occurences lent a bright humour to this romantic adventure and gave me a case of the giggles. ]]>
bookshelves: currently-reading
]]>
I knew of this book and the hype surrounding it, and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I am doubly glad I read the book because it is so much better than the subsequent film. I love the journey that echoes the Odyssey, the starkness of life at the farm and in the places Inman finds himself, and the grit and survival of each character in the book. I found the romance more subtle and quiet in the book, and I prefered it that way. Truly a good read. ]]>
I loved this book. It is a brutal struggle to the end between the Big Nurse and McMurphy, with battles won and lost on both sides. Kesey had a great insight into human psychology of power and domination, of camaraderie and aloneness, of manipulation and abuse. A truly brilliant novel. ]]>