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From the Bookshelf of Nothing But Reading Challenges…

Landline

Rainbow Rowell

Start date: February 2, 2015

Finish date: February 28, 2015

Discussion: Books of the Month

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What Members Thought

Nov 28, 2014 Krissy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, scarred-nerdy-imperfect-heroes, pgs-300-399

Very enjoyable. It helped that the narrator of the audiobook was Rebecca Lowman. She is one of my favorite female narrators. I love her "guy" voice. I don't know why but it just works for me. This could have easily been a 5 star book if there was a little more to the ending. Not everything was wrapped up so you were left hanging on a few things. But I've noticed that is quite common with Rainbow Rowell. Her books are amazing but the ending kind of falls flat. Epilogues would help that out a lot. ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Jan 17, 2015 Kirsten rated it liked it

Not nearly as good as Fangirl. Unfortunately, I just couldn't relate as much to the characters as I did her earlier work. ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Apr 26, 2015 Nicole rated it it was amazing

I love a good story with an interesting concept. And it just so happens that one of the most innovative writers out there is Rainbow Rowell. While I picked up Landlines on its release day, I waited until I thought I was ready to read it—because it’s about a broken marriage.

Georgie and Neal are in trouble. Especially when Georgie announces she has to stay at home during their scheduled Christmas trip to see Neal’s widowed mother in Omaha. Neal takes their two daughters, and leaves with things un I love a good story with an interesting concept. And it just so happens that one of the most innovative writers out there is Rainbow Rowell. While I picked up Landlines on its release day, I waited until I thought I was ready to read it—because it’s about a broken marriage.

Georgie and Neal are in trouble. Especially when Georgie announces she has to stay at home during their scheduled Christmas trip to see Neal’s widowed mother in Omaha. Neal takes their two daughters, and leaves with things unresolved. While Georgie’s Mom thinks the worst, Georgie tries to focus on work, and dealing with an iPhone that won’t hold a charge. When calls and texts to Neal’s phone don’t pan out, Georgie takes matters into her own hands and plugs in an older, yellow rotary phone into her somewhat re-organized as a shrine to pugs childhood bedroom…the Neal who answers the phone is NOT her husband, Neal. It just so happens that it is Neal from their college days, when their relationship was rocky and new—and Georgie may JUST have an opportunity to save their marriage for good.

I was worried when I read advanced praise and a blurb about this book, as I tend to find bits of myself in Rowell’s characters. The same is true with Landlines, especially considering Georgie is only four years older than me. The idea of a marriage on the rocks is scary and hurtful to me, personally. Mostly because I also see a bit of Neal in my own husband-he selflessly devotes himself to their marriage, and while our marriage is a bit more equal, I am sure when we have kids, he might want to stay at home with them.

Rowell’s character-centered style is just as great as usual. Georgie is instantly likeable; How great is it that she writes comedy? Her potentially being the head of a series (with her best friend) is HUGE, and completely her dream. So many woman might be called to give up their dreams for the betterment of her marriage—I was worried this would be on the table (spoilers—it isn’t, thankfully). Georgie is flawed, but honest and she sincerely loves Neal and their family.

There is a bit of power in a rotary phone—I could clearly see each and every thing about Georgie’s mothers home. In particular, the pugs were also a big part of the plot, to build the suspense. The warmth oozes out of the book, and it was refreshing to get a bit attached to the ancillary characters, without losing that connection to a main character.

Overall, I loved this book, just as a few friends said I would. And I am so incredibly happy that I read it. I was a bit teary at one or two points, but am definitely a more mindful person for having read it.

Landlinesis available in hardcover, ebook and audiobook from your favorite retailer. Check it out today. ...more

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Sep 25, 2014 Meg rated it really liked it

Shelves: library, borrowed, 2014-books

I really enjoyed this - much more than I was expecting to. Everyone raves about Rowell's YA titles, and they are good (well, Eleanor & Park was good. I still haven't quite gotten around to Fangirl) but I didn't love Eleanor & Park quite like others I know have. But Landline - maybe because it's meant for adults, maybe because I just loved the very idea of a phone that calls the past, and the possibilities that opens - this is my favorite of Rowell's books, so far, and I hope to see more adult ti ...more

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