From the Bookshelf of Around the World in 80 Books…

Black Swan Green

David Mitchell

Start date: February 15, 2015

Finish date: March 15, 2015

Discussion: Group Reads Discussions

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Group Reads Discussions

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By Diane , Armchair Tour Guide · 3 posts · 1371 views

last updated Jan 18, 2013 07:12PM

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What Members Thought

Jul 18, 2019 Nadine in NY Jones marked it as did-not-finish

Shelves: wouldnt-normally-read, fiction, literary-schmiterary, audio

This was tedious and I’m just not in the mood for a “sinewy, meditative novel of boyhood,” as read in audiobook with plummy brit accent. Maybe I’m missing out on a great book, I’ll probably never know.

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Dec 11, 2010 mstan rated it really liked it

Shelves: british, holiday-reading-2010

Like a much better Adrian Mole, for older readers - a mix of realism, fantasy, and head-games. David Mitchell can do no wrong...

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Jun 16, 2015 Amy Nash Parker rated it liked it

not my favorite David Mitchell, but a great coming-of-age story that sticks with you

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Mar 22, 2012 Jessica rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: england, coming-of-age

Very different from Mitchell's other work, but excellent in its own right - a perfect time capsule of a book in how it preserves the early 1980s and the drama of being 13. Mitchell spices it all with a wry-but-gentle humor that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy but not saccharine. ...more

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Nov 03, 2012 Jen rated it really liked it

Shelves: british-literature, popular-fiction

I loved this book. I think it's beautifully written and has a universal message. I read this after reading an article about how it should replace Catcher in the Rye in schools. That might be stretching it but definitely a book anyone who is or ever was a teen can relate to. ...more

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May 22, 2023 Astrid Lim rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: british, historical-fiction, popsugar-2023, coming-of-age

3,5 stars!

A bit slow but very melancholy. Some dark humor here and there. This book feels very personal to David Mitchell and you can't help but notice it.

I love the Black Swan Green setting, cute chapters, and 80s vibes. ...more

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