Cloud Atlas in DC Public Library

Sep 18, 2012 Noralo rated it really liked it

Everyone said this book was amazing. When I started reading, someone finally clued me in that it's not one story, but several 'entwined' stories. On principle, I hate 'entwined' stories - I didn't like As the World Spins much for that reason. I'd prefer a writer choose one plot/protagonist and carry it through, rather than jump around to make some comment about cosmic fate.

That said, every part was entertaining and rich - almost too rich, I would say, like a heavy meal with too much salt or som ...more

Like · see review

Apr 14, 2013 Shannon rated it it was amazing

Shelves: hawaii, historical-fiction, post-apocalyptic

I'm an idiot. For years I put off reading this novel because reviews warned of its "difficult" and "experimental" structure. So I expected something like Gravity's Rainbow and allowed myself to be scared off. But finally they made a movie, and, determined to read the novel before seeing the movie, I delved in. Cloud Atlas may have an unusual nested structure, but that doesn't make it difficult to read. There are plenty of signposts, a few symbolic links, and plenty of thematic links between the ...more

Like · see review

May 16, 2012 Peter Levine rated it liked it

I don't know what to say about this book. I didn't understand about half of it, but I kept reading it, and I read it quickly. It was admirable, thrilling, rich, frustrating--I can't say I was moved by it, but I didn't feel it was asking for that. Certainly unlike anything else I've read and I will remember it. ...more

Like · see review