July group read - In the Unlikely Event

[Rachel]

Judy Blume's new novel for adults has won the poll. I have it reserved at the library and I'm top of the list so hopefully won't have to wait long. She was my favourite author as a child/young teen but I haven't read any of her books aimed at adults. I've heard quite a few good reviews so I'm really looking forward to getting started.

[[deleted user]]

Sounds great. I'm bottom of the list at my library so I'll be reading something else in the meantime.

[Mary]

I'm also at the bottom of my list at the library but when it comes available, I'll read it and comment anyway.

[Julie]

OK, I just finished this book. I have never read Judy Blume before. I was too old for her kids books when they became popular. So, I picked this up without a lot of expectations. I was intrigued by the fact that the action took place in areas of NJ that I am familiar with.

After this book I will not be seeking Judy Blume out again.

It's not that nothing much happens in the lives of the main characters. Maeve Binchy's books are like that, but most of her characters are so multi-dimensional and her descriptions of Irish life are so vivid that you get sucked in.

I really couldn't tell you what any of the places in this book look like, or what motivated the majority of the characters who were introduced as plot devices. If Ms. Blume spent half as much time describing the emotions that surround a fading friendship as she did describing dresses and shoes, I'd give her an extra star.

If you haven't picked this up already, I'd consider giving it a pass. There are so many good books out there, I'm chastising myself that I didn't abandon this book and move on. I guess I just kept hoping that there would be something, anything, better just a few pages ahead.

[[deleted user]]

I still haven't gotten my copy of this book from the library and became totally engrossed in the book I got in its place...so engrossed that I forgot about the poll for August's books. Thankfully, I already have a list and I'll get right on it!

[Mary]

I'm still waiting for my copy from the library too; must be a popular read right now.

[Penny]

I am waiting as well, looks like we will have to read it later.

[Isabel]

I couldn't agree with Julie more, except I did decide to abandon the book. I wanted to like it but it just didn't work for me. I too was on the wait list at the library for the entire month....

[[deleted user]]

With these comments, I've canceled my request at the library. Meanwhile, my to-read list grows!

[Mary]

I read many Judy Blume books with my daughter when she was a young girl. I guess I still want to read it to see why it's so bad - I'm strange like that.

[Penny]

I still plan to read it and we can report back I guess.

[Rachel]

I was a huge Judy Blume fan as a child/young teenager so I had high expectations for this book. Unfortunately it didn't live up to them. The writing style was rather simplistic, maybe not surprising for an author more known for children's books. And there were far to many characters to keep up with. I kept forgetting who was who and then would lose interest (which is why it has taken me weeks to get through it). The underlying story of the plane crashes was interesting though.