Has Anyone Read This Book?

[B the BookAddict]

Terry wrote: "Has anyone read "Beautiful Ruins" by Jess Walter? It was listed as one of the best books of the century by Audible, but I have never heard of it."

Terry I have and I loved it. Here's my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Angela M]

Terry , I loved it too . Read it before I started writing reviews so not much I can say except it was 5 stars . I think book of the century is a quite a bit over board!

[B the BookAddict]

@Angela. That's true. While i really, really loved it, I don't think it deserved that title.

[Patricia]

I bought Beautiful Ruins by mistake at a library book sale lol! I saw it and snatched it up thinking it was Burial Rites. I got home and was so disappointed lol! I'm reading it now but I'm only on page 63.

[Robin P]

Petra wrote: "Really?! The century?!
For me, it started with promise and quickly went downhill. Once Richard Burton & Elizabeth Taylor were mentioned, I tossed it. I seldom give up on books; that says something...."

I thought the part with Richard Burton was the only interesting part. I was disappointed in the book over all. I kept reading to see why it was so well reviewed and never did figure it out. I think I need to stay away from books called "luminous". All the Light We Cannot See was described that way too and was also disappointing for me.

[GeneralTHC]

Terry wrote: "Has anyone read "Beautiful Ruins" by Jess Walter? It was listed as one of the best books of the century by Audible, but I have never heard of it."

I read it along with the audiobook. I wouldn't call it a book of the century or anything, but it was pretty darn good IMO. It was definitely one of the better fiction books I read last year. And the narrator, Edoardo Ballerini, was fantastic. He may well be my favorite narrator.

[Terry ~ Huntress of Erudition]

Thanks Chuck, I have a monthly subscription to Audible, so I may listen instead of read it.

[B the BookAddict]

@Chuck Wasn't he just? I was totally captivated by him.

I found Shane's movie pitch story particularly haunting.

I remember the book for other reasons too. While I was reading it, the cat jumped into my lap and upset a cup of coffee all over the novel which was a library copy. So I had to pay $29 to them for a new copy, and I'd previously ordered myself a hardcover copy. It proved an expensive read.

I was struck by Walter's reason for the title. Dick Cavett's description of the aging Burton was so apt. It has always stayed with me.

[Alannah]

Just finished watching All I Know Now on netflix, has anyone here read the book?

[Tweedledum]

Having just read this review in the window of Waterstones http://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what... I really want to read The Noise of Time by Julian Barnes and I am wondering if any AABs have read it yet.

[Leslie]

Tweedledum wrote: "Having just read this review in the window of Waterstones http://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what... I really want to read ..."

Not I -- tomorrow I will be starting my first experience with Barnes by reading The Sense of an Ending.

[Tweedledum]

I loved Julian Barnes :Flaubert's Parrot and A History of the World in 10½ Chapters and Arthur & George. All his books are very unique. Haven't read The Sense of an Ending though. Be interested to know what you think of it.

[Dhanaraj]

Tweedledum wrote: "Having just read this review in the window of Waterstones http://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what... I really want to read [book:The Noise..."

I will be reading it. But unfortunately it is not yet released in India.

[B the BookAddict]

Tweedledum wrote: "Having just read this review in the window of Waterstones http://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what... I really want to read [book:The Noise..."

I love Barnes' writing and have this one on my tbr. It was released in AU two days ago but thanks for reminding me.

[Greg]

I moved the below post by Daisyallen here because I think it fits better in this thread. Hope that's ok Daisyallen! :)
-------------------------
Daisyallen wrote:

"This is not a new book so I think almost everybody knew it. I've heard about "The book thief" from my friend. Actually she told me to watch the film which was based on the book, but I haven't watched it yet because I think I would like to read it first. Hope you guys can tell me some reviews :) Tks a lot !!!!"

[Petra]

I loved The Book Thief, both book and movie. I would recommend the book highly, Daisyallen.

[dely]

I liked The Book Thief too but didn't enjoy that much the movie. If you want to read and watch it, then I suggest to watch the movie after have read the book.

[Hales]

dely wrote: "I liked The Book Thief too but didn't enjoy that much the movie. If you want to read and watch it, then I suggest to watch the movie after have read the book."

Agreed, there is a quality about the book that cannot be shown in the film (that said I enjoyed the film very much) The Book Thief is one of my favourite books, I always cry when I re-read it.

[Terry ~ Huntress of Erudition]

RE: The Book Thief, one of my all- time favorites
I can vividly remember reading the book, but can hardly remember watching the movie. Both were good, but definitely read the book before seeing the movie.

[Petra]

Agreed.....always read the book before seeing the movie.

[LauraT]

Petra wrote: "Agreed.....always read the book before seeing the movie."

Always. And usually you get disillusioned by the film!!!

[Pink]

Yep, book first, movie second. Rarely the other way around. I really enjoyed both the book and film of The Book Thief.