Discussion for Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

[Diane , Armchair Tour Guide]

Start discussion here for Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt.

[Emily]

Same here. I might start it after I finish Girl With a Pearl Earring if I "read" the Storm Front instead of listen to it. But I'm very tempted to listen to it. Too many good books to choose from.

[Diana]

I started this one first, as I've had it for months but never got around to reading it (thanks for the good reason!) So far, I'm enjoying it a lot more than I thought I would. It's more like each chapter is someone else's story, all interweaving because of one man...I can't wait to see how they all connect together.

[Diane , Armchair Tour Guide]

I saw the house (outside only) last year while visiting Savannah. It is beautiful. I don't think I would be able to live in a house with that kind of history.

[Emily]

just got this with my new credit. sounds like it's going to be written similar to the help. I'm looking forward to it.

[Shannon]

I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. I can't wait to visit Savannah after reading this book. There was such a variety of different characters.

I have not watched the movie, but I plan to very soon.

[Diana]

Shannon wrote: "I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. I can't wait to visit Savannah after reading this book. There was such a variety of different characters.

I have not watched the movie, but ..."

I agree, definitely liked this more than I expected. I've been to Savannah before and recognized a few names of places in this book, but I feel like I have a newer outlook towards it and would love to visit the city again.

[Sarah]

I am reading this one last this month too. But can't wait. It was my nomination. I have heard from others that they liked it. Reading now - so far it has been very enjoyable. But next I have to tackle , and that is a chunkster, before I tackle MITGOGAE

[Sarah]

Midnight in the garden of good and evil = MITGOGAE. My abbreviation.

[Beverly]

Savannah is one of my fav cities to visit. I am usually a one and done person when it comes to visiting a place, but the charm, beauty, food and history keeps drawing me back to Savannah every couple of years.

I will admit that I was reluctant at first to read MITGOGAE because I did not think it was my type of book, but just like the city I drawn into the storyline and by the end was charmed by writing and storyline.

[Diane , Armchair Tour Guide]

Beverly wrote: "Savannah is one of my fav cities to visit. I am usually a one and done person when it comes to visiting a place, but the charm, beauty, food and history keeps drawing me back to Savannah every coup..."

Savannah is so beautiful. Every time I go I discover something else to love.

[Jan]

Does anyone happen to know where to get this as ebook? :/

[Deedee]

I'm about 2/3rds of the way into the book. It's listed as non-fiction. It's not STRICTLY non-fiction, however. The author states in his Author’s Note that “I have taken certain storytelling liberties, particularly having to do with the timing of events. Where the narrative strays from strict nonfiction, my intention has been to remain faithful to the characters and to the essential rift of events as they really happened.”

When I read an amusing anecdote, I wonder: is this what REALLY happened? or, is this part of the author's "certain storytelling liberties"?

I also don't think people should be able to get away with murder. I'll have to continue reading and see what happens.

[Tony]

I just finished Part 1. Really enjoyed the array of characters described.
Now, the fun continues in Part 2, I hope! :)

[Emily]

Just finished this today. I didn't necessarily dislike like, but I didn't think it was the greatest book I've ever read either. I loved Shablese and thought she was hilarious. I caught myself laughing out loud multiple times when she spoke. However the other characters seemed dry and bland. The only thing I really picked up from some of them was that they were snobby and proud. I did like and understand the proud personality of Savannah's citizens though. I come from a small town with character and I appreciate wanting to keep it that way. I'm glad I read it, but I'm excited to start my new book I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban and then Storm Front
What did everyone think of the history? Do you think that he actually died from a curse/witchcraft?

[Katarina]

Shannon wrote: "I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. I can't wait to visit Savannah after reading this book. There was such a variety of different characters.

I have not watched the movie, but ..."

I agree with you and have added Savannah to the top of my list of place to visit as soon as I can.

[Tony]

I enjoyed this book!
Thanks for recommending it!

I am always fascinated by true stories made into books or movies. Now, I HAVE to watch the movie. I found myself trying to get online and looking up all the details I could find on Savannah, the story and its characters. I'd love to visit Savannah now!
Review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jennifer]

I'm only about 80 pages in and enjoying the book okay so far, BUT it sure has increased my interest in wanting to visit Savannah!

[Sarah]

Savannah is somewhere I want to visit - the book that did it for me was . Gonna start this book next week.

[Jennifer]

Sarah wrote: "Savannah is somewhere I want to visit - the book that did it for me was . Gonna start this book next week."

That was a good book too!

[Diane , Armchair Tour Guide]

Jennifer wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Savannah is somewhere I want to visit - the book that did it for me was . Gonna start this book next week."

That was a good book too!"

Oh, wow. I knew it was set in GA, but didn't realize it was in Savannah. It has just moved up the list.

[Helen]

This book captures Savannah perfectly. I went on a guided tour in Savannah based on the book. I got to visit the houses, go down the streets and sit in the cemetery. The movie is wonderful.

[Diane , Armchair Tour Guide]

Helen wrote: "This book captures Savannah perfectly. I went on a guided tour in Savannah based on the book. I got to visit the houses, go down the streets and sit in the cemetery. The movie is wonderful."

What a fun tour! I wonder if they still have that available.

[Jennifer]

I'm glad this book was picked to read because I'm not sure I would have read it otherwise! I really enjoyed it more than I thought I would have - not sure why since I enjoy nonfiction and true crime. I now have a road trip planned this spring to Savannah as well!!

[Allyson]

I just finished this one and I'm so glad it was chosen. Had a great time reading it-read more like a novel and I loved the ending! Creepy!

[Sarah]

I will have to get to it later - was unable to squeeze it in last month and got a lot of planned reads this month - so it will continue to colect dust for now:-( Hopefuly sometimes this year.

[Alana]

Having almost moved to Savannah at one point, hearing some of the "history" of the place was rather interesting. I can't say that it felt like nonfiction to me...too many artistic "liberties." But I'm sure the murder story aspect was true enough. I just loved reading about the very eccentric characters!

[Rosemarie]

I have recently finished reading this book and enjoyed the variety of interesting characters in Savanah.

[Sarah]

Haha, I see my post from 2014, still have not read... but it is on my list for this year.

[Rosemarie]

It is a crazy book- never a dull moment.