February 2016 Dusty Bookshelf Challenge

[VampAmber]

~Michelle~ wrote: "I just finished my second pick, .

I really enjoyed it and I liked the point of view. I gave it 4*."

I liked the book sooooo much more than the movie, and was glad I read it first. Have you seen the movie yet?

[Chelle_Rydz]

I didn't read any of my picks this month. I've been in a reading slump. I'm rolling over some titles to next month.

[Agnieszka]

I read the first of my picks over the weekend and I liked it very much. It's a very light and fun romance. Usually not 100 percent my stuff but this weekend it was what I needed :-) I gave it 4* since it wasn't perfect - some kind kindergarden type of relationship ;-)

[Danielle Gypsy Soul]

Karina,

Thanks for the picks. I loved and I also enjoyed

[Krissy]

COMPLETION POST
Book Picked By Dora


The Snow Garden
My Rating: ★★★
Final Rating:
This is my second Christopher Rice novel. They were both okay. Not great but not bad either. Both books had a few different plots going all at once and it got confusing with so many characters going every which direction. Now that I'm finished with The Snow Garden I still can't say I'm 100% sure wtf just happened. I'm left with a few questions that may or may not have been answered during the overwhelming last few chapters. I was barely able to keep up with all that was happening and being revealed. But despite that I was never bored with the book. So that is a plus!

[Marty]

I managed to read both of my picks! I think that's a record.


Rules for Old Men Waiting was depressing. It was beautifully written and the main character was certainly compelling, if not entirely likeable. Still, there was hardly any relief from the sad scenes of an elderly historian dying alone in a remote cabin, reconciling his life through the fictional characters he creates while waiting for death. I can only give it two stars.


The Piano Teacher was much more to my taste. It is set in Shanghai, in the thick of World War II and in the early 1950s. I liked the foreshadowing of William Truesdale's shattering experiences during the Japanese occupation and his later relation ship with Claire Pendleton (the piano teacher of the title) was fascinating. After struggling through the first book, this novel was a relief. I gave it four stars.