Should I read this book?

[Michelle]

I have not read anything by Atwood yet but want to. Would this be a good one to start with?

[Amy]

Yes. This is a great book if you're into dystopian fiction.

[Chaya]

excellent book. I think this was her first I read.

[BoondocksGlam]

Most definitely! This was the first Atwood book I read decades ago and it's a story that sticks with you, makes you think!

[Michelle]

Thanks to all of you ......looks like a unanimous thumbs up !!

[Courtney]

I really enjoyed this one, and I would highly recommend The Heart Goes Last by Atwood. Real real good.

[Cassandra]

This would be good, it is the only one that I have read to date, it was a recommendation and I liked it a lot more then I anticipated. Also Hulu is making it into a show or mini series, so always better to read before you watch.

[Blaine]

I definitely recommend this book, ESPECIALLY given the controversial debates happening in today's world over women's rights and reproductive rights.

[Stardust]

Its been a super long time since I've read Handmaids Tale but I remember it being a little boring and hard to get into until the end... never really stuck with me. But Margaret Atwood blew me away with Oryx and Crake, which is also a dystopian type of novel that goes in quite a different direction and focuses on future biological technology- such as genetic modification and stuff like that.. which to me is a very realistic path our future could take (have you heard of the recent interest in lab produced "meat"?) To me, Oryx and Crake is such a more expansive, interesting world and it is usually one of the top books I recommend to people. But I guess it depends what you're more interested in at the moment, woman's rights or the possible future of bioengineering. Both are super cool concepts, but if you find yourself a bit bored with, (or if you end up loving) Handmaid's Tale, definitely give Oryx and Crake a try!!!!

[Michelle]

I sure will...thank you so much for your thoughts. I do appreciate it !

[The Bookworm]

Michelle wrote: "I have not read anything by Atwood yet but want to. Would this be a good one to start with?"

I definitely think this is a good place to start, as it is arguable her most famous book. Also if you like science fiction this is a "must read" as if address lots of different themes and has some very original world building. Many people consider it a classic. Not that that's the only reason to read a book, but it a good place to start if you're interested in dystopias.

[Michelle]

Thank you !

[Jolee]

I would recommend this book as a first read of Margaret Atwood.

[Margarita]

My first book was "The Edible Woman" and then very soon " Oryx and Crake", and then the Handmaids' tale. Most of the Atwood's books are my favorite but the impressions of these first three are unforgettable. If you are into dystopian\feminist literature for sure its a good choice.

[A.K.]

Yes, yes, yes! Follow with The Robber Bridge, then leap back into speculative fiction with Oryx and Crake, The Year of the Flood and MaddAddam.

Getting that jealously where someone else gets to read these books for the first time ;).

[Michelle]

Thank you, thank you, thank you ! So funny you'd say "the jealousy thing" I say those exact words when someone is experiencing that with my favorites too : )

[A.K.]

A sort of lovely lime-tinged jealousy rather than full blown 70s avocado ;).

I actually hid Alias Grace (another one of Atwood's) from my boyfriend for a bit until I was ready to give it up. Haha!

I hope you enjoy The Handmaid's Tale (I thought the 1990 film was pretty great as well - if you read it after the book, of course!).

[Michelle]

Thank you Laura ~ I appreciate your thoughts

[A.K.]

Laura wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I have not read anything by Atwood yet but want to. Would this be a good one to start with?"

It's the one I started with. Now I'm a huge Margaret Atwood fan. I also just finished ..."

And Margaret Atwood herself even makes a cameo ;)
https://www.theguardian.com/books/boo...

[Vanda]

Atwood is one of my favourite writers but I only came across this one very recently (after I'd written my book on the subjugation of women thank goodness, otherwise I might have been influenced). Like all her books it is an only too possible future and is beautifully, cleverly written. Enjoy her use of language as much as the plot. I can't recommend this book highly enough and yes, it is a good one to start with. Some of her stories are very complex and require close, studied attention.

[Michelle]

Thank you so much ~ I will definitely start with this one.....so many wonderful thoughts. Thank you !