Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
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The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin - Start Date: July 12 (July 2014 Adult Anything Goes)
Lisa wrote: "I was against it at first. I love the feel of books, particularly hardcovers, and I thought ebooks took away from the wonderful experience of reading. But then I tried an ebook on my husband's ipad and found that there were benefits to reading an ebook, such as highlighting, and quick definition look-ups, and the ability to write notes as you read. Now I have my very own Kindle and I use to borrow ebooks from the library and read books while traveling or when the book I'm reading is too large to carry comfortably. Technology can be very useful sometimes, but I still prefer a regular book."Do you ever find yourself almost starting to touch a word in a physical book to get the definition? I catch myself doing that now and it always makes me laugh.
12. I do have lots of books I have loved reading but my favourite book is 'The Passage' by Joseph Cronin. Mainly because it was so different to the books I normally read and so brilliant. But I don't think that book would sum me up as a person.13. I think AJ is a bit of a late bloomer as a person. Before he had Maya he was so withdrawn and stuck in his ways. Now he seems to have bloomed as a person.
14. I think they would make a great couple. I don't think the distance is insurmountable. She could move to Alice.
15. I love Turkish Delight....the rest of this question was a bit deep for me at bedtime!
16. The restaurant question is a tricky one. Maybe a restaurant at the top of the tree of Enid Blyton's The Enchanted Wood?
17. I love the fact that Maya has come into AJ's life. She has really opened his eyes. Tamerlane was an inspired choice for a middle name!
18. I think hindsight is a wonderful thing. If something doesn't go well you would say it was bad timing
19. My daughter is like Maya too. She is 8 going on 18....which is not always a good thing!!
20. I like the title of the book as I think AJ is genuinely a good man.
I have got no idea who took the book. Hmmm....I will have to think more about it.
Kelly wrote: "Lisa wrote: "I was against it at first. I love the feel of books, particularly hardcovers, and I thought ebooks took away from the wonderful experience of reading. But then I tried an ebook on my h..."I haven't done that yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if I eventually do it. Whenever I read regular book, and I come across a word I'm not sure of, the "Look up definition" screen from my Kindle pops up in my head.
Thank you to the moderators! I've enjoyed the questions and answers.
Comments and Questions - July 13Chapters: "The Luck of Roaring Camp" and "What Feels Like the World"
6. I found it interesting to see A.J.'s interactions with his customers, especially Mrs. Cumberbatch, who did didn't like The Book Thief. What is your impression of him so far?
I actually think I've met him in real life ;) He's so unaware of how others perceive him and until someone points it out, he'll never know.
7. Wow. I did not expect what happened with Maya. Why do you think someone would leave their child with A.J.? Do you think this is connected to the theft at all?
I don't think that this is tied to the theft. I think the mother saw the bookstore as a warm and inviting place. Maybe memories of a library or a book drew her there.
8. What do you think of A.J. deciding to keep Maya? Would you have done the same?
I think A.J. made the right decision. In a island that small, I would do the same thing because you ave a better chance of getting it to happen.
9. Any thoughts on who Maya's father could be? And why do you think Maya's mother brought her out to the island?
I'm sure there's a connection to the island but I'm not sure yet.
10. Poor Ismay! Not only did she lose her child but Daniel took off almost immediately. What do you think she means when she says that she is bad? Do you think she has feelings for A.J., or was she just looking for comfort?
I feel so bad for Ismay. I don't think she has feelings for A.J. but I think she's really looking for someone to help her get through a difficult time.
11. How did you like all of the references to books in these chapters? Have you read any of them?
The references are great. There's been a few of the books that I've read.
Comments and Questions - July 14Chapters: " Good Man is Hard to Find"
12) Okay, you knew I had to ask--What is you're favorite book? Can you narrow it down to just one? I'm not sure I can.
I could probably answer what my least favorite book faster! I have so many favorite books for different reasons - a memory, an experience, dialogue I enjoyed.
13) So I had to look, and The Late Bloomer by Leon Friedman is a fictitious book. So I'm guessing this story of a man who finds love late in life only to lose it must have some significance. Any thoughts as to what? Could it have a tie in to the main character, AJ? Could you see him as a late bloomer? Perhaps not in love but something else?
I can see A.J. as a late bloomer. Probably more of the realization that he has to live before he can love again.
14) What did you think of Ameilia and AJ's relationship? Do you think they'd be good for each other? It sounds like they live quite a distance from each other. Do you think they can make it work?
I love the thought of A.J. and Amelia getting together. They have enough quirky qualities that it could work despite the distance.
15) Has anyone else tried Turkish Delight? My kids and I did and we didn't think much of it either. What did you think of AJ's assessment that maybe "Edmund didn't need much coaxing to betray his family"? What about Amelia's hope that the Witch's Turkish delight was magically delicious? Are these statements telling of their personalities and outlook on life?
I had tried Turkish Delight a long time ago and found it overly sweet. I definitely haven't rushed out to get it anytime lately! I feel this discussion revealed their true personalities. Amelia is more of the "magic is real" type while A.J. is all about the facts.
16) In what restaurant, based on a novel, would you like to dine? I personally wouldn't mind eating in the dinning hall of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry. lol
That's a good question and no restuarants stick out in my mind. Again, I would be more likely to answer what character would I want to have dinner with (Aragorn!).
17) What do you think of AJ's transformation? Did Maya save him as much as he saved her? I like how he gave her the middle name Tamerlane. I think it symbolizes that he sees her as being worth a fortune.
I think that Maya saved him more because he really opened up to the world. I never thought about him using Tamerlane because of her being worth a fortune - interesting!!
18) What do you think of Lambaise's thought that, "pretty much every bad thing in life is a result of bad timing, and every good thing is the result of good timing." Do you agree?
I don't think that timing is the factor but it is always there.
17) I love the interaction with Maya. She does seem smarter than her age, doesn't she? I've met kids like that, my daughter being one, and it makes me smile.
I think Maya is just a good balance in his life. She's so smart because he wants to open her eyes to the world and share his knowledge.
18) I like that this chapter is started and ended with the book, A Good Man is Hard to Find by Flannery O'Connor. I feel like the author's trying to point out that AJ is a good man, if anyone doubted it at this point. Thoughts?
I agree.
Comments and Questions - July 15Chapters: "The Celebrated Jumping Frog Of Calaveras County" to "A Conversation with My Father"
19. Are you glad A.J. and Amelia are going to make their relationship work? What would you have done in their position?
I am so glad they are doing this. If you really love someone, both parties may need to make sacrifices.
20. What did you think of the writer, Lenora Ferris and her actor? Have you ever had a situation where you were disappointed by a favorite author?
I thought this was a great scene. I've never had the chance to meet a favorite author - maybe I will some day.
21. Now we know why Ismay said that she was bad. Were you shocked that Daniel was probably Maya's father, or did you guess it?
The more I read the book, I started to wonder. I still don't see why Ismay was bad.
22. I didn't expect the scene with the accident. Do you think that Ismay died along with Daniel?
I do think she decided to just let go and die with Daniel.
Comments and Questions - July 16Chapters: "A perfect day for Bananafish" to end
23. So we got to read Maya's story after all. What did you think? Do you prefer her version of the last day of her mother's life or Ismay's?
I prefer Maya's version.
24. I'm glad Ismay survived and that she now seems happy with Lambiase. Were you surprised when he found the backpack? Or that he didn't ask her about it? Do you agree with her never being honest about this?
I am so glad she found happiness and I think this is a great match. I was a little surprised he didn't ask about the backpack but was glad he waited for her to talk about it.
25. I find it interesting that throughout this book there is a bit of discussion about the covers of books and how they can attract or detract. Is that why this book has such different covers (and two different titles?) I wonder...
I always see covers as the thought about what the book should feel like. They always say "don't judge a book by it's cover" and honestly, I've picked up some great books because of the covers (I've also hit a few stinkers but that's a story for another day, lol!)
26. So I must admit I am a kindle convert. I still read paperbacks, and will buy hardbacks of books I love, but nothing quite beats an ebook for price and convenience. How about you? Fikry's rant reminded me of some authors who have refused to go digital and then end up changing their minds (including , most recently, Harper Lee). What are your thoughts on digital books?
While I like the flexibility of being able to take 500+ books with me all the time I still have not completely converted. There is still something about the smell of a new book.
27. The title of my version of the book is explained as Fikry wants to tell Maya "In the end, we are collected works". Now I think I do prefer this as a title for the book!
I still like storied. It's just a fun word.
28. How did you feel at the end? I admit I felt a little dissatisfied, which I know is something Fikry says is quite forgive-able in the book and therefore possibly intentional. I think just because the time period is so quick that I didn't feel like I knew the characters enough by the end, and I would have loved to. In saying that, I did really enjoy this book though and would recommend it to others.
While it felt a little rushed at the end, I think the author needed to wrap things up and I thought it was done well. I gave it 4 stars and will be telling a few of my friends about it.
Great questions everyone - I look forward to doing this again!
Comments and QuestionsJuly 16
"A perfect day for Bananafish" - end
23. So we got to read Maya's story after all. What did you think? Do you prefer her version of the last day of her mother's life or Ismay's?
I liked Maya's story a lot but I was also glad to learn the truth at last.
24. I'm glad Ismay survived and that she now seems happy with Lambiase. Were you surprised when he found the backpack? Or that he didn't ask her about it? Do you agree with her never being honest about this?
I too was glad that Ismay survived and seemed to have found her peace of mind. That was quite a burden she had to carry and couldn't confide in anyone for the longest time. I liked that Lambiase brought the matter to light when it was needed even though it could damage their relationship.
25. I find it interesting that throughout this book there is a bit of discussion about the covers of books and how they can attract or detract. Is that why this book has such different covers (and two different titles?) I wonder...
I'm not a fan of unjustified change of the original title (in general, not just this one), but I absolutely love the variety of covers that publishers have to offer (except for maybe movie-tie-in editions)!
26. So I must admit I am a kindle convert. I still read paperbacks, and will buy hardbacks of books I love, but nothing quite beats an ebook for price and convenience. How about you? Fikry's rant reminded me of some authors who have refused to go digital and then end up changing their minds (including , most recently, Harper Lee). What are your thoughts on digital books?
I think people are more accepting of ereaders now because they stopped being a threat to print and became just another option, which I think is great. I like to have access to both depending on where I am and how large/heavy the book is. Although I have to admit I've been reading more digitally lately.
27. The title of my version of the book is explained as Fikry wants to tell Maya "In the end, we are collected works". Now I think I do prefer this as a title for the book!
This title makes sense in the end but "The Storied Life" had a better chance to lure me in to read the book.
28. How did you feel at the end? I admit I felt a little dissatisfied, which I know is something Fikry says is quite forgive-able in the book and therefore possibly intentional. I think just because the time period is so quick that I didn't feel like I knew the characters enough by the end, and I would have loved to. In saying that, I did really enjoy this book though and would recommend it to others.
I didn't have any feelings of dissatisfaction at all. The style and pace reminded me of "Amelie" (one of the most beloved movies of mine) and I enjoyed the book thoroughly. I thought it was charming and heartwarming.
I ended up getting busy and missed out on all the discussion…but I finished the book today, so I might as well give you my thoughts!23. So we got to read Maya's story after all. What did you think? Do you prefer her version of the last day of her mother's life or Ismay's?
I prefer Maya’s, only because it is infinitely more heart-wrenching than the truth. To the very last line, Maya’s version portrayed events as an accident. She refused to believe that someone as young and strong as her mother could give up.
24. I'm glad Ismay survived and that she now seems happy with Lambiase. Were you surprised when he found the backpack? Or that he didn't ask her about it? Do you agree with her never being honest about this?
At first, I thought it was very selfish of him, especially considering that the book up to that point had portrayed Lambiase as an exceptionally kind and honest friend. But looking back on it, he was also giving Ismay the benefit of the doubt, which only exemplifies how kind he really is. Lambiase was still a little bit selfish, but what kind of person in pursuit of their own happiness could sincerely confess to the contrary?
25. I find it interesting that throughout this book there is a bit of discussion about the covers of books and how they can attract or detract. Is that why this book has such different covers (and two different titles?) I wonder...
Oooooh conspiracy. Everyone has their own preference and is attracted to certain covers. I originally noticed this book (in the blue dust jacket with A.J. and Maya) walking past a store in the airport. It drew me in more than the red cover did…The title itself isn’t something I would usually pick up and say, “this sounds interesting!” If the cover thing was intentional to draw in different audiences, it did it’s job.
26. So I must admit I am a kindle convert. I still read paperbacks, and will buy hardbacks of books I love, but nothing quite beats an ebook for price and convenience. How about you? Fikry's rant reminded me of some authors who have refused to go digital and then end up changing their minds (including , most recently, Harper Lee). What are your thoughts on digital books?
I love buying books and having physical copies of them, but I live in a small apartment and I simply have nowhere to put them. So in terms of not having to worry about storage space, my ereader is a dream come true. It’s also good for traveling, because 1 book is never enough for an entire vacation.
28. How did you feel at the end? I admit I felt a little dissatisfied, which I know is something Fikry says is quite forgive-able in the book and therefore possibly intentional. I think just because the time period is so quick that I didn't feel like I knew the characters enough by the end, and I would have loved to. In saying that, I did really enjoy this book though and would recommend it to others.
I felt the ending was very abrupt, and the author could have explored Maya’s PoV on A.J.’s illness and death. But I felt that A.J. developed a tremendous amount in a short time. I hated him in the beginning. I considered giving up on the book because he hated everything I love to read, and in real life, we never would have gotten along. But I was glad he was able to find happiness and love again. I think it was worth reading, but I’m glad I got it from the library. It’s not something I would feel the need to read a second time.
I finished today! The book turned out to be better than I expected when I first started it, which is always a pleasant surprise. I'll come back and answer some more of the questions when I have a bit more time.
24. I'm glad Ismay survived and that she now seems happy with Lambiase. Were you surprised when he found the backpack? Or that he didn't ask her about it? Do you agree with her never being honest about this?I was surprised that Lambiase didn't mention the book when he found it, but I think he was just so tired of being alone and was afraid to ruin this relationship before it really began. I think this part just goes to show that you really have no idea what goes on in people's private lives no matter how well you think you know them. Things may look wonderful from the outside, but not be so great on the inside.
25. I find it interesting that throughout this book there is a bit of discussion about the covers of books and how they can attract or detract. Is that why this book has such different covers (and two different titles?) I wonder...
I have been known to pick up a book and read it just based on the attractiveness of the cover...not always a good plan.
26. So I must admit I am a kindle convert. I still read paperbacks, and will buy hardbacks of books I love, but nothing quite beats an ebook for price and convenience. How about you? Fikry's rant reminded me of some authors who have refused to go digital and then end up changing their minds (including , most recently, Harper Lee). What are your thoughts on digital books?
I love my Kindle, but I also love my paper books. Up until recently I have always maintained that I love my paper books more, but the more I get used to my Kindle the more I love it. They're probably equal now. E-readers are just so convenient and save you money.
27. The title of my version of the book is explained as Fikry wants to tell Maya "In the end, we are collected works". Now I think I do prefer this as a title for the book!
I still don't have a title preference!
28. How did you feel at the end? I admit I felt a little dissatisfied, which I know is something Fikry says is quite forgive-able in the book and therefore possibly intentional. I think just because the time period is so quick that I didn't feel like I knew the characters enough by the end, and I would have loved to. In saying that, I did really enjoy this book though and would recommend it to others.
It took me a little bit in the beginning to get used to the writing style, but I ended up really enjoying it. I wasn't dissatisfied with it at all. I loved the humor in the middle of the book. I think that was my favorite part. I would recommend it to others, depending on what type of read they were looking for.
Mod
yes! I'm glad I'm not the only one ;)
It is a huge benefit to historical fiction I find as I can get the definition so easily!
Mod
Thanks Linda :D
Mod
19. I am glad they are trying to make it work. I don't know how they're going to manage it if she is not going to move to Alice though20. I thought the whole situation with the author was really funny but it was a surprise to me when he turned out not to be the author and the woman was.
21. I was really shocked. Where did that come from? But I suppose there had to be a reason why Maya's mum was on the island
22. I think I must have missed that bit....I'll go back and read that bit again! Keep falling asleep at night while I'm reading!
Ok I've read about the accident now. I don't think Ismay is dead but I have to say I am sort of glad Daniel is
24. I'm glad Ismay survived and that she got together with Lambiase - she deserved someone reliable. I am so surprised she took the book but everything fell into place. I'm glad that Lambiase didn't say anything.25. That's an interesting theory about the covers of the book. If I am picking a book from the library I always look at the cover.
26. I love my Kindle too. I am about to move to Singapore (in 2 weeks) so it's great to know that all my books are there. I still read books from libraries but hardly ever buy books anymore.
27. Yes I can understand the title now. Quite like it
28. I really loved this book although him dying at the end didn't make me cry which probably shows that it wasn't long enough for me to get into the characters enough. But I thought it was lovely.
Thank you for all the questions and comments.
1. Why did you decide to join this read? Have you read any other books by this author? I like reading about books within books. I love reading a novel & having it describe another book I've read. I have not read anything else by this author.2. Initial thoughts on the writing style? I love how the writings by Fikry gives us a hint about what the chapter is about.
3. This is one of those books that has a different title in the U.S than it does in other countries ("The Collected Works of A.J Fikry" v "The Storied Life of A.J Fikry"). What do you prefer? Do you have a preference of cover? No
4. About Daniel: "Well, he amuses A.J. to an extent. That is to say, Daniel Parish is one of A.J's closest friends" is humorous and sad at the same time. It seems Nic was the sociable one and A.J is unable to make connections with others. Do you agree? Yes but I think AJ is a stereotype of a lot of readers;i.e., introverted. I think he needs to find someone who loves books as much as he does!
5. Any theories on who cleaned up his apartment and took Tamerlane?! No
6. I found it interesting to see A.J.'s interactions with his customers, especially Mrs. Cumberbatch, who didn't like The Book Thief. What is your impression of him so far? I think he is very socially repressed & he sees books as his only friends7. Wow. I did not expect what happened with Maya. Why do you think someone would leave their child with A.J.? Do you think this is connected to the theft at all? I definitely think (I hope) the person knew AJ & knows he really is a good person.
8. What do you think of A.J. deciding to keep Maya? Would you have done the same? I think this is the part of the novel where we begin to see AJ as a decent human being. I don't think I could have taken on the responsibility!
9. Any thoughts on who Maya's father could be? No And why do you think Maya's mother brought her out to the island? I think so it would be harder for AJ to give Maya up.
10. Poor Ismay! Not only did she lose her child but Daniel took off almost immediately. What do you think she means when she says that she is bad? She blames the miscarriages on herself. Do you think she has feelings for A.J., or was she just looking for comfort? I think a little of both.
11. How did you like all of the references to books in these chapters? Have you read any of them? Yes, The Book Thief
I read this book because it was chosen by the NBRC group. I really enjoyed it! It was a great pick -- thank you!
Sheri wrote: "I read this book because it was chosen by the NBRC group. I really enjoyed it! It was a great pick -- thank you!"Thanks, Sheri. You guys are pretty good at nominating and selecting books. There are a bunch I wouldn't have read if they hadn't been nominated and won. We've only had a few that I can think of in the past 4 years that people in the group have rated low. It was a cute book. Hopefully we'll inspire you to read more. :)
I know I am late to the buddy read, but I loved this story and didn't want to put it down. It has presented serious issues, but in a less serious way (if that makes sense). It just had a really fun tone which really seemed to match with A.J.'s character. I also loved the idea that he was writing down short stories for his daughter to read, because life is like a short story.
Did anyone else feel that Ismay was responsible for the deaths of 2 people? She was not held accountable.
Very late posting - I read this in mid-August and enjoyed it very much! Here's my review:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Hoping that Real Life will slow down so I can spend more time on Good Reads!
I'm glad you liked it Ladiibbug :).
Mod
Marie wrote: "Did anyone else feel that Ismay was responsible for the deaths of 2 people? She was not held accountable."I do agree with you there, Marie. She got off pretty lightly considering how much she put everyone through. I do think she was eaten up by guilt in the end, though.
Stacie (and/or anyone else who wants to talk to me) :)I'm in the middle of Chapter 3. I am LOVING this story so far. I had absolutely no idea that this book would have the subject matter it does - I thought it was going to be more like Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore...
I'll answer the first set of questions. I'm not going to read through this thread as I am afraid of spoilers:
1. Well who doesn't love a novel about bookshops or books?! I don't know... I certainly do!
Why did you decide to join this read?
I've had this audiobook on my shelf, have heard good things about it and have wanted to read it. It's just good timing that someone else wants to read it with me.
Have you read any other books by this author?
No. I actually thought this was a debut... Silly me.
2. Initial thoughts on the writing style?
I'm enjoying the writing style - it's certainly compelling. I wonder if a printed version of this book begs a different interpretation. Like, are the parts from the narrator at the beginning of each chapter set out differently? The narrator of the audio is great - a rich and slightly raspy tone, perfectly suited to the tenor of the story. I'm already disappointed that it's such a short book!
3. This is one of those books that has a different title in the U.S than it does in other countries ("The Collected Works of A.J Fikry" v "The Storied Life of A.J Fikry"). What do you prefer? Do you have a preference of cover?
I definitely prefer the title The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry to The Collected Works of A.J. Fikry - I don't think "collected works" really fits the bill here and "the storied life" is so much more creative, a phrase I've not heard before. I quite like the cover of the book I'm listening to. This one:
I'll have a look to see if there's one I like better...
This one's my favourite:
I do not like this one:
4. About Daniel: "Well, he amuses A.J. to an extent. That is to say, Daniel Parish is one of A.J's closest friends" is humorous and sad at the same time. It seems Nic was the sociable one and A.J is unable to make connections with others. Do you agree?
Poor A.J.... He really is anti-social. I was amused at the doctor's suggestion (view spoiler). The interaction with the book dealer in the beginning was so uncomfortable... Nic really was the life of the party and their relationship - that scene with her dressed as a vampire, wrapped around the pillar, was so well-described! I love when an author can paint a scene so vividly.
5. Any theories on who cleaned up his apartment and took Tamerlane?!
I think either (view spoiler)
6. I found it interesting to see A.J.'s interactions with his customers, especially Mrs. Cumberbatch, who did/didn't like The Book Thief. What is your impression of him so far? Oh! That scene was so funny! Of course as soon as she said the narrator was death, I knew the book she was referring to. I found it awfully charitable that A.J. returned her money. I would've thought, especially after he refused to entertain the idea of lowering his prices, that he would be a real stickler. We're learning A.J. is actually a big softie...
7. Wow. I did not expect what happened with Maya. Why do you think someone would leave their child with A.J.? Do you think this is connected to the theft at all?
I Know! Crazy. I've taken a much closer look at the cover of my book now and I see the baby in the basket. :) As my books are mostly all audio, I don't have the opportunity to mull over a cover. It doesn't seem like A.J. had any relationship whatsoever with Maya's mother - so I don't really understand the impetus to leave such a precious child with a stranger. If it is connected to the theft, I hope it's supernaturally connected. :)
8. What do you think of A.J. deciding to keep Maya? Would you have done the same?
If I were A.J., yes. They bonded instantly. He would've felt responsible and disappointed had he let her go.
9. Any thoughts on who Maya's father could be? And why do you think Maya's mother brought her out to the island?
I wonder if the father will come into the picture. Is it Daniel? I don't think we've met anyone else likely.
10. Poor Ismay! Not only did she lose her child but Daniel took off almost immediately. What do you think she means when she says that she is bad? Do you think she has feelings for A.J., or was she just looking for comfort?
11. How did you like all of the references to books in these chapters? Have you read any of them?
I love the references - mostly because I have read several of them. If I couldn't relate to them, I think I'd fine the referencing to be a bit like unnecessary name dropping.
I'm reading Chapter 5 now. I'll answer some more questions tonight.I was struck by the Turkish Delight reference. I felt exactly the same disappointment when I first tried the confectionary (in my not too distant past). I hate it. When I was a kid and my mum read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe to me, think I imagined it to be more like halavah for some reason. Instead, to me, it tastes like perfume.
4. About Daniel: "Well, he amuses A.J. to an extent. That is to say, Daniel Parish is one of A.J's closest friends" is humorous and sad at the same time. It seems Nic was the sociable one and A.J is unable to make connections with others. Do you agree? (view spoiler)
I just started this book and I'm hooked!!
Kimberly wrote: "Stacie (and/or anyone else who wants to talk to me) :)I'm in the middle of Chapter 3. I am LOVING this story so far. I had absolutely no idea that this book would have the subject matter it doe..."
I was immediately hooked when I started reading. I'm sorry I put it off so much! I think that Tamarlane is (view spoiler) and is probably the reason the ball got rolling so to speak.
I am curious how (view spoiler) to get along but I'm loving the relationship building I've seen so far.
I laughed at Mrs. Cumberbatch and yelled at AJ about The Monster at the End of this Book which is a personal favorite!
SthTx Dawn wrote: "Found this website that lists all the books mentioned in the book..A.J. Books"
That's awesome.
SthTx Dawn wrote: "4. About Daniel: "Well, he amuses A.J. to an extent. That is to say, Daniel Parish is one of A.J's closest friends" is humorous and sad at the same time. It seems Nic was the sociable one and A.J i..."I completely agree with your thoughts SthTx. Grief changes people in strange ways.
This is one of my favorite books I've read this year. I didn't know it had an alternate title in the UK. I would never have picked up it were it called The Collected Works instead of The Storied Life. The Collected Works sounds like an anthology. The bookplates were excellent clues, with each revealing just a bit more. That was brilliant.
I cried more than once while reading it. Way more!
I loved this book! I went into it not knowing a thing about it. And I definitely shed a few tears.
I've just finished. What a beautiful book. I'll read through the whole thread now.
SthTx Dawn wrote: "Found this website that lists all the books mentioned in the book..A.J. Books"
Dawn, thanks for the link! That is a great reference.
SthTx Dawn wrote: "4. About Daniel: "Well, he amuses A.J. to an extent. That is to say, Daniel Parish is one of A.J's closest friends" is humorous and sad at the same time. It seems Nic was the sociable one and A.J i..."I think AJ definitely has a hard time connecting with people. Daniel's character was one I never really understood. (view spoiler)
Kimberly wrote: "I'm reading Chapter 5 now. I'll answer some more questions tonight.I was struck by the Turkish Delight reference. I felt exactly the same disappointment when I first tried the confectionary (in m..."
Well, yuck. I have not had Turkish Delight, but it sounds exotic and mysterious. But if it tastes like perfume, I'll pass!
You know, I think this one would have been great on audio. I read the ebook and had just stumbled across it on my Scribd app. So glad I read it!
24. I'm glad Ismay survived and that she now seems happy with Lambiase. Were you surprised when he found the backpack? Or that he didn't ask her about it? Do you agree with her never being honest about this?Lambiase was definitely too close to this crime to be sensible about it. After all his years being friends with A.J., he genuinely believed, as he stated, that the theft saved A.J.'s life. The scene was an interesting one where he chose his own happiness over "justice"
Michelle wrote: "Well, yuck. I have not had Turkish Delight, but it sounds exotic and mysterious. But if it tastes like perfume, I'll pass! "It's made from rose water. It tastes like rose-scented perfume. Some people love it. I do not. :)
Michelle wrote: "You know, I think this one would have been great on audio. I read the ebook and had just stumbled across it on my Scribd app. So glad I read it!"It was fantastic as an audiobook. This was one of those occasions where the narrator was perfectly matched to the book.
I've come across Turkish Delight in so many books over the years. It's now one of those things that has such an aura of mystique about it that I know the reality couldn't possibly live up to it. Especially if it tastes like rose water. I had no idea. I wish I didn't know that, now!
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
The Monster at the End of this Book (other topics)The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (other topics)
Sögusafn bóksalans (other topics)
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry (other topics)
The Collected Works of A.J. Fikry (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Simon R. Green (other topics)Jasper Fforde (other topics)
Gabrielle Zevin (other topics)
I thought they complemented each other. Maya's gives something of the steps her mother probably went through in trying to keep her child while staying in school. Ismay's tells us what else was going on and some detail on the timing of events.
24. I'm glad Ismay survived and that she now seems happy with Lambiase. Were you surprised when he found the backpack? Or that he didn't ask her about it? Do you agree with her never being honest about this?
I agree with others that Ismay has reconciled with her life and is no longer suffering. I was surprised with the backpack, but not that Lambiase didn't ask. And I agree that bringing the entire story to light would not benefit anyone. However, it was convenient that it was available to show up just in time for AJ's need.
25. I find it interesting that throughout this book there is a bit of discussion about the covers of books and how they can attract or detract. Is that why this book has such different covers (and two different titles?) I wonder...
I agree that the publishers usually decide the covers, and they will frequently change from country to country. I even read an interesting piece by an author about the different covers of his book. One of the covers was for Poland and has a very different impression to US readers. However, I asked my husband (who is form Poland), and he immediately pointed out the Polish cover as the one he would want to read, not even knowing the topic of the book.
On another note, I am sometimes superficial on my book preferences based on the cover. This is especially true for self-published books. I guess I feel if an author uses poorly drawn art to represent their work, that the work itself may be just as amateurish.
26. So I must admit I am a kindle convert. I still read paperbacks, and will buy hardbacks of books I love, but nothing quite beats an ebook for price and convenience. How about you? Fikry's rant reminded me of some authors who have refused to go digital and then end up changing their minds (including , most recently, Harper Lee). What are your thoughts on digital books?
I got into digital, like others, because I ran out of space to store more books. Now I seem to read more on my tablet than on paper. However, I love being able to look at all the books in my library rather than images on a screen. And I really prefer nonfiction books, which may require some flipping back and forth, to be in paper.
27. The title of my version of the book is explained as Fikry wants to tell Maya "In the end, we are collected works". Now I think I do prefer this as a title for the book!
Eh, I agree with Lisa that I still like the "storied like" better.
28. How did you feel at the end? I admit I felt a little dissatisfied, which I know is something Fikry says is quite forgive-able in the book and therefore possibly intentional. I think just because the time period is so quick that I didn't feel like I knew the characters enough by the end, and I would have loved to. In saying that, I did really enjoy this book though and would recommend it to others.
Actually, I think this is the kind of book that is better leaving us wanting a little. If the author had tried to make everything neat and more complete, we likely would have found less to read into it. And it may have become more 'pat' with spelled out character stories. As it is, it feels like we dipped into a stream that is still moving along its path when we leave it.