Read This NOT That!

[Mfred]

This is a great new podcast! I liked the discussion of the two books a lot, and didn't think anything either reviewer said was out-of-bounds. I would only ask that you even out the volume on the two mikes-- it was hard to hear TaChalla.

[Guin]

I haven't read Wild but will consider it now after hearing this discussion. I read Eat,Pray,Love and really struggled with completing it. I really only picked it to read because there was so much hype about it and the movie (screenplay) was much better.

[Dena]

First of all, I love this discussion! I can't wait to hear more. That being said, I really enjoyed Eat, Pray, Love. I don't disagree with your comments, necessarily, but I still enjoyed it. It didn't need to relate to me, or be the answer to everything, or even reflect all her flaws for me to like it. I think Elizabeth Gilbert is a superb writer, so I enjoyed the prose. Liking this book led me to read Gilbert's latest fiction, The Signature of All Things, which I absolutely loved. I thank you for the suggestion, I will definitely put Wild on my list.

I'm not mad about your opinions, though! I love hearing everyone's thoughts on books, so I appreciate the discussion. I find it so interesting when others don't like a book that I loved, or vice versa. Thanks!

[Anne]

Thanks for the feedback. Any suggestions for underrated or overrated books?

[Mara]

I love the premise of this podcast! Thank you for daring to critique well-known (and in this case, fairly highly-acclaimed) literature. Also, thank you for providing your own positive reviews of an alternate book at the same time. It achieves a great balance!

I don't have any suggestions off the top of my head, but I'll think about it and repost when I do!

[Anne]

So our next topic is "Battle Royale" by Koshon Takami vs "Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins. What are your thoughts? Have any of you read the under-rated "Battle Royale"?

[Guin]

I haven't read either book. Looking forward to hearing your podcast on "Battle Royale" by Koshon Takami vs "Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins.

[Anne]

Any suggested (under-rated) alternatives to the Goldfinch by Donna Tartt? We are looking for a coming of age novel that deals with loss and grieving. Some ideas we are floating are "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Foer, "The World to Come" by Dara Horn or "Tell the Wolves I'm Home" by Carol Rifka Brunt.

[Guin]

Thank you for your thoughts on both "Battle Royale" and "Hunger Games" I still don't see myself reading either but good points were made for each book's content and plot.

[Guin]

It's just not for me. I do enjoy your podcast though. It is good to know that there are alternative books available sometimes.

[Debra]

That sounds like my kind of book! :-)

[Stephen]

I'd like to see a Read This Not That recommendation for Memoirs of a Geisha.