Rules of Civility by Amor Towles, 4.3

[NancyJ]

Rules of Civility – 4.3 stars. This is a very engaging book, with interesting characters, unexpected plot lines, and a great energy. The stories were fascinating, and I really loved the details about Katey’s jobs. The language felt very much “of the time” (New York 1938) especially in the audio version. A Ginger Rogers type character would fit right in. The narrator had a snappy but intelligent attitude and delivery. New York City is practically a major character in this book, and there were so many details I believed I was there. I could practically hear the jazz music. In the audio, the voices were good but there were few NY accents. Katey grew up in Brighton Beach but her accent sounded more like a girl who went to prep school. The author seemed to be making some moral points, but it was very inconsistent. The one thing that bothered me several times in the book is that Katey wasn’t totally believable to me as a woman. Her actions, thoughts, reactions etc. all seemed more consistent with those of men. I don't think anyone should be limited to sex role stereotypes, but it just didn't ring true to me. If the author switched the genders of all the main characters (especially Katey, Tinker, Eve, and Anne Granden), the story would make almost as much sense. Come to think of it, it would work well if they were all gay men too. Anyway, I highly recommend the book. There are many literary references that lifelong readers will enjoy.

[Amy]

Loved Rules of Civility! I believe within a few days it would have been a debut category book. Nice review!

[Joanne]

I have been debating on this one I did not finish A Gentleman in Moscow-love me some HF-your review convinced me to add it-no idea when I will get to it, but I have a few challenges to fill, so hopefully soon. Very nice review!

[Joi]

Loved this book.

Joanne, I haven't read Gentlemen yet- but I recall seeing quite a few PBTers have a significant preference with loving one of Towel's books, and not loving the other. I think a few people have loved Rules of Civility and been 'meh' on A Gentleman in Moscow- and vice versa.

[NancyJ]

I only got through a little of Gentleman in Moscow before it had to go back to the library. The voice on the audio was so nice it put me to sleep within an hour. I bought the large print book and put it on my Trim list to force me to give it another try. Rules of Civility has a story, and Gentleman in Moscow didn't seem to (yet?). Please correct me if I'm wrong!

[NancyJ]

Amy wrote: "Loved Rules of Civility! I believe within a few days it would have been a debut category book. Nice review!"

Yes, it was tagged Life and Debut both. I started quite a few like that, just in case.

[Amy]

I have Becoming as a crossover for life and debut. Gave five stars each for Civility and Moscow.

[Theresa]

Rules of Civility is on my Trim the TBR list. I loved Gentleman of Moscow and really look forward to this- hoping its number comes up!

[Kelly]

I also love this book!

[NancyJ]

Amy wrote: "I have Becoming as a crossover for life and debut. Gave five stars each for Civility and Moscow."

I'm not sure Becoming is technically a debut, despite the number of people who tagged it that way. There are other books with her name on them, but they might all be ghost written.

Other crossovers in my bag/kindle:
Life changing magic of tidying up (I still haven't opened it)
Atomic Changes
Wonder