The Actor and the Housewife

[Melissa]

I was going to ask this question on the other Shannon Hale thread, but thought I'd start a new discussion.

Has anyone read "The Actor and the Housewife" by Shannon Hale? What did you think? I finished it awhile ago and I'm so mixed on how I feel.

On one hand, the book really made me think. I have had several GOOD discussions based on this book. It made me question and wonder. In my mind, that's what a really good book does.

On the other hand, I didn't really love the story. I felt like lines were crossed and the ending seemed contrived... just a little too forced.

So, I'm curious. Have you read it? If so, what did you think? If not, are you planning on reading it?

[Beth A.]

I have this one reserved at the library, waiting for me to pick it up, so I should start it in the next day or two.

[Adelina]

Haven't read it yet, but I'm planning on it, as soon as I can get a hold of a copy.

[Nikki]

I also have it on hold at the library. I love Shannon Hale, so I will be curious to see how it is.

[Heather]

Nuts, this book is not yet showing up in my library catalogue. I've been meaning to read a Shannon Hale novel because I have heard many positive reviews. Maybe I'll start with "The Goose Girl" - it seems to be a favorite.

[Rebecca]

I have only read Austenland and I LOVED it! I've only heard negative things about this new one. I don't think I've heard anyone say they even really liked it. So I'm debating on if I'll chance it.

[Beth A.]

I finished The Actor and the Housewife A Novel. I'm a bit disappointed. Perhaps I'll go read Book of a Thousand Days again.

[Nikki]

I got the book from the library, so it's on my list to read.

[Heather]

I finished the Goose Girl this weekend and I really enjoyed it. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars. It was a very good story with solid characters, plot and theme. I think I will add Hale to my list of good YA authors. I think I will try Austenland next and keep checking back with my library for The Actor and the Housewife so I can see what the fuss is about.

Have any of you read any YA books by Avi like Crispin and the Cross of Lead? If not, I would recommend checking him out. If you liked Goose Girl then you will really like that series and probably a lot of his other historical fiction for youth.

[Beth A.]

I've read The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle but I see he's written many more. I'll have to read them sometime... Which is your favorite?

[Heather]

I'm going to add Charlotte Doyle to my 'to-read' list. It looks good! Crispin The Cross of Lead is probably my favorite so far but I also really, really liked The Secret School. I like that his stories are hopeful even while dealing with difficult circumstances and that his characters and settings feel so real. It's also nice to find a great storyteller that can keep it clean :)

[Beth A.]

Heather wrote: "It's also nice to find a great storyteller that can keep it clean :)"

True... even YA books can be vulgar sometimes.

Thanks for the recommendations. I'm adding them to my TBR list!

[Heather]

Guess who is going to be at the National Book Festival in DC this Saturday? Shannon Hale presents at 12:20 on the National Mall and I plan on going. Does anyone else live in the Virginia/DC/Maryland area? If so, come check it out with me.

Also, I picked up Austenland from the library and hope to get to it soon since it had a lot of good recommendations.