"The Starless Sea" by Erin Morgenstern (BR)

[Meredith]

Welcome to the Buddy Read for the much anticipated book by Erin Morgenstern, "The Starless Sea."

Except for general first impressions, please use spoiler tags and indicate chapter/percent, so everyone can follow the discussion at their own pace.

Check out this GR interview with Morgenstern about the book and her writing process and other things.

https://www.goodreads.com/interviews/...

[Meredith]

I got my copy the other day but I will try to hold out until the official BR start date. I'm trying (as usual) to make progress on other books before I start yet another book. (I think I can, I think I can...)

I will say that this book is very pretty! For those with the hardcover, take a peek under the dust jacket.

[Jacqueline]

I bought a copy the other day. I wasn’t really a big fan of The Night Circus but I decided to give this one a go anyway. I think it might be the circus thing. They really do freak me out. I was OK as a child but an episode of Dr Who in the 80s sometime changed that. Circuses and carnivals in books give me nightmares now and I can’t watch them. The Greatest Showman I got through OK though.

Don’t know if I’ll read it as part of the BR. We’ll see.

[Meredith]

Okay, I read a little ways in, 5% (there's no chapter numbers). I'm definitely excited by this little bit I've read so far, the magic and mystery already teased, plus I love books and reading, so I am ready to just submerge myself in this book. Woot!

[Matthew]

Hey, I will hopefully join you with this BR (It will be the my first BR and also the first book read as part of this group) I got it last week and have been looking forward to starting it.

[Meredith]

Matthew wrote: "Hey, I will hopefully join you with this BR (It will be the my first BR and also the first book read as part of this group) I got it last week and have been looking forward to starting it."

Great, welcome! Join in the discussion when you can. Folks don't all start at the same time.

[Marie]

I am listening to the audiobook version. I was able to get it from the library, so I started the book a little earlier than November 20. I am on Part 11, A Paper Star That Has Been Unfolded and Refolded?, about 2/3s of the way in. I won't comment until others are farther in.

[Meredith]

Marie wrote: "I am listening to the audiobook version. I was able to get it from the library, so I started the book a little earlier than November 20. I am on Part 11, A Paper Star That Has Been Unfolded and Ref..."

If you like, you can put your comments behind a spoiler tag so folks can read them when they get to those sections.

[Anna]

How to use spoiler tags:

(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)]

Click on "(some html is ok)" in the top right corner of the text box (on desktop version) as you're typing your post to copy/paste the code. Or go to this help page if you're not on the desktop version.

[Marie]

Thank you!

[Meredith]

I'm about 16% in (page 79 in the hardcover), still in Book 1. (view spoiler)[ I'm enjoying the switches between Zachary's story and the mystery he is pursuing and the pieces of other stories we are getting. I am not into gaming, but I like the clearly contemporary setting and elements - it keeps the fantasy elements from being too fantastical in a way, and it grounds the story for me. I enjoyed the party at the Algonquin Hotel. It was fun, magical, and mysterious- and there was a cat too! That's most of what I want from a book. (hide spoiler)]

[Candice]

I’ll admit, I’ve finished the book and read it again! I absolutely loved The Night Circus, so I just went ahead and bought The Starless Sea. I’m not going to share any spoilers, but I appreciate knowing how to add them. Thanks Anna! I look forward to reading about everyone’s experience with this book.

Candice

[Marie]

I am about to start Part 12, and I am enjoying the ride! Each character's backstory is slowly unveiled through the book. You really need to pay attention throughout (view spoiler)[ The time traveling adds a clever twist (hide spoiler)]. I can't wait to see how this fantasy/mystery shakes out! Each of the main characters has its own narrator. All the narrators are doing a fine job.

[Meredith]

I am a little ways into Book 2 (30%), (view spoiler)[ the change of scene is interesting, I would love to be in this library, hanging out in the posh bedroom with magical room service, except I think I would get claustrophobic being under ground and having no windows. (hide spoiler)]

[Christopher]

I have this book waiting for me at the library so I might jump into this chat once I get to it.

[Marie]

I loved Erin Morgenstern's . Her writing made me feel like I was part of the story - feeling fully immersed.

I had the same experience with this book, too. However, this book was somewhat confusing and, at times, aimless. It's probably the kind of book one needs to read twice to get to the "ah, I get it now!" moment(s). I had to really pay attention (view spoiler)[with all the time traveling and the consequential incarnations of the characters (hide spoiler)]. I didn't feel like I got to know the characters all that well. The narrators were great, though.

I started getting bored midway through the book. I did enjoy the bulk of the story, but it was trying at times. I gave it 3.5 stars.

[Dawn F]

I just finished it and I was not impressed. Here's my review.

[Christopher]

All these middling reviews I'm seeing made it so I left the book at the library for the next person on the list.

[Candice]

Christopher wrote: "All these middling reviews I'm seeing made it so I left the book at the library for the next person on the list."

This makes me sad. I absolutely love this book! I guess everyone has to decide for themselves and we don’t all like the same things. I think if you’re on the fence it’s worth checking it out. You can always return it.

Candice 🐝

[Meredith]

I am about halfway through and really enjoying it. I encourage folks to give it a try.