Buddy Read for Strange the Dreamer

[Amy]

Introducing a/the Buddy Read for Strange the Dreamer, this month's (June - 21) Unofficial Trim Challenge call. But due to the Pandemic or disinterest, or what have you, it is unclear who is joining us.

The original six were:

Amy (me)
AJ (also Amie)
Amy N. - (haven't seen her in a long while)
Joanne
Margie D
Joy D.

I got a copy off Amazon, and when I am done I will mail it to Joanne with Karolina's twins and maybe another surprise, who knows. I think Joy D is looking for a copy. I haven't heard from AJ recently, but she is really good with her kindle. Anyone who would like to join us is welcome.

Just to add, Strange the Dreamer is on my short-list of books that was intended to honor Jolene. She just loved it! I think it has a sequel. Anyway, after her passing I had a shortlist. Delighted to pick something up that reminds me of her.

[Amy]

Here it comes Joanne! Will mail it Monday.... Do with it as you wish. Maybe mail it to Joy D.

I know this book was beloved by so many. An absolute favorite! But for me, I didn't understand even one word of it, and it couldn't connect with it at all. To describe it would be impossible. Young orphan who lives in the wisp of dreams, raised in a library, obsessed with a lost world that he seems to have made up but eventually finds. Blue ghosty women characters. There you go!

Reasons I did not DNF this book: (Although I did skim whole pages looking for something to hook onto, grab the gist, and make sure I wasn't missing anything - I seem to have missed the whole thing!)

1) I never DNF any book, even if I despise it. The Magicians comes to mind.
2) This book counts for two challenges for me. The Unofficial Trim, and is a add for Vermont libraries for the Purple Sage Team.
3) I set up a Buddy Read for this book, and perhaps other people will explain it to me, or tell me what they loved about it.
4) It was loved by Jolene (of blessed memory). And while she and I loved many books together, she cared for fantasy while I did not (generally). She and I bonded over historical fiction, and had some great loves together. In part for her I finished the damn thing.

Anyone want to tell me why they liked or loved it? Go:

[Joanne]

Amy wrote: "Introducing a/the Buddy Read for Strange the Dreamer, this month's (June - 21) Unofficial Trim Challenge call. But due to the Pandemic or disinterest, or what have you, it is unclear who is joining..."

AS JoyD reads much quicker, because of my endless rotation-maybe she should get it first-I cannot promise I will get to it anytime soon.

[Amy]

Shall I message her?

[Joanne]

Amy wrote: "Shall I message her?"

Yes- it is fine with me-I am just swamped right now with books I have to finish for other challenges

[Joy D]

Thanks to the lovely Amy, I will be joining you in reading Strange the Dreamer!

[Joy D]

It is a long book and I am finding it will likely take me into July.

[Joy D]

I finally finished this book the other day. Still processing my thoughts. I liked it more than you did, Amy, but was not keen on the ending. Will write a review in the next couple days. Thanks again for mailing it to me.

[Joy D]

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor - 4 stars - My Review

Lazlo Strange is an orphan raised by monks in the city of Zosma. He yearns to discover the secrets of the legendary Unseen City far away across a vast desert. He becomes a junior librarian and looks up books that describe the legends. One day a caravan arrives, and Lazlo takes advantage of an unexpected opportunity.

This book is a blend of adventure, a search for identity, and a romance. It is highly creative with a likeable protagonist. The plot flows well, though it takes time reach the point where the various threads come together. The world is intricately developed. I felt immersed in this beautiful, eccentric world Taylor has created.

High fantasy is not a genre I often read, but despite it not being in my wheelhouse, I found it captured my interest. I enjoyed accompanying Lazlo on his journey of discovery. His character conveys a sense of wonder at all he finds. The primary drawback, for me, is the ending. I usually do not care for setups to a sequel and this book ends with a cliffhanger. I prefer each book, even if it is a series, to be capable of standing on its own. Still, I am glad I read it and think regular readers of fantasy will appreciate it as much, or more, than I did.