Cutting for Stone
discussion
Is it just me, or was this book thoroughly disappointing?
Nancy wrote: "I was also disappointed. Never understood what others saw in this book to rave about. I read two books which I thought were much better about similar situations - A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistr..."I agree, those two books had a similar melancholic flavor, but much better books. The very long descriptions of surgical procedures and medical problems were interesting but too frequent. I believe this book would be most interesting to someone with a medical background who may have a greater understanding and more interest in the medical descriptions. This is a good book, but A Fine Balance and This Much I Know is True are sensational books!!
This book was an outstanding read. Extremely well crafted and researched with intriguing characters and a tightly woven story. I was totally fascinated and engrossed in it. Did it read a little slower here and there, yes, but look at The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo. I put it down during the first chapter until soooo many people told me I was making a mistake and sure enough. You have to stick with this one. It is well worth it.
No it is not just you. I wasn't impressed either.
The first 100 pages of this book were brutal, muddled, and tedious. But if you made it past that point, you were truly rewarded. It was a bit melodramatic in the end, but it was compelling for anyone interested in medicine, the challenge of immigrants, and redemption.
There were ups and downs, but in the end it certainly met my expectations, even surpassed them. Largly because of the author's ability to continue to weave irony throughout the last half of the book. The kicker for me were the notes at the end that explained the real reason for the title of the book. Well worth an effort at attaining a deeper understanding and very applicable to the current political topic of health care!!!
I resisted reading it until a friend recommended it. Then I really liked it.
I enjoyed this book, but I tell others it was a slow read. But it was a steady read. Many slow books I put down because I just can't invest the time, but this one, while slow, was worth the investment. The layers of conflict, disappointment, betrayal and redemption kept my interest. I felt it was beautifully written. Towards the end, I couldn't put it down.
I'm 28% through the book on my Kindle and struggling. I came here to find out whether it was worth my time to finish it or not and am now even more confused than before. Is the rest of the story filled with gory operations and medical jargon that both bored and sickened me at times? Does it continue to go off on tangents and meander all over the place? I want to persevere because so many people say it's the best book they've ever read, but seriously doubt it's going to do much for me.
I'll agree with some of the commenters that say this book is a bit of a slow-starter...but only in the sense that it isn't written to formula. The early parts of the story do meander a bit, however, much of that is part of creation of the rich and vibrant setting and the idiosyncratic relationships between the characters who become viscerally real as one journeys further into the story. It is well worth reading.
Kerri wrote: "I'm 28% through the book on my Kindle and struggling. I came here to find out whether it was worth my time to finish it or not and am now even more confused than before. Is the rest of the story fi..."Kerri, do yourself a favor and stick through it. If you do, it will be well worth it. I, too, didn't like the gory, operation parts (daughter, RN, didn't mind, of course) but the storyline evolves to become so readable and a learning experience for the reader.
If not, put it down and pick it up in a few years. Don't force yourself to read something you hate. I have Kindle and 28% isn't too far along. You'll make the right decision, I know you will. It didn't get all those five stars for nothing.
I almost put the book down after about 150 pages. After that, the book becomes readable and fascinating. It isn't as good as everyone says, but it does MUCH better! It basically needs a good editor which was clearly lacking.
I didn´t lige it either. Very predictabel. Overdone.
Have written a couple of comments on this thread and like many others noted that it took me a while to get into the book, but after 150 pages or so, just couldn't put it down. Rated it 5 stars. Just loved the book.What I wanted to suggest about the question should I continue.....is to recommend that you have a look at the community ratings for this book.
There was a total of almost 86,000 ratings (pretty phenomenal in and of itself). Even more important to answering the question is that 46% or almost half rated the book 5 stars. 38% or almost 40% rated in 4 stars. Only 4% rated the book 2 stars or less. I think that's a pretty good indicator from many, many people that the book is well worth finishing.
Mj wrote: "Have written a couple of comments on this thread and like many others noted that it took me a while to get into the book, but after 150 pages or so, just couldn't put it down. Rated it 5 stars. J..."I think ultimately it must be a great book, but none of this actually answers my question. I absolutely hate reading gore and am wondering if to enjoy the rest of the book do I have to suffer through more overly graphic medical procedures?
Hi Kerri,Sorry that I didn't understand you were most interested in an answer to - does the gore continue. I think it is worth reading the rest of Cuting for Stone because it is a great book and also because it is a slow starter. I just thought that 86,000 opinions would be better than my one single opinion.
As far as the gore, I read the book a while ago and can't remember if the last 70% was less gory. I think it was but I know for sure that it reads much more quickly and becomes difficult to put down. I was surprised that I enjoyed the medical information not being in that field. I really enjoyed the details but can understand why many other people were bored.
I don't remember it as being particularly gory - maybe because I was fascinated by learning about the diseases, medical procedures and surgeries common to the region and so different from where I live. I too hate gore and deliberately avoid books that use gore and violence that serve no purpose. I do however read a number of informational, historical fiction and memoir/autographical/biograpical books that sometimes include graphic details. However, the details serve a purpose - they are describing reality and therefore play an important part to reading and learning about the truth. That's how I considered the medical detail in Cutting for Stone.
If my memory serves me correctly, the latter 70% has a lot more character, relationship and plot development as opposed to medical details. The pace really picks up and I had a hard time putting it down.
It is a really great book and I'd suggest that you consider continuing.
Here's an idea...when you get to medical/gory parts, either skip them or speed read through them.....there is enough another stuff for a great read. I checked out "compare books" and our tastes are very similar for books we have read, for what it's worth. I also noticed that you've read all 3 Stieg Larsson books. If you could handle the gore in those books, you'll have no problem with the last 70% of Cutting for Stone.
But do what feels right for you. There are too many great books to suffer through a book you aren't enjoying. Let us all know how you make out.
Kerri - I turn my eyes from road kill and switch channels when anything with blood, surgery, etc., comes on the tv. This book did not gross me out. I think it's because I couldn't see it and the medical conditions were explained so precisely that the textbook side of me just kicked in. No, the gore doesn't continue to such a great extent. I'll think you'll like it. Don't put it down.
Thank you, I will keep reading, after all so many people can't be wrong. I chose to read this book based solely on it's high rating, as I choose lots of my books. MJ I have to admit the Stieg Larsson books didn't do much for me and I was left wondering what all the fuss was about. I do recall skipping several pages of those too.
Hi Kerry-I HONESTLY think you can do what I call a" light read" any of the technical medical stuff...It won't take much away from the story in this case. Having a medical background that part did not phase me, however; I have that problem when a great book has a boat load of political stuff...I "gloss-read" that stuff...and concentrate on characters and plot. Sadly, only began giving myself permission to read that way as I got older! Assuming EVERYONE is younger than me...don't wait to do that! You'll miss or struggle with a lot of great reads if you let your intrinsic interests be the only factor in choosing a book. By joining several reading groups after retirement, the opportunity to read a lot of books I never would have picked up taught me that was a worthwhile way to broaden my reading base. Stuff I'd have hated or struggled with which was SOO worth reading, I was able to both and enjoy discuss. Everyone does not need to get the same thing from a GOOD well written book
Best reads to you!
kaegea
A light read--that's actually funny. Nothing light about it, but that's just my opinion. This book had me at "hello."My book club read the book and they were curious to know the medical accuracy. I assumed it was accurate as Dr. Vergase is a MD, but I asked another doctor friend of mine who is actually from Madras to read the book and give me his take on it. He thought the book was very accurate and noteworthy. I've commented way too many times already--so I'll shut up now. This is still a favorite for me.
No, only people are disappointing. I liked the book, but I wasn't always happy with the story.
Kathie wrote: "Hi Kerry-I HONESTLY think you can do what I call a" light read" any of the technical medical stuff...It won't take much away from the story in this case. Having a medical background that part did..."
That is a great idea, there have been other books that I've put down as being what I call "too heavy" in parts, whether it be political, religious, medical procedures, whatever. I've always tried to read all of a book in case I miss something important, but I think I'm going to take up your suggestion from now on.
By the way, I'm 50% through Cutting for Stone now and enjoying it a lot more, but that first 30% was a real struggle for me.
I agree it did take awhile to get into this book.Once you get past 100-150pages you'll be engrossed. I love it.
For me..one of the all time best books I have read.
Donna wrote: "For me..one of the all time best books I have read."I agree ... it took me awhile to get in to it ... but I loved it.
Reading the first 100 or so pages of this book was like work but then the story caught on like wildfire. The book ignites all of the senses -- you can see and smell as well as feel all the emotions of the characters. By the time I had finished, I felt like I had lost a great friend. For people who have little or no medical knowledge (or even medical interest), I would imagine that the book could be rather gory or even boring at times. Much of this type of information is past the level of understanding of most lay persons.
I was elated to note the appearance of Thomas Starzl in the book. I met Dr Starzl when I was a new nurse working in a trauma center where organ donation was performed somewhat regularly and liver transplantation was quite the medical innovation.
I loved the book. Couldn't put it down.
I agree, it did not start well. But after the first few chapters it was pure magic. Was sad when it ended.
It was one of the best books I have ever read. Please give me another book like this one. I am said because it is over.
Hi Sharon,Loved Cutting for Stone as well. Check out my review. I haven't read any other Verghese books "yet" but my friend did and loved his tennis book.
Check out the other discussion group below about other books like Cutting for Stone. You might find another similar book that you like just as much or almost as well
http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/8...
I started this book 2x and put it down - but I must say, the third time was a charm. Once you get past the first 1/3 - it takes off and I loved it.
Carlee wrote: "I thought this book was absolutely wonderful. I had no expectations going in. It was well written, told a beautiful story that wasn't predictable, and kept my interest. I was sad to finish it. I ha..."Same for me, I had no idea what it was about before I started, and totally enjoyed the whole thing.
I loved this book! So much, that 30% in I worried that it would end too soon. So much that after finishing I wanted to know how Amharic is spoken, how their music sounds like, how Eritrienians are different from Ethiopians..I was craving the Ethiopian food ( already my favorite for years). As one reviewer said 'I missed Ethiopia and I have never been there!". I got that.True it had its flaws...some threads the author introduced but didn't follow through (..the strong sense of smell, e.g) some characters that started great but ended at being quiet 2 dimensional, the events at the end felt rushed...but it all paled in comparison to how vivid the story telling was. What a beautiful love story of Hema and Gosh, of the country and it's people, of the medical profession as art, gift and compassion.
Though I wouldn't compare it with Rohinton Mistry's A Fine Balance, a near perfect in its narration, but I won't put Cutting For Stone far beneath it either. Where Fine Balance in the end left me bereft of hope, Cutting for Stone was oddly very uplifting in its tone. A must read in my opinion :)
Shobha wrote: "I loved this book! So much, that 30% in I worried that it would end too soon. So much that after finishing I wanted to know how Amharic is spoken, how their music sounds like, how Eritrienians are ..."What a wonderful comment and book review. You should cut and paste your comment and put it into a review (I noticed you didn't do a formal review for Cutting for Stone) and share it with others. Your comments are that good and I'm sure would entice many others to read and enjoy it.
Kiessa wrote: "My hopes for this book soared. I expected an East of Eden style epic. I expected to love, love LOVE it!Instead, it felt like a meandering piece of literature that didn't know where it was going..."
I am in healthcare.This book was kind of an "insider's view". I related to every aspect of the hospital and surgical situations. The same is true of most of my colleagues who read the book. Also, I am from Pittsbugh and Dr. Tom Starzl is a local hero.
You are too sweet to say so MJ! I love books, and every few months one comes along that just blows me away ..and I can be over zealous in my praise too till the next one gets to me. Reviews need to be unbiased and objective...I am suited for passionate opinions. Yet I am tempted, I loved the book that much and it will be a real pity for those who won't get to it
Shobha wrote: "You are too sweet to say so Suzanne! I love books, and every few months one comes along that just blows me away ..and I can be over zealous in my praise too till the next one gets to me. Reviews ne..."Hey Shobha, The message about posting your comment as a review was from me MJ. I don't think reviews need to be unbiased. In fact that cannot be since we all have personal biases whether we are aware of them or not. Some of the best reviews on Goodreads are passionate. To me that's an indicator of the strength of a book - how it was able to touch and move someone. You should write more reviews. The ones I have read are terrific and well worth sharing.
:) I stand corrected and corrected it too. And I am secretly preening at your lovely compliment. Considering how often I have been accused, by my sweet friends no less, of having an expression , "you didn't like the book?! What's wrong with you?!", it's great to find a forum where some one gets it and feels the same. Thank you.
I loved the book. I can't believe some of you were bored.
There was much that was excellent about the writing. But the character motivations? Give me a break.
Well I disagree with you. I just really liked the book
It's wonderful to find a book you love, so keep loving it!
I agree with Kim. I found it very hard to follow and just didn't care about it. I read up to chapter 4 hoping things would get better and decided to stop. So many other really great books I would rather give my time to. I won't finish it.
You're right there are many, many good books to choose from. It took me about 150 pages to get into the book and then I couldn't put it down. I ended up rated it 5 stars and it is one of my very favourite books.You may not have the same experience but I tell you this so that you might consider reading a few more chapters and perhaps end up loving it just as much.
I might MJ after I finish other books I want to read first.
If I remember when I was reading..it took me a while to get into it....but I kept reading and I am glad I did. I thought it was very good, so I gave it to other friends to read, and they all liked it too
Sandra wrote: "I might MJ after I finish other books I want to read first."Good idea rather than completely abandoning. I find that sometimes you need to be in a certain mood for certain books. Sometimes they don't click but when you pick it up at another time, it completely resonates. Go figure.
Not for everyone but waa certainly for me!!!
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Well stated!