Light of the World - James Lee Burke
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I had a heavy schoolwork week so am behind you guys but should finish this weekend. Really starting to enjoy it now!0
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I just did not enjoy this book. Part of the problem for me is that I'm not a noir, hard boiled detective novel fan. The other main problem that I had with this novel, was the dialogue. People just simply do not talk to eachother like that, no one's just going to sit there and let you tell them off for five straight minutes without interruption, over and over again. The rambling soliloquies, rants, and tell-offs were unrealistic to reckoning, and only served to pull me out of the story. I also did the math and was shocked to note that the main characters were hovering at the 70 year old mark, so scoring babes and getting into strenuous shooting/fighting matches seemed a bit hard to believe. I finished it, but it was difficult.
That being said, I did enjoy his description of scene, and his poetic language, just not enough to save it for me. I knew it would be out of my comfort zone, and I'm not sorry that I gave it a try. Never hurts to branch out
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Beth, I think it's funny that you didn't enjoy the book and STILL beat me at finishing it! lol
I still have a hundred pages or so. I did get a lot read this weekend though!
I think it's always good to try something new; it's not whether or not it was your cuppa, but that you approached it with an open mind and gave it a try!0 -
I just did not enjoy this book. Part of the problem for me is that I'm not a noir, hard boiled detective novel fan. The other main problem that I had with this novel, was the dialogue. People just simply do not talk to eachother like that, no one's just going to sit there and let you tell them off for five straight minutes without interruption, over and over again. The rambling soliloquies, rants, and tell-offs were unrealistic to reckoning, and only served to pull me out of the story. I also did the math and was shocked to note that the main characters were hovering at the 70 year old mark, so scoring babes and getting into strenuous shooting/fighting matches seemed a bit hard to believe. I finished it, but it was difficult.
That being said, I did enjoy his description of scene, and his poetic language, just not enough to save it for me. I knew it would be out of my comfort zone, and I'm not sorry that I gave it a try. Never hurts to branch out
I agree on a lot of what you said. I did enjoy the book because it was different than what I would have picked out and I really liked Alafair - I wish she was in it a bit more. I think she's a strong character, without being overpowering like Gretchen.
It was also out of my comfort zone, and more what my husband would read. Glad we read it!0 -
Alafair Burke is a real person, and a writer; she has at least one novel published, I think. She's on my to-read list, I'd love to see if any of her dad's talent got passed on
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Beth, I think it's funny that you didn't enjoy the book and STILL beat me at finishing it! lol
HAHA! I took a lot longer with it than I usually do! I have read two more since finishing that one! I hope we can choose a new book soon, as I am cruising right through my current book. Incidentally, I would highly reccomend it, The Obituary Writer, by Ann Hood. It was the deal of the week through Audible for $2.95.
I'm also reading a non-fiction by Barbara Kingsolver, called Animal, Vegetable, Mineral. I read one and listen to one for my commute, so I always have a couple going.0 -
Gretchen was originally introduced in Creole Belle, If I remember correctly, and from the start she's struck me more as a male fantasy than a real person. He really needs to flesh her character out a lot more, and tone her down.
Having read this series for the past 10 or so years, I've loved the realistic way in which he's had Alafair grow up right before the reader's eyes. I can see a lot of honesty and truth in that aspect of his writing.
Y'all go ahead and choose another book! I'll get this one finished and jump into the new one... if I'm always a little behind, it'll just be true to form 0 -
I saw something about Dean Koontz, i am in for that, or Stephen King (huge fan of him)
I'll try to do the next book. Last 4 weeks i was busy with my new appartment so no time to read, but i am settled in now so have more time for it
I'll post this for ya in the "book ideas" thread! I'm certainly down for either author!0 -
I finally finished it! And I loved it. Not as much as Bitterroot or Crusader's Cross, but I just get lost in the countryside. Whether he's writing about the swamps of Louisiana or the mountains of Montana, he just transports you right there. I thought the last paragraph was a bit hokey, perhaps could have ended it less senimentally, but I'm glad everyone made it out alive I've wondered if he plans to wrap up the series at some point - Burke must be nearing 90 now. 0
