Comments on: July Reading Wrap-Up

By: Catherine

Catherine — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 16:57:30 +0000

In reply to Amy Sachs. Exactly! Feels like the artists whose main goal is to shock. Maybe there's an audience for that, but it's not me.

By: Amy Sachs

Amy Sachs — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 02:13:42 +0000

I’m so baffled about Less! I read it in June and am still wondering what made it Pulitzer-worthy. It was kind of funny but overall just…fine. I’m also with you on Ottessa Moshfegh, I feel like she’s always trying to make statements by being as weird and off-putting as possible.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 01:45:01 +0000

In reply to Susie | Novel Visits. I know, I'm a beyotch! I don't write a lot of negative/DNF reviews, but do feel as if sometimes readers want to know. Rest and Relaxation got huge buzz! And I freely admit, maybe I'm just too old for whatever she's trying to say.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 01:43:11 +0000

In reply to RavenThreads. Such turbulent times. And, holy cow, she did not get along with her daughter-in-law. I had no idea, but it makes for reading that is entertaining and still feels educational.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 01:41:50 +0000

In reply to Sarah's Book Shelves. It's the one time a month anymore when I vent about DNFs and books that didn't work for me!

By: Catherine

Catherine — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 01:40:59 +0000

In reply to Allison. Yes- that was hilarious! I agree- I'm not angry in an elitist way, as if it wasn't worthy, but I'd love to know their criteria because in years' past there have been equally witty and insightful novels that weren't even nominated.

By: Allison

Allison — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 19:51:26 +0000

Too bad some of the books here were such clear losers, but I’m glad you had a couple that you loved. I agree with you about Less. I like it, and it made me laugh in some places (mostly where he was convinced of his German fluency), but I’m not sure what made it a Pulitzer winner.

By: Sarah's Book Shelves

Sarah's Book Shelves — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 18:24:48 +0000

Yikes – you’ve got some low ratings in here! Orchard and the Wasp definitely does not sound up my alley – haha!!

By: RavenThreads

RavenThreads — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 17:43:51 +0000

You’ve sold me on The Romanov Empress. I keep going back and forth on whether or not to give it a try, and now I know I will. 🙂

By: Susie | Novel Visits

Susie | Novel Visits — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 17:35:46 +0000

Tell us what you really think, Catherine! I love your thoughts on My Year of Rest and Relaxation and I’m SO, SO glad I passes on that one. What is it with Pulitzer books? So many of them have fallen flat for me. For about 5 years I refused to read anything that had won the Pulitzer, but then The Goldfinch came along. I actually read it before the award was given, so maybe that’s the trick.

Let’s hope your August reading fares a little better.