If I had to pick one favorite contemporary novel, this would be it hands down. It's the first book I ever read in one sitting! I had seen it in Sam's Club, was drawn to the cover and fascinated by the synopsis on the back cover. I asked for it for my birthday from my mom. The day it came in the mail, I curled up in my papasan chair, cracked open the cover and hardly moved for the rest of the day.
The novel tells a horrible story but does it beautifully. Something about it reached my soul and never left. It made me think about and feel things that no book before it had done. It's certainly a book that haunts you after you finish and that's what I like about it.
I've had more than one person shudder in response to my admission of loving this book so much. I know mothers who hated it or couldn't even finish it. I can understand that. Our life experiences affect our reading preferences, that's one of the things I love so much about books.
When the movie version came out, I went at my first opportunity and may have held my breath the entire time! I was pleasantly surprised and have seen the film a couple of times since then. It's visually stunning and has a fantastic cast.
I've never encountered anyone who doesn't have strong feelings about this book. It's one you either love or hate. And while it isn't for everyone, if you haven't read it and what I've said here hasn't put you off, I highly recommend it!
I haven't seen the movie, but I read the book many years ago. I remember reading the last pages of the book on a bus and finding myself beginning to tear up and wondering if people around me were watching me.
ReplyDeleteYes! It's very powerful. I highly recommend the movie!
DeleteI am rather intrigued now...I may have to check this book out.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. I see copies of this book at thrift stores all the time. You should be able to pick one up easily. And I'd love to hear what you think of it!
Deletehaven't ever watched the movie, but maybe I will now. I too love this story ( I read it before I was a mom) and it is one that is always on my top lists.
ReplyDeleteAs always, I'm going to be the lone dissenter. I didn't like this book. I didn't hate it, and I finished it, but I was left feeling pretty meh about it. Honestly, I read it a few years ago, and don't even remember it that well. Your review makes me wonder if I should reread it. I've read a few books at one point in my life that made me feel one way, and then when I read them again, I'm surprised by my reaction.
ReplyDeleteI am going to take a look. Guess, I would like. Thanks for recommending. And glad that you visited my lil' space. :)
ReplyDeletePls visit to read Army Wife Tales at
Tale Of Two Tomatoes
Also, to take a look at 26 lip-smacking Chicken Recipes at Something's Cooking
I haven't read the book or seen the movie, but I remember my best friend had it was great when it came out. Not sure if I could finish it, but I just might take a look.
ReplyDeleteOh!! See, now I want to read this.
ReplyDeleteYour list is amazing and I've been writing them down as books I *must* read!
It's funny, when you find someone with the same taste in food as you, you trust them when they say,"try it, you'll like it." You have been that for me where books are concerned.
And yes, I'm going thru and commenting now, finally!!
I love your posts!!