Play Book Tag discussion

This book falls into the category of being both wonderful and challenging to read. It's very complex, and Thien definitely assumes her readers are smart enough to connect the many dots. It's lengthy, dense, and slow to read. That being said, I loved it. Her writing is so thought provoking, and I learned a lot about Chinese history. Frankly, I'm shocked this book didn't actually win the Man Booker prize over The Sellout.

A few tips if you decide to take this book on. First, Wikipedia has a family tree. Honestly, in the beginning it is a little hard to track the relationships. It's really not that hard once you get the hang of it, but it does distract you from the storyline when you keep thinking to yourself, "now who is that person's father?").

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Do_Not_...

You're welcome.

Second, I really knew almost nothing (to the point of it being embarrassing) about Chinese history. Fortunately, my husband is like a living breathing history textbook able to provide a wonderful summation at a moment's notice. In case your spouse isn't, the link below is a very fast, easy reference about the time period in question. Well worth the five minutes it takes to read.

http://www.china-mike.com/chinese-his...

So what's the book about? Everything. Love, loss, oppression, heroism, identity. It's epic in scope (covering three generations) and heartbreaking in its details. There's a thread of music woven throughout the story, and frankly I know little about classical music, but I'd love to re-read this and listen to some of the music referenced. I suspect that this book is one that would stand up very, very well to re-reading . . .now that I know the characters and how they fit together, I would be able to focus more on the language and other aspects of the book that make it so rich.

While the sellout was intellectually brilliant, this is the book I thought should have won the Booker. I was stunned when my prediction was wrong.

Nice review for an amazing book. I agree hat it was challenging to read but for me it was worth the challenge

I actually went back to your blog, Jen, when I first started the book to revisit your thoughts. I am astounded this book wasn't selected. It is so universal in its emotional range, gorgeous in its use of the language all in this wonderful culturally diverse package. I thought it was impressive.

I’m so happy you liked this. I agree- I enjoyed The Sellout, but this was just so good, and I felt it was more Booker material. I even tagged the music references in my copy so I can reread and listen to those pieces together. Someday...

Wonderful review and helpful links. So glad you enjoyed it. I get embarrassed a lot from my ignorance of history and China's in particular, so it was great to get a window on it with an engaging family saga behind it. The geneology help won't resolve the fact that the two young female protagonists of different generations feel identical, because it must be on purpose.

Tracy wrote: "I’m so happy you liked this. I agree- I enjoyed The Sellout, but this was just so good, and I felt it was more Booker material. I even tagged the music references in my copy so I can reread and lis..."

Let me know if and when you decide to re-read. I never re-read, but I'd like to re-read this one . . .

Michael wrote: "Wonderful review and helpful links. So glad you enjoyed it. I get embarrassed a lot from my ignorance of history and China's in particular, so it was great to get a window on it with an engaging fa..."

Thank you, Michael! I guarantee you know a lot more than I do about the history. I am definitely embarrassed how little I know about history, other than American. I loved learning about it while reading this amazing story. I do agree with you on the two female characters (I know exactly which two you mean), and I do think it was purposeful.

I definitely need to go back and start again.

Susie wrote: "I definitely need to go back and start again."

I do think that if you start over and take your time that you will appreciate this one in the end . . .it's just a book to savor so you kinda need to be in the frame of mind for that experience!

I always find that when a book gets reviewed well, I end up appreciating it more. Thank you Anita, and I’m truly glad you liked it!

Amy wrote: "I always find that when a book gets reviewed well, I end up appreciating it more. Thank you Anita, and I’m truly glad you liked it!"

I know we didn't totally see eye to eye on this one, Amy, but I recall you indicated that you were under a lot of pressure to return it to the library. I really think that probably didn't help matters. Some books you can skim or read parts fast, but I don't think this is one of them, lol. I also think it is a hard book to digest without some external info . . .but that might just be me!

Wonderful review. Already on my tbr .. but I"m going to prioritize it.

I really think you will like this, BC . . .

I didn’t hate it... per my usual I was coming in under the rave. And you’re right I was feeling very pressured to get through it. But your review did make me appreciate it more. I definitely did notice that parts of it were absolutely beautiful.

I'm going to post my review in a day or to, but I'm on the same page as Anita. We actually did a buddy read and had some discussions back and forth but overall our feelings were in sync.

I am in the midst of putting my Florida home on the market, actually I think it went 'live' today. It's very stressful, as I am probably putting my NY home up for sale after this, it's why I am falling behind on my reviews right now.

If you know anyone interested in a 55+ community in South Florida, you can check out the video going up soon on Zillow and all the other online sites.

http://198.57.196.21/video/6850.htm

Oh Linda, I know how that feels. We just sold my parents’ property on the weekend. It is very stressful. Good luck.

Yikes that sounds stressful Linda, but your place looks great! Bet it sells fast.

Anita wrote: "Yikes that sounds stressful Linda, but your place looks great! Bet it sells fast."

I hope so, but there is a glut on the market right now, so fingers crossed. Then there's all that packing up and finding a place to live. Didn't read a single page yesterday!

Linda, sending you love for this big transition.

I will need to add this one to the want to read pile.

Good luck Linda — you (or the stagers) have the same bedspread as we do — the travel one :-D.