Play Book Tag discussion

The Library at Mount Char-5 stars

It is not often I give a book 5 stars that I cannot recommend to all. This book is an exception. Not everyone will like it, many would hate it. For me it was all about the connection to the characters and the absolute masterful world building.

Carolyn and a group of children are raised by "Father" after their parents have died. Father teaches each child a particular craft from his Library and expects no one to stray outside their "catalog" and he also demands firm obedience. After a while Carolyn begins to plan an escape. Years go by, Carolyn's plan takes time and patience.

It's not as dark as it sounds-it is strange and wonderfully weird. I loved it. Such a break from the routine of all the regurgitated fantasy that is out there.

If you are into a little strange and a lot weird, I think you will agree-it absolutely deserves the 5 stars

EDIT Thank you Johanna for putting this on your unofficial trim-so glad I saw it and was able to read a long with you ;)

You're welcome! I'm glad I put it there. And I wholeheartedly agree with all aspects of your review :)

I am so glad you guys liked this one. I gave it 5 stars too and it made my top 10 of the year for the year I read it. However, I hesitate to recommend it to people because it is so different.

Cora wrote: "I am so glad you guys liked this one. I gave it 5 stars too and it made my top 10 of the year for the year I read it. However, I hesitate to recommend it to people because it is so different."

Yes, you would have to be very careful who you could tell this book about-they might start thinking you are as wacky as the characters! It may well make my top ten this year. I am just so disappointed to see that the author never wrote another fiction book after this-maybe this one just took everything out him-I can see that happening-lol

Yeah I'd like to read more by him as well.

I thought of a couple of books I liked with some of the same elements, though they have more of a YA vibe (teen problems and not as elaborate world building):
'Bone Gap' by Laura Ruby, 'Release' and 'The Rest of us just live here' both by Patrick Ness.

I'd also like to recommend Haruki Murakami's weirder/stronger alternate universe, books:
'Hard-Boiled Wonderland And The End Of The World' and '1Q84'

None of the above are as delightfully humorous as Mount Char (I feel weird to think this book was profoundly funny).

It’s been fun watching your conversation and affinity and newly struck friendship! Plus a five star read!