100 Books Challenge discussion

This thread is for discussion of our April Group Read - Jack Maggs by Peter Carey.

I've ordered my copy from the library. I hope it's in this week. It looks interesting.

I just ordered it from my library system. I should have it next week, though I have a couple more books to finish before I can start on this one.

Just received my book from the library last night. :)

My copy is in, but I didn’t make it there today. Hope I can get it tomorrow, but it’s a busy day.

I picked it up today, but need to finish another book first.

Have just read about 27 pages the entire time I have had it and now due in 3 days. lol :) I hope that I can read it in that time or will have to put it back on hold.

I've read one chapter so not even 27 pages ... I can renew once, I think. Mine's due 4/28 so I could finish. Not sure what I think yet.

So far I am liking it ok. I saw reviews that said it was like Great Expectations in ways. I like "Great Expectations" so I am trying to give it a chance. :)

I read Great Expectations in high school. I liked it & would like to read it again. This book is ok so far. I’ve read 10 chapters so only about 10% in.

I finished it a little while ago. I give it 3 stars. Won't say more until others have finished it & I've had time to think about it.

I'm about half-way done. I was really intrigued and interested for while, but now it's getting repetitive and dragging.

Well, this has taken a turn I wasn't expecting. About 40 pages to the end .... But on the road for a family event and not getting much reading done.

I had to return my copy. I have about a couple of days before I can get it again, but It was starting to get weird?

I found it really odd in places.

Well, I hope I won't spoil anything for anyone. I generally don't post spoilers anyway.

I did not care for Jack or really anyone else. I also felt pity for Jack from time to time. It was a really odd story and I had to force myself to finish, but I do think it was fairly well told ... hence the 3 stars. The ending felt really rushed & unrealistic.

Finally finished it today. I agree, a rather odd story. I read a review that said this was supposedly a retelling of Dickens' Great Expectations and I do see some parallels now.

I'll probably give this 3 stars. There are times when the writing really puts me into the story, but the "weirdness" of the plot turns me off. And I thought the ending was rather anti-climatic.

Also don't really know why the subplot of Tobias' and his sister-in-law. That didn't really add anything, other than motivation for Tobias to finally "help" Maggs.

Still reading mine after finally getting it back from the library. I have been distracted lately though and haven't read as much. I think I pick it up and just read 5/10 pages at a time so is going slowly for me.

LINK to My Review 3***

Loved your review Book Concierge. :) I am still reading it but I have so many other books I am trying to read, that it is taking me a while. Since I had to finally return it to the library, I decided to get my own copy and am reading that copy now. :)

Martha said: ..."I did not care for Jack or really anyone else. I also felt pity for Jack from time to time. It was a really odd story and I had to force myself to finish, but I do think it was fairly well told" ...

I agree with you Martha. I didn't care for any of the characters and I had to force myself to finish it.

I finished Jack Maggs. I had to rate it two stars. I just could not get into it. This is the second book of Peter Carey's that I just could not stand. I don't know about this author.

Sadly we have another one coming up. Hope it’s better.