Play Book Tag discussion

When she is sent to an orphanage at the age of eight, Beth Harmon soon discovers two ways to escape her surroundings, albeit fleetingly: playing chess and taking the little green pills given to her and the other children to keep them subdued. Before long, it becomes apparent that hers is a prodigious talent, and as she progresses to the top of the US chess rankings she is able to forge a new life for herself. But she can never quite overcome her urge to self-destruct. For Beth, there’s more at stake than merely winning and losing.

Once this novel was made into a TV series, it got really popular. And almost every day I saw the amazed reviews on it. But I stubbornly kept steering clear of it. I just couldn't see what was so attractive in a book mainly about chess (especially considering that I know nothing of it).

However, the book also kept stubbornly appearing on different book lists. So I've finally given up and decided to give it a try. And I'm so happy I did it. It was definitely worth it.

I still don't understand most of the chess game, but I was completely riveted by the story of Beth Harmon. It was interesting to see what lies behind the winner, what made them like this, and what motivated him and helped them to keep going.

And I also learned that this novel isn't about chess only. It raises a lot of issues - drug and alcohol abuse, adoption, and feminism. It was a completely enjoyable read.

I loved this book and the TV series. Usually the book is so much better than the movie, but this one was a tie! Hope you'll try to the TV series.

Shelly wrote: "I loved this book and the TV series. Usually the book is so much better than the movie, but this one was a tie! Hope you'll try to the TV series."

I'm definitely going to watch the TV series now, Shelly! I want to watch it with my husband so I'm looking forward to starting it this weekend.