Play Book Tag discussion

I just saw a news flash from Harper Books, her publisher! I have this on my TBR - so thrilled for one of my favorite authors. She was nominated fir The Poisonwood Bible but did not win. I have read essays and interviews about how she was inspired to write both books and the writing experience - there was a similarity as coming from a deep place. Not surprised and so deserved.

Also, Hernan Diaz was co-winner for Trust, another book on ky TBR and an author I love.

First time ever I not only have heard of the Pulitzer winners but have their winning books in my TBR because I like the authors. Not because they were nominees.

Theresa wrote: "First time ever I not only have heard of the Pulitzer winners but have their winning books in my TBR because I like the authors. Not because they were nominees...."

Yes, makes me feel that my own opinions are validated! LOL

I’m really happy for both authors. I love Barbara Kingsolver. Many of her books have had a noticeable impact on my world view, even some of her lighter books. The Pulitzer judges often reward books with the power to do that. I’ve been slow to pick up her latest book, which I anticipate will fall into the category of “depressing but worth it.”

I really admired Trust. The structure is very innovative and thought-provoking. I will think about this book every time I start an autobiographical book, or one written with a ghost writer. (I’m looking at you Spare.)

Demon Copperhead was excellent!

Happy to see a book I loved win the prize.

Theresa wrote: "Also, Hernan Diaz was co-winner for Trust, another book on ky TBR and an author I love.

First time ever I not only have heard of the Pulitzer winners but have their winning books i..."

Feels good, doesn't it? Just reminds us that we are pretty smart, too. peace, janz

I can truly say that I read and enjoyed this book before it was famous for winning the Pulitzer. It was a five star rating for me even if I wanted to slap Demon occasionally.

I read them both. I loved Demon especially because I know David Copperfield pretty well, and it was great to see how she used it. Trust was a bit too "meta" for me. I much preferred In the Distance, which is the book with which BC introduced many of us to Diaz.

This is a surprise (I often don't like prize winners!). I (mostly) like Kingsolver, but there is the odd one I'm not a fan of. (*cough Lacuna *cough)

LibraryCin wrote: "This is a surprise (I often don't like prize winners!). I (mostly) like Kingsolver, but there is the odd one I'm not a fan of. (*cough Lacuna *cough)"

I have read several of Kingsolver's novels and have enjoyed all but Lacuna. My sister recommended it highly and I tried but after reading 100 grueling pages, I just couldn't continue.

I am not surprised that Demon Copperhead won this prize. I liked Trust but not as much. I wanted to add that a Pulitzer finalist that didn't win is an excellent book that was in my top ten last year, and I'm surprised it hasn't been more widely read:

The Immortal King Rao by Vauhini Vara

Here are the details from the Pulitzer site in case anyone is interested in it: https://www.pulitzer.org/finalists/va...

I loved The Lacuna - I think that one is a "love it or hate it" type.

I too went looking for the nominee list and have added King Rao to my TBR. It has slid under the radar ... or just is too literary fiction sounding for the main stream dystopian SFF readers and thus has not found its audience. I am going to test it as a possible read for my Feminerdy Book Club. This sounds like it would fit with Klara and the Sun fans.

It would also blow out the India Birthday Candle.

I too loved The Lacuna, one of my top 10 reads that year.

John wrote: "LibraryCin wrote: "This is a surprise (I often don't like prize winners!). I (mostly) like Kingsolver, but there is the odd one I'm not a fan of. (*cough Lacuna *cough)"

I have read several of Kin..."

I'm with you John! I've loved all her books except The Lacuna. I finished it, but disliked it so much I really thought hard before committing to reading Demon Copperhead.

Theresa wrote: "I too went looking for the nominee list and have added King Rao to my TBR. It has slid under the radar ... or just is too literary fiction sounding for the main stream dystopian SFF readers and thu..."
I think it would be a good choice for your Feminerdy group. I loved both books. I guess it is "literary" but also just a fantastic story that would make a great film (or mini-series). As a added bonus, it has two strong female lead characters.

ETA - Yes, I think if you enjoyed either of the following, you would enjoy The Immortal King Rao:
Babel: An Arcane History
Klara and the Sun

Have not yet read Babel - isn't that by same author as The Poppy War - which is on our possibles list for Feminerdy - because I added it. 😄

I have added Immortal King Rao to its possibles list. We have our reading through September laid out. We'll see if I can get it into our future planning - I managed with Klara.

Yes, same author. I haven't read The Poppy War, but I'm inclined to try others by Kuang based on how much I loved Babel.

Sue wrote: "I'm with you John! I've loved all her books except The Lacuna. I finished it, but disliked it so much I really thought hard before committing to reading Demon Copperhead...."

In all honesty, I haven't yet looked into "Demon Copperhead" to see what it's even about, so not sure if I'll read it or not.

"Babel" is sitting on my shelf and I have been wanting to read it for some time.

And, a Happy Mother's Day to all those celebrating today.

Joy D wrote: "Yes, same author. I haven't read The Poppy War, but I'm inclined to try others by Kuang based on how much I loved Babel."

@Joy, I love Kuang and really enjoyed The Poppy War but definite warnings as it gets pretty brutal, part is based on the the rape of Nanking.