Karen > Recent Status Updates

Kind of a mix. The dictionary and word narratives are interesting. Esme’s life is boring.

Did not finish

Did not finish.

Meh

Not great.

All the anachronisms and Americanisms spoil the mood. Two examples: Brits use the term charity shop, not thrift store. Middle schools were not called that until the 1960s.

All the Americanisms and anachronisms are an irritation.

Disappointed so far.

I am very disappointed. This book needs a lot of editing, for one thing. And I cannot get past the fact that Charlie has lost his cousin Jimmy with apparently no reaction. Hard to get into the story now.

So far, it is just kind of silly. I love the characters but the situation is so foreign to them I am having trouble seeing them in it. Would love to know why she wrote this one!

This is a strange book. Sometimes it sounds like a catalogue of all the trendy things rich couples buy. I bought it at a yarn store thinking it would be a cozy. It is not. The author needs to learn that you don't tell the reader, you show.

Quote: The kitchen...had the requisite array of upper-end appliances one would expect in any kitchen where gourmet chefs made themselves at home...

This is fascinating, but difficult to read. In addition to citing the current work of returning books to their owners, he covers the history of many Jewish libraries, the other ethnic libraries that existed, and those of secret societies such as Freemasons. To me it is an interesting psychological study that the Nazis wished to study the people they were in the process of destroying.

This is weird. The puns and jokes take away from the story. Can't quite take it seriously but i really think it is meant to be a serious discussion. There are several books in the series so other people must enjoy it. I don't intend to try them.

This is slow going. Dont think i see yet what others find so fascinating.

When I read fiction, I expect to be transported to a new world. I want to see what the characters see, I want to smell the air, feel the wind on my face. I expect to sense what they are wearing, if they are cold or hot, know what the rooms look like and if they are hungry and what they want to buy the next time they are at the market. I do not get any of this from this book.

This was fun! How have I missed this series all these years? I have to go back and start from the beginning.

Not at all pleased with this book. I expected more, the cast of characters has become so unpleasant that they rival the killers. I actually find Dr, Self to be the best written and consistent. One of the reviews I read said this badly needs some editing to remove repetition and create more consistency with the principle characters. This is not one of her books I would recommend to anyone, particularly new fans.

Disappointing. Looked like it might be good: first, I hate books that make Watson look like a bumbling idiot. The language is anachronistic (I.e "infrastructure"), also too American (I.e "fiddlesticks" ) and often word choice is poor - prevaricate when he meant procrastinate. All are road bumps in reading. Too wordy and more atmospheric description than storytelling.

I would not have chosen this book if I had realized it was his riding on the train was the most important part, not the fascinating places he visited. Much too much about how his berth was comfortable or not, and if there was decent food to eat. Plus he is pretty condescending about the people he meets on the train. I am reading this in snatches when I don't have anything else to read.

Started out ok but slowing down. Wondering if it is going to go 50 shades on me.

Although this book is now out of date, it is fascinating to see how it was handled and received at the beginning.

Great universe, well thought out.