The Library at Mount Char - my review was actually WTAF: The hold on this book through the library was almost a YEAR. I’m still not exactly sure what I just read, but it was certainly different from my usual fare. 3.5 stars. I’ll say that I liked it better than Hitchhiker’s Guide.
Mexican Gothic:4 stars
Reminiscent of Rebecca and Jane Eyre, including the creepy mansion and servants, this book, heavy on the grotesque, was exceedingly readable. I didn't know what the secret was, but I predicted the solution and the outcome about halfway through. One thing's for sure, you'll never look at [spoiler redacted] the same way again!
I think the scariest I ever read growing up was Mary Higgins Clark. I loooooove Halloween, but I don’t like being scared. 🦂🦂🦂🦂
My recommendation for a book that vies for Mount Char within my own top 5 is Swan Song by Robert R McCammon. It's a post apocalyptic setting, good vs evil and rivals Library in WTAF. The "good" characters are great and the others.....well.......
I put the audiobook for the Library at Mount Char on hold the day this was published and finally got it last Friday. I listened to the whole thing over the weekend - wow! I absolutely loved it! I probably would not have picked up the book based on the blurb, but gave it a go based on Melissa's rave review here. I found the plot to be fast moving, full of surprises, and super engaging.
Hi! MU, I sent you an educational video on Instagram from a BIPOC creator on using the S word. Just wanted to share in our continual journey of learning and unlearning ❤️
OK I read Mount Char on your recommend and it EFFFED ME UP. But I still think about different phrases, lines, scenarios in that book ALL. THE. TIME. Which to me is a hallmark of excellent writing albeit disturbing. ETA: I loved Mexican Gothic - it was creepy and kinda weird - but really interesting and good!
I also listened to Fairy Tale and wish I could listen again for the first time. It was wonderful!!
I just finished the Library at Mount Char on your recommendation. I went in blind, didn’t read anything about it, and it was mind blowing. SO. GOOD!! Your recommendations have always been on point so thank you for sharing these!
I read Fairy Tale and let me tell you that reading it felt unbearably long. My bestie recommended it to me but didn’t tell me she listened to the audio of it.
It was well written and an interesting story and I loved the dog but I truly only kept reading at some points because of the dog.
Good example of how a great narrator can change how we feel about books!
Listening was also SO LONG. It really was two stories in one--before and after Bodich. But listening made a huge difference, I think, because it stayed engaging throughout. I'm listening to The Outsider now (I've read it in the past but I'm listening now) and it's the same way.
Do not read The Story of Edgar Sawtelle!! I waited and waited and WAITED for it to get happier and IT DID NOT. I sobbed multiple times reading this book. And the dog is a main character.
Conversely, The Art of Racing in the Rain has a dog main character and it’s so wonderful. I loved that book so much. All of the stars, despite all of the crying.
The Library at Mount Char - my review was actually WTAF: The hold on this book through the library was almost a YEAR. I’m still not exactly sure what I just read, but it was certainly different from my usual fare. 3.5 stars. I’ll say that I liked it better than Hitchhiker’s Guide.
Mexican Gothic:4 stars
Reminiscent of Rebecca and Jane Eyre, including the creepy mansion and servants, this book, heavy on the grotesque, was exceedingly readable. I didn't know what the secret was, but I predicted the solution and the outcome about halfway through. One thing's for sure, you'll never look at [spoiler redacted] the same way again!
I think the scariest I ever read growing up was Mary Higgins Clark. I loooooove Halloween, but I don’t like being scared. 🦂🦂🦂🦂
I have turned to reading cozier fall witchy reads instead of straight up scaries :)
Mexican Gothic - 4 stars
Good Indians - 5+ stars
Mount Char - every single star available!
My recommendation for a book that vies for Mount Char within my own top 5 is Swan Song by Robert R McCammon. It's a post apocalyptic setting, good vs evil and rivals Library in WTAF. The "good" characters are great and the others.....well.......
HOW HAVE YOU NOT MENTIONED THIS BOOK BEFORE. Adding to my TBR immediately.
LOL - oops? I'm sure I have but honestly it is RIGHT up your alley! Like....go get immediate!
Welp, just downloaded the library at mount char. Here we go!
I put the audiobook for the Library at Mount Char on hold the day this was published and finally got it last Friday. I listened to the whole thing over the weekend - wow! I absolutely loved it! I probably would not have picked up the book based on the blurb, but gave it a go based on Melissa's rave review here. I found the plot to be fast moving, full of surprises, and super engaging.
Bonus - Middlegames is “free” right now with Kindle unlimited.
Hi! MU, I sent you an educational video on Instagram from a BIPOC creator on using the S word. Just wanted to share in our continual journey of learning and unlearning ❤️
Thanks for connecting there! Appreciate that insight.
OK I read Mount Char on your recommend and it EFFFED ME UP. But I still think about different phrases, lines, scenarios in that book ALL. THE. TIME. Which to me is a hallmark of excellent writing albeit disturbing. ETA: I loved Mexican Gothic - it was creepy and kinda weird - but really interesting and good!
I re-read it about a year ago (Mount Char) and it was JUST AS GOOD.
I also listened to Fairy Tale and wish I could listen again for the first time. It was wonderful!!
I just finished the Library at Mount Char on your recommendation. I went in blind, didn’t read anything about it, and it was mind blowing. SO. GOOD!! Your recommendations have always been on point so thank you for sharing these!
Yes yes yes!!! :)
Just when I didn’t think I could love you anymore...Stephen King! He is my all time fave. I just finished The mindfuck series...so very good!
I have loved Stephen King since I read Pet Semetary at age 12. He's a brilliant writer.
Same. I’ve been reading his stuff since I could read! I am currently reading his latest Holly.
Reading this from the airport lounge and you made my 10 day beach holiday so much more interesting! Thanks as always.
YESSSSS!!! Enjoy!
I read Fairy Tale and let me tell you that reading it felt unbearably long. My bestie recommended it to me but didn’t tell me she listened to the audio of it.
It was well written and an interesting story and I loved the dog but I truly only kept reading at some points because of the dog.
Good example of how a great narrator can change how we feel about books!
Listening was also SO LONG. It really was two stories in one--before and after Bodich. But listening made a huge difference, I think, because it stayed engaging throughout. I'm listening to The Outsider now (I've read it in the past but I'm listening now) and it's the same way.
Do not read The Story of Edgar Sawtelle!! I waited and waited and WAITED for it to get happier and IT DID NOT. I sobbed multiple times reading this book. And the dog is a main character.
Conversely, The Art of Racing in the Rain has a dog main character and it’s so wonderful. I loved that book so much. All of the stars, despite all of the crying.
The Art is one of those books I've recommended over and over and over again. It's perfection.
Thanks for the heads up!