My Last Innocent Year has become my favorite campus novel. In addiction to evreything you said I loved Isabel as a MC because while at times confused she ultimately makes good choices. And isn't it what growing up is all about, the ability to discern a bad choicecwhen you see it and run in the opposite direction? She was an endearing main character. I agree that the last chapter was a bit unnecessary but it didn't bother me so much
Yesssss! I completely agree! There is growth there and good decisions without handwaving the long lasting effects of her experience. Now that I type that I’m convincing myself the last chapter was essential...
I completely agree with the pacing of Hello, Beautiful! There was just so much happening and we never got to sink into the connection-creating nuances. I got really frustrated by about halfway through because of this - it reminded me of a yoga class where the instructor never let me stay in a pose for more than a beat!
Very interested to hear your thoughts on The Rehearsal, especially given the comparison to Trust Exercise (one of my favorite books!). I haven’t read The Luminaries yet, but I really enjoyed Birnam Wood.
Love the backlist. I’m here for your rereading project.
Thanks, Claire!
My Last Innocent Year has become my favorite campus novel. In addiction to evreything you said I loved Isabel as a MC because while at times confused she ultimately makes good choices. And isn't it what growing up is all about, the ability to discern a bad choicecwhen you see it and run in the opposite direction? She was an endearing main character. I agree that the last chapter was a bit unnecessary but it didn't bother me so much
Yesssss! I completely agree! There is growth there and good decisions without handwaving the long lasting effects of her experience. Now that I type that I’m convincing myself the last chapter was essential...
Yes, maybe it could have been better executed but the author gives us a glimpse into what those good choices lead to.
I'm looking forward to hearing what you think of Chain Gang All stars, like you I could see the brilliance but I really struggled with reading it
Very much same!
I completely agree with the pacing of Hello, Beautiful! There was just so much happening and we never got to sink into the connection-creating nuances. I got really frustrated by about halfway through because of this - it reminded me of a yoga class where the instructor never let me stay in a pose for more than a beat!
Amazing metaphor. That is exactly how I felt! Give me some time to breath and stretch into things!
Just the TITLE of My Last Innocent Year has me hooked! It doesn’t appear to come out in the U.K. until 2024 but I’m looking forward to reading it
Enjoy!! And let me know what you think!
I read Chain-Gang a few months ago and absolutely loved it! Glad you’re enjoying it so far - looking forward to reading about your final thoughts!
Very interested to hear your thoughts on The Rehearsal, especially given the comparison to Trust Exercise (one of my favorite books!). I haven’t read The Luminaries yet, but I really enjoyed Birnam Wood.