Book report: Let the Great World Turn

I haven't been reading for a few months. If I'm not happy, I can't read. Because I have to be happy to be consumed. And reading is all-consuming for me. I knew that when I started reading again it would be a good sign. And I tried to force it. But in the end, the book I picked back up was one of the ones I had put down when I couldn't focus my brain on anything but sadness. And I'm glad I went back to Let the Great World Spin.


Even though I'm a bit tired of that colliding synchronicity method that so many storytellers have used in recent years, I enjoyed this book. Even when it wobbled, I was excited about the words and the turning of the pages. I really didn't appreciate how good it was until I reached the very end and started surveying its great sweep. Though I hope I read better books this year. I'm so excited about David Mitchell's new book. But mostly, I'm glad I'm reading again.

P.S. You can shop my bookshelf faves here!
Posted by Jane Flanagan
Labels:

9 comments:

  1. I am the same way about reading....I have to be in a place where I can allow myself to fall into a book. Otherwise I find myself just staring at the pages. SO excited to hear that David Mitchell has a new one coming out - Cloud Atlas was fascinating!

    ReplyDelete

  2. Oof, I love David Mitchell. He is one of the greats. Cloud Atlas and Black Swan Green are always near the top of my best-of lists. The new one looks...different, but I'm excited nonetheless!

    Glad to hear you're reading again...

    ReplyDelete

  3. this book is on my list for the summer. i'm glad you enjoyed it

    ReplyDelete

  4. That's great news, Jane! I love the cover of this book and I will check out Mitchell. I've heard about him but havn't yet read anything by him.

    Have a happy relaxing weekend.

    ReplyDelete

  5. I enjoyed this book, too. I read it a few months ago and have to admit that my experience was a little colored by the fact that a friend lives in the same building as Colum McCann and I was so looking forward to telling him to tell Colum that I thoroughly enjoyed his book that I didn't notice that at times the enjoyment wasn't quite so thorough. There were some moments that made me stop though and wonder at a turn of phrase or description. I've been on a John McGahern kick of late and, sigh, there is much stopping and awe at his insights into the Irish character. I feel like I grew up in his books/head. I'm not sure what I'll do when I run out of his books. Hey, you're welcome to borrow any if you ever want a bookswap with NY!

    ReplyDelete

  6. Thanks Jacinta! I have all of John McGahern's books too. He's amazing, though there's always something that holds me back from falling fully into his narratives.

    ReplyDelete

  7. I completely agree with what you said about having to be happy to come under the spell of a book, I feel the same way but have never really put it into words, so thank you!
    I just found your blog on frolic and am enjoying it very much!

    ~Pearl
    http://theskytheykeep.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

  9. i like that you continue to share the books you are reading...

    (you seem to read so often!)

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your comments!

Comments are moderated for spam, advertising, obscenity etc. Please note that your profile name links to your site/blog. Using the comment field to promote your site/blog is considered spamming.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)