Books fly at us often. We bibliophiles are barraged with new releases, paperbacks, beach reads and novels that have been on our nightstand for a month. Or six.
We stress ourselves out and wish we read faster. Even the speed readers among us cannot keep up.
I think this is marvelous and I truly love the rush. So for those of you who don’t enjoy the back-logged anxiety as much as I, then read on.
Here is a spot for reviews of works old and new; some straight from the publisher, yet-to-be- released, and some several years old.
Here is a glimpse into my reading life, into what’s on my bookshelf and nightstand. Let this column be your guide as you rest easy, my friends. Or use it as justification to go grab just one more book.
Happy reading,
Shannon
http://postcardscalder.blogspot.com
‘Gentlemen & Players,’ by Joanne Harris
No story should be compared to another.
As a reviewer, this simple sentence takes on even greater significance.
For example, it would be unfair to describe “Free Food for Millionaires,” by Min Jin Lee, as a cross between Amy Tan’s “Joy Luck Club,” and “Good in Bed,” by Jennifer Weiner. Besides the unfairness, it’s also not an exact description. Close, but not exact.
Yet, when I’m perusing the literature sections in a bookstore, recommending books to friends and acquaintances, speaking at book clubs or introducing new authors to new audiences, I feel entirely justified to describe novels in this fashion.
Upon first instinct, I want to write that “Gentlemen & Players” is what the ever-popular “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown should have been. It’s also a poor comparison and an injustice to Brown. He wrote, finally, the national sensation he’d been trying to write for years. However shallow and thriller-esque and formulaic the book was, we cannot argue that it was entertaining. Perhaps that was Brown’s only goal—and a novel (pardon the pun) one at that. ‘Twas candy for us bibliophiles.
We love to critique that book in our elitist ways—to roll our eyes when we see the red cover. Yet, we all read it and couldn’t put the thing down.
Now that I’ve paid my small homage to the sweeping, trendy read, let me say I don’t compare authors. I inherently compare my reactions to the works.
At first, “Gentlemen and Players,” should have been what “The Da Vinci Code,” attempted to be. But that isn’t accurate, as I’ve mentioned. “Gentlemen and Players,” is what I wanted from “The Da Vinci Code.”
“Gentlemen and Players,” is beyond clever. Beyond surprising. And, in a very tricky way, makes the reader wonder who is the protagonist and who is the antagonist as we quietly begin to cheer for all of them.
We, as readers, are also fed our share of foreshadowing.
This novel, originally published in January 2006, and the only reason I picked it up was the dear bookseller at Bloomsbury Books in Ashland, Ore. She would not allow me to continue my opinion of Joanne Harris. I had written her off as a novelist whose books I would never revere or recommend when I attempted to read “Chocolat.” Five times.
When I’m of the opinion that a movie based on a novel is better than the novel itself (which is rare, but does occur) I tend to sit in my ivory tower and not only judge, but stop reading all said authors works. It’s a flaw, I’m aware.
So here is my public apology to Harris.
And a sweeping, large bravo.
I’m choosing not to go into any sort of synopsis concerning this novel. It’s grand, and if you need a summary, there are many, as this book is a couple of years’ old now.
Trust me on this one and just go get it.
Her newest book, “The Girl with No Shadow,” awaits. I am anxious to read.
Stay tuned, my fellow book lovers.
Be good.
And for goodness sakes, read this book.
Shannon Calder is a freelance writer/consultant/inspiration specialist and book reviewer. To read more go to http://postcardscalder.blogspot.com
