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The Goldfinch

It was one of the best novels I've read in a long time. After reading it, I read a few reviews and I'm so glad that I didn't read them beforehand. I just knew there was buzz about the book, grabbed it from the library, and started reading.

You should totally finish it!
 
I loved it. Admittedly, there were parts that really drug out for me, but other parts I really enjoyed so I plugged through. I thought it was wonderful writing!
 
I loved it but thought it was awfully wordy. Like the book could have been at least a 1/3 shorter with a good edit.
 
There were some slow parts, but it's always hard for an author to keep the momentum going when the book starts out with a bang like this one does, but sticking with it is rewarding!
 
Hhhhhmmmm... Not sure if I should add it to my read list or not... :-/
 
I pretty much echo Julie's description word for word. I'm glad I finished it, but I wouldn't re-read it again. For me to say I LOVE a book, that means I'm going to read it again someday.
 
gonewiththewind said:
It was one of the best novels I've read in a long time. After reading it, I read a few reviews and I'm so glad that I didn't read them beforehand. I just knew there was buzz about the book, grabbed it from the library, and started reading.

You should totally finish it!
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I feel the same. I absolutely loved it!!! It's definitely a commitment and not exactly a light read. I agree with all of you in that it's an extremely descriptive literary style of writing and a very wordy book ... I felt like dissecting it as if I was still in HS Honors/AP English classes. But I really enjoy that style of writing. (again when i'm in the mood for it and have the time). I had to psych myself up for it before I began ... bc I also love a novel that I can breeze through in a day or two. Both styles of reading appeal to me.

I've got to find a good book or two to read over winter break. All I read these days are textbooks ... bleh!
 
Along that same line, I'm currently reading A Little Life - I'm about a quarter of the way through. It's another long one, and pretty brutal. It's one of those that's hard to say you enjoyed it due to the subject matter, but the writing is wonderful, and the characters are just amazing.
 
Julie that's one I'm considering. I love good character studies, so good to hear on that note. Let us know how you make out with it ... and what you think when you finish! I won't be able to read for fun until about Dec 15th. And I know I'm going to have a hard time choosing!!
 
I loved Goldfinch. I felt like it had a unique narrative voice and was really thought-provoking! It had kind of a "Sophie's Choice" quality to it...doing the wrong thing for the right reason ethical struggles. Goldfinch stayed with me a long time after I read it too.
 
That's the one I'm reading right now too, Julie and I can hardly put it down. I'm debating whether or not to choose it as my book for our 2016 Book Club year, for the reasons you say. It is a tough and emotional read and a lot of people prefer something a little lighter. But like Jenn says, I love a good character study and this is one of the best I've ever read.

mrs2a50 said:
Along that same line, I'm currently reading A Little Life - I'm about a quarter of the way through. It's another long one, and pretty brutal. It's one of those that's hard to say you enjoyed it due to the subject matter, but the writing is wonderful, and the characters are just amazing.
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OH, thanks for chiming in Nancy on Julie's suggestion. OK ... this is going to be one of my reads. I just requested it from library but I'm 21 on the wait list. If its not ready in 3 weeks then I'll just buy it! I'm excited!
 
I read The Goldfinch all in one day. It was intense. I also thought there were a lot of parts that could be trimmed down, but it was interesting and worth reading. It stayed with me as well, and every once in awhile something will pop up to make me think about it, which doesn't happen often for me.
 
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