I don't know if it's me, if I've read too many books lately or if the recent selections I've read are just as slow as they seem to me.
Anyone who has talked to me about my book selections/preferences knows I love anything by Nicholas Sparks. He's on the short list (the very short list) of authors I read without even reading the back blurb. I've also stopped waiting for paperback on him (an even shorter, short list).
But I'm disappointed with his latest book. First of all, I can usually read his books in one sitting. If I start it at lunch (at work), I come home and read until I can't stay awake any longer. I repeat until the book is finished.
I've been reading for a week now. That may not seem like a big deal but I didn't even open the book yesterday. THAT is a big deal - at least when it comes to Nicholas Sparks books.
This story is about Jeremy Marsh and Lexie Darnell. The characters are flat. I don't care about them. And the worse part, for me anyway, is - Sparks' next book is about these same characters. (can you hear me sighing?)
I've heard other people criticize Sparks' writing. They say he doesn't write romance novels - that he writes novels about relationships. I've always considered his book romance novels (but could see the relationship theory) but think True Believer is intended to be a romance novel and for me, it's falling flat. I hate that.
Seriously, can you hear me sighing?
2 comments:
Yes, L, I can hear you sighing.
Is it because we've learned too much about the process of writing? Or is it we've outgrown teh style of writing by the authors we autobuy?
I have a few books all over, in boxes) throughout the house with bookmarks sticking out anywhere from the early pages towards the middle. I'm trying my darnedest to get into the stories. The writing is grand. But something, I can't put my finger on it, is missing.
Lately, I'm forcing myself to read something else. Anything new, odd, that I wouldn't normally read. I've gone back to pure fantasy, then pick up a horror, then another genre. I find myself inching towards the literary type books (think thick histories on kings/queens/place) that are so bone dry but what I cut my reading teeth on.
I hope the next book is better for you, L. Maybe he's just started teh characters out tooooooooooooooooooooooooooo slow to find any depth, etc for them.
At least it wasn't a wall banger. ;)
~k.
How the Irish Saved Civilization took me over 2 years to read.
I don't think it's the process of writing that's getting to me. Nicholas Sparks can usually suck me in to the story in the first sentence.
By the end of the first paragraph, I'm in love with the characters.
By the end of the first chapter I want to BE the characters.
This book just isn't doing it for me. Jeremy is too cocky and Lexie is too aloof. It's hard to understand why either of them get attracted to the other.
Now Lexie's grandmother is a hoot but sad thing is, I haven't been drawn enough into the story to be able to remember her name.
How sad is that?
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