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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
The story of Philippe Petit, who walked on a tightrope between the two World Trade Center towers in the 70s, is the device around which these
New York stories of immigrants, upper & lower class characters, hookers & judges are framed. It was a slow burn for me. At first I was riveted
only by the tightrope story (which I knew about from the excellent documentary, Man on Wire). Then the characters and their interconnections,
as well as the writing were seared into me, causing me to feel more connected. Nice final book for the year.
New York stories of immigrants, upper & lower class characters, hookers & judges are framed. It was a slow burn for me. At first I was riveted
only by the tightrope story (which I knew about from the excellent documentary, Man on Wire). Then the characters and their interconnections,
as well as the writing were seared into me, causing me to feel more connected. Nice final book for the year.
Often heart breaking but absolutely, fabulously written. I actually put the book down at the last 20 pages because I didn't want it to end.
Peg
Peg
This book, these stories-simply incredible. One of the best books I have read this year, hands down.
This was the most beautifully crafted book I have read recently. Colum McCann has a gift for crafting characters, each with their own voice. All the while, the stories build until it has told a story that you didn't expect. His use of alliteration, listing, repetition and description is like reading a grammar book that says, "Don't do this." McCann is the exception, while avoiding cliche and drawing the reader closer. It is a modern book that will one day be considered a classic.
One of the best books I've ever read! Stunningly beautiful writing.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loved it. Let's see if the book club discussion brings me down to 4 stars. For now, I'll be bold.
The world spins. We stumble on. It is enough.
The world spins. We stumble on. It is enough.
It is a collection of stories about people who are all interrelated. The story focuses around an actual event: a tightrope walker walking between the World Trade Towers in the 1970s. A good read about people living in New York City.
This book didn't work for me and it wasn't able to talk to me. I was not emotionally involved and all the characters felt "cold"; above all I didn't feel them as real and realistic. They were one-dimensional and created by the author only to communicate his message: though life can be tough and difficult, there will always be unexpected love that helps to go on. No, I'm sorry, but life doesn't work this way.
Also, some events are too unreal, for example.
What I also didn't like was the author starting a new chapter without introducing the new characters, and then the reader had to find out about whom he was talking and how these characters were connected to each other. The stories are all intertwined and the characters' lives meet, though sometimes only for a short moment, and I had the feeling that the author wanted to add a kind of suspense so that the reader could feel happy once recognized the characters. I don't like this, I want to know about whom I'm reading. I don't feel happy or smart recognizing characters who aren't introduced as they should. This makes me only angry.
I also didn't like the writing style. 2 stars only because I managed to finish the book.
Also, some events are too unreal, for example
Spoiler
that kind of friar that falls in love and makes love with a woman, his brother that felt in love with an accomplice of the accident where the friar dies, Gloria that is able to adopt the two little children of Jazzlyn though being a divorced middle age woman, etc.What I also didn't like was the author starting a new chapter without introducing the new characters, and then the reader had to find out about whom he was talking and how these characters were connected to each other. The stories are all intertwined and the characters' lives meet, though sometimes only for a short moment, and I had the feeling that the author wanted to add a kind of suspense so that the reader could feel happy once recognized the characters. I don't like this, I want to know about whom I'm reading. I don't feel happy or smart recognizing characters who aren't introduced as they should. This makes me only angry.
I also didn't like the writing style. 2 stars only because I managed to finish the book.