9.02.2009

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

This book made me go into a kind of funk. Normally when I read I just flow along the pages and get lost in a book but I didn't with this one. Maybe it was that it hit too close to home a few times (the same night I read about a dog fight in the the book my own dog was attacked by a German Shepherd) but I just wasn't happy reading this book. Then, about half way through, Marianne (who has very similar book tastes to me) said she hated the ending, so I was dreading that. I can't go into the story without ruining it, but I will say the one redeeming factor of this book was how poetic the language was. The chapters told from the dog's point of view were beautiful. So I would recommend it and would give it maybe 3 stars.

8 comments:

Marianne said...

Yep, I HATED this book! And I am even a dog person. I can't understand why it's so popular. Maybe I'm missing some bigger meaning behind the story?

Rachel said...

Did you read Gina's review? She compared it to Hamlet. So maybe that's what the author was going for.

dave + kirst said...

Hmmm... I'm a little nervous because I'm reading it and having a hard time getting into it, and I HATE wasting my time on a book I won't like. Maybe I'll read Gina's review...

lil megan said...

Hey Rachel- Just wondering if you have to book my sister's keeper? If so could I borrow it? I've heard it's a good book and I'm on the waiting list at the library. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on it as well.

Gina said...

Ok, ok people. :) I loved this book, but like I said before, in a very different way. I fell in love with the style of writing. Oh my word, the writing is mesmorizing. I would re-read passages often while reading this book. However, like I also said before, this book is comparable to Hamlet; therefore it's not your average, every-day, happy ending book. I WAS surprised with the ending, thinking: really?? But after I sat on it for a couple of days, the more I liked it - because it's different. It's a good book to throw in your mix. And for lovers of language and the poetic world, I highly recommend this book. But for those who like to stick to happy-endings and or lighter reads, probably skip this one. :)

Gina said...

Oh yeah, and I as well LOVED the chapters that were narrated by the dog. Amazingly insightful.

Rachel said...

Megan, I do have My Sister's Keeper. Give me a call, I'm usually home in the evenings. It was a good book. Kind of sappy, really sad, but good.

Rachel said...

And I agree Gina, the language is what made me finish the book. Very beautful and poetic. I'm glad I read it though. Some books I kind of forget I ever read. But this is one of those books that will never, ever leave me. I'll still be thinking of the ending years from now.