May 2019: Emma Donoghue

In May, we'll be reading works by Emma Donoghue.

Here's the discussion from the last time we read this author's books together: http://www.librarything.com/topic/255675 I believe she has a number of new books published since then.

What does everyone plan to read this month?

The last time we discussed Donoghue's works, I read Room and quite enjoyed it, even though "enjoy" still feels like the wrong word for a book with such a dark premise.

Recently (past month or so), I read her middle-grade novel The Lotterys Plus One and wasn't particularly a fan. It should have been a great read full of diversity (what I anticipated) but it felt rather forced, like she was trying to include every possible way of being into it and thereby giving short shrift to all of them. However, professional reviews of the book were by and large positive and there's a sequel out now, so I might be in the minority by not liking this book.

My plan for this month is to locate the copy of The Wonder I have floating around my house somewhere and read that.

I believe I have Life Mask and Astray on the shelves.

>2 sweetiegherkin: I share your sentiments about Room!

I also plan to read The Wonder. I've put a hold on it now so I hope to get it in time (unlike Kate Morton who I am still waiting on as March passes us by!)

>4 sparemethecensor: March is just flying by way too quickly! So much to do, so little to do it in. I've yet to pick up my Kate Morton book either; hopefully by the beginning of next week.

Perfect timing: I just got notified that The Wonder is available for me to pick up. Hoping to drop by the library tomorrow and start it soon as I just finished my current read this evening.

I finished The Wonder today. It took me quite a while to get through. The novel wasn't terrible, but it didn't grab me the way that Room did. I had trouble getting through the third quarter especially. There are some interesting pieces to this story but it wasn't as engaging as it could have been. This novel also takes some dark, violent turns with regard to characters' back stories that I wasn't quite ready for. And frankly they weren't done justice. I'm not sure I would recommend this one.

>7 sparemethecensor: I loved Room and Slammerkin but was really underwhelmed by The Wonder.

>8 Yells: Yeah...I was reading some LT reviews last night and it appears that you and I are in good company.

>7 sparemethecensor:, >8 Yells: Oh boy. That doesn't bode well for me for whenever I get around to reading The Wonder.