The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson, was the January selection for our blogger book club. I had already read it this fall so it gave me the month off... which was kind of nice because I haven't been getting as much reading done lately as I usually do! So I don't have a very succinct book review to do since the details are a bit foggy, but I will tell you that I did really enjoy this book. It kind of surprised me because I am not really into the whole murder/mystery genre. This book grabbed me though. I am especially impressed by the fact that it was translated from Swedish. I am always impressed by translations that are done well. I mean, some words just don't translate. To go off on a bit of a tangent - years ago I went to a seminar about how there are no words for some concepts in certain languages. The linguist talked specifically about how the Czech language doesn't have words for ideas such as leadership due to their oppressed past. Pretty interesting stuff. I wish I could remember more details from that talk as it was so interesting, but that was, oh, 6 years ago and I just can't remember all the details!Anyways, back to the book - it is worth checking out, especially if you like murder/mysteries. The Barnes & Noble guy talked me into buying the 2nd book when I bought this one last fall. I am such a sucker for an up sell like that. Granted, I haven't gotten around to reading the 2nd book, which was probably a mistake as I am not going to remember the story line, but oh well. I will get to it and I am sure I will eventually put the pieces back together and figure it all out!
So the February selection is "The Reader". For the 2nd month is a row, it's a book I've already read. Which I am actually kind of happy about because I have a couple of books on hold at the library, one of which is not renewable, so I need to get those read this month! Here is my book review - maybe this will wet your appetite and convince you to read this gem of a book. I will say it is a bit dark, but I thought it was beautifully written. Confession: I tried watching the movie and I had to turn it off. It weirded me out to see the May-December romance (in reverse, older woman, younger man) play out on the screen! But I am a bit of a prude! It's a great book, though, so check it out and let me know what you think!
I am very curious about The Reader. I have heard good things, but I have two books to catch up on after The Help. I might have to start tracking my "next reads."
ReplyDeleteI just saw a really freaky movie preview for this. It makes me want to read the book, like, real bad.
ReplyDeletei heard this book was fantastic. thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI have been waiting for you book review on "Tattoo." I read it recently on the advice of a friend. Murder mysteries are not my first choice as well. And, I agree, I thought the translation was excellent and the story line was very surprising. I enjoyed it and am also actually considering reading the second. It is fun to read "outside one's comfort zone."
ReplyDeleteI just got The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo from the library the other day. It finally came in! Just a little too late.... ;( Hopefully I get to it soon!
ReplyDeleteI read this book a few months ago. It took me a while to get into the book, but once I did I couldnt finish it quickly enough. I'm really glad that I stuck with it. I have yet to read the second one. I also really need to get The Reader, I've heard good things about it and haven't seen the movie.
ReplyDeleteI'm really into murder/mystery type books so I think I'd really like this book! I'll have to check it out!
ReplyDeleteOh intriguing! I'm looking forward to reading some new fiction soon, I will have to add these to my goodreads =)
ReplyDeleteI loved that book! I'm on the 3rd one, but my dad lent it to my grandmother who lent it to my aunt so... I'm still at page 200 something. With no ways of continuing for now lol!!
ReplyDeleteI also was impressed with the translation. I also liked the things that didn't always translate and then you could learn new words. .:) I would have to say the descriptions of people were quite excellent. The quote that I used in my review about Blomkvist and Berger's relationship I really liked the analogy used. :) I could relate on a smaller scale and completely not cheating on my husband way (because it was pre-him) about a guy and I that were CONSTANTLy drawn back to each other no matter how much time took us apart. And finally he did move away, partly because I met my husband and that we could no longer ever be together and it was tough on him and yeah... probably waaaay too much info for a comment but yeah.. :)I bet if he read this book he'd want my husband to be like Berger's hahaha.
ReplyDeleteI am pretty excited to read The Reader but I don't know I think you are right the movie would be freaky.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked Dragon Tattoo because I really liked it. I honestly don't think it will matter that you don't read the second one right after. The characters are similar but it's a whole new story line :)