Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Book Review - Anansi Boys

I finished Anansi Boys, by Neil Gaiman, this weekend. That was the first book on my list (see TBR Book List on the left) for the To Be Read Challenge 2008. Not only am I feeling pretty good about already finishing January's book, but the book was fantastic.

Once again, Gaiman writes a great book, with an interesting plot, well-rounded characters and surprises that I didn't see coming. Some I did see coming, but as Londo and I agree, Gaiman likely intended the readers to see those coming. This story, like his others, is so well written, with things you don't suspect as important coming into play later. Things you might overlook become key to the plot, and you realize just how tight of a story it is. And that's how I like my stories.

I'm not going to sum up what the book was about. I used to hate doing book reports because I felt like I was just re-writing what was written on the back of the book. If you want to know what it was about, read the back of the book. Then, buy the book and read the whole thing. It was definitely worth it.

Now, on to Jane Eyre. Based on the commenter cara's recommendation, I'm going to read Jane Eyre next so I can read The Eyre Affair. Since I'm done with my January book so early, I feel like I have time to get at least one other book in. Or I'm going to read one of my romance novels. It will all depend on my mood tomorrow...

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just can't seem to get into anything lately. I bought a bunch of books and then took them all back deciding it would be better to check them out of the library.

I need to read more but I find myself either watching tv, playing on the internets, or blissfully sleeping.

Congrats on finishing your Jan book so early though, I am impressed.

Becoming Mommy said...

I haven't started any of mine yet...big board exam in 2 weeks.
But did find a nice free gaiman book on his blog...will start that soon~!
Congrats on finishing early!

Cara said...

Good job! I loved Anansi Boys, its really hard to put down once you get into it. I think you will enjoy Jane Eyre, very different, but fantastic book, and great lead-in to the Eyre Affair. I just read I Am Legend yesterday, did the movie execs think it would give too much away for the movie trailers to say it's a vampire story?

caramama said...

ImpostorMom: I know it'd be much better to check them out from the library, but I can't resist buying them! Now I just need to buy more shelves, too...

Becoming Mommy: Good luck on the board exam! I'll go check out the free book on his site. Thanks for the tip.

Cara: Oh, I want to read I Am Legend! I think they made them into zombies in the movie, but I'm not sure.

Anonymous said...

They are vampires in the movie. I liked it. The book, I Am Legend is on my TBR list. I usually read the book prior to seeing the movie, but this one sort of snuck up on me.

-goofydaddy said...

people with babies don't get to go to the movies too often... thanks for the spoiler :-\

caramama said...

-kz: I didn't think that was a spoiler. I thought it was pretty much what the movie was known for, besides being based on a book and a remake of The Omega Man. Londo says the point of the movie is not the vampires/zombies, and it doesn't matter what they are. After hearing his analysis, I totally agree, so I don't think knowing that will ruin the movie.

And, no, we don't get out much anymore. But we do like to watch DVDs!

-goofydaddy said...

ok cool! thanks for your reassurance, even though the trailers made that kind of a mystery. i had never read the book, and totally forgot about The Omega Man! what a classic.

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