Twilight and New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
The writing in this series isn’t wonderful, the romance is cheesy, and it pales in comparison to Harry Potter… and yet, I kept reading. It’s compelling on some gut level. I wish the characters were more likable, I found the main characters nearly unbearably annoying. But just nearly… (6/10)
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
Wharton is an anti-Austen who shows a sophisticated understanding of culture and romance. I found the book spell-binding and hard to put down. I recommend it highly, for the glance into high society a hundred years ago and for the realistic portrayal of what it is like to be single “past prime,” as well as the excellent writing. (8.5/10)
The Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis
My least favorite Chronicle, but worth it for the fun look at Edmund, Susan and Lucy in the height of their reign. It’s not a terrible story, either… (6/10)
Hmmm… I am curious about this Wharton book. I am kind of anti-Austen…
I LOVED House of Mirth! I’m not a big Austen fan (shocking, I know), and I absolutely loved this book. It was intriguing, I called it a page-turner, but I can’t really say why. I just could never put it down or get it out of my mind.
Kristen, I remember reading House of Mirth and getting my stomach all in knots thinking about how effortlessly Lily Bart slid from promising to desperate. Kate’s so right, it’s such a page turner – but I don’t think I could bring myself to pick it up again just because of how queasy it makes me. Also, about our YA novel conversation, have you gotten a chance to read “Graceling” yet? Google it if you get a chance! I’ve reserved it from the library system — maybe we can do a NAFTA/YA themed bookclub. :)
I think you will like it, CJ!
It is really enrapturing, I agree, Kate.
I am not sure I’d read it again, at least for a long time, Charlene. I am going to check out that book right now!
House of Mirth has been on my reading list for some time now (based on a high rec by my sister). I’m looking forward to it even more now!
The Twilight books were all exactly what you said, yet I found them to be totally addicting. No idea what that says about me other than I have been putting too much junk food in my brain lately.
I agree about the Twilight books, but I too got totally addicted to them. I’ve now finished all 4 and I want to see the movie!
Twilight is like some strange form of brain drug–you know it’s terrible, but you have to keep reading. (Then again, I also survived all twelve Left Behind books, if that tells you anything.)