My latest reads all have a common thread, methinks…they are all featured as upcoming or current movies or television shows. Let’s see how the novels fared before I take in the media version…
–Marissa
1. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews is a young adult novel, and the movie is out this summer. This isn’t a Fault in Our Stars sobfest – but instead is a somewhat cynical look through the eyes of Greg, who discovers a not-very-close friend has been diagnosed with leukemia. This novel is very matter of fact, at times harsh, and wryly told through Greg’s caustic voice. I’m definitely glad I read the book before I see the movie…
2. Paper Towns by John Green was actually a re-read for me. I read this young adult novel when it was first released – and wasn’t as crazy about it as I was Looking for Alaska. This time around, I listened to the audiobook and liked it much better – I’d forgotten all the humor, the weirdness, and the epic adventures of Quentin as he tries to connect with his longtime neighbor and almost-friend, Margo Roth Spiegelman. This is very different from Alaska or Fault, but still a quintessential John Green-esque novel.
3. The Burning Room by Michael Connelly is not directly in the media, but features Harry Bosch, the main character of the eponymous Amazon series Bosch. In The Burning Room (which I listened to on audiobook), Bosch and his rookie partner Lucia are on the case of Orlando Merced – though he was shot 10 years ago, he just died of complications from the wound, making his death a murder worthy of investigation. Of course, there is a parallel plot, further character development, and a satisfying end to the investigation. I really liked that Titus Welliver (who plays Bosch in the series) narrated this audiobook – my fave narrator of Bosch yet! The whole book AND television series is great – recommended!
I also just re-read Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty for our library’s book discussion, another great novel. It looks like HBO has landed a deal for a limited series based on the novel, featuring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and David E. Kelley. I’m so there!
I also just read the first and second novels in the After series by Anna Todd on my Kindle – a train wreck, but one you can’t look away from. I’m so ashamed. 😛
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