May Reads

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
2.5 stars, rounded down
It started out quite charming. A few chapters in I was thrilled with what a delight this book would be: a likeable protagonist who loves books, a love story on the way, and just enough WWII info to make it feel not quite completely frivolous (but not enough to be a downer in this lighthearted, sweet book.) I was disappointed. I finished the book only because I was hoping that the ending would redeem it. Everyone said this book was so amazing, and usually I agree with the hype. In this instance, however, I think I just didn't have the suspension of disbelief required. I was not convinced of the easy, universal adoration that was gushed toward Juliet, and that her correspondents who hadn't even met her would share personal, traumatic details of the German occupation. (I had similar skepticism toward the idealized Elizabeth, and then waves of guilt for feeling so.) I furthermore was not convinced that the members of the literary society would be such good writers, and would all write in the same style. I found the love interest plot predictable but disappointing. I was not a fan of the manner in which the details of wartime were sprinkled throughout, only to accent the much lighter and inadequate plot, as if having survived such things just made the characters that much more endearing. By the time I finished, I was relieved it was over.
"Goodwill isn't nearly enough, is it, Juliet? Not nearly enough." --Dawsey

Emma
Of course picking this one up in the throes of a Pride & Prejudice hangover was unfair. To always be comparing Emma and her story to Elizabeth Bennet and hers is undoubtedly setting Emma up to disappoint. So let's phrase it this way: reading Emma made me more in love with P&P. Emma's naivete was initially sweet enough, but her slowness to learn grated on me. Emma's self-centeredness to the very end left her an unlikeable protagonist (which is HUGE). Emma contains many characters I also found grating. I'm sure it was set up as satire, but their dialogues would just go on and on, and I found the grating excessive. Austen is smart and witty, as always, but this one just doesn't shine.

The Gifts of Imperfection
More listy, but not as great as Daring Greatly. Probably says I still have a lot to learn about shame that I found the lists more deflating than inspiring. Still, so many good points. Such a needed voice.