I don't know that I didn't like any part of this book; indeed, I loved it all. Flaubert's portrait of Emma is so well-written, I often questioned how a man could write a woman so well - he proves it. The scenes are perfectly illustrated and I can't wait to read this book again and again and again. A new favourite.

This was a fun book to listen to while going through my work day--I chuckled quite a bit. Lindy West really parses movies for humor, and I enjoyed the evisceration of movies like Forrest Gump and Face/Off and the exaltation of The Fugitive. And legit, I'm ready to watch Speed again...

Thanks to libro.fm for the ALC!

A YA delight...
Review to come.

Yeah, five stars. What a delight and answered so many questions that I had gone into this skeptical about. Longer review to come... just, a great oral history that made me laugh and provided so much insight. Ready for that Dazed rewatch now... (and probably giving this as a gift this holiday season to some friends...)

Fluttered between a 4 and 5 for a few minutes for very minor things... I wouldn't say I 'enjoyed' this atmosphere, but it very much reflected the world today.... more to come as I continue to think about it... (Marin Ireland proves to be an excellent audiobook narrator once again!)

Last year I introduced myself to Woodson's works and words when I read the exquisite ANOTHER BROOKLYN. As in that book, the prose here is lyrical. The first chapter of RED AT THE BONE ends with the quote above, and even in audio I got goosebumps when I heard them. I may lean towards audio for Woodson in the future; I think her prose has a beautiful rhythm that works well when read aloud (but also on the page, of course).

RED AT THE BONE is a book that plays with perspective, and each chapter is narrated by someone within one family. Woodson's story travels between generations and time, and while a short novel, a powerful one. This is a strength of Woodson's, her economy of language and the way she conveys much without having to spell it out. There are spaces within the narrative that are left for the reader to surmise reasons and emotions. Woodson explores generational trauma in precise fashion; from Sabe to her daughter Iris to her daughter Melody. Iris isn't the most sympathetic character, but I was drawn to her the most. There were moments near the end that I was crying while driving into work, as I listened to the history of these characters' lives unfold in Woodson's poetic words.

First thing is first: I know I have to re-read this book when I have the time and patience to be enveloped by its long-winded sentences and eerie scene settings. Maybe because it's summer, or maybe it's because I'm so busy, but I would sometimes get bored with the novel (it's only 300 pages but I felt like I was reading Moby Dick at times!) and other times I would be completely stunned or my attention quickly regained when some sort of action, or, really atrocity happened.

It's wonderfully and creatively written and McCarthy surprised me earlier this year when I read The Road - and I loved it. But this is nothing like The Road. I've never been a huge fan of Westerns, and though I can see the merit of this writing, the subject matter often made me cringe or...fall asleep. I simply don't think I was ready to concentrate - and this novel needs a whole lot of concentration, because though it can be slow, there is so much happening in the lines, beneath them, and between them.

I know the glimmers of reading in which I loved the book will return with greater power once I take the time and am of the right mood to read it again.