My May Book Reads:Part 2 (Book Review #6)

Here is the second installment of 'My May Book Reads'. Enjoy!

Landline by Rainbow Rowell

 My utter dislike of and disappointment in this book came as a complete surprise! Particularly as it was awarded Good Reads Best Fiction Novel of 2014.

I purchased this book almost certain that I was going to love it, as there was just so much hype around it! Although now, I really wish I hadn’t wasted the money.

This novel is centered on Georgie McCool who is a comedy writer in L.A. As she is fully focused on her career, her relationship with her husband, Neal, becomes distant. 

Just two days before they are meant to visit Neal’s family for Christmas in Omaha, Georgie breaks the news to Neal that she can’t go as she is planning a new show. She understands by telling Neal this that he will be disappointed, but what she doesn’t see coming is that he decides to commit to his plans of visiting his family and even decides to take their children with him.  This immediately worries Georgie, causing her to consider whether she has finally ruined the marriage. Although, that night she discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past, uncovering an opportunity which could fix her marriage.

The thing that bothered me most about this book was that it was a wonderful story idea, but was conveyed in the blandest way possible.  It was almost as though Rowell was too lazy to create something enthralling with this story line. This idea of a “magical phone” was just so cringe worthy. It wasn’t handled well nor was it communicated correctly. I felt as though she just threw in the idea as it added a slight bit of depth and intrigue to her otherwise predictable novel.  It had no punch at all. I was contentedly reading the novel until about half way through when I considered whether something unexpected was even going to happen, and sure enough, it never did. As there was no punch to the book, it just made the story come across as completely and utterly hopeless. I am sorry Rowell, but good novels make me believe in the unbelievable and this book did not do so.

Rowell created two main characters that in my opinion were just so wrong together. Her husband Neal was the most unlikable character. I found it hard to believe he was meant to be appealing to the reader!  He was horribly miserable and unfailingly disgruntled 99% of the novel.  It became so tiresome to read.  Georgie’s determination to be with Neal and almost prove her love for him was so repetitive throughout this novel. Instead of convincing me that they were meant to be together, it made me feel the complete opposite.

There were humorous aspects of this novel, but the majority of it was lifeless.  It wasn’t the worst novel I have ever read, but it was up there. I was just expecting so much more.

Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King

So…this was my first Stephen King novel EVER. Can I just say, I felt so badass whipping out this book on the bus and at Uni. I just felt so damn cool reading a Stephen King novel. Is that really embarrassing?

This novel seriously impressed me. Looks like you have a new fan King!

The novel opens with hundreds of unemployed people lining up in the frigid hours of the night, hoping to score a spot at a job fair.  All of a sudden a lone driver, in a stolen Mercedes, plows through the crowd, running over and killing innocent people.

Months after this traumatizing event, retired cop Bill Hodges remains haunted by this unsolved crime.  When he receives an anonymous letter from the person claiming to be responsible, he awakens from his depressed state and becomes fixated on stopping the man responsible from striking a second time.

Brady Hartfield is in fact this anonymous criminal and is determined to relive the thrill of having death beneath his wheels. His devoted relationship to his equally insane mother is something that will certainly send chills down one’s spine.

Only Bill Hodges and his unlikely allies can stop Hartfield before he strikes gain. With no time to loose, Hodges battles against good and evil to decipher the chilling intentions of this murderer, before he kills thousands.

I will admit, the first hundred pages or so were a bit slow. Once I got past the initial introduction to the book, I turned each page which great amounts of anticipation, becoming absorbed by the fast developing and suspenseful plot line.  

It is impossible to not get hooked on the intriguing characters that drive this thriller novel.  I love the way novel switched between the perspectives of Hodges and Hartfield. This added intensity became gripping and addictive, especially as I could read the intentions of both characters; desperately awaiting their confrontation.  

I appreciated how King immediately introduced the identity of the murderer. I absolutely love it when authors give me an insight into the mind of those who are responsible.  It put me on the edge of my seat and I found it to be one of if not the most interesting aspect of the novel.

I really wanted to like this novel as it was my first book by King, but I didn’t have to try hard AT ALL to enjoy it.  The characters were all so incredibly unique; adding an unpredictable aspect to the novel.  The ending was brilliant; I particularly loved the final sentence.  It was so smart and evil at the same time. It totally caught me by surprise! I love finishing a book and feeling satisfaction and excitement, and that is exactly how I felt. It was such a gripping, twisted novel that kept me entertained throughout. I am so glad I have finally been able to read and acknowledge the undeniable genius of Stephen King.