The vacation continues, but I wanted to pop in to tell you I finished The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks. I have to admit I simply did not like it. Somewhere in the comments, someone mentioned they thought Nicholas Sparks characters are rather flat. Though I cannot speak for all of his characters, I agree with that statement in this book.
My first clue was when I was half-way through the book and I was still subconsciously waiting for it to begin. For some reason I just didn’t feel protective or attached to these characters. Unfortunately for me, I am unable to stop a book mid-way through so I read all 420 pages. I won’t go so far as to say I always dislike Nicholas Sparks books, as I enjoyed reading The Notebook and The Wedding a few years ago. I know he is a successful writer and I have respect for writers of fiction. Even if it’s not my favorite.
With that in mind, I took the advice of Kari and Kelly and found The Maytrees by Annie Dilliard at Barnes and Noble yesterday. Lucky me it was on the bargain rack, hardcover for five dollars. I’ve only made it through the prologue, but the language and imagery so far has captivated me. Going from The Rescue to The Maytrees is like the beginning of a literary cleanse.
And? What’s up with me reading books called The something? Anyway.
I’m with you on Nicholas Sparks–”trite twaddle” in my humble opinion and all the stories are the same!! I will have to check out “The Maytress”. By the way, I loved Eugenia Price when I was a teenager/young adult. Don’t know how I’d feel about them now but they might be worth a try. For a good, solid read “Cold Mountain”. You won’t be disappointed!
I’m with you (and Jen) on Nicholas Sparks – I know lots of people love his books, so I’ll refrain from piling on here.
I’m not sure if anyone suggested this book to you earlier, but have you read Atonement, by Ian McEwan? I recently read it for the first time and it was so beautiful, so haunting, that I haven’t been able to get it out of my head since. That, and E.M. Forster’s A Room with a View – a quick, captivating classic. 
Happy reading!
Hey! That was me who said his characters felt flat. I’ve recently finished 4 books (I’m a very fast reader) and am about to start a NS book, just to see if I still feel that way. We’ll see.
If you liked “The Notebook” then I would like to suggest a book for you (if you haven’t already read it). It is called “The Wednesday Letters: by Jason F. Wright.If you would like more info on the book, then go to this website. http://www.thewednesdayletters.com/main.php
I love to read and usually have a book going at all times.
Also have you read the Ann George books? If you like some light reading with lots of humor, try them!!!!
Ugh. I don’t like Nicholas Sparks. But to each her own.
I have to tell you that I keep cracking myself up as I read “The Maytrees” because for some reason I think it is supposed to be “The Mattress” and it’s misspelled. HA!
I love Annie Dillard… but I also have to admit that I am truly picky about what I read. Most “popular adult fiction” has really turned me off so I stick to the classics and, amazingly enough, there is a lot out there in the Young Adult section. I still find good things in the adult Literature and Fiction sections, but it seems to be getting harder all the time! Thanks for the heads up on Nicholas Sparks… I had a feeling that it wouldn’t be something for me and your opinion clarifies what I’d been hearing.
$5 at Barnes and Noble, huh? I may have to check out my B&N, I’ve been wanting to read a book by Annie Dillard.
I hear you on the having-to-finish-a-book-once-I’ve-started-it. I’m the same way, although I’m trying to change, because I think life is probably too short to waste time on a book I don’t like. I haven’t had much success on this yet, but I am thinking about it more!
I can’t wait to hear the review on this book. Sounds like a good one and who can pass on a $5 hardcover book.
glad you found a new read! and i love to find hardcover books for cheap! makes me feel a little fancy
enjoy your beach reading… it looks glorious!
Look at that SUPER-CUTE picture! I haven’t even read this post yet… I’m in a hurry to get some lunch, but I had to stop by and see what kind of picture you had today. You’re so creative – i love it! Off to lunch!
PS – I will be back later to read what you actually said! haha!
Sorry about my earlier typo, I see it’s the “The Maytrees”. LOL!! If you’re interested in another GREAT book beginning with “the”, try “The Red Tent”. It’s EXCELLENT!!!
I just left a message for you on your post on Sandy’s blog. Absolutely lovely, Emily! Kelly
Bask in Annie Dillard… words to stretch out and soak in….
Blessed Vacation!
All’s grace,
Ann
i don’t care for nicholas sparks. too romancy. too, unrealistic.
i’ll have to get this one though. i love annie dillard. adore pilgrim at tinker creek.
i totally agree with you about n sparks. his stories are just, well, boring.
and i love annie dillard. =)
I have been “afraid” to try NS books, I’m afraid they’re too romance-ish. I’m not at all into that stuff.
The Maytrees? I may have to try that for my beach trip! Oh, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the little picture of the book. How fancy!
Is that a Buckhead Betties bag? Love it!
I just finished reading The Accidental Mother (good beach read) and am currently reading Julie & Julia- so far I really like it.
Hey Emily!
I was checking in at Chatting at the Sky and was blown away when I saw my current read as the pic. My mom brought it to me. I had to read Annie Dillard in college and so mom brought me this. I’ll have to say that I’m getting there, but I wasn’t sure I was going to make it. 75 pages in I think I can last. I’ll be waiting for your thoughts.
Maybe Nicholas Sparks should take a little break. I think perhaps he’s just reinvented the same characters over and over and so now they’re flat.
Hope the Maytrees is a good read for you. Your photograph of it looks as if it should appear in an advertisement.
Have you ever read Julie by Catherine Marshall? She’s something of a heroine to me; I know that not everyone would like her as much as I do. But I think that Julie might appeal to you if you’ve not read it.
You’ve got me curious about The Maytrees now. I feel the same way about Nicholas Sparks. I’ve loved your posts about books; a lot of good suggestions have been showing up. I need to start reading faster!
My favorite main stream fiction book of all time is The Last Valentine by James Michael Pratt. I cried all the way through the last two chapters. It took me twice as long as it should have. I completely recommend this book if you like a good girly cry.
http://www.jmpratt.com/html/the_last_valentine.html
I’m always looking for a good read. Thanks for the suggestion!
…when i turned forty i gave myself a gift…i no longer had to finish any book …if after 50 pages i did not like the characters or the story…i stopped reading and put the book in the goodwill pile…i do not owe any author my time…they owe me…
Okay, now I’m caught up and see that you’ve read the Francine Rivers books.
This post reminded me of another I read…we were on vacay at the beach also and the beach house where we stayed had one called Sea Glass. In fact, the owners of the house named it Sea Glass, too, from the book.
Can’t remember the author, but it was a well-written book. She took the time to develop each character so well, I felt like I knew them personally.