Buzz Books

It bothers me to invest time reading a book only to get to the end and not like it.  I just finished reading The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski and enjoyed the story quite a bit.  His writing is fluid and intelligent.  He is a master scene setter and the topic was so readable.  However, I feel as though the end left me hanging and I just don't like when that happens.  To give you and idea, and not to give anything away, review the name of the book.  The last chapter is entitled "The Sawtelle Dogs"  PS  Edgar is not a dog.

I chose this book because it was recommended by many most notably by the indie list compiled by independent book sellers.  When Oprah announced that it was her choice, I quickly got my copy so I wouldn't find out about the book before I read it.  I should have known.  Oprah likes stories with mystical events -- stories that verge on the unbelievable.  I can't always buy it.  I felt that way about Toni Morrison's Beloved which Oprah loved (as did many others).  I never warmed up to the story.

I also recently read The Thirteenth Tale because my sister-in-law recommends it through her blog.  To be honest, I never wanted to read the book because the cover looks like a kids book (The Tale of Despereaux to be exact).  But it was a good read.  And worth the buzz.

I suppose the biggest problem with buzz books is that their hype gets me overly primed for a good read.  If, in any way, I don't like the story, the let down is that much greater.  Still, I read them and push them on others.  I came home from the library with The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick for Tyler and he loved it.  So, I will continue to read buzz books, but I set my standards higher for them.