Book Reviews — The Goldfinch, Wonder, I Love You More

I’ve got three very different books to share with you this month: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, Wonder by R. J. Palacio, and I Love You More by Jennifer Murphy. 

book review

As usual, this book review post includes Amazon Affiliate links. If you decide to check out any of these books after reading my reviews, I’d appreciate it if you’d click through and make a purchase. 

The Goldfinch Book Review

You’ve probably heard about The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt. First I didn’t read it because it’s just so long (775 pages!). Then I didn’t read it because my friends who did read it gave it mixed reviews. But when I needed a new book for my cross-country flight to Vancouver, I decided to give it a try.

The Goldfinch

Click here to see The Goldfinch on Amazon.

I had heard that the first part was “rough,” but I wasn’t bothered by the gruesome events that kick off the story–maybe because I knew what was coming. I thought the next several hundred pages were good, but then I had a hard time adjusting to the abrupt fast-forward-a-few-years jump in the plot. Overall, the characters and plot twists were interesting enough to keep my attention, but I never like when the narrator directly addresses the “reader,” and that approach made the ending less satisfying.

While I wouldn’t really recommend this book, I wouldn’t discourage anyone from reading it, especially if they need an absorbing book for a long flight or two.

Wonder Book Review

I read Wonder by R. J. Palacio, after Danielle said it was one of her favorite books.

Wonder

Click here to see Wonder on Amazon.

Wonder follows August–a 10 year old boy with extreme facial deformities–as he goes to school for the first time. It’s written for middle schoolers, so it’s easy to read, but the story is anything but “light” reading. It left me thinking about my own reactions to people with physical differences, and questioning the fear (?) that makes me want to look away.

I think Wonder would be a great book club selection, because there is so much to talk about from so many different angles. 

I Love You More Book Review 

It may seem odd to refer to a who-done-it murder mystery as a light read, but I Love You More by Jennifer Murphy is at least the lightest of these three books. 

I Love You More

Click here to see I Love You More on Amazon.

I will admit that I was drawn to this book by its cover, but I also was confused by it. The story had a 50s feel to me (influenced by the image, I’m sure), so I became confused a few chapters in when people were using cell phones!

The heroine of this story is a 10 year old girl named Picasso, the murder victim is her father, and the prime suspect is her mother. I’m afraid to say anymore because I don’t want to reveal any spoilers, but if you like mysteries, this is a pretty good one.

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Have you read The Goldfinch?

Have you ever been misled by a book’s cover?

What are you reading now?

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10 Responses to Book Reviews — The Goldfinch, Wonder, I Love You More

  1. So other people also buy books based on the cover?! LOL. Don’t know how you have time to read so much!

  2. Yum Yucky says:

    You are a lawyer. How the heck do you have time to read for leisure? You are faaaascinating. I think I’m gonna buy “Wonder” for my son. Thanks for the reviews!

  3. Kim says:

    I sort of want to read Wonder but have no desire to read The Goldfinch. I’m currently Danielle Steele’s latest book – A Perfect Life.

  4. I’ve had Goldfinch on my list forever and still haven’t read it. Mainly because the length intimidates me. But curious to check out all of these books. Thanks for sharing because I’m always looking for a good book!

  5. I have heard amazing things about Wonder from my students. I need to pick it up.

  6. My son’s entire middle school (teachers and students) read Wonder over the summer. I decided to join in and was so glad I read it!

  7. misszippy says:

    I absolutely LOVED Goldfinch. It is still my favorite book of 2014, although I’ve read some other very good books. I went back and read The Secret History after finishing it. Also good, but not quite Goldfinch for me.

    My kids have read Wonder…maybe I need to pick it up, too!

    Love that you do “regular” book reviews here!

    • Coco says:

      Yes, I think you’d like Wonder. Since I am always looking for book ideas, I figure others might be in the same boat and want to hear about my suggestions. 😉

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