The Lace Reader - Book Review
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry
I remember seeing this book in the list of available books for LibraryThing Early Reviewer. I selected it, unselected it, selected it again. I simply could not decide whether or not it was something I would like to read. I am not sure whether ultimately I had this book among my choices that month, but regardless I was not chosen to review it. I did notice, however, that those who were chosen were coming back with good reviews and high ratings, so when I got another chance to receive an Advanced Reader’s Copy, I jumped at it. After I received it, again I wasn’t sure whether or not I wanted to read it. I kept putting it off again and again.
What a fool I was.
I thought this was an absolutely fantastic book. “The Lace Reader” is the story of Towner Whitney, born Sophya Whitney. When her step-grandmother, Eva, goes missing, Towner is forced to return home to Salem, Massachusetts and face her past.
I honestly do not want to tell you any more about this book than that, other than that it is fantastic. I went into the story not knowing too much about it, and I think that is the best way to approach this book. All you need to know is that “The Lace Reader” is phenomenal and you need to read it when it comes out. To give you a flavor of the book, I will leave you only with the first two paragraphs (be advised, these sentences may be different in the final copy, as this is an Advanced Reading Copy):
My name is Towner Whitney. No, that’s not exactly true. My real first name is Sophya. Never believe me. I lie all the time.
I am a crazy woman…. That last part is true.
And that is all you need to know.
Pre-order this book on Amazon.
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Stumble It!
July 7th, 2008 at 6:58 am
This sounds fantastic! I will be on the lookout for it now.
July 7th, 2008 at 9:28 am
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July 7th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Damn girl, this sounds even more intriguing than the Gargoyle review…isn’t it funny how the less you know, the more you want to know? I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where the narrator is a crazy person. By the way, see you in 2 days!!!!
July 7th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I enjoyed this book, but maybe not as much as you. I think a lot of it had to do with having read the endorsements and blurbs on the book…..so here’s my advice (which mirrors yours)
DO NOT let yourself read the blurbs. Then you will enjoy this book much much more.
July 7th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Amy - I agree. The blurbs I had read were quite awhile before I read the book, so they were enough out of my mind. Somewhat like The Gargoyle, I really wasn’t sure where it was going, which was part of the splendor of it.
Mel - As far as The Lace Reader vs. The Gargoyle, I would say that they are both fantastic books. If I had to pick one over the other, I would probably pick The Gargoyle, just because it is so much different from anything else I’ve ever read, but then I’d go and get The Lace Reader at my next opportunity.
July 7th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Oh man, Book Club Girl was giving out copies to the first ten commentors, but I missed the “send me one” but just a couple. Oh well!
July 8th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Thanks for the review, I’d have to agree with Melody - sometimes not knowing much makes you want to read the book more. I’m intrigued…
July 8th, 2008 at 10:10 am
I’ve only heard good things about this book, which is good because this looks fantastic. I can’t wait to read it.
~ Popin
July 8th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
I’m so glad to hear you liked this! I snagged the ARC when it arrived in the store a few weeks ago, and it’s next on my list. I can’t wait!
July 16th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Man, I really, really wish I’d gotten this from LTER. Sigh… over to my wishlist I go.
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:30 pm
That’s good to hear since I’ve had this on my shelf since last year (I know bad me). I’m going to have to read it now.
July 29th, 2008 at 5:57 am
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August 4th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
[...] Reader, and I’m not; if you haven’t already seen a billion reviews of this book, click here and here. What I will say about the book is that I just finished reading it, and I feel like I [...]
August 24th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
I just started this book last night. I’m glad you enjoyed it!