I started reading Wicked yesterday. I'm exactly 21 pages in and I've decided to return it to the library. Unfinished. There are several things that bothered me about this book. First, it's written in a way that makes all people out to be deceptive and immoral. Second, it contains semi-pornographic, unnecessary content. Third, his writing style just doesn't do it for me - I keep going over things repeatedly to figure out what the heck he's talking about.
I've always been willing to take the bad with the good in a story. Contrast is necessary. It's how lessons are learned and morals are formed. This time, I just couldn't deal with it. There was no contrast - just bleak, immoral, darkness. The more I read, the worse I felt. The book kept bringing me back to that dark, feel-bad place. Yes, I'm curious to know where the story was going. Even more than that, I'd like to know if the author was able to pull off a moral spectacular enough to make up for all of the garbage people had to wade through in preceding chapters. In the end, those things don't matter. It was most important that I stop reading and spend time on something a little more uplifting - as indicated by the stern voice in my head that said, "This book is offensive and it's making you feel like crap. Stop reading it!!"
Here's the good news: The book was written for adults. The play is family friendly. Problem solved. Ditch the book and wait to see the play. Done.
Posts
12 comments:
Oh totally! I was wondering what you'd think when I read that you were checking this out. I wasn't offended by the book, but the ending sucked. And it was really obvious that he was trying to be all political-satire ... no subtlety at all. I think the play takes a much different path than the book does - like, there's actually a plot. :)
At least he came up with an appropriate title. ;-)
Hey Schlawn! Good for you to listen to that little stern voice in your head. :) I think Diane had read that book before and said the same things about it, which is why I decided I didn't want to read it, but I would definitely want to see the musical someday.
Of course, that's my problem with a lot of books today...they are full of immoral garbage that isn't uplifting at all. But...I finally gave in and am reading "Twilight." I didn't have any interest in a high school romance, as it sounded, but I am actually enjoying the book. Well, not EVERYTHING about it, but it is pretty interesting. So, if nothing else, you can start that someday and relive your high school days. (Just kidding!)
Keep searching for some good books---they are out there, even if they are harder to find, it seems.
I should have warned you about the book...although I have not actually read it myself I have read a few of his others and they were very political and hard to get through. I think that you should still enjoy the musical though, I saw it first and then jumped into one of his novels and was shocked. They were nothing that I expected them to be. Like Karen I decided to jump on the ban wagon and read the Twilight series and I have to say that they are very entertaining! I read the first one in a day and a half and now I am on the third. I think that you would enjoy them, they remind me of Christopher Pike's work a little bit. I read a lot so if you ever want any suggestions let me know!!
The anonymous post was mine, I forgot to type in my name :)
It's funny, I was going to mention that Twilight was next on my reading list, but decided to leave it out. Sounds like I should follow through with my plans and crack it open - it's been on my night stang for over 6 months!
Thanks for the comments!
Wow, my grammar is amazing - night "stand".
Booths!
hey this is Rachel (knutson)meynders, (i know Alex from HS and we lived below your mom and dad this summer... )
cool to see you guys, since I havent seen Alex since before the mish
I was about to say maybe you should have given it more than 21 pages, but it sounds from others comments that 21 pages was plenty. I was talking to Mary Ehinger in the restroom at church about books. She says she always gives them 100 pages and then she'll decide if she'll continue or not. But especially if you have that little voice nagging at you to stop reading, then you should listen!
Twilight is a must read. I got Mike to listen to the audiobooks and now even he's looking forward to seeing the movie.
Twilight is a must read, just be prepared to not be able to put it down!!!
Kristine, you should have asked me more about the book before you picked it up to read it... Sorry.
Hey Booths! This is Amber Malmberg. I also know Alex from High School. It's fun seeing everyone and their blogs. Kristine, you're a Sister Booth! That's fun. When I clicked on your link I was thinking about Alex's mom. I guess we all go through that! Good thing you have a great mother-in-law.
Post a Comment