Tuesday, May 1, 2012

The Most Dangerous Thing by Laura Lippman


Synopsis From Back Cover:

Years ago, they were all the best of friends.  But as time passed and circumstances changed, they grew apart, became adults with families of their own, and began to forget about the past - and terrible lie they all shared.  But now Gordon ("Go-Go"), the youngest and wildest of the five, has died unexpectedly and the other four have come together for the first time in years.  Suddenly each of these old friends has to wonder if the dark secret they've shared for so long is the reason for their troubles today... and if someone within the circle is trying to destroy them all.

Monday, April 1st, 2012 and Friday, September 18th, 2009 will always be connected in my brain.  Believe me, it's not a good connection.  One of the most agonizing things to have happen as a book blogger is to agree to a review and then not be able to finish a book.

I've had books that I really didn't connect with, but still be able to find something about it to get me to keep reading.  I've even had one book that I hated more than anything else in my life, but the anger I had towards it compelled me to finish it.  It's a horrible feeling to have a book that you expected to like, agree to review, and then have this kind of experience with it.  Part of me feels like I'm letting someone down, but I guess the show must go on.

I guess in hindsight I should have know better.  Back in September of 2010 I reviewed another Lippman book and pretty much had the same reaction to it.  I just wish I would have refreshed my memory by reading that review first.  I had the same problem with both books.  I think the writing is technically flawless, the story lines are interesting, and the characters are supposed to be dynamic.  With all that I still can't, for whatever reason, connect with anything that I'm reading.  It's as if the character sketches and plot points were plugged into a computer and pages of a meticulously written story were spit out.  I guess what I'm trying to say is that, for me, there is no emotional connection behind anything I'm reading.  It's just a little too cold and sterile for me.

I tried to force myself to feel something, anything that would keep me reading.  I just wanted some little crumble of emotion to grab onto.  I kept trying and trying, then I had to face the truth.  For whatever reason, Laura Lippman's writing is just not for me.  I can't force myself to like something, so I gave up on page 122. I feel bad for it, but my brain and eyes feel just a bit better.

I would like to thank Trish of TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book.  Please visit the tour page for other reviews.

10 comments:

bermudaonion said...

Sorry this didn't work for you. I appreciate your honesty.

carol said...

I posted a DNF today too.

I do still want to give Lippman a try. The blurb sounds good.

Liz said...

I enjoyed Lippman's earlier books but haven't made an effort to read any recently.

Audra said...

Too bad! I had a DNF in April -- Lupton's Afterwards -- so I empathize with the sad frustration of not being able to finish a book slated for review. It's the worst!

Teddyree said...

Cant win them all ;) Honesty & fairness is much appreciated and you covered both those!

Laurel-Rain Snow said...

I've had that happen with books, too, and I hate it! But we learn more about what stirs our interest and what doesn't.

I don't think this one was one of my favorites by Lippman...I actually enjoyed The Girl in the Green Raincoat more than most I've read.

Anonymous said...

This must have been a very hard review to write. But it is exactly why I respect you so much as a blogger/reviewer, Ryan. You're honest, never unfair and always respectful. I know you gave it your best shot.

Heather J. @ TLC Book Tours said...

Darn, I'm sorry this one didn't work for you Ryan, but thanks for posting for the tour.

Staci said...

I love your honesty which is refreshing. So many people would pretend that it was a great read for them. I think it's important to know why this book didn't work for you and then consider what I would think of this one and if I'm drawn to the story regardless.

Laura's Reviews said...

I'm glad it wasn't just me. I didn't look at any other reviews before I posted mine. I did manage to finish the book, but it took me a long time. I never connected with any of the characters and really did not like the book. I LOVED The Girl in the Green Raincoat and I'd Know you Anywhere, but this book fell flat for me.