TBR Tuesday is a way to talk about the books we own but haven't read, see what other people think about them, and help us decide whether to bump it up our list or knock it off completely.
[If you're more a book borrower than a book buyer, you're still welcome to participate with the books that you've been meaning to read and haven't!]
On my TBR
Historical Timeslip, 324 pages
Published May 10th 2011 by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!
Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.
Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.
Okay, I'm about to show you just how ridiculous I can be. I got this book from a friend almost a year ago during a week of red books, which made me super excited because it sounded great and it looked AMAZING. And I mean that literally - this is one of the prettiest books in person, a picture does not do it justice. And it's tall and narrow - not much, just enough, so it stands out that little extra bit. This tickles something inside of me. And yet...
And yet I haven't read it. Haven't even picked it up, other than to look on it lovingly. Why? Well...I'm afraid I'm going to be disappointed (and here's where we get to the ridiculous part. Okay, more ridiculous), and the reason I'm afraid I'm going to be disappointed is: Cornelia Funke.
Yes, Cornelia Funke. See, this was translated from German. As was Cornelia Funke, who does nothing for me except maliciously hurt my brain. And even though I know the two have nothing to do with one another, when you add the fact that I don't like (translated German lady) Cornelia Funke + there was another German translation I can't recall that I hated = I just can't bring myself to not hold Cornelia Funke against Kerstin Gier.
See? Ridiculous.
So I need some convincing. Anyone read this one? I've heard it's an insanely popular international bestseller... (But that's what they said about Inkheart...*shudder*) Let me know what you think in the comments! (Or feel free to tell me how crazy I am. It'll give the voices something new to bitch about.)
What's on your TBR this week?
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and look forward to its sequels. Nothing like Inkheart. The concept was different, the dialogue clever. Don't know how it compares to the original, since I don't read German but it's worth the read IMO.
ReplyDeleteI need to read this too. Now you've got me itching to see the physical book.
ReplyDeleteI'm still amazed, given how our opinions of books that we've both read seem to be so in line even when they go against the majority, that we have such a blatant, drastic like night and day, irreconcilable difference of opinion over Inkheart and Ms. Funke.
ReplyDeleteIn regard to Ruby Red, I'm curious about how my opinion on a couple specific aspects of the book is going to compare to that given by Tatiana. However, the clincher, when added to the pretty cover and slightly different height/width ratio, are the names of the main characters - Gwyneth and Gideon. This has my read-it-soon vote.
I really liked this one too. I really would like the sequels soon. Here is my review. I know what you mean about Cornelia Funke though. I couldn't get into any of her books either.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this book yet, but I really want to. I understand what you mean about translated books, but who knows? Sometimes books we read with low expectations could turn out to be a nice surprise.
ReplyDeleteI am totally in shock!!! You did NOT like Inkheart? Or her other books? Really? *still in shock*
ReplyDeleteOnto this book though.. it's good, nothing like Inkheart. Still in shock over your statement about that.
It's got an edge of mystery with budding romance and time travel. This was a book I couldn't put down.
Read Ruby Red as soon as you can, it's fabulous! But be warned - the ending leaves you wanting for MORE. I read the whole series already (the first two books in Italian, the third in Spanish, because it isn't out here yet) and love it, but if I had to find a flaw in it, is that the three books are so closely interconnected you need to read all three to get a real feel of the story.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, it's very funny. The main character is hilarious. The author because famous writing adult chick lit and you can feel she has a talent for dialogue.
That isn't the reason I haven't read this one, but I think it's a perfectly valid reason! Bad book experiences leave some strange precedents...
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