I liked this book, for the most part, but I can see everyone's problems with it. It's a rather self-indulgent and, often, pointless exercise in close observation of three or four people I had a hard time really caring about. Cunningham uses parenthetical phrases to the point of distraction, and veers off wildly from one of the main plot lines. But, perhaps, that was his intention. Life often seems like a random series of events that all add up to something, but what?, in the end. Though we are surrounded by miracles continuously - large and small - what impact do they really have on us? The book focuses on that, but also, in an odd fashion, skirts around it.Despite the book's flaws, I found it compulsively readable and enjoyed reading about this group of largely unseen people in a forgotten corner of New York City. I like reading about people who live next to parking lots and can't experience darkness in their bedrooms due to all the stredt lights. I found it fascinating to sit in on these people's worries, desires and agonizing over such things as how Bush, truly the worst president in American history, got elected a second time, how to elevate a mediocre song to greatness, reconciling with the fact that one is never going to get a truly great job or career. It's not a great book, but it is enjoyable and Cunningham, despite some annoying habits, is a good writer. If anything, read this book for his descriptions of places and people, particularly for his use of the sense of smell. I wish I could say I loved this book. I can say, I love the idea of this book. I am not sure what did not work for me but I just did not get into it the way I know I do when I really enjoy a good read. I liked Barrett’s story line and perhaps I was hoping for more.At the end of the audio (and I would believe the book as well) there is an interview with the author that I thoroughly enjoyed. Hearing the vision for the book through him, I almost with that interview would have been in the beginning of the book as I feel it may have flowed better for me with that knowledge.I think this is one of those, it is not the book, it is me things :)Narration by Claire Danes was wonderful. Just another of her many talents!
What do You think about La Regina Delle Nevi (2014)?
I just found no meaning or purpose to this book. Would not recommend.
—Evan
Beautifully written but I could care less about the characters.
—Meliliger
Very interesting, but too many bizarre magical twists.
—ShadowKiss131
I enjoyed the mp3 version with Author comments after.
—pinky
