You won't believe this, Caitlin, but I own this book and haven't read it. Now I will! If anyone would have told me it had such a propulsive set-up and plot I'm sure I would have dug into it sooner. This post has inspired me to imagine stories with different kinds of metaphorical bombs from the start, as well as clear timers. What fun. Alas, equally fun would be spending the day watching Bill Murray and eating popcorn!
For what is ultimately a "literary" book, it has such a commercial hook!! I've loaned my copy to a couple people who loved it. (This is also the book in my 2024 roundup where I used the gif of Captain Holt saying "PAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIN.")
I loved this book! I always enjoy a story with beautiful writing that stresses me out. Thank you so much for the timely reminder about putting a bomb under the table. I've been kind of stuck with my WIP rewrite because I feel like something is missing or slightly out of focus, and that once I see it, the story's suspense will amplify. I hadn't thought about using the bomb concept, but now I'll be noodling on what my "bomb" could be!
HAHA. That is probably the #1 thing I seek: beautiful writing that stresses me out. (And then when I read something that isn't stressful I'm like "oh my god this is so relaxing, why don't I read more books like this," and then immediately I go straight back to the stress books.)
You won't believe this, Caitlin, but I own this book and haven't read it. Now I will! If anyone would have told me it had such a propulsive set-up and plot I'm sure I would have dug into it sooner. This post has inspired me to imagine stories with different kinds of metaphorical bombs from the start, as well as clear timers. What fun. Alas, equally fun would be spending the day watching Bill Murray and eating popcorn!
For what is ultimately a "literary" book, it has such a commercial hook!! I've loaned my copy to a couple people who loved it. (This is also the book in my 2024 roundup where I used the gif of Captain Holt saying "PAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIN.")
I loved this book! I always enjoy a story with beautiful writing that stresses me out. Thank you so much for the timely reminder about putting a bomb under the table. I've been kind of stuck with my WIP rewrite because I feel like something is missing or slightly out of focus, and that once I see it, the story's suspense will amplify. I hadn't thought about using the bomb concept, but now I'll be noodling on what my "bomb" could be!
HAHA. That is probably the #1 thing I seek: beautiful writing that stresses me out. (And then when I read something that isn't stressful I'm like "oh my god this is so relaxing, why don't I read more books like this," and then immediately I go straight back to the stress books.)
So relatable. I wonder what the psychology is behind this behavior lol
Great post! Excited to read Sea Wife!
Another excellent one -- I hope you love it!