kind book club: this month's selection is...
Shantaram! This pick is our first piece of fiction. I hope you all eat it up as much as I did! I can't wait to hear what you have to say about it!
You can find used copies here, or you can always check your local library. Be sure to post any thoughts or questions you have along the way in the comments below.
As always, I'll be posting a compilation of your thoughts and feelings about Shantaram. Enjoy the read as you travel to your holiday destinations or enjoy a cozy staycation this season.
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27 comments
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I finally got this book from the library. It took me about 50 pages to get into it, but now I am HOOKED! I LOVE books that open my mind and give me an entirely new perspective on life. I can't believe an ex-con and heroin addict can write so descriptively and so beautifully...it is blowing away all my preconceived notions! I get teared up often because I'm just in awe of his profound discoveries of life and love. And then there's that terrifically poetic love scene, which ends with him exclaiming, "OH SHIT!". How can you not love that?!? I busted out laughing.
Anyway, I'm only halfway through, but I can tell that I am going to have character withdrawals after this one. :)
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This was a great book. It was a very long book which was a bit daunting and I had to renew 3 times from the library. I loved it and looked forward to reading it every night. I enjoyed learning about the Indian culture. The story was great. It was interesting that it was fiction but that is paralleled his life. Hopefully he will write more.
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I loved, loved, loved this book! It did take me awhile to get into it too, but once I did I couldn't put it down. I had it about 2wks past due at the library, but I couldn't give it up, I just had to finish. It was definitely unlike any other book I had ever read, but I thought he had such a beautiful way of writing that was so right on!
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This is a really great book, it was intense but fascinating. It seemed like it would take a long time to read but once you were attached and intrigued there was no putting it down. Thank you for making it a book club read! Looking forward to what the next one will be.
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I'm only about halfway through the book, but thought I would post since Alicia may be ready to announce the next book club book. I'm also listening to the audiobook and echo a previous comment that the narration by Humphrey Bower is outstanding. I love the book so far. My ex husband is Indian, and although he is not such a nice person, there are some truly wonderful people in his family that I am still close to. Many of the descriptions in this book remind me of them.
Great selection! -
How do we "join" the bookclub? I am going to download it tonight and start reading...is it too late to join in the discussion?
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I'm on page 69 and SO glad you have a "book club"! After I read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series I just didn't think I would find another really good book to read! Thanks! And, after I'm done I'll post my thoughts!!!
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I read this book last year and it has stayed with me ever since- definitely a keeper! The range of emotions the book takes you on and the voice of the author are really special. I'm looking forward to next month's book club choice!
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I just got this book in the mail. I can't wait to start reading it. With all my school-work I might not get to read it until Alicia announces the next book, haha, but at least I'll get to read a good book...eventually.
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At first it was a slow read and I couldn't get into it, but after the first 50-75 pages or so, the story started coming to life. I am now halfway through the book and I cannot put it down! Thank you Alicia for recommending it. It has everything: adventure, suspense, drama, and romance. I have also been fascinated about the Indian culture, so it was nice that the book was factually accurate and gave a lot of detail in that respect.
As far as Karla is concerned, I can completely sympathize with her. It's actually kind of sad how she lost her parents at a young age, and how her uncle in LA held no concern for her. It makes perfect sense that she will not allow herself to love or be loved by Lin. I really hope that these two get together in the end. Lin has a good heart and he won't take advantage of her.
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I am about halfway through the book and I love it! I work for a company that has a factory in India and it's fascinating to learn about this completely different world.
I haven't finished the book yet, but am I the only person that doesn't really like Karla?
I understand that Lin thinks she's beautiful and mysterious, but for me, she's just a little too mysterious, and slightly pompous, and not very identifiable. I wonder if that is the author's intention?
Thanks for the recommendation, I love the story so far!
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I have a good 30 minute commute to and from work everday - so I love to listen to audiobooks during my drive. Sometimes the narrators are good and sometimes not so good. The narrator of Shantaram is amazing. The story would be fantastic anyway but the narration puts it over the top. I'm so glad the book is long cuz I just want to stay in the story. If anyone is intimidated by the size of the book consider listening to it. Thanks Alicia for recommending this book. I was looking for a good listen and this past my expectations. I will stayed tuned to your next choice.
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I am not quite finished this book yet, but I wanted to get in on the discussion before it closed. At first this book was a bit difficult to get into for me, not sure why because now I can't get enough. I am practally falling asleep before I can put it down, I want to find out more but my eyes won't let me. So far an awesome read, and I can't wait to finish and find out what happens. Since I love this book so much I am going to go out and get all the book club books and read them all. Thank you Alicia for sharing your books with us kind lifers. -
I have met Gregory David Roberts in my Editing Class 5 years ago. Charming guys with an unbelieveable gift to tell his story. With him explaining how many times he started writing the book only to have it ripped away and start again is inspiring.
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INCREDIBLE read! Definitely one of my favourites..it reads like a blend of fiction and non-fiction and the detail was incredible. The story makes you laugh, cry, hurt inside, and smile and was truly unbelieveable
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One year ago I spent three weeks in India staying in Mumbai/Bombay before heading north to Panchgani. The very beginning of the book, with the authors vivid descriptions, takes me there again. His descriptions of the smells of Bombay have returned me to a place full of hope and spiritual living. I look forward to every single page. Thank you for such a great suggestion.
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I Love it!! This book opened doors to another world for me. I especially liked the diversity of characters he met. They gave me a glimpse of another life.
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This was an amazing book. I then gave it to my sister to read and never got the book back. My husband went to India and went to Leopold and bought a new book AND got the author to sign it. So now my book is very special. I will read it again one day.
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I read this a while ago. It is fantastic. I have it on a bookshelf in our MN home and we are headed there for Christmas. I think I'll pick it up again for a relaxing re-read. Thanks for the reminder.
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Sounds good! Thanks for the tip! I needed a book to help me get thru a 15 hour bus ride over the holidays!
Mary
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GREAT book! I heard they're making a movie that Johnny Depp is going to star in (maybe just a rumor, but a good one, if so). =)
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I can't wait to read this! I am an avid reader and am always looking for suggestions - thanks!
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there are two different covers to this book -- i assume it's the same. this cover published in 2004 and the other in 2005...?
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