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Book Review: Wildwood
I really wanted to like this book. PartyDog was actually the one who purchased this last year because the author is Colin Meloy who happens to be one of the members of our favorite band The Decemberists. I know from his music that Meloy has a really imaginative writing style so I waswas super excited to dive into this book- all 576 pages of it.
Here’s the breakdown:
“Prue McKeel’s life is ordinary. That is, until her brother is abducted by a murder of crows and taken to the Impassable Wilderness, a dense, tangled forest on the edge of Portland. No one’s ever gone in—or at least returned to tell of it. So begins an adventure that will take Prue and her friend Curtis deep into the Impassable Wilderness. There they uncover a secret world in the midst of violent upheaval—a world full of warring creatures, peaceable mystics, and powerful figures with the darkest intentions. And what begins as a rescue mission becomes something much greater as the two friends find themselves entwined in a struggle for the very freedom of this wilderness. A wilderness the locals call Wildwood.”
I haven’t read a fantasy story like this in a long time. I typically either love them (Harry Potter) and become completely oblivious to the outside world while reading, or I just can’t get into them. This one was the latter of the two. The story is beautifully written with really interesting artwork thrown in throughout the story and the book itself feels like a work of art (the pages are thick and uneven and the artwork is so neat). You can definitely tell someone really intelligent wrote the story. While I can respect and admire all of that, I never quite got engrossed in the story.
I think for me personally, I never quite connected with the main character. While Prue is brave, adventurous, stubborn and pretty much a warrior princess that totally rocks, I sadly never fell for her. I felt like I was just reading a story about a girl on an adventure instead of feeling her feelings, experiencing her emotions and going along with her for the ride. I prefer books where I connect 100% with the character and feel as if they are my bff but Prue and I weren’t a match made in book Heaven.
Now this book is a trilogy and part of me feels compelled to read the others since I already started it and am such a fan of Meloy. Butttttttt I just don’t know if I can sit through another 1,000+ pages of it. The story just goes on….and on…..and on.
If you like stories that are super imaginative and descriptive then I would recommend you give this book a try. If you’re like me and on the fence about stories like this, then I would say you should find another book to read-this one is just too long to force yourself to finish.
The sad thing is, this marks another book I’ve read recently that I just didn’t enjoy all that much. I want my next book to be something really good and that’s where you come in! Should I read:
The Art of Dancing in the Rain OR Everything Is Illuminated OR The Cider House Rules??
That’s all the nonsense I have for now!
Categories Books | Tags: book, book review
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18 Comments to Book Review: Wildwood
Out of those 3, i’ve only read the art of racing in the rain and i adored it. if you love dogs, you will like it!
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Kelsey Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 10:39 am
I LOVE dogs!
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Although you didn’t like it, I’m intrigued. Could I borrow it? And the only book of those that I’ve read is the Art of Racing in the Rain, which I have if you want to borrow it.
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Kelsey Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 10:39 am
Of course you can borrow!
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Kelsey Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 10:39 am
ps. I already stole Lind’s copy to read.
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Is it weird that your description of the book made me really interested and want to read it even though you didn’t like it? Possibly.
I haven’t read Everything is Illuminated but I have read Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer, and I thought that book was exceptional. I suppose that doesn’t necessarily mean that Everything is Illuminated will be good, too, but it’s probably worth a shot.
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Kelsey Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 10:39 am
I heard Everything is Illuminated is better than Extremely loud–I’ll let you know!
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I remember hearing about Wildwood when the author was on…I think it was Wait Wait, Don’t Tell Me. Anyway, I don’t love fantasy novels so I probably won’t ever read it.
As for your next three, I’ve only read Cider House Rules (love it!) and I tried to read Art of Racing in the Rain. It was too sad for me so I couldn’t finish it.
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Kelsey Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 10:39 am
I heard it’s super sad…but I might read it next.
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The Art of Racing in the Rain is such a good book. It could be a bit slow at times but the story sucks you in. If it’s not your next book keep it on your list so you read it soon!
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Kelsey Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 10:38 am
Good to know!
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I have not heard of Wildwood but I love the Decemberisits. I would recommended reading the cider house rules. It’s a very interesting book.
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Kelsey Reply:
January 28th, 2013 at 10:38 am
I can’t wait to read it!
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Both The Art of Dancing in the Rain and Cider House Rules are really good. Cider House Rules is much more serious though so it totally depends on which type of book you’re in the mood for!
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We just started reading this (meaning my husband is reading it to my pregnant belly = awesome) and I’m feeling the same way. I want to like Prue, but I really do not so far. I’ve only heard of Dancing in the Rain and it’s gotten rave reviews. Better luck on your next book!
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Weird. Two of those books I haven’t read! I DO suggest Everything Is Illuminated tho. It is quite good.
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I LOVED Everything is Illuminated. LOVE.
And I love the Decemberists! Too bad that the book wasn’t awesome. It happens!
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I’ve only read The Art of Racing in the Rain- which is a great story. I liked how it was told through the dog’s voice.
I’ve heard great things about Cider House Rules though, so I’m sure thats a good read too.
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