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MoominMymbleandMy's choice: TSB by TJ

Discuss

I really didn't 'get' this book at first - thought there was alot of 'nothing' happening. But then I realised that this is the essence of the book - it's gentle and observant and really held together by the relationship between Sophia and her grandmother and how during their stays on the island they learn from each other.
It's very different from the books I usually read!

I've only quickly glanced at the book, but what a fantastic first page!
I can see this book will make me consider my relationship with my Nan.

OK, I have to confess. I didn't actually finish the book - I was sidetracked by Harry Potter and Edward Cullen .
It's a short book, but it just didn't grip me. It was very different from my usual reads, and I found ti hard to relate to the action and the setting.

I was really unsure about this after the first few chapters but I carried on and ending up finishing it in one night. I thought it was a really sweet book. I loved the 'knackeredness' of the grandmother and how she suggests things to Sophia so she can take it easy, I can relate to that!
I did think while reading it that it their relationship is what I would loke to have with my daughters, it's almosta parenting manual in a way, but a very lovely light cheesy way.
I just thought it was a really sweet easy read, loved it!

I did not get on with this at all, but I think maybe my expectations were a bit high.

For some (unfounded!) reason I thought that because it was so short, it would automatically be carrying some deep, philosophical truths - like Paolo Coehlo's 'The Alchemist' or something, but I could not find the wisdom.

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Another one who wasn't too sure about this book. I don't think I would have finished it if it hadn't been 120 pages ! That said though, I read most of it in one sitting and there were some bits that made me smile (but can't remember what they were - it was christmas eve).

It took me a while to tune into this book and its style. I dipped in and out for a while and it wasn't until I read the part about the cat, which I thought was great, that it really clicked for me.
I didn't find the Sophia character very likeable tbh, but I suppose she has many characteristics of a young stroppy girl! I also liked the way the Gran kept trying to get peace and quiet. It might have been nice to get more background story on all the characters but I guess the writer didn't want to detract from the setting on the island.
Very enjoyable.

Really sorry Mumble, I didnt get on well with this book.I did try but couldnt get into it. Im afraid Im more of a 'blood and guts' and psychological- on -the -edge- of your- seat- thriller kind of reader.
I so wanted to enjoy every book but I suppose thats what this is all about really isn't it-finding new authors,genres etc.

just getting on this thread as I should finish this book in the next day or so

Well I have finished it now and I have to say I quite liked it but tbh as someone else said if it had been longer I am not sure I would have liked it so much iyswim

I liked the way that each chapter was a little story in itself iyswim.

Would have liked to have known a bit more about each characters background though...

I really liked this book - it did remind me a little of her children's books, not in subject matter but just in the feel of the writing which is very evocative.

I think it's a perfect little book as it stands - it's not a format that would lend itself well to a longer novel as it's more a series of vignettes. It's the kind of book you can just dip into and made me feel as if I was on holiday.

I actually have a copy of this at home anyway with photos of the actual island and people on whom it was based, plus an interview with the 'real' granddaughter, which was really interesting to look at after having read the book.