Title: Landline
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Genre:
Contemporary, Chick Lit, Magic Realism, Romance* (*ish)
A
few starting notes:
I saw a copy of this at the library... and it had a pink cover. Like, a bright pink cover.
So yours truly obviously had to borrow it. Because I'm that easily distracted. True story.
Also, I'd reviewed Carry On (UK - US) previously, and enjoyed it a lot.
(And Rainbow Rowell liked one of my tweets of that review, and I nearly fell off the sofa in shock.)
So I figured that I'd try another book by Rowell, and see how it went.
Also, I'd reviewed Carry On (UK - US) previously, and enjoyed it a lot.
(And Rainbow Rowell liked one of my tweets of that review, and I nearly fell off the sofa in shock.)
So I figured that I'd try another book by Rowell, and see how it went.
Premise:
Georgie McCool's marriage is in trouble. Sure, she knows that.
But her husband's just gone home for Christmas.
He hasn't left her.
He hasn't left her.
Yes, Neal took the kids. No, he hasn't answered any of her calls... but he hasn't left her...right?
But then there's the phone. Ah, yes, the phone.
As time-machines go, it's pretty useless - all she can do is call 1998-Neal. It's 2013-Neal she needs to deal with, right?
So why does she keep calling?
As time-machines go, it's pretty useless - all she can do is call 1998-Neal. It's 2013-Neal she needs to deal with, right?
So why does she keep calling?
Best
bits:
I love Rainbow Rowell's wit and quirkiness - she can make normal conversations hilarious. And that's a talent worth having.
(Believe me. Everyone could do with that talent at some point in their lives...)
This book is incredibly readable - light-hearted and fun, it's one you just sort of... keep reading.
(And then you're like - I had stuff to do book! You win this round!)
I love Heather, Georgie's sister, she's great. She rocks in the 'sarcastic, but will defend her sister to her last breath,' kind of way.
Oh, and the name Georgie McCool? Dude, it's just fab. :)
The main crowning glory of this book though is that IT SOMEHOW MANAGES TO AVOID THE AWKWARD CLICHES!
Seriously, it could've gotten so cringey, but Rowell manages to side-step most of that and plump instead for realism and originality - and I always love me some originality. ;)
Not
so great bits:
I guess I was maybe expecting a little more drama here than there ended up being.
This is probably my fault - I'm far too used to violent deaths and supernatural creatures in my books, and this doesn't have that.
I found the kids, Noomi and Alice, annoying. But that's mainly because Naomi was pet-named Noomi, and also because kids often bug me.
I also wasn't sure I wanted Neal and Georgie to work things out. I kind of felt at various points that she'd be better off with Seth.
But then, Georgie isn't sure whether she wants to work things out with Neal - so maybe it's just the tone reflecting the character's indecision.
Oh, and there's swearing here - which I found pretty hilarious in its usage, but I will warn you about as part of my blogger-ly duty (*salutes smartly*).
This is probably my fault - I'm far too used to violent deaths and supernatural creatures in my books, and this doesn't have that.
I found the kids, Noomi and Alice, annoying. But that's mainly because Naomi was pet-named Noomi, and also because kids often bug me.
I also wasn't sure I wanted Neal and Georgie to work things out. I kind of felt at various points that she'd be better off with Seth.
But then, Georgie isn't sure whether she wants to work things out with Neal - so maybe it's just the tone reflecting the character's indecision.
Oh, and there's swearing here - which I found pretty hilarious in its usage, but I will warn you about as part of my blogger-ly duty (*salutes smartly*).
Verdict:
Despite the Christmas time-frame, this is equally suited to a hot summer's day, maybe even the beach.
It's light, it's fun, and it will definitely keep you reading.
It's light, it's fun, and it will definitely keep you reading.
Liked
this post? Try these:
I've been debating whether or not to pick this up. I love Rowell's style of writing, and I like how you said this book is very witty. Something to think about!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed it anyhow :)
DeleteIt seems like you did manage to really enjoy your second Rainbow Rowell read. I have Fangirl by her, but I have yet to try it. I'm really looking forward to when I can get around to it though... And I love the sound of the humor and the witty conversations here :3
ReplyDeleteHa, yeah, it def. made me smile/giggle more than once :)
DeleteI "read" landline in audiobook format and I really enjoyed it. I loved Heather very much too. For some reason, I just didn't like Seth. He seemed like the kind of guy who would never actually go out with you but once you went out with someone else he'd get jealous although he had no right to! I felt like the ending could have been a bit more satisfying. I found Georgi a BIT annoying at times, but the back-and-forth between young Georgi and Neal was very quirky and hilarious! Overall, it was a pretty good read, and I agree with most of what you said.
ReplyDeleteRekha @ Million Book Mill
I kind of liked Seth more than Neal. Neal was kind of emotionally constipated for most of the book, lol! XD
DeleteThanks for the comment :)