I really enjoyed reading your annotation! Personally, I don't read a lot of medial/science thrillers, but this one sounded interesting! One of the characteristics of thrillers that you mentioned was the use of medical, scientific, and military jargon throughout the story. Did you feel like there was an appropriate amount of jargon, or could a new reader to this sub-genre have trouble understanding the story due to the amount of professional terms used? I have found the that (very) few medical/science thrillers I have read have had too much jargon that I felt like I could have used a medical dictionary to really understand what was going on and would love to try one that may be more story focused with less jargon.
I'm also not much into thrillers. But this was such a fast read and each chapter ended with suspense, I had to read on to see what happened. Especially, the diary. It was so detailed and full of history, I felt I was back in class learning about the Church, the Plague, and the Dark Ages again.
For the type of novel this was, it did have A LOT of jargon, but I think it was the right amount. Most of the medical terms were familiar to me as my family is full of doctors. Plus the author is a doctor himself, so it's even more authentic (if that makes sense). However, he did a great job of explaining the terms the first time they were used. I think you would enjoy this novel. I might even venture into reading his other ones when I 'have the time'. :)
On a side note, the entire time I was reading this, I was thinking about the occurring Corona virus outbreak. While no way comparable to the Plague, there are some similarities.
I agree with Don that it sounds really hard to keep pace and tone when switching between now and the 14th century. I also think it's difficult when the 14th century storyline seems to be filled with medical information. A lot of adrenaline-y books I've read with multiple timelines end up having them share a twist at the end (i.e. the older timeline is a relative, past incarnation, planted the treasure, etc.), but this is an entirely new use of time skipping. I also found it interesting that the antagonist is likeable/sympathetic- were they involved with the release/spread of the plague? Because if so, that would also be really hard to pull off. Sounds like an interesting book!
Awesome annotation! I got a very clear idea and feel of what to expect from this thriller. Sometimes thriller book covers tend to all look the same/generic, but after reading your annotation, it makes the book stand apart from others and hold a greater interest. Had you been wanting to read We All Fall Down, or did you decide on reading it through consulting a list or website?
I'm not a thriller/suspense reader. I actually picked up "Something in the Water" first, but then saw this on the the shelf. It intrigued me because of the historical aspect. And I love anything with history and I liked the way Kalla went back and forth. When I have more time, I believe I'll read some of his other books. I'm glad you liked the annotation.
This sounds really good, and so relevant to current events, given the recent SARS type outbreak in China! I almost always enjoy reading books that bounce back and forth between contemporary and historic story lines, plus I see that T. Davis Bunn (who I've enjoyed in the past) is one of the read-alikes. I may need to give this a try!
I really like that you included fiction and non fiction read a-likes and separated them. Personally I am not a fan of the format of putting the summary at the bottom just visually speaking, but I think you did a good job describing the book and themes.
Christa, For the novel topic, it felt relevant to have both fiction and nonfiction read-a-likes. Thanks for your feedback on the aesthetics of the annotation. I actually had trouble with it because I originally composed it in google docs, then copy/pasted into word and still couldn't get it into the blog. When I finally did, it looked like it does. I also don't like it, but just got fed up, so left it. Hopefully, I'll get the hang of it by the next one.
I love that you included nonfiction read-a-likes! We read a lot of non-fiction at my house and there have been many occasions where my husband or I will read or watch something and then find a nonfiction book to learn more about the topic. This is definitely an interesting topic and is a book I'll have to check out.
Very timely annotation with the SARS scare going on! Full points! I know you're frustrated with the layout and getting it on blogger, but you have everything needed for an annotation and your characteristics were really good! This book sounds really intriguing and you definitely piqued a lot of your classmate's interest. Great job!
I really enjoyed reading your annotation! Personally, I don't read a lot of medial/science thrillers, but this one sounded interesting! One of the characteristics of thrillers that you mentioned was the use of medical, scientific, and military jargon throughout the story. Did you feel like there was an appropriate amount of jargon, or could a new reader to this sub-genre have trouble understanding the story due to the amount of professional terms used? I have found the that (very) few medical/science thrillers I have read have had too much jargon that I felt like I could have used a medical dictionary to really understand what was going on and would love to try one that may be more story focused with less jargon.
ReplyDeleteI'm also not much into thrillers. But this was such a fast read and each chapter ended with suspense, I had to read on to see what happened. Especially, the diary. It was so detailed and full of history, I felt I was back in class learning about the Church, the Plague, and the Dark Ages again.
DeleteFor the type of novel this was, it did have A LOT of jargon, but I think it was the right amount. Most of the medical terms were familiar to me as my family is full of doctors. Plus the author is a doctor himself, so it's even more authentic (if that makes sense). However, he did a great job of explaining the terms the first time they were used. I think you would enjoy this novel. I might even venture into reading his other ones when I 'have the time'. :)
On a side note, the entire time I was reading this, I was thinking about the occurring Corona virus outbreak. While no way comparable to the Plague, there are some similarities.
This sounds interesting in the way it goes between current day and 14th century. That's not an easy thing to do and maintain the urgency.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Don that it sounds really hard to keep pace and tone when switching between now and the 14th century. I also think it's difficult when the 14th century storyline seems to be filled with medical information. A lot of adrenaline-y books I've read with multiple timelines end up having them share a twist at the end (i.e. the older timeline is a relative, past incarnation, planted the treasure, etc.), but this is an entirely new use of time skipping. I also found it interesting that the antagonist is likeable/sympathetic- were they involved with the release/spread of the plague? Because if so, that would also be really hard to pull off. Sounds like an interesting book!
ReplyDeleteAwesome annotation! I got a very clear idea and feel of what to expect from this thriller. Sometimes thriller book covers tend to all look the same/generic, but after reading your annotation, it makes the book stand apart from others and hold a greater interest. Had you been wanting to read We All Fall Down, or did you decide on reading it through consulting a list or website?
ReplyDeleteI'm not a thriller/suspense reader. I actually picked up "Something in the Water" first, but then saw this on the the shelf. It intrigued me because of the historical aspect. And I love anything with history and I liked the way Kalla went back and forth. When I have more time, I believe I'll read some of his other books. I'm glad you liked the annotation.
DeleteThis sounds really good, and so relevant to current events, given the recent SARS type outbreak in China! I almost always enjoy reading books that bounce back and forth between contemporary and historic story lines, plus I see that T. Davis Bunn (who I've enjoyed in the past) is one of the read-alikes. I may need to give this a try!
ReplyDeleteThis book reminded me so much of the Corona virus going on right now. I do hope you give this book a read. I think you'll like it.
DeleteI really like that you included fiction and non fiction read a-likes and separated them. Personally I am not a fan of the format of putting the summary at the bottom just visually speaking, but I think you did a good job describing the book and themes.
ReplyDeleteChrista,
DeleteFor the novel topic, it felt relevant to have both fiction and nonfiction read-a-likes. Thanks for your feedback on the aesthetics of the annotation. I actually had trouble with it because I originally composed it in google docs, then copy/pasted into word and still couldn't get it into the blog. When I finally did, it looked like it does. I also don't like it, but just got fed up, so left it. Hopefully, I'll get the hang of it by the next one.
I love that you included nonfiction read-a-likes! We read a lot of non-fiction at my house and there have been many occasions where my husband or I will read or watch something and then find a nonfiction book to learn more about the topic. This is definitely an interesting topic and is a book I'll have to check out.
ReplyDeleteVery timely annotation with the SARS scare going on! Full points! I know you're frustrated with the layout and getting it on blogger, but you have everything needed for an annotation and your characteristics were really good! This book sounds really intriguing and you definitely piqued a lot of your classmate's interest. Great job!
ReplyDelete