Have you ever read a book that you were enjoying so much you didn't want to see it end? I have that with the Inkheart series. This is really such a complex and rich series that I find it hard to believe that it was written for youth.
I, of course, was intrigued by the movie and kept thinking to myself that perhaps I'd read the book one day. I came across the series, beautifully bound in a gift set in Scholastic Books. I learned that my niece had just started to read the series so what a perfect gift for her. I had to admit that I was tempted to buy a set for myself, they were that beautiful but I really couldn't justify the extra expense at Christmas. Still, I hoped to one day find them used at a second hand book store. Unfortunately, it's such a popular series that not only couldn't I find used copies but I had to go on a waiting list at the library for them.
Finally, my turn came up and I now have the final book in my possession. Yet, I find myself curiously reluctant to finish this book. I have even set it aside to read another book and have just picked it up again knowing that I only have another week or so before I have to return it.
For one, the story is so complex that you never really know what's going to happen next. You just think everything is going to start to work out for a change when the author throws in another twist and the good guys are struggling again. I even find myself putting it down when one of these new crisis arise just so I can shake my head over the turn of events and even ponder how they are going to get out of it. Never before I have it dragged a book out quite so much.
I think my reluctance stems from the fact that this is the last book of the series. Once I'm done that will be it, the story will have been told and I have a feeling I'm not going to completely like the ending. If the ending goes like any of the rest of the story it's going to end off on a bittersweet note and most likely involve the death of one of my favourite characters.
Have you read the Inkheart series? What did you think? Or have you ever read a book that you were reluctant to see end?
We saw the movie and loved it. I have a "book made into a movie" rule that I always read the book first, but in this case I didn't know there was a book. When I found out there was I wanted to read it.... and now I see there is a whole series? This will definitely be going on my daughter (okay okay, and mine too-I love well written children's books) reading list for this year! yay!
ReplyDeleteHmm, never heard of it! I wish I had more time to read all the fabulous books in the world!
ReplyDeleteSITSgal here! Ooh, yes. I can be obsessive on endings. Actually, I haven't read the last book of Harry Potter for that reason. (OMG she's insane!) Same thing with movies, if I know it ends tragically. I love watching Moulin Rouge, own it and watch it, but after they hold hands and start to run away, I always take it out. I know, I'm a sucker for happy endings at the end of a series, even if I have to make my own.
ReplyDeleteI am a sucker for a happy ending and if I find one that I particularly like, I'll play it over again when I'm on my own so I can savour it. :) I usually like to read the novel before the movie but then I drive my husband crazy by telling him the differences between the movie and the book. ;)
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