Wow. Talk about choosing an excellent first book for my NYT Bestselling Experiment!
I picked up The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom from the library last Monday evening and was already itching to vlog about it by bedtime.
Remember, these reviews are solely based off the first 50 pages. I can’t speak for the rest of the book.
A Review for Readers:
Video Cliffs Notes:
- This is a story about the first man to measure time and the repercussions of such a choice, not just for him, but for every person who came after.
- You know a story is good when you are super tired and you think you’ll just read a couple pages before bed, but those couple pages turn into 50, and all of a sudden you are wide awake.
- The premise is engaging. Trying to imagine a world in which we don’t keep track of time gets our imaginations buzzing right away.
- After reading the opening I had to stop and share it with my husband.
- The chapters are super short (1-3 pages), which makes it all too easy to read another, then another, then another….
- The language is very simple, reading almost like a kid’s fairytale, but it packs a profound punch.
- If secular books make you nervous because of language issues, rest assured, this book is clean.
A Review for Writers:
Video Cliffs Notes:
- Confirmed everything I’m learning in craft books.
- The story is built on an intriguing premise with a broad appeal. I don’t know anybody who doesn’t wish for more time, especially writers!
- The first two pages not only hooked me, but elicited questions that could only be answered if I kept reading.
- It has that important measuring stick Lisa Cron talks about in her craft book, Wired for Story.
- The end of each chapter propelled me into the next, so putting it down was an act of sheer willpower.
- The characters grabbed my sympathies right off the bat.
Memorable Snippets:
If one were recording history, one might write that at the moment man invented the world’s first clock, his wife was alone, softly crying, while he was consumed by the count.
“There is a reason God limits our days.”
“Why?”
“To make each one precious.”
There was always a quest for more minutes, more hours, faster progress to accomplish more in each day. The simple joy of living between sunrises was gone.
Verdict?
I cannot wait to keep reading this one. In fact, by the time this post goes live, I won’t be surprised if I’ve already finished. (Yep, I finished. And it’s awesome.)
Next book in the NYT best selling experiment?
Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling
It’s on hold at the library. I think I’m in for a wait.
Let’s Talk: Imagine a world without clocks. Chaos or freedom?
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i’m absolutely shocked that you have books on hold at the library. on hold! meaning you frequent the place. i haven’t stepped foot in a library (other than for an award ceremony for my daughter) since the advent of Kindle and iBooks. no joke.
Time Keeper sounds intriguing! I’m sold!
Love your NYT Best Selling Experiment idea and providing your thoughts for both readers and writers alike. Genius. 🙂
Very interesting. I usually don’t read books off the NYT list, because I’m not a secular reader for a great many reasons, but this one has me interested now. 😉
Awesome vlogs, friend! And now I want to read this book too. I wish I had more time for all the books I want to devour. 😉
I was waiting for this first in a series of book reviews. I especially liked your observation the story had an intriguing premise with a broad appeal. This makes me more inspired than ever to dig deeper within my current WIP to give my story a broader appeal. Thanks for your post.
A world without clocks, chaos. A day without having to think about a clock, freedom.
Sounds like a book I need to add to my list. Thanks, Katie!
I love this experiment you’re doing because it’ll expose me to books I might not have read otherwise. 🙂
And the idea of no time throws my Type A self into a tizzy…
Thanks, Katie!! Loved hearing your take on it through the vlog. I’m putting it on hold through my library. 🙂
Love it, Katie! I’m going to enjoy these vlogs so much. Great for readers, writers, and people generally interested in what goes into the process – what works and why it works in the first 50 pages. You’re great at the vlogging thing!
This is such a cool undertaking, Katie. I enjoyed your vlogs and hearing your take on the book from both the reader and the writer perspective. Sounds like Mitch’s story is a real winner.