Bad Doctor Makes for the Best Narrator in Summer House with Swimming Pool

If I were to judge this book by it's cover, I'd say it was the perfect summer beach read. I mean it's called Summer House with Swimming Pool (by Herman Koch), which doesn't get a whole lot more summer-sounding. However, my immediate reaction while reading this book was "wow, this narrator sounds a lot like that one friend we all have that is too honest about things". You know the person: they have no filter and say exactly what they are thinking at all times even when you find yourself cringing and wishing they would just be quiet already.

Summer House with Swimming Pool by Herman Koch

This novel centers around Marc Schlosser, a family doctor who gets himself into some trouble when a patient of his dies. That's the plot but really this book is about Marc the maybe not so reliable narrator and his disturbingly honest insight into all things. From his family life, to what he really thinks of his patients, this book is one big very dark comedy wrapped up inside a not-so-thrilling thriller.

Read this book if you like to analyze the characters in the novels you read. You are guaranteed to be thinking about Marc long after you finish.

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.

A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing isn't for Everyone, But Give it a Shot for More Ambitious Summer Reading

This book. What can I say about this book (A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing by Eimear McBride) ? I WANTED to like it. The reviews and the stellar ratings and ravings made me certain that it would fall in line with the kind of literature that I devour like ice cream on a hot day.

A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing by Eimear McBride. 

But, in keeping with the whole summer ice cream analogy, it melted before I could really appreciate what it had to offer. I just couldn't get into it. I tried. I gave it several attempts but I just couldn't stick it out. Which is unfortunate because I am not usually a book quitter.

I'm all for experimental style writing and stream of consciousness story-telling. I thought this book would be a more substantial summer read for me, but I had to abandon it. Even though it didn't work for me, I wouldn't rule it out. It won a slew of book prizes, so clearly I may be the one not getting this book. In the meantime, I'm putting it on my "to read again" shelf for another day. Maybe Winter is a better suited season for me to indulge in this one.

Blogger note: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review. This review is entirely based on my opinion and contains my honest evaluation.