Fiction Book Club Judge by Dwight Allen Buy book: $16.06
When beloved Judge William Dupree dies at age 82, he leaves behind a family and a staff that remember him in various flattering--and not so flattering--ways. This is a story of a family that insists on family love even in the face of family failures.
Today is the first time I've used this service and I really enjoyed it so far! I look forward to receving more of the story tomorrow. If the story continues as good as it was today, I will definitely check out this book!
Thanks,
Nancy
I think the writing is clear, but not expressive. The action and dialog start immediately, with no preparation. As someone who has changed jobs a lot in the past years (as a programmer) I can identify with the accumulation of an office, of a desk, and of a lifetime of service. The Oedipus reference was interesting, and it's too early to know why it's there, outside of the nature of the slander against the judge. Nicely paced, easy read, so far. Thanks to all behind this project! Tom
Yesterday I was going to say that although the synopsis sounded good, the book was just starting off way too slow. But something told me to wait. That little voice was right - today (Tues) it got a whole lot better. I loved "What was a meadow in Kentucky without a horse? On a snowy day in January, it was an empty whitening space that made Lucy feel dull and sleepy," and the paragraph about what was going through her mind listening to songs on the radio - that kind of thinking while driving alone on rural roads seems so very real it makes the story come to life, even more I think than all the questions starting to come up about the relationships between the people.
I agree, the book itself seems very different to how I expected it from the synopsis, but I think it works. It is a reflection on life, which is not always high paced and full of frenetic energy, often starting with a slow build-up to realisation...
I have just signed up to this group, Judge is the first book I have read in this way - here's to it continuing to be such a great way to read and share!
I like the story but I also like the new words I am learning.....someone was peruked (which means wigged - I looked it up) and Lucy's clerk job is described as being a sinecure - an office or position that requires little or no work and that usually provides an income (straight from Webster's). Thanks for this one which I may get around to reading in the year 2008 or so.
The Judge reminds me somewhat of my Dad when he was alive in the respect of how he cares for the "less fortunate ones" in life. I think there is more to the Judge than meets the eye and that is why Lucy valued the time she had with him too and was so devoted to him.
Well, I've been away from the computer for a few weeks, but I sat down and read 4/5 of the Judge excerpts this morning.
I like the subtle way that the author is introducing us to the characters and there are some really witty veiled references (the pickle truck and bologna truck on the roads and then the pronouncement that her favorite sandwich is bologna and pickles)- nice details. Makes me think this will be a complex story. I can't decide if I will read the whole thing, but it is nice to be back in the routine of reading new stuff every morning!
I have changed my opinion of the author, after reading this part. We start to get into the personality of Lucy and The Judge here. The conversation is light, at first, about Graceland and the songs. Then, in a more remembered mood, the writing shifts to another plane, a more thoughtful plane.
I like the judge's story about Augie and his school nickname, Horse. I think Lucy is doing a wonderful thing to stay with the judge. Sometimes there is much to learn from viewing another's experience, rather than failing in one's attempt to achieve success through doing alone. Tom
