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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Elizabeth Crook's THE NIGHT JOURNAL.
Bett from St. Petersburg, FL
Have you previously read a book by Elizabeth Crook?
No.
What authors do you read?
I read everybody: Laurie R. King, Sara Peretsky, Stephen E. Ambrose, Dan T. Carter, Katherine V. Forrest, Jane Rule, Lillian Hellman, Truman Capote, Joan Didion, Richard North Patterson, J. M. Redmann, Patricia Highsmith, John Steinbeck, Eudora Welty, Flannery O'Connor and Cynn Chadwick.
What did you think of THE NIGHT JOURNAL?
I loved it. Intriguing and engaging, it grabbed me and I could not stop reading until all the mysteries were solved, all the sadness drained from each character, all the bare truths exposed. I wanted to keep reading the journals over Meg's shoulder and keep digging with Jim; I wanted Bassie to get what she wanted, and I wanted to keep turning the pages of that bleak but beautiful landscape --- the windswept and isolated but not desolate setting of Dog Hill. I wanted some peace and resolution for these people, even for the dead. This novel just took hold and didn't let go. The book was beautifully written with layered and remarkable characters, even the ones who appear only briefly: like Phil, Cleo, Senor Ruiz, Jim's wife and children, Paul; all of them were crystal clear and sharply drawn.
But it's the story and the history of a truncated family that stays with me.
Would you ever read a future book by Elizabeth Crook?
Yes, and maybe past ones too.
Fran from Freehold, NJ
Have you previously read a book by Elizabeth Crook?
This was my first experience with a novel written by Elizabeth Crook. I was very impressed with this author's prose and ability to draw the reader into the story. I felt like I was right there, getting a bird's eye view of a train wreck, a massacre, and family saga.
What authors do you read?
I typically enjoy an eclectic variety of authors, including Barbara Kingsolver, J. K. Rowling, Faye Kellerman, Philippa Gregory, Jodi Picoult, Jennifer Weiner, Elizabeth Flock, Sophie Kinsella, etc. There are so many authors I love. As you can see, my taste can be very eclectic and encompasses many genres. I adore historical fiction and will also read anything from chick lit, drama, fiction, nonfiction, and even a good mystery.
What did you think of THE NIGHT JOURNAL?
I loved THE NIGHT JOURNAL. It was a wonderful novel --- the characters and setting were compelling and the pages kept turning. I kept hurrying home so I would be able to sit by the fire and find out what would happen next. I found Crook's work to be well researched, and I loved her ability to intertwine stories from the past (through the journal) and stories from the present. It was an awesome book.
Would you ever read a future book by Elizabeth Crook?
I would definitely seek out other books by this author! Very good.
JaneAnne from Horseshoe Bend, AR
Have you previously read a book by Elizabeth Crook?
No.
What authors do you read?
Oh so many --- too many to name in all the genres. [I read] whatever catches me at the time.
What did you think of THE NIGHT JOURNAL?
It was a good read --- well-written with an interesting subject. What took Meg so long to read her diaries? I just couldn't have waited. Then, when she did, I so enjoyed it along with her. Although [the story] is fiction, it is all real to me while I'm reading it. I live [through] my books and [need] books to live.
Would you ever read a future book by Elizabeth Crook?
Yes, if the subject interested me.
Jennyfer from Long Beach, CA
What did you think of THE NIGHT JOURNAL?
Thank you for this book, I really enjoyed it! It is great for someone who likes historical fiction with mystery and compelling characters, and it is set in beautiful New Mexico. THE NIGHT JOURNAL is hard to put down!
Kris from Houston, TX
Have you previously read a book by Elizabeth Crook?
Yes, several years ago I read THE RAVEN'S BRIDE with my book group. I enjoyed it, and living in Houston, Texas, I found it particularly interesting.
What authors do you read?
I read a wide range of authors: Jodi Picoult, Stephen Harrigan, Adriana Trigiani, Phillippa Gregory. I enjoy nonfiction as well, including memoirs, biographies, spiritual books, self-help and other nonfiction, including [the works of] Barbara Ehrenreich, David McCullough, and Erik Larson. I also read science fiction and romance, including Patricia A. McKillip, Ursula K. Le Guin and Nora Roberts.
What did you think of THE NIGHT JOURNAL?
>From the moment I read the first description of the book, I was interested in reading it. I find the writing a bit too detailed for my taste, yet much of it is necessary to the story. The characters are well-defined, as are the issues between them. The plot builds well to the discovery on the hill. I enjoyed the questions that arise at that point of the story, and I appreciated the continuation of the tale from that point, waiting for the unraveling of the answers. I was satisfied with the ending. I liked learning about the time and place, and how the people lived. The focus on journals worked very well to portray the lifestyle, hardships and relationships, and all was very well researched and presented.
I was thrilled to be an advance reader, particularly for a book I really wanted to read!
Would you ever read a future book by Elizabeth Crook?
Yes.
Lisa from Kansas City, KS
What authors do you read?
Judy Christenberry, Gina Wilkens and Nora Roberts.
What did you think of THE NIGHT JOURNAL?
I thought it was a wonderful, informative book. Hannah's journals covering her days in New Mexico as a Harvey Girl were so interesting, and they give an insight into the times and what it was really like to be a Harvey Girl. The relationship between Meg, her mother and her grandmother was handled exceptionally well, and were both sad and humorous at the same time.
I very much enjoyed the book and appreciate receiving it.
Would you ever read a future book by Elizabeth Crook?
Most certainly.
Sarah from Ridgefield, CT
Have you previously read a book by Elizabeth Crook?
No --- I had never even heard of her before I came across THE NIGHT JOURNAL.
What authors do you read?
Laurie R. King, Elizabeth Peters, Bill Bryson, Philip Pullman, Katherine Paterson and many others --- is it any wonder I work in a bookstore?
What did you think of THE NIGHT JOURNAL?
I stayed up well past my bedtime to read this, even though I had to get up for work the next day. I didn’t want to put it down without finding out how the many mysteries would resolve themselves.
Bassie was a great character --- she was both repulsive and intriguing.
In the language of Hannah’s journals, Elizabeth Crook showed the character’s coming of age. The early entries were almost stilted, as if Hannah were trying on words that were still a size too big for her. As she moved into adulthood, the writing became more fluid.
Would you ever read a future book by Elizabeth Crook?
Her other books look interesting, and I like fiction set in the Southwest. I’ll keep my eyes open for copies of them.
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