The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

This was our January's Group Read and I will be honest, I really had no desire to read it. So that MAY be why I wasn't 100 percent into it. Perhaps, a tad biased. But, I thought it was just okay.

This was a complex novel which had many characters to keep straight and multiple plot lines to follow. The main story line involves Mikael Blomkvist, a financial reporter, who has just been convicted of libel. He is contracted by Henrik Vanger to look into the disappearance of Vanger's niece Harriet, 30 odd years ago.

"Salander fitted into this picture as well as a buffalo at a boat show." (pg.
38)

Another story line includes Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant loner who works for a security firm and is introduced to the reader in snippets. The more you know about Lisbeth the more you wonder and I am anticipating that is why there are more books.

I also would have to say that the relationship that Blomkvist had with Erika Berger was quite interesting as well. It's hard to believe a relationship like their's would survive marriages and time without jealousy and with such great friendship.

"Sometimes they were together so often that it felt as though they really
were a couple; sometimes weeks and months would go by before they saw each
other. But even as alcoholics are drawn to the state liquor store after a
stint on the wagon they always came back to each other." (pg. 62)

To say much more, I unfortunately feel as though I would give too much away and part of the point of reading the book is for the storylines to slowing reveal themselves. The slowly revealing themselves part partly is the reason why I was not a huge fan.

The writing was brilliant, I actually learned more about Sweden than I knew before, and it inspired me to research more about Sweden, however I could barely keep going. I honestly think the only reason I kept going was because I wanted to know more about Lisbeth. I figured out most of 'mystery' before it was fully revealed and was as disgusted and over the Vangers as Mikael was by the time THAT wrapped up. And sadly, even Lisbeth was disappointing me towards the end.

Perhaps discussing the book with someone else would help. I will say that I would probably enjoy the book in movie form. Not sure when or if I will pick up The Girl Who Played With Fire.

Anyone agree? Disagree? Want to talk? Leave comments / questions and I will respond.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo --- Discuss

Psst.. February's Reading Poll is posted on the side...

I am the worst Book Club Host ever this month. Too make up for it :::martini's, cheeseball and crackers :::: for all!! I am soo sad that I am a failure this month but I must complete the novel I started and I will be done by Wednesday (yeah I know I said Sunday, but then the weekend happened and friends came into town and plans changed..) And work happened and yeah, I am busier than ever in the new year and I am working out and am waaay to easily distracted by shiny new blogs and google searches.. I digress...

Here are some questions to get you who were good and read the book on time and all that jazz talking .. :) Feel free to add your own in the comments and talk back at each other.. Discuss Discuss Discuss..:)

Shamlessly stolen from LitLovers.Com
1. Lisbeth Salander's character is enigmatic and antisocial throughout much of the book. What do you see as the catalyst for the slow emergence of her personality?

2. While poverty, social injustice, parental abuse, and difficult childhoods are often cited as explanations for criminal behavior, Lisbeth believes in free will and choice. Do you agree?

3. Were you surprised by the book's portrayal of right-wing fanaticism and violence against women in a country known for its liberal views?

4. Discuss Mikael Blomkvist's role in the investigation. Do you feel that he made as important a contribution as Lisbeth? Why or why not?

5. The narrative contained a number of plot twists. Who did you imagine sent the framed flowers to Vanger each year?

I am excited to get cracking on this and if I have to self-impose strict reading rules upon myself again I shall.. And since I slacked this month if you are interested in guest posting about any aspect of this novel contact me at pinkflipflops44 at gmail dot com. :)

Teaser Tuesday - The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo

With that, the subject was exhausted, and not another word was exchanged
for almost a minute. The retired policeman leaned back in his kitchen
chair and drew on his pipe. He knew he was no longer expected to come up
with a pithy comment or any sharp question which would shed a new light on the
case. pg - 4

Just picked it up from BN yesterday. I used the rest of my gift card. I feel so torn because I really want to finish Alias Grace, which is slow moving but good and I read the first chapter of this because I felt as though it deserved a post soon since it was our book of the month. Got lots of reading to catch up on. :)

Here is a good review for the book from a blog I read..

So, what are your thoughts so far? How far along are you? Favorite part? Thing you want to share?

If you are interested in guest blogging about this book contact me at pinkflipflops44 at gmail dot com.