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It’s time for book number 17: “The Burn Palace” by Stephen Dobyns. I heard about this book from an Oprah Book Club email. Oprah started the whole book club movement years ago on her talk show. Or at least that is my earliest memory of book clubs 😉 I signed up for the book club when reading “East of Eden” over 10 years go. Even though she no longer has her talk show she does have Book Club 2.0 through her website, and I still get emails with book recommendations. “The Burn Palace” was listed as a “crazily compelling page-turner.” And that it is!!
“The Burn Palace” focuses on the sleepy little seaside town of Brewster, Rhode Island. Late one evening, a baby is stolen from the nursery of the local hospital. To make matters worse, the baby is replaced with a corn snake. Who in the small town could do something like this? State Trooper Detectives, including Woody Potter, are brought in to help solve the case. But what they find gets continually stranger as the thriller, with a hint of supernatural, plays out over the next 9 days.
I have come to the realization that I need to take notes as I read. Yes, I’m that person. Not only to keep track of characters but for memory retention. “The Burn Palace” has a fair share of characters and the point of view jumps around quite a bit. Due to the jumping around of people, places, and plot lines, I had quite a few notes and post-its marked in the book. It didn’t influence my feelings on the book at all. I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well written. The plot was fast paced and took many unexpected turns. I recommended this book to a fellow homeschool mom and got a few recommendations from her!
What have you been reading lately? What is your favorite book you were unable to put down?
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom
I’ve never heard of this book. I like fast paced reads but if there’s lots of characters to keep up with I might get overwhelmed.
Sounds good though! Thanks for sharing!
xoxo
Katie
It’s not a lot of main characters, more secondary characters. Both have their good and bad points. That’s why I just take notes when I read. Helps me remember.
It was a very good book. Thanks for stopping by!!
Brittany M
I really have to start reading again. I am ashamed to even admit that I cannot remember the last book I read, besides my school textbooks…which doesn’t count. I like the idea of having a goal, that is sensible, and you’re right 40 by 40 does have a great ring to it 😉 Thanks for sharing, stopping by from #shinebloghop
Katie
I made the reading goal for the same reason. I was hardly reading. I used to love to read, but college really took all the fun out of it for me. I have read a lot of good books since I started, and got a lot of good recommendations as well. Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Maria
I’ve never heard of this, but you’ve certainly got me curious. I also love your premise with the forty books by forty. It’s such a great idea to get back into reading and also explore these unknown characters and worlds through literature! I hope you’re enjoying it!
Katie
Thanks! Reading is such a simple task that we often forget about. The trick is to find a book that won’t put you to sleep 😉 This book certainly wasn’t one of those. Thanks so much for reading!