Disliking the Main Character?

As readers we all come across it -- a main character that we dislike or even avidly hate. So what do you do then? Do you give up on the book or do you push through in the hope of finding something about the character that is redeemable?

Personally, I am more of a plot driven reader. If you can give me a solid plot that moves along, then I am a happy reader no matter how awful the characters are. There are characters that I have disliked or even been indifferent too, but still enjoyed the book. Case in point, A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick -- horrible characters that do horrible things. I absolutely loved it. Another case in point, American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld -- doormat of a woman marries a ridiculous man who becomes president. I enjoyed this book as well. (Huh, I just noticed that the word 'wife' is in both titles. How interesting.)

Is there a book where you dislike the characters but still enjoy the book? Do you stop reading a book if you do not like the main character?

A Reliable Wife -- Now in Paperback!

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick is now available in paperback. I read and reviewed this novel last July (I borrowed the book from the library) and at the time said this --

"A Reliable Wife is the story of people with terrible pasts who are grasping for second chances. The writing has a lyrical quality and the reader is able to ponder the thoughts and feelings of characters who refuse to show their true selves to anyone. The characters are awful people, who have made tremendous mistakes and must live with them. "

To check out my entire review, go to: http://barneysbookblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/review-reliable-wife.html.

How about you? Have you read A Reliable Wife? If so, what did you think? (Feel free to leave the link to your review in the comments section.)

It's Monday! What are you reading? -- 8/3

Currently Reading:

Dead Already by Charlie Huston (really intense, about 1/2 way through)

No One You Know by Michelle Richmond -- Library Book Club (just started)

Read, Reviewed, Reviews to Come:

The Late, Lamented Molly Marx by Sally Koslow -- review

Burn by Linda Howard-- review

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick -- review

High Five by Janet Evanovich -- review to come (Stephanie Plum Challenge)

The Bronte Project by Jennifer Vandever -- review to come

The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O'Neal -- review to come

In other news... Barney's Online Book Club has chosen Julie and Julia by Julie Powell for their August 2009 selection. All are welcome to join in the discussion! Click here for more information...

What are you reading this week?

Review -- A Reliable Wife

A Reliable Wife
by Robert Goolrick
Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2009
291 pages
Received from: the library

Summary: Ralph Truitt, a rich Wisconsin businessman, advertises for a wife and chooses to marry Catherine Land, a women with a secretive past. Taking place at the turn of the twentieth century, Ralph and Catherine try to build a future together while the sins of their past come back to haunt them.

Review: A Reliable Wife is the story of people with terrible pasts who are grasping for second chances. The writing has a lyrical quality and the reader is able to ponder the thoughts and feelings of characters who refuse to show their true selves to anyone. The characters are awful people, who have made tremendous mistakes and must live with them. Some seek forgiveness, while others try anything to change the course of their destiny. Yet through the language the reader is kept separate from them, watching from above as they live their day-to-day lives. The plot does have some twists and turns, but there no shock and awe. You know the characters are capable of anything. Overall, an engrossing read that makes you think even after the last page is read. Rating: **** out of 5.

It's Monday! What are you reading? -- 7/20

Happy Monday!

Currently Reading:
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr

Read / Reviewed Last Week / Reviews to Come:
The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies -- review (3/5)
Need by Carrie Jones -- review (4/5)
Mr and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy by Sharon Lathan -- review (3/5)
Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich -- no review
Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich -- no review
The Late, Lamented Molly Marx -- Barney's Online Book Club -- review to come

Starting Next? So I have a major issue. I went to the library on Saturday and I came out with 10 books. Any advice? Has anyone read any of these books, did you like them / dislike them?

Already Dead by Charlie Huston
A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb
The Next Thing on My List by Jill Smolinski
Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen by Susan Gregg Gilmore
A Hopeless Romantic by Harriet Evans
Emily's Ghost by Denise Giardina
The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O'Neal
Serendipity by Louise Shaffer
Frostbite by Richelle Mead
Stalking Susan by Julie Kramer


Thanks to J. Kaye for hosting this great meme! Want to play along? Go to J.Kaye's Book Blog.

Saturday Stuff -- 7/18

This week has been a good week for reading. I was able to post three reviews: The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies, Need by Carrie Jones, and Mr and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy by Sharon Lathan . I also started the Stephanie Plum series and am currently reading the third book. Speaking about the Plum series, I am wondering if bloggers review every book they read. I tend to stay away from reviewing series that I have already started before I began blogging less than a year ago. Series such as Anita Blake or Sookie Stackhouse in which I have read every book, I shy away from reviewing. I think my reasoning is that I would hate to spoil the earlier books for a reader who has just started them. What about you? Do you review every book that you read? I also finished The Late, Lamented Molly Marx by Sally Koslow, which is the Barney's Online Book Club Selection for July 2009. The group will be discussing the book on July 27th and all are invited to join us. Author Sally Koslow will be stopping by throughout the day to say hello and discuss her new novel. I am really looking forward to this -- Sally's novel was absolutely wonderful and should make for an interesting discussion.
Last night I started A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick and after a slow start I am engrossed in the novel. For those who haven't come across this novel it is about a rich man who advertises for a wife and gets more than he bargins for.

How was your week of reading? What are you reading this Saturday?