A Light Between Oceans

[litskispeciality]

I just saw a preview for "A Light Between Oceans", other than "what are you reading" threads, I don't think I've heard of this. Is it any good? Should you read the book before the movie? I'm thinking Overdrive might take a while.

Any other books into movies worth requesting to get a head start?

[ufcasey]

Out of my Goodreads friends the ratings were:

5 stars : 3 people
4 stars : 6 people
3 stars : 3 people

So it's a mixed bag. I rated it 4.5 stars rounded up to 5. I listened to the audiobook though, which might have improved it's likeability.

I had honestly no idea it was being made into a movie!

[Nonny]

I had to go look up my rating, and it looks like I rated it 4 stars (which is pretty generous for me, I rate most things 3 stars). I looks like the four of my friends who have read it also all rated it 4 stars as well.

It was sad, but well written. It's one of those books where you simultaneously think the characters are making bad choices, but also understand those bad choices are coming from a good place, and that they aren't ill intentioned, they just aren't thinking of long term consequences.

[ufcasey]

I agree with Nonny. This was my review on Goodreads:

4.5 stars - I think you have to listen to this book versus reading it to really enjoy it, because the narrator's voice and cadence just makes this book come alive. This book made me stop and think about what I would do if I was in the situation these characters find themselves in, and that's the best kind of book.

[rootbeerfloat]

I think I gave it 3 stars? I found it depressing and instead of sympathizing with each character, I found them all equally unlikable.

I have a crush on Michael Fassbender, but I'm not sure that's enough to get me to see the movie.

[charlatti]

I liked that one a lot. I had no idea it was going to be a movie.

[willyh19]

I gave it 4 stars, but now thinking back on it, I should probably change it to 3 stars. I agree about the unlikable characters. It's an OK read, but there are many better books out there.

[fabk]

I read this a couple of years ago. I liked it because it was real to me with my own history of loss.
I can see how different people with different perspectives would get something completely different out of the story.

I can guarantee you though that I will not see the movie. I won't be able to live that particular story again.
Like I said I liked it, am glad I read it but now I am done with it. Does that make sense?

[MrsAxilla]

I really liked it and gave it four stars. But like fabk,I was also in some kind of place when I read it.

[msmerymac]

I thought it was a good, well-written book. It was an interesting setting - a very remote lighthouse off the Australian coast in the early 20th century. I also agree with previous posters that the characters are somewhat unsympathetic, but honestly, I think they're just complicated. No one is all good or bad in real life, right? I'd still recommend it.

[AJL]

I really enjoyed this book a lot!

[farfalla2011]

I read this a couple months ago and really enjoyed it. Mostly because I could relate to the multiple loss piece and the emotion that comes with that.

My review on goodreads was this: "There are so many things to say about this book, but simply, it captures our own human desperation perfectly. Whether right or wrong, the actions of each of these characters is in my opinion completely justifiable. Heartbreaking, but amazing story all at once."

[expectantsteelerfan]

It was one of my favorite reads this past year, and I still remember what it was about just from the title (which is rare for me) so it stayed with me. I think I gave it 4 stars.

[aurora]

I just finished it yesterday and enjoyed it (I realize this is an old thread).