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Sorrow


A poignant story about friendship and love, art and music, and how these ...
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Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

Created: 12/01/20

Replies: 24

Posted Dec. 01, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3444

Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)


Posted Dec. 04, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
lorrained

Join Date: 12/04/20

Posts: 137

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

While some parts of the book frustrated me with inaction or action of the two key figures, I couldn't put the book down.


Posted Dec. 05, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
carolt

Join Date: 03/25/17

Posts: 190

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

I was moved by this book in ways I haven't been for some time.


Posted Dec. 05, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
momo

Join Date: 04/03/19

Posts: 49

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

Overall, I liked how it didn't feel as if the love story was the main focus of the book. The detailed description of a character's love for their hobby was captivating.


Posted Dec. 05, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
sallyh

Join Date: 09/07/12

Posts: 142

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

I felt that some parts of the book were a bit slow, but overall I liked it very much.


Posted Dec. 06, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
terriej

Join Date: 07/28/11

Posts: 422

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

I really liked this book. The story kept me interested and I couldn't put it down. I don't often read books where the male character is telling a love story.


Posted Dec. 06, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
AlwaysSunny

Join Date: 01/06/20

Posts: 27

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

This book was a pleasant surprise for me, since I mostly read history, historical fiction, and mysteries. The contemporary love story that today's writers put out do not appeal to me in the least. However, I found DeBartolo's writing style addictive and a joy to read. She brought us right into the headspace of Joe Harper and never lets us go. I found it an intriguing story of a very mixed-up young man. I loved that a woman wrote from the perspective of a man, and I'd like to hear from any men who read the book to see if it felt "real."

I highly enjoyed this book, and I look forward to reading more of DeBartolo's work in the future.


Posted Dec. 06, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Marcia S

Join Date: 02/08/16

Posts: 505

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

I initially didn't request this book because it didn't sound very interesting. However, I liked it a lot. I felt such empathy for Joe. It was nice to read a book where the male character displays real feelings and vulnerability. He felt deeply and I liked that. The story seemed real. I really liked it.


Posted Dec. 09, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Tonijb

Join Date: 01/05/20

Posts: 5

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

I felt it was one of the best books that I have read this year. I loved the depth of the characters, the surprises, the writing, the discussions about art and nature. The stories of love and of friendship. Our relationships with nature, the world and each other. The message on opening ourselves up to our best life.


Posted Dec. 10, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Theresa

Join Date: 06/22/20

Posts: 31

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

When I started reading the book, I initially thought, "another book about someone feeling sorry for themselves" I soon learned that was not the case and ended up thoroughly enjoying the book. It has so many levels to ponder.


Posted Dec. 12, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
cathyoc

Join Date: 04/26/17

Posts: 247

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were so authentic that I could not put the book down. The novel has very interesting insight into friendships, loss, and loyalty. It was a very enjoyable read.


Posted Dec. 13, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
janicea

Join Date: 04/20/17

Posts: 32

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

I struggled while reading the first several pages of this book and was ready to put it down. However, I continued as I committed to the book discussion. Am I glad I continued! I enjoyed the characters, the writing, and the art. Many times I wanted Joe to take responsibility for himself and figure out how his personality and current situation was impacted by life experiences. All three main characters were very talented and discussions about using those talents were interesting and insightful. I will recommend this book to friends and implore them to read beyond the first several pages.


Posted Dec. 14, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
peggyt

Join Date: 08/10/17

Posts: 215

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

It was a bit of a difficult read for me because it wasn’t what I would usually chose for myself but that is probably a good thing, to step outside my usual preferences.


Posted Dec. 14, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
AlwaysSunny

Join Date: 01/06/20

Posts: 27

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

I have to agree with Tonijb that this was a near perfect book. I also enjoyed how art and nature were wound up into the love story, as if they were also the objects of passion, which they were. It was an elevating story.


Posted Dec. 15, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
rosienick

Join Date: 03/20/16

Posts: 27

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

I really enjoyed this book. I felt a relationship to Joe much more than to October or to Cal. The characters are memorable...especially Joe and October.


Posted Dec. 15, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
cynthiaw

Join Date: 04/26/19

Posts: 17

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

This is the first book I’ve read by Tiffanie De Bartolo. Her writing is brilliant, and I do not use the word brilliant very often. I might use good, or even great writing or say a novel is well written. Sorrow is a masterpiece, poignant and affective.
Set in Northern California, I loved the parts about the giant Redwoods!
The first main character (there are 3), Joe Harper is just an ordinary guy in his late 30’s, and within this sentence is the only place ordinary applies! Remarkable and special is more like it!


Posted Dec. 15, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Jessica F

Join Date: 05/23/20

Posts: 165

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

Like Marcia S, I did not think the book sounded interesting. I was wrong! I really enjoyed the characters and their passions (music, art, nature). I was rooting for Joe to find his bravery. The sex scenes were perfectly executed.


Posted Dec. 17, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
lisar

Join Date: 07/25/16

Posts: 8

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

I’m so torn. I love Ms. Debartolo’s supple writing. Her descriptions of this area in Marin County make me wish I was on a hiking trail right now with Joe. But, I found the characters frustrating and irritating, especially Joe. Overall I enjoyed the music and nature references, but not some of the angsty narrative.


Posted Dec. 22, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
marks

Join Date: 02/25/19

Posts: 112

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

I thoroughly enjoyed Sorrow and not just for the reasons I thought it looked interesting. I enjoyed the way that Debartolo incorporated nature into the piece and the characters. I am usually more drawn to mystery novels, but these characters drew me in, and I regularly found myself reading it later into the night than I meant to. This was the first book by Ms. Debartolo that I have read, but it will not be the last!


Posted Dec. 23, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
beckys

Join Date: 08/12/16

Posts: 233

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

I really loved this book for the most part...I am not one to read sappy love stories, am more of a historical fiction fan, but this book drew me in and had some unique twists that kept me engaged. I loved the authors style and hope to read more of her books in the future. I totally couldn't put the book down for the first half, just so interested in the characters , when Cal entered the story, I thought it was a little too hard to believe, but the author did make it believable. I loved the setting of the book and I loved the artistic influence, definitely made me want to follow October Danko as an artist! It was a great read.


Posted Dec. 27, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
poniesnpearls

Join Date: 06/28/11

Posts: 78

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

I enjoyed the descriptions and the writing, but had a harder time with the characters. Perhaps that's the point of some books though - you don't have to like all of the characters to enjoy a book overall.


Posted Dec. 28, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
PattiPM

Join Date: 08/31/17

Posts: 12

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

I really loved this book. This is my first book by Tiffanie DeBartolo and it will definitely not be my last. I loved how she incorporated nearly every topic/idea as though it were art: Music, construction, feelings. Truly a wonderful read.


Posted Dec. 28, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
PattiPM

Join Date: 08/31/17

Posts: 12

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

I really loved this book. This is my first book by Tiffanie DeBartolo and it will definitely not be my last. I loved how she incorporated nearly every topic/idea as though it were art: Music, construction, feelings. Truly a wonderful read.


Posted Jan. 03, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
bill

Join Date: 05/25/17

Posts: 23

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

I did not find the book to be a page turner but was enjoyable enough to read to the end to observe the interaction between the characters, main and supporting.

I don't know if I would recommend the book to all of my fellow readers but maybe a select few.


Posted Jan. 04, 2021 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Lavender

Join Date: 01/29/19

Posts: 9

RE: Overall, what do you think of Sorrow? (no spoilers in this thread please)

I enjoyed the descriptions of the natural world especially the redwoods and the wonderful connection Harp had with them.
It was a struggle for me to visualize October’s art. The romance between Harp and October felt empty to me while Harp and Cal’s brotherhood was more complex and solid.


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