Sunday, March 21, 2010

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO

Author: Stieg Larsson
Genre: Mystery, Trilogy #1
Published: 2008
Personal Rating: 4.25/5 (better than very good)
Yearly Count: 23



After having his career take a dive, a once-respected journalist is hired to write the biography of a wealthy man. However, the assignment behind the assignment is to solve the mystery of his niece who has been missing (presumed dead) for decades.

I was disappointed when the end quickly arrived, but realized that I had a very good time throughout the reading process. I didn't consider this one a page-turner in the same sense as a thriller (even though some consider this a thriller), but I became completely immersed whenever I had some reading time. The writing, in and of itself, had such a flow, and the many components of the storyline merged together seamlessly. It wasn't without its flaws, though. I didn't necessarily care for some of the moral issues (or lack thereof), but they didn't bother me immensely; however, that being said - I didn't have any connections with the characters either. BUT, apparently for me, a very good story, in conjunction with very good writing skills equals a worthy read even without the connections.

I will definitely go see the movie of #1; I have #2 on my TBR Shelf and #3 is on its way. Lots to look forward to!

15 comments:

  1. Anonymous2:26 PM

    Hey Joy, good to see you! I think you will find #2 more of a thriller in terms of pace. I did anyway. #3 kind of ties everything up. I still liked all 3 of them.

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  2. I've heard so many good things about this series and now you too. I have the first 2 on my eReader to read so I'll see if I like them as well. Hope you have a great weekend Joy.

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  3. Glad to hear you liked this one, all things considered. It's also on my tbr.

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  4. I haven't read this yet, but I'm anxious to and plan to see the movie if it ever comes here.

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  5. You pretty much had the same reaction to this book as I did. Not without flaws, but still a very good story (and one that got better the further along I read). I'll get to the second one eventually...

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  6. Nice review! I hope to get to this one sometime soon.

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  7. This one is my list. I'm looking forward to it.

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  8. I'm so glad to read what you had to say about this one. I hesitated for a long time and then finally bought the paperback a couple of months ago. I really need to actually pick it up and read it soon!!

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  9. Kay ~ For me, "pace" and "suspense" are major components of a thriller - when you find yourself holding your breath or you can't read fast enough. I didn't find that in this book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I read that Larsson planned for 10 in the series. So sad, but I'm glad that the 3rd feels like it ties everything up.

    Darlene ~ I'm so happy to see your comments! I'm thinking you'll be like the rest of us and enjoy it.

    Nicola ~ I actually liked this one a lot and look forward to #2.

    Bermudaonion ~ You are so faithful! Thank you for your continual support of comments. :) I haven't seen it here yet either. I'm waiting.

    Les ~ I need to come by and read what you wrote. I wonder if I commented. And, yes, I agree - it got better as it went along.

    Alisonwonderland ~ I hope you do too!

    Charley ~ It seems to be on the list of everyone and for a very good reason. Hope you enjoy it.

    Suzi ~ It's a good one. On one hand, I want to read the 2nd one soon, but on the other, I don't want to gobble them up so quickly. There's only 3! Maybe after the movie I'll pick up #2.

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  10. Anonymous5:37 PM

    I tried to read this but I guess I just wasn't in the right frame of mind. Will have to try again as I have heard a great deal about this series. BTW...I'm bummed about our favorite BB Amazing Race couple ;(..I'm rooting for the cowboys!!!

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  11. Danielle ~ I'm surprised our favorite couple lasted as long as they did! :) I kinda like the cowboys, too.

    As for this book, it definitely takes a while to get into it. If you can get over the hump of the beginning, you'll discover that it gets better and better.

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  12. This is one of those that I have in my "need to write a post about one day" stack. Don't know if I'll ever get to it but I enjoyed reading your thoughts and comparing them with mine.

    I'm guessing you read this one? For some reason I had a really tough time with the writing style. I remember being really immersed in the story and then off on a tangent we went and it ended up feeling really jarring. I did like the characters but had a tough time with the lack of morals as well--I'd be really interested to see what they'd do with the movie (I had no idea there will be a movie!!). My friend just finished the second and really enjoyed it--said she preferred it to the first so I will continue on one of these days. Glad you liked this one, Joy!

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  13. Trish ~ I'm not sure why I didn't respond sooner, but I'm here now! :) The movie ended up being a movie with English subtitles, and it was supposedly more "artsy" (read: liberal in its scenes of immoral behavior). The only place I saw it was on the U of M's State Theatre marquee. By then I had already given up the idea of seeing it.

    I hope all is well with you, Trish. :)

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  14. Joy--I guess I didn't even realize you didn't comment back. :)

    When I left the comment, I saw on imdb.com that there was a movie in the works. I just looked again and it looks like there are actual actors rumored to be playing roles for the 2012 production? http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1568346/ I *almost* picked up the sequel today at Target but went for The Help instead.

    Things are going well but busy. My blogging is sparse at best--but you did see that I'm at a new home, right? Didn't really want to make a big to-do about it--figured it people wanted to visit they would.

    Hope all is well with you, too--School's just about out for you, huh?

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  15. Trish ~ Yes, I'm aware of your new home. :) I hope you are happy with your decision to move. I will be by to visit at some point. I am so overwhelmed with trying to get caught up, but I am making progress.

    And, yes, school is out now. Whew!!!

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