Comments on: Book Review: U IS FOR UNDERTOW

By: Pop Culture Nerd

Pop Culture Nerd — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:39:36 +0000

HI BichonBookie,

Except for the multiple POVs, I thought this one reverted back to what I liked about her earliest books, A – C, which were my favorites. Somewhere around P or Q, the voice went astray for me so I skipped a couple books after that.

By: BichonBookie

BichonBookie — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:54:57 +0000

I’ve enjoyed all of Sue Grafton’s books that I’ve read . . . . probably about half of the alphabet series. Also enjoyed “U” but to me, it didn’t sound like it was in her usual voice. Sentence structure, pace seemed different. Just me or you, too?

By: MelodyGirl

MelodyGirl — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 22:13:53 +0000

Hi Wild Sow, thanks for the recommendation. I heard horrible things about “T” but will perhaps read “S” now based on what you said and the fact I like “U” so much.

By: The Wild Sow

The Wild Sow — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 21:15:27 +0000

Melody Girl — Try “S is for Silence” — it’s fabulous. Sadly, “T is for Trespass” is more like “Tripe” — skip that one. Dumb story, repulsive characters, and chock-full of anachronisms.

U, now, back to the great storytelling Grafton is capable of.

By: Book Bird Dog

Book Bird Dog — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:06:46 +0000

Haven’t read a lot of her books, as I find the personal information distracts from the main plot and slows the novels down. But she is a good writer and gave her a good review on this book.

By: Pop Culture Nerd

Pop Culture Nerd — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:21:33 +0000

MelodyGirl---I'm glad you're liking it, too! I'll also confess to not loving Q. EIREGO---I think after 2 chapters, you'll want to read more. If not, please feel free to come back and yell at me. Jen---you can still enjoy this if you haven't read the others. Grafton is very good at including all the necessary facts for you to understand what's going on. BUT, there are revelations here that upend some things Kinsey have believed for years about her personal history (these disclosures don't spoil any past cases). So, you can skip all the angst and get to the truth! Reader#9---I mentioned the hit-or-miss thing in my review (I think it's understandable in a series that's been around as long as this one) but this one is GOOD. Shell---thanks! Sometimes I think they border on cheesy but I enjoy trying to come up with them. Well, except when I've got nothing and just want to write, "It's good. Read it."

By: Shell Sherree

Shell Sherree — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:50:39 +0000

I love your play on words with your verdict, PCN. You always come up with something clever ~ I’ve been meaning to sincerely praise and flatter you for that for a while now!

By: READER#9

READER#9 — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:11:50 +0000

Sue Grafton is hit or miss for me. I think it has a lot to do with writing a whole series of books using the alphabet as a guideline. I impressed with her for taking on the task, but I think it naturally effects the creative process to work in this manner. I have enjoyed the Kinsey character though and, since you say this is a good one, I’ll check it out.

By: Jen Forbus

Jen Forbus — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:07:14 +0000

As someone who hasn’t read the whole series, is this a book you can read without the background or do you think previous books are necessary to fully understand “U”?

By: EIREGO

EIREGO — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 23:23:27 +0000

I avoid Sue Grafton as a rule now. I have read some of her books, but never felt she deserved her rabid fan base, especially regarding the ‘Kinsey’ character. Kinsey is way too whiny for me. I have the same feelings about pretty much all of John Grisham’s heroes. I find them both formulaic and, other than a decent hooky plotline once in a while, quite predictable. BUT if you say it’s worth the read, I will promise to reserve judgment while reading the first two chapters of “U.”