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Bel Canto
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
Somewhere in South America, at the home of the country's vice president, a lavish birthday party is being held in honor of Mr. Hosokawa, a powerful Japanese businessman. Roxanne Coss, opera's most revered soprano, has mesmerized the international guests with her singing. It is a perfect eveninguntil a band of gun-wielding terrorists breaks in through the air-conditioning vents and takes the entire party hostage. But what begins as a panicked, life-threatening scenario slowly evolves into something quite different, as terrorists and hostages forge unexpected bonds and people from different countries and continents become compatriots.Without the demands of the world to shape their days, life on the inside becomes more beautiful than anything they had known before. At once riveting and impassioned, the narrative becomes a moving exploration of how people communicate when music is the only common language. Friendship, compassion, and the chance for great love lead the characters to forget the real danger that has been set in motion and cannot be stopped.Ann Patchett has written a novel that is as lyrical and profound as it is unforgettable. Bel Canto engenders in the reader the very passion for art and the language of music that its characters discover. As a reader, you find yourself fervently wanting this captivity to continue forever, even though you know that real life waits on the other side of the garden wall. A virtuoso performance by one of our best and most important writers, Bel Canto is a novel to be cherished.
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review
Ericalambbrown
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

I‘ve been in an awful reading slump lately, so I thought I‘d continue on my quest to read all of Ann Patchett‘s work. I really liked this one, which seems to have been inspired by the hostage situation at the Peruvian embassy in the late 90‘s. She does such an extraordinary job of writing the emotion of extremely complicated relationships.

Karisa Oooh! I loved that book too, except I remember thinking it would‘ve been ever better without the epilogue. 3d
Ruthiella I love this book too. 3d
rwmg @Karisa Most definitely 👍 👍 3d
plemmdog IMHO I think it‘s her best 2d
67 likes4 comments
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BookBelle84
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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I could spend a whole day in here. Missed Tom Hanks by one day. Parnassus Books in Nashville.

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ChaoticMissAdventures
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

#2023Reread
This year I am rereading a favorite book each month to see if they hold up.This was April's reread, and it does! I love this story of a... kidnapping? Such a complex story. A Japanese business man is brought to a South American country for his birthday to hear his favorite opera singer perform. The room is filled with people from all over the world, and when the lights go out a terrorist group breaks in and holds all guests captive.👇

ChaoticMissAdventures I love how the book humanizes the people who are trying to effect change in their country. The layers Patchett weaves with the translator, the terrorists, and all of the hostages. It is a gorgeous story. I do think a 4⭐ due to feeling a bit surface level you see what is going on, and it is told to you but could be written to feel it a bit deeper. 3w
DimeryRene I love this book so much!!! I only read it once nearly a decade ago and have always wondered if it held up. 💕💕 3w
ChaoticMissAdventures @DimeryRene I think it does! I was reading some reviews and some called it unrealistic, and my only thought was the '79 Iranian hostage crisis that went on for 400+ days. I still love this story, but I do think the criticism that you stay surface level on all the characters is valid. 3w
40 likes3 comments
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CoffeeNBooks
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Saturday morning #coffeeandabook. This wasn't part of my original #20in4 goal, but I decided it was time to add it to the mix and start reading it, or it would stay unread on my bookshelf for who knows how long. 😂
@Andrew65

Librarybelle Love this photo and the color scheme! 3mo
squirrelbrain Love this book! 3mo
BookHoarder32 Oo mystery flavor! 3mo
See All 12 Comments
CoffeeNBooks @Librarybelle Thank you! I was feeling creative this morning! 💙 3mo
CoffeeNBooks @squirrelbrain I use to teach an excerpt of this in AP Literature, so I'm looking forward to reading the entire book. 3mo
CoffeeNBooks @BookHoarder32 It's really good! I can't wait to find out what flavor it is, to see if my guess is correct. 3mo
CoffeeAndABook Such a pretty pic!! 💙 this book is one of my all-time favorites! it stayed with me for a long time after reading it and I remember being ultra-impressed with the writing 👌🏼 3mo
LaraReads What a great pic & how exciting on the mystery flavor! This has also been on my TBR forever! Excited to see your thoughts! 3mo
SamAnne Such a beautifully written book. 3mo
Ruthiella I love this book. Based on the blurb, I‘d never had picked it up, but I am so glad I did. Also, that photo is amazing! Perfect composition. 😍 3mo
Andrew65 Hope you enjoy it, I often go off plans. 3mo
92 likes12 comments
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BkClubCare
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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My car slowed as it spotted a little free library… had to stop and check it out. I picked up Bel Canto, then said to quite a few other books, “Read it, read it…”; and decided to NOT take home Ninth House…

MrsMalaprop Loved Bel Canto 😍 4mo
Ruthiella That‘s some nice choice! The LFLs around me tend not to change in contents, same paperbacks that I didn‘t want to read last year. 4mo
BkClubCare @MrsMalaprop - yes! This will be a re-read — but I read it SO long ago, I am curious how it will go. 4mo
BkClubCare @Ruthiella - (I happen to know the librarians of this LFL and they are amazing readers. 😊) 4mo
64 likes4 comments
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Cortg
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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My year in books using Goodreads. I created a Storygraph account to try out this year. I‘m still figuring it all out. Cortg15

MaGoose I just created an account on Storygraph, too. At this point, I think it has some growing to do. Couldn't find several of the books I've read in their database. But, I'll try it out for a while. Also, there's no way to locate specific users, or I'd follow you on that site, too. 5mo
fredamans 👏 👏 👏 5mo
5feet.of.fury @MaGoose I made one last year, but fell behind on it and left it nearly empty. I decided I wanted to use it this year and start fresh for 2023. I agree the interface is not user friendly, when I try to search challenges they don‘t come up right away etc. but you can find users if you go to community and then search by user name 🙂 5mo
Cortg @5feet.of.fury Thanks!
5mo
42 likes4 comments
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xicanti
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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I did finish BEL CANTO, and it was marvellous! It‘s definitely going on my list of great opera books, with a note about how it‘s a great human nature book even if you aren‘t into the musical side of things.

I thought y‘all might like to see the cinnamon buns, too, all decked out in their cream cheese frosting. They‘re destined to get grilled up for breakfast tomorrow. #audiobaking

sebrittainclark Those look so good! 5mo
xicanti @sebrittainclark the one I ate to make sure they were okay was great! 5mo
sebrittainclark @xicanti is so important to test baked goods for quality 😆 5mo
See All 13 Comments
Catsandbooks Delicious!! 💕 5mo
marleed They look so good! 5mo
batsy Yum! I'm all about the roll as an add on to the star of the show, which is the cream cheese frosting 😆 5mo
xicanti @marleed @Catsandbooks I think there‘ll be some happy mouths here later this morning. 5mo
xicanti @batsy I first made these to use up some leftover cream cheese frosting! Now I make them so I‘ve got an excuse to whip up more of it. (edited) 5mo
BkClubCare Oh!! I need to reread this. 5mo
xicanti @BkClubCare it was my first Patchett. I‘m gonna have to read more from her. 5mo
BkClubCare @xicanti - and you starting at a good place, I might suggest State of Wonder next. 5mo
xicanti @BkClubCare noted! 5mo
BkClubCare @xicanti - 😊 I know that there are authors I am intimidated to try because I don‘t know where to start. 5mo
51 likes13 comments
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xicanti
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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So far today I‘ve assembled a trifle for tomorrow, iced an eggnog cake for tonight, and baked cinnamon buns. Even with most of the components already made, it‘s been a busy morning.

I don‘t think I‘ll be able to finish BEL CANTO this afternoon, but I should get close enough to the end that I‘ll manage it tomorrow. It‘s excellent so far; not quite as stellar as I thought it‘d be in the beginning, but still damned good. I love it. #audiobaking

MommyWantsToReadHerBook Your trifle looks amazing 🍒 5mo
xicanti @MommyWantsToReadHerBook thanks! It‘s my grandma‘s recipe, tweaked a little bit. 5mo
Catsandbooks Looks tasty! 5mo
xicanti @Catsandbooks I‘m really excited to eat it later. 5mo
43 likes4 comments
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Cortg
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

Loved this one! I really enjoyed the character building and relationship building in this, and though it was very much a Stockholm Syndrome kind of story, it wasn‘t, though maybe that‘s what it‘s all about? 🙌🏼 #pop22 ~ a book featuring a party

RebelReader My favorite of Patchett‘s! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 6mo
Cinfhen Excellent choice!!!! 6mo
squirrelbrain I loved this one too! ❤️ 6mo
See All 8 Comments
Ruthiella My first and still favorite Patchett. 6mo
Megabooks Making great progress!! 6mo
Cortg @Megabooks Thanks! I should finish one tomorrow, leaving me with 4 more! I own all four physical books but downloaded 3 of them as time is ticking! I just started my book club book tonight 😳 6mo
EvieBee I read this in September and loved it! 5mo
Cortg @EvieBee I love discovering older books that I originally missed out on ☺️ 5mo
48 likes2 stack adds8 comments
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Karons1
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
Panpan

I know I know ! It‘s a multi award winner people adore it & I love Ann Patchetts 3 latest novels but sadly this one is not for me. ! Couldn‘t get into it, it bored 🥱 me and I didn‘t give a hoot for any of the characters !

Vansa Same here. There was something terribly clunky about the writing, the conflict didn't come through at all. Very surprising it's so popular 😂 6mo
Karons1 👏🏻👏🏻 6mo
28 likes2 comments
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EvieBee
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

What a book, and one I‘m positive deserves a rereading! Speechless. Am I in the minority about the ending seeming kind of perfect for an imperfect situation? 😩😩

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ruthiella Did you know this was based on a real event? I loved this book -which based on the blurb would be a story I would normally avoid. The ending (not the epilogue) was a gut punch. (edited) 8mo
CoffeeAndABook It‘s been years since I read this book and it‘s still with me, lingering in my mind for it‘s superb storytelling and gut punch ending. Wow. On another note - cheers 🍻 or rather Prost!! looks like you‘re in Munich at just the right time!! 😃 8mo
RebelReader Still my favorite Patchett book! 8mo
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Sophronisba @RebelReader mine too! Nothing else she's written has measured up for me. 8mo
EvieBee @Ruthiella I remember hearing it was loosely based on true events but then spent the rest of this morning/afternoon reading all out it and Peru‘s crazy political and social unrest. Adds so much depth to the book. I so love this book!!! It feels like when I was late to A Gentleman in Moscow and Rules of Civility. My heart hurts. (edited) 8mo
EvieBee @CoffeeAndABook Gah, it really is so good! I realized as I was describing it to my husband that the author tells us how it will end but as a reader we choose to forget that and live in the moment. Munich was so mind blowing. Was so sad to leave. Today is my first day back. Already planning to rally again in December. Germany is grand!!! 😆😆💕💕 8mo
EvieBee @RebelReader I‘m almost certain this is my favorite of hers in fiction. I love her memoir Truth and Beauty but you‘re right, nothing really compares to this one. 8mo
EvieBee @Sophronisba Yes!! It‘s like where do you even go from here? 8mo
rwmg Yes, it couldn't really have ended any other way but it was still devastating when it did. I didn't really like the epilogue, though 8mo
CarolynM I‘m with you about the end. It worked for me. (edited) 8mo
EvieBee @rwmg Completely devastating! 8mo
EvieBee @CarolynM I also understood why the epilogue fit. It was poetic to me. 8mo
67 likes12 comments
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EvieBee
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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I spent two weeks trying to figure out what (2) books to bring to Munich. At the last minute I swapped both books out. So glad I trusted my gut because this book is so good thus far!

BennettBookworm One of my all time faves! 9mo
EvieBee @BennettBookworm I can see why! Can‘t believe I haven‘t read it yet. 9mo
BarbaraBB Enjoy Munich! 9mo
See All 8 Comments
LeahBergen Enjoy your trip! 9mo
Amandajoy I love this book. Except the epilogue. If I ever get around to rereading it, I‘ll stop before I get there. 9mo
mcctrish Enjoy Munich ( we went at Christmas time and enjoyed it so much) and Bel Canto ( pretty sure I devoured it ) 9mo
EvieBee @barbarabb @LeahBergen @mcctrish Thank you! 😘 (edited) 9mo
EvieBee @Amandajoy oh no! I‘m intrigued! 9mo
77 likes1 stack add8 comments
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EadieB
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

#ManicMonday #LetterB @eeclayton @CBee
@TheSpineView Thanks for the tag!

Bel Canto
Baldacci
Blade Runner
Beatles
Baby One More Time - Britany Spears

TheSpineView You're welcome 9mo
CBee Thanks for playing 😊😊 9mo
eeclayton You're welcome ☺️ I loved Bel Canto too! 9mo
47 likes3 comments
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Lcsmcat
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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One I always recommend! #alphabetgame #letterB
Thanks for the tag @CrowCAH

CrowCAH Good choice; thanks for playing! 10mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you for playing!! 10mo
rwmg I was very tempted to make that my B book 10mo
41 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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Blueberry
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Eggs Perfect 👍🏼 11mo
57 likes1 stack add1 comment
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DHill
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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“It makes you wonder. All the brilliant things we might have done with our lives if only we suspected we knew how.”

ChaoticMissAdventures One of my favorite books! 12mo
49 likes1 comment
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DHill
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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💠 Tagged
💠 Physical Book
💠 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💠 I haven‘t marked in a book since college. Doing that now feels too much like studying (even though it was a long time ago!) I sometimes take a pic of a quote or passage I like.

#ThoughtfulThursday
@MoonWitch94

@THill

MoonWitch94 Thanks for playing ☺️📚 12mo
28 likes1 comment
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BookBelle84
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

I found The Dutch House boring, I hated State of Wonder, but I loved this one! A fascinating character study of a hostage situation. I loved the dynamic and relationships between the characters and while there wasnt much plot, i was never bored. I'm glad that I gave it a chance after my previous experiences with Patchett.

MrsMalaprop We were discussing her books at bookclub Monday night as I‘d chosen her latest These Precious Days. Bel Canto is definitely my favourite. Didn‘t like State of Wonder either. I‘m going to watch the Bel Canto movie this weekend as someone mentioned it at book club. 13mo
CarolynM State of Wonder was a real disappointment to me. I liked Bel Canto but I loved Run. 13mo
rwmg To my surprise I actually preferred State of Wonder to Bel Canto, which apart from the unfortunate epilogue I didn't think could be improved upon, and between them they made Patchett one of my favourite authors. I'm not a great one for essays but I I really liked These Precious Days. 13mo
38 likes3 comments
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Erin.Elizabeth10
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

I have been wanting to read Ann Patchett for a while, and now I finally have! This was a bit of an odd story. It is VERY character driven, not much actually happens and they don‘t go anywhere. It‘s a hostage situation the entire book. But it‘s also humorous. It was a bit quirky, but I liked the writing a lot, so I would try her other books. Which do you recommend?

rwmg My favourite of her novels that I've read 14mo
Erin.Elizabeth10 @rwmg Thank you! I will add it to my list! 14mo
Erin.Elizabeth10 @Megabooks Oh yes! I almost forgot she wrote that! This is probably the one I‘ve seen the most and want to read. 14mo
24 likes4 comments
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DHill
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Sunday morning with the girls.

#dogsoflitsy

ElizaMarie The babies!!!! 14mo
62 likes1 stack add1 comment
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eeclayton
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

This is a beautiful book. Even if it's a bit too sentimental, even if it's a bit unrealistic, the building of relationships among the characters is fascinating. The ending comes somewhat abruptly, but I find it absolutely believable. What I have trouble with is the epilogue.

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shanaymayer
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Fireside reads are the best. ❤️ this one has been on my list for ever, but after reading and loving The Dutch House and These Precious Days, I knew it was time. ☺️

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Gilliankayed308
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
Pickpick

I fell a little bit in love with the characters in this book.

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EadieB
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

#BelCanto #AnnPatchett #BookSpinBingo

Based on true story in Peru in 1996, when rebels from the leftist Tupac Amaru movement raided a party at the Japanese ambassador's residence and took hundreds of civilians hostage including American opera star Roxane Coss, and Mr. Hosokawa, a Japanese CEO and her biggest fan. It is a captivating story of strength and fragility, love and imprisonment.

EadieB It was interesting to read about the different relationships that formed between the terrorists and the hostages of different backgrounds and languages. We quickly learn that music is their only common language. The tragic ending was a bit of a surprise and the epilogue seemed like an abrupt change back to normal life. If you are a music lover then I think you would enjoy this award-winning book. 1y
DivineDiana I loved this book, even with that ending. 1y
EadieB @DivineDiana Yes! It definitely was a very good story! 1y
See All 10 Comments
Suet624 I read this ages ago and totally forgot there was a tragic ending. 🤦🏻‍♀️ 1y
EadieB @Suet624 The ending seemed to come and go out of nowhere and didn‘t last long. Happens very suddenly so I can see how you could forget. 1y
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! 1y
rwmg I thought the ending was a good one and fit the story well, but the epilogue was a disappointment. 1y
EadieB @rwmg I was surprised at the ending as everyone was getting along so well. The epilogue made sense to me as it said “Life goes on!” 1y
rwmg To me, it was because everybody inside was getting on so well, that it had to end with an irruption from outside. The relationship betwen the singer and the translator, again to me, just seemed to come out of nowhere. 1y
EadieB @rwmg Very true but it happened so fast that I didn‘t see it coming! 1y
73 likes10 comments
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kera_11
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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the way this book is written is so incredible. the plot of a typical suspense/action novel but written languorously, constantly waiting to see if the other shoe will drop. the building of surprising relationships, development of new roles for people far from their norm. idk if I‘m supposed to interpret this book as almost magical realism but I did and would definitely love to talk to someone about this book. please.

eeclayton I didn't think about magical realism while reading, but now that I think about it, I think I see what you mean. I was fascinated by this book. 1y
kera_11 @eeclayton I was too! It gives you a lot to think about in terms of what isn‘t explicitly said but how they all act 1y
13 likes1 stack add2 comments
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peacegypsy
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

This was definitely a beautiful song, but I felt as if it should be a short story the entire time I was reading it. I understand the length speaks to the captivity, but, especially given the quick epilogue, I feel it would have been better expressed as a short story. Still a pick for me; lots of beautiful thoughts here.

43 likes1 stack add
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peacegypsy
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Finally getting to this one….

Cortg Oooh! I added this to my reading challenge this year! 1y
Christyco125 This was the first Ann Patchett I ever read. I loved this book (edited) 1y
42 likes1 stack add2 comments
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MelKelsey
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

Book 150 Bel Canto is a slow-burn. A group of political leaders that has gathered for a private opera performance is taken hostage by a guerilla group--a thrilling set-up. The first half is a slog as the reader anticipates action that won't ever begin. It's the final quarter that the excellent writing comes to life as the characters develop and the reader's expectations are adjusted. A beautiful piece of writing, if you make it to the end. 3.5 ⭐s

charl08 I'd like to reread this one: read a long time ago and I don't think I really "got" it! 1y
Brimful I reread this recently and got much more out of it than first time around! Great piece of writing! 1y
marleed I watched the movie and then I read the book. I loved the book but the movie may have aided my experience! 1y
MelKelsey @marleed I didn't know there was a movie. I'll check it out! Thanks! 1y
27 likes4 comments
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AmyG
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Thank you @CBee for thinking of me! You are the best. 😘😘😘

CBee You‘re welcome! Hope you enjoy the book! I got your gift yesterday but I‘m not opening it yet 😁 1y
AmyG @CBee Put it under your tree! And I look forward to giving this another try as now I am an Ann Patchett fan. 1y
CBee @AmyG I also loved 1y
See All 7 Comments
AmyG @CBee I think I have that in my ibooks. 🧐 1y
ShelleyBooksie I have this on my shelf and have never read it. Buddy read! 1y
AmyG @ShelleyBooksie YES! After the New year!!!! 1y
TheLudicReader Such a good book. 1y
75 likes7 comments
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AmyG
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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I recieved this from Amazon today with no note. Is this from anyone? For a swap????

TheKidUpstairs It's a great book! And that cover is gorgeous. 1y
Avanders 👆🏽 agreed on both counts! 1y
AmyG @MaleficentBookDragon or @bookish_wookish Would you know if this is from my partner for your swap???? Thanks so much. 1y
See All 14 Comments
bookish_wookish I will try and find out! 🕵🏼 1y
AmyG @bookish_wookish I so appreciate it! 1y
MaleficentBookDragon @nannermack was this the #jolabokaflod book from you? 1y
AmyG @MaleficentBookDragon I just looked on her post and her swap was wrapped. This came directly from Amazon with no note. 1y
Nannermack It was not from me!!! 1y
Nannermack @AmyG -I was your partner! 1y
AmyG @Nannermack thanks for responding. I am sure I will eventually find out who this is from….so I can thank them! 1y
CBee @AmyG now you‘ve got two copies 😂🤪 1y
Bookgoil Sorry that was from me! For the Litsy love giveaway 😅 sorry you got two copies! 1y
AmyG Ahhhhhhh…..thank you @Bookgoil and I am going to give a copy to my daughter. She, too, loves to read! 1y
Bookgoil @AmyG perfect! It‘s one of my faves so I hope you both enjoy! 1y
67 likes1 stack add14 comments
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DHill
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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1. Unfortunately, no. Meant to sign up and then never got to it.

2. Tagged book. I‘ve loved every Ann Patchett I‘ve read so far.

@TheSpineView #Two4Tuesday

TheSpineView Thanks for playing! 🖤🎃 2y
Clwojick Sign ups are still open, if you'd still like to join us. 2y
DHill @Clwojick thank you! I will sign up tonight. 2y
31 likes3 comments
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DHill
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Bookzombie That is a lovely view! 2y
AmyG What a peaceful reading spot. 2y
BiblioLitten 😍 2y
49 likes3 comments
review
anniebannanie
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
Pickpick

My life has been changed by this book. 10/10 party, 7/10 ending.

BarbaraBB That‘s quite a recommendation! 2y
anniebannanie it‘s incredible! a must-read! @BarbaraBB 2y
BarbaraBB I did and enjoyed it but it didn‘t have that impact on me. It‘s great however when a book has such an effect. Who did you root for in the book? 2y
See All 8 Comments
anniebannanie I think one of the main reasons I enjoyed the book so much was because I wasn‘t sure who to root for. For me, I definitely felt a connection to almost all of the characters @BarbaraBB 2y
BarbaraBB I can see why. There are a lot great characters indeed. I especially liked the Japanese ambassador (?) and his translator, the opera singer and the Vice President 2y
BarbaraBB Oh and the girl who looked like a boy! 2y
anniebannanie You have good taste, I enjoyed all of them! I do have to say though, the epilogue was disappointing. What do you think? @BarbaraBB 2y
BarbaraBB Yes I agree, it didn‘t add anything and was a bit of a hasty wrap up don‘t you think? 2y
10 likes1 stack add8 comments
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BarkingMadRead
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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After the hurricane blew by yesterday and left behind a couple tornadoes for good measure, it‘s maybe 10 degrees cooler and slightly less humid? I‘m trying out the egg chair again, since it‘s shady back there now.

marleed I‘m glad your egg chair is unscathed! 2y
TheLibrarian Is it comfy? And I‘m glad you‘re alright! 2y
BarkingMadRead @marleed thanks so much! @TheLibrarian it‘s so comfy! Our hammock kept flipping over and flipping back (it‘s on a stand) and I was starting to worry lol luckily it has a cover and it‘s totally unscathed! 2y
See All 6 Comments
wanderinglynn I‘ve been wanting to try an egg chair. That one looks awesome with the cup holders. 😍 2y
BarkingMadRead @wanderinglynn cup holders and spaces for books! Amazing! 2y
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego 😍 That chair. 2y
61 likes1 stack add6 comments
review
Butterfinger
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Mehso-so

I read this last week, but forgot to post. It was a very interesting read. I was fascinated by the relationships that were formed by the kidnappers and the hostages. Patchett showed the humanity and how Stockholm Syndrome could realistically occur.

#AuthorAMonth @Soubhiville

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mom2bugnbee
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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June was low in quantity, high in quality!

1 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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mom2bugnbee
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
Pickpick

Yep. Lived up to my memory upon a re-read. I don't even mind the epilogue that so many hate. ☺ What a beautiful book.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ #Authoramonth

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Kappadeemom
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Reading with the #dorkie tonight #dogsoflitsy

Louise Such a powerful book! And beautiful pooch! 2y
Leftcoastzen What a cutie!🐶 2y
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blurb
mom2bugnbee
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Gotta love a library book with a hand-written correction! (They're correct.) #Authoramonth

wanderinglynn 😆😆😆 2y
35 likes2 comments
review
sprainedbrain
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

The whole premise of the book is out there and very dramatic, but I loved the slow burn, the humor and absurdity, and all of the character development. I fell in love with these characters even as some of them fell in love in a hostage situation. Patchett‘s writing is excellent. I think this was well on the way to being a 5-star read for me… until that epilogue. 😬

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My #AuthorAMonth book is finished!

DivineDiana The end caught me off guard. 😔 And yes, the writing is exquisite. ❤️ (edited) 2y
Sweettartlaura One of my top 10 books - this was fantastic ♥️ 2y
AmyG I bailed on this when it first came out. I need to give this another go. 2y
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Karisa Read it a decade ago and still remember how much I loved that book (minus the last chapter). Reminds me of when I used to think My Fair Lady ended with her running off with Freddy—only to realize years later my vcr had just run out of tape at that point. 😂 So much better minus the endings! 2y
Prairiegirl_reading I haven‘t read this one but I felt the same way about Commonwealth. 2y
violabrain I absolutely love this book! Ann Patchett is one of my favorite authors and this was my first book of hers that I read. It is still my favorite that she has written. 2y
StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego I remember not being down with the epilogue either. 2y
rwmg Oh I agree so much. I loved it till we got to the epilogue and my love skidded to a halt 😾🙈 2y
Ruthiella The epilogue didn‘t bother me as much as other readers but I do think it was unnecessary. 🙃 2y
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review
Eggs
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Panpan

It had a unique premise with diverse characters, that devolved into tedium. I read the first third, then skimmed toward the end-so that may be considered a dnf. Disappointed with ending. However many people feel like this is her best book. Try it, you might like it

#authoramonth2021 @Soubhiville
#bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks

tdrosebud I know I started this book a long time ago and didn't get very far. I ended up putting it down and may try it again sometime but have been in no hurry to. Like you, I've only heard good things about it though, which is why it is still sitting on my shelf. 2y
Megabooks I bailed on this. 2y
Sharpeipup Oh I feel so much better for panning it too now. 2y
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DivineDiana I loved it! It is one of my favorite Anne Patchett books! 🙂 2y
TheAromaofBooks Oh my!! A good reminder that not every book is for every reader!! 2y
TrishB I bailed on it! 2y
56 likes2 stack adds7 comments
blurb
mom2bugnbee
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Several years ago, I declared this book one of my all-time favorites. I haven't revisited it since, so #Authoramonth is a great time to see if it holds up.

review
Simona
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Mehso-so

Intriguing story (loosely based on true events) about evolving relationship between terrorists and hostages, nice prose ... but I was little disappointed with execution. I‘m aware that described situation in which the characters found themselves is extreme and anything is possible, I‘m also aware that the construction of the story mimics the drama and exaggeration of the opera, but for me the story at some point becomes too romantic ...

Cinfhen Great review/ excellent insight 🥰 2y
Simona @Cinfhen Thank you 😊 2y
62 likes3 comments
quote
Simona
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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“When the lights went off the accompanist kissed her.”
#FirstLineFridays

review
Megabooks
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Bailedbailed

OMG I‘m so bored!!! DNF for sure. Made it 40%. Sorry Ann. #AuthorAMonth #aam

erzascarletbookgasm Oh no, I liked this. But I read the psychical book. 2y
Megabooks @erzascarletbookgasm It is a bad narrator, but I‘m still not excited enough to seek out a print copy. 2y
Cinfhen This one was a slow burn, it heats up towards the end but it‘s not my favorite. I also did print @erzascarletbookgasm 2y
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Megabooks @Cinfhen I really hated the narrator. I might‘ve finished in print but maybe not for a slow-paced slow burn. Generally not a fan of those. 2y
TrishB I bailed on this one too! 2y
Amiable I forced myself through this because my aunt raves about it as her favorite book of all time. But I was bored throughout the entire thing! And I read the print version. 2y
Scochrane26 Her books seem to cause varied opinions. I didn‘t like the first book I read by her but loved the 2nd. 2y
Chelsea.Poole 👯‍♀️ I couldn‘t take this either. I punished myself and ended up finishing just to see if it got better. I did appreciate it a bit more after watching the film adaptation. 2y
janeycanuck Oh man, I loved this one. I devoured it on a plane, I think it‘s my favourite of hers! 2y
Megabooks @TrishB @Amiable @Scochrane26 @Chelsea.Poole @janeycanuck @erzascarletbookgasm @Cinfhen I don‘t think I‘ve ever gotten as many varied responses to a bail!! For me, I think it was a combination of a bad narrator of the audiobook, and its general slow pace. I just wasn‘t connecting with any of the characters. It just so surprised me that this was her breakout hit, but I haven‘t read her early catalogue. 🤔 2y
Scochrane26 @Megabooks I have only read The Magician‘s Assistant (didn‘t like but others love) & The Dutch House (which seems to get mostly good reviews). I think @britt_brooke said she has read several of her books & likes some but not others. (edited) 2y
Susanita It‘s one of my favorites! I was talking to my hair stylist while she cut my hair. She said she didn‘t like her book club‘s latest choice, and I was saying I‘d recently finished a book I‘d loved. It turns out we were both talking about Bel Canto! 2y
BarbaraBB For me this was her best. But I‘m not much of a Patchett fan. 2y
Megabooks @Scochrane26 I‘ve enjoyed her two nonfiction and Commonwealth. I‘m planning to read Run and maybe this one set in KY before the month is out 2y
Megabooks @Scochrane26 I bailed on TDH but more because I was trying to read it when my dad first got sick, and I couldn‘t handle that dad dying. 2y
Megabooks @Susanita that‘s so funny!! 2y
Megabooks @BarbaraBB I can see you liking this more. You can deal with a slow pace better than I can! 2y
BarbaraBB I liked the Japanese man and his translator. 2y
Megabooks @BarbaraBB They were definitely the best characters. I liked the Vice President and the opera singer most of the time, too. The scene where the nanny sews up the VP‘s face is going to stay with me awhile. 2y
LeahBergen I read this for my IRL book club and was NOT a fan. 2y
BarbaraBB Yeah that was cool. I did like the Vice President too. And the translator‘s girl. (edited) 2y
ValerieAndBooks I tried twice to get into this...one a while back and then again for this month's #authoramonth. Just no. I really liked The Dutch House a while back but for this month, couldn't get into Commonwealth or The Magician's Assistant. Maybe June just isn't a good month for me and Ann Patchett. 2y
Megabooks @LeahBergen Such divisive views on this book here! Was it the same in your book club? 2y
Megabooks @ValerieAndBooks Maybe not!! I liked her two nonfiction ones Truth and Beauty and 2y
ValerieAndBooks @Megabooks our library system doesn‘t have either of her non-fiction as e-books🤷🏻‍♀️. They do have this, so I‘ll give it a try 2y
Megabooks @ValerieAndBooks If you have hoopla through your library, it has her full catalog. Looking forward to your review of State of Wonder! I hope it‘s good! (edited) 2y
ValerieAndBooks Unfortunately our library system doesn‘t use hoopla 😭. Ebooks are read with the Libby app/overdrive. 2y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa I love all the discussion here! So great when a book can get such extremes in reviews! 2y
Megabooks @Riveted_Reader_Melissa This is exactly what is fantastic about litsy! 2y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Megabooks Yes! I love the differences of opinion and the great conversations. And no hurt feelings about the differences either! I love that! 2y
britt_brooke I hated this book. And the epilogue was total 🗑🗑🗑. It was my first Patchett, but I love Parnassus so much, I tried again with Commonwealth (liked) and The Dutch House (loved). That‘s all of hers I‘ve read thus far, but I own them all, I think. 😅 @Scochrane26 (edited) 2y
Megabooks @britt_brooke agree re: BC being shit, but I‘d like to get 1-2 off her deep backlist before the month is over. I can‘t wait to get back to Parnassus!! 2y
79 likes32 comments
review
Addison_Reads
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Mehso-so

#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks #AuthorAMonth2021 @Soubhiville

I think I would have liked this more had I not started it right after Commonwealth. Instead I kept comparing it and felt Bel Canto was slow and boring at times. I did like the premise of the hostage situation and the blurred lines that occurred between the abductors and the hostages though. ☺

TrishB I didn‘t like this one, but have enjoyed all her others so far. 2y
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 2y
rwmg It was my first Patchett and so far my 2nd favourite 2y
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review
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Mehso-so

Unpopular opinion but I found this one was bland and utterly forgettable. The premise held so much promise, but the overall plot details paired with the four month long timeframe just seemed too far-fetched for me to find this enjoyable. The writing was fine so I'll give this an average 3 stars because the negatives are me and my feelings about the book and less a gripe about the writing itself.

aperfectmjk Bummer, this has been on my TBR for some time now, I guess I'll leave it there for a little while longer. 2y
Ruthiella Did you know that the story was inspired by an actual event/hostage crisis that took place over 4 months at the Japanese embassy in Peru in the ‘90s? The opera/love story is surely imagined, but the event itself was not. (edited) 2y
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Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick @aperfectmjk Check a few other trusted litten opinions before writing it off. It won awards so it can't be all that bad. 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick @Ruthiella I saw that when I was deciding which Patchett book I wanted to read and I think the imagined additions are what made this so-so for me. I'll definitely be looking into details on the actual event. 2y
Jess861 I wasn't a huge fan of this book either. But I haven't had much luck with her books so I think it is just my personal preference. 2y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
Addison_Reads I'm reading this one now and finding it hard to make myself keep reading it. 2y
Chelsea.Poole I also had trouble with this one but I loved several of her others. I watched the film adaptation and appreciated the story much more after seeing it. But I felt the book drug on. 2y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick @Addison_Reads @Chelsea.Poole It's always good to know you're not alone with an unpopular opinion. I won't totally write off trying another of her books, but I've got so many other books I'm eager to read that Patchett will just have to wait. 2y
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review
Skygoddess1
Bel Canto | Ann Patchett
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Pickpick

My first Ann Patchett which has also been on my TBR for five years. I really enjoyed this story and the slow unfolding of the terrorists and hostages forming various relationships during the course of their lockdown in the Vice President‘s house. Such a beautifully written story that drew me in, and a story where I found myself both celebrating the highs and mourning the lows along with the characters. #AuthorAMonth #BookspinBingo #Bookspin

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 2y
SamAnne Loved this one. 2y
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