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Title: A Spot of Bother (Vintage)
ISBN: 0307278867
Author:
Mark Haddon
Publicate Date: 2007-08-14
Publish: 2007-08-14
List Price: $13.95
Average Customer Rating: 4.0
Format: Paperback
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $3.35
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $0.81
Amazon Merchant Price: $11.16
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| Customer Review: |
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1: A great story about unfortunate facts of getting older
I got this book after I thoroughly enjoyed "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time." At first I was disappointed because it was very different, almost like it was written by a different author. But then I was impressed with Haddon's versatility. Though a different feel, this was equally as good a book about real people in the real world and the real unpleasantnesses that come along with it. This one features an aging man whose life just starts to mean nothing, and worsens every day. Who doesn't feel that way at some point in their life, at any age? This a great read that will make you feel like you're not the only screwed up human out there.
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2: A spot is bothering them...
The painful anatomy of a family, with a funny side to it. And for those who, like me, have already read and appreciated `The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time', this is a very different book by the same author.
George, the father, has retired and seems content with his pressure-free life. His wife Jean is mightily distracted by some private matters and the organization of the wedding reception for their daughter Katie, who is getting married for the second time. Her parents disapprove of Ray, the future son-in-law and Katie herself is starting to have doubts. Does she want to marry Ray because she loves him or because he seems to be a very good and reliable provider for herself and her son Jacob? Meanwhile Jamie, Katie's brother, is having problems with his boyfriend Tony. His parents are aware of the relationship but an invitation to the wedding seems inappropriate given the fact that none of the other relatives/friends know about Jamie's homosexuality. Jamie himself is not sure whether he wants Tony to come to the wedding or not.
The buzz & fuzz of the wedding preparation go almost unnoticed by George, however, as he discovers a problem on his body. Almost simultaneously and by pure coincidence, an entirely different matter, of a different nature but very disturbing indeed, comes to light. Unbeknownst to all, he starts to slowly disintegrate psychologically.
Among the tragicity of some of the episodes, the author was able to combine the intricacies of the mind and soul of the Hall family, with an easy and accessible narrative. Many hilarious and funny moments dot this novel without lessening the emotional impact. Very well done.
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3: Dull, Dull, Dull
I couldn't get even halfway thru this book. The characters had barely any life to them and I didn't care, or care to read, about any of them. I haven't read "The Curious Incident..." also by this author, but I don't think I want to after attemping this boring book.
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4: This is my favorite book!I love Mark Haddon!
To start off the storyline did not attract me at all,but i loved The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time,(Brilliant book)and figured I'll give it shot,and i was so happy i did!At first i only liked Jamie but the more and more i read i started to fall for the rest of the Hall Family were i get concered and want them to pull thro their problems,it was funny,and it gave me the ending i wanted(AND MORE!^,,^)without being cheesy,Mark Haddon has a gift for writting and at times make me put the book down and seriously think about what he's saying the depth of it when i think "Yeah this guy gets it,"
2 B honest the slang wasn't hard to get if uv read harry potter u wont feel lost and if u havent u can tell by the emotions and wat the characters are saying and what their doing and the slang isn't really important.Neway Amazing book I'd recommend this to family,friends,strangers,enemies,shemales,robots and the such.
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5: I Was "Bothered" Just a "Spot"...
I was "bothered" just a "spot" by Mark Haddon's latest offering, and for the longest time I couldn't figure out why. Was the book funny? Yes, in quite a few parts. Did the book seem to portray flawed and fully human characters? Yes. Was the book engaging, plot-wise? Yes, very much so!
So why didn't I like it, or at least like it enough to give it more than 3 stars? Maybe it's because I'm an American and was confused by all the British slang. Maybe I got a little discombobulated trying to keep up with all the things the different characters were doing at the same time. Or maybe, just maybe, the characters all seemed too harsh, too unlovable, and too unsympathetic. I wasn't expecting "Full House" dynamics here, but neither was I expecting a family as quite without warmth as the Halls.
George Hall, as he tries not to lose his mind, is never treated very well by his immediate family even when he's completely lucid. Sure, George is irascible and far from perfect, but I felt, and only felt, for George.
What is Jean Hall doing "shagging" her husband's business colleague when she has a husband that truly does love her even when not in his right mind? At the end of the book, she seems to resolve to stay with George more out of resignation than love, which is a terrible motive for doing so. Either you truly love someone, or you should leave them. So say I.
Katie Hall is the ultimate "Bridezilla", and her hapless fiance Ray doesn't even suspect it until the end. He still marries Katie, and I pity the future he'll have with her. Between Katie's temper tantrums and those of her young son, Jacob (not to mention wiping the latter's bottom), will Ray ever come to figure out that Katie doesn't really love him? (Note: Their 'falling in love' part doesn't seem convincing to me, Mr. Haddon.)
I didn't even mention Jamie, or the boyfriend that dumped him and then came back to him for--I still can't fathom what reason. What the dvukh?!?
My verdict: Skip this one, or borrow it from the library or your friends!
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