Sunday, July 19, 2009

Letter from California & Deeper wrapup

Oh, wow, look how long it's been since I blogged! But I have an excuse: I have been on a trip to California where I have been both busy and computerless. First I went to Berkeley to visit an old dear friend (BFFs from 7th grade through high school & beyond). We had such a great time exploring San Francisco and Berkeley by day, hanging out with her wonderful boys and husband, and making yummy dinners and talking.

My old friend reminds me of my distinguished literary roots
One funny thing, she reminded me of this thing we used to do where we'd hang out in the high school library writing the most torrid, smutty fictional letters, like as if between a boyfriend and girlfriend, and then we'd place them on the floor as if they'd been accidentally dropped from a student's backpack, and wait for other students to pick them up and read them, reveling in their shocked and offended reactions. I had forgotten about that, which is apparently my earliest fine literary effort.

Will get kicked off computer soon
Anyway, now I'm in Carmel Valley visiting my in-laws, writing this from the ancient PC in the hotel lobby that I probably have to get off of soon. This is a beautiful area. Horse country. Will be back Wednesday!

Deeper
However, I finished Deeper and never got to report back on it! (See initial impressions in the post below.) It's absolutely wonderful. It is not Megan Hart's most rolicking, most hot and juicy work, but I think it is her most mature work. There is a way in which I think it is her best.

I still sort of think Dirty is a good one to start with. Sometimes when people say you should start with a certain book they mean it's the author's best book. That's not the case here. I think Dirty is the one you start with for the ultimate Megan Hart fun, and I also loved Stranger (still haven't read Broken) but Deeper is the one you graduate to.

Later amendment: Actually, I've changed my mind on the para above. Deeper is great to start with. I think I might just think Dirty is the one to start with because I started with it. Do you ever do that?

The ending (no spoilers)
I honestly didn't anticipate the ending, but once I got there, I was like, Yes. In a way, the ending made a perfect circle back to the beginning and it paid off certain details richly. I won't say more than that. Oh, except that, I loved that this book was written about a woman who is older (the protagonist is 40-something, like me). I mean, because it switches back in time to her 20's, you get two ages, but both time periods were just a treat.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

you need to read broken. it,s the best imho. have a tissue ready, you,ll need it!

Renee said...

Glad you got a chance to post, CJ. I just wish CA was a smaller state so we could have met. Carmel is a beautiful area, and at least it isn't as disgustingly hot as it is down here in So Cal (102F today)
Although I'm a Megan Hart neophyte (I've only read Tempted) Deeper sounds like the next book I'll have to try.
Have a safe trip back home! :-)

Hilcia said...

Lovely Northern CA... lucky you! Your early literary experience just made my day (wish I could have read some of those torrid letters).

I've been holding back on reading Megan Hart, although I have Dirty on my TBB list. This one might be enough to tempt me.

Kati said...

CJ - You were desperately missed at RWA this past week, and you were spoken of very fondly.

Can't wait for next year!

Kwana said...

Thanks for the wrap up. Glad you are enjoying time with friends.

Carolyn Crane said...

Anon: Yes, I must read that. I'm glad I have a Megan Hart to read while I wait for Switch to come
(2010?)

Renee: I SO wish! That would be fun. If I'd stayed on the train 9 hours longer or whatever, I would've practically been in your town.

Hilcia: We totally wished we'd had those letters too!

kati: Oh, so sweet! I so can't wait for next year.

Kwana: Hey! Thanks for stopping by.

Leslie said...

I love N. California. Fond memories of SF and Half Moon Bay. Nice to hear you're having such a good time with friends and family.

I still need to get to the bookstore for my Megan Hart fix. :)

Serena said...

Ok, I really need to see what all the gushing is about....Deeper must move up the list...lets hope the library has it.

The Bookworm said...

sounds like you had fun :)
I'm adding Megan Hart to my TBR.
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/

orannia said...

Your holiday sounded like it was absolutely lovely CJ...and those letters! OMG!

And I've made a note to myself to read Dirty first :) Thank you!

Kristin said...

I think Tempted has been my favorite Megan Hart so far...

Loved Deeper...felt somewhat unsettled and melancholy after finishing it...but those are not bad things.

I've got Broken and Stranger in my TBR...

lbgregg said...

I miss you.

Poo.

azteclady said...

*waving* Hello, there!

Have been missing from blogland for a couple of weeks myself, but I've missed you all. "See" you when you get back.





(And I must admit how far behind the curve I am, the only Megan Hart book I read is the one she wrote with Lauren Dane, Taken Care of Business--MUST remedy that soon)

woolydaisy said...

okay- i just got "deeper" in the mail- gonna start with that instead of "dirty"-just because i don't have access to it. hope it doesn't spoil my megan hart experience.

hope norcal treated you well!