Review: Day for Night
Day for Night, by Frederick Reiken is the story of quite a few people loosely connected by an event that took place in the past. Each individual tells their own story in a separate chapter. It takes a while for the reader to make the connection between the characters, but that’s okay, because each story is interesting in its own right. It’s easy to tell the characters apart because they all have their own voice and most characters only appear in a story or two until the end.
Reiken’s writing is so good that I was engrossed in Day for Night throughout the book. Each story is told in a unique way that kept my interest throughout – of course there were some characters and stories I liked more than others. At the end of the book, though, I felt like I’d missed something. I’ve heard so many readers rave about this book, that I was expecting a stunning ending, and for me, it just didn’t happen. I’m still thinking about the book, though, so some part of it has planted a seed in my brain. Ultimately, Day for Night is one of those books that I think I’m just not smart enough for – I think much of it was over my head.
Challenges: Reagan Arthur Books Challenge
Review copy provided by Hachette Books. I am an Indiebound Affiliate.
I’ve been wondering whether or not to read this book. It sounds so good, but then sometimes I think it might be frustrating as well….???
Sounds like a nice set of short stories that are linked by an overarching theme! Thanks for the review.
I have this one on my Wishlist but I don’t want to walk away like I may have missed something, hmmm, will have to continue to think about this one.
sounds like something difficult for an author to pull off. And you have to appreciate something that plants a seed in your brain.
Oh stop! If you are still thinking about it, then it’s not over your head.
I have heard others say the same thing about this book. I think it sounds like a really interesting read and think I’d like to try it, despite the fact that I know it would be over my head too!
I doubt it was over your head, Kathy. There has to be something missing with the way the book was written.
This sounds like my kind of book!
I highly, highly doubt you’re not smart enough for the book – if it’s still lingering, you must have taken something from it!
I think you’re a very smart woman, but I do have those books where I didn’t get out it what everyone else seemed too!
It sounds to me like short stories secretly disguised as a book!
Not that I judge books by their covers, but I absolutely love the cover of this book. It definitely sounds good. I tend to enjoy books that are written like this: stories that are somehow linked. But it doesn’t always work out for me. Still, the reviews on this one have definitely caught my interest.
LOL! There are many books that I feel went right over my head 🙂
Kathy, of course you’re “smart enough” for this book; it sounds like you really enjoyed it but were a bit less than enthralled with the ending. 🙂
I know what you mean about the ending. I think I was more in awe of how he pulled all of the stories and characters together.
Kathy, you are one smart cookie, and I’ve read other reviews that mirror your thoughts on how this book ultimately wrapped up.
haha – while I haven’t read this book I totally understand what you mean when you say you don’t feel smart enough for it. I feel like that way with some books too.
This sounds like a fascinating story, but if you think you’re not smart enough then I would definitely be lost!
I’ve seen lots of good reviews of this one, and I’m very interested in apprehending it for myself. It’s on my e-book wishlist for sure!
Seems we had the same take on this – great writing, strong voices, interesting tales that criss-crossed in unexpected ways ….. and a feeling of “huh?” at the end. I enjoyed reading it, but definitely was less than satisfied when it ended (with some loose ends … unless I missed something … a valid possibility!)
I have to admit the cover is very appealing. I doubt it was over your head, instead it may have been more to do with expecting too much from it. I’ve had that happen to me on several occasions. Case in point the Rushdies The Enchantress of Florence gave me ulcers at the thought of remembering all the characters and it felt like hubris was being committed at the turning of every page… I’ll just have to pick it up at a later stage… maybe you’ll do the same.. maybe you won’t.
The review was honest and it gives me another perspective to consider. Your reviews are always heartfelt and truly indicative of how bloggers should be stay true to the medium.
I find it very hard to believe that the problem was that the book was over your head! Sounds like it was just another short story book – and I never have been a big fan of that genre!
I had the exact same reaction! I loved the writing, it held my attention, and at the end, I was like huh? I don’t get it? And I felt the same way, that I just wasn’t quite smart enough to get “it.” So, now that so many are saying they didn’t quite get “it” either, “it” must not be there! Because I think you’re pretty smart!
I do think the burden is on the author to make sure people can understand your book!!! I hate when I don’t feel like I’m smart enough to “get ” a book. Isn’t it a problem of the author … not the reader?
Well, I had heard that the beauty of this book was that the author doesn’t spell everything out and assumes the readers will get it. Which is nice, unless you don’t get it. I fear I would be in the same boat with you. I can be a little slow on the uptake, and when I read some of the more brainiac books, I have to find help online!
I have this book waiting for me. It sounds very interesting and i’ve read rave reviews. I guess, it’s one of those books you need to read for yourself.
I think I really loved this book when I finished it and then wrote my review. I didn’t love it every moment I was reading it. And then as time goes by I like it less and less. A very odd book in that way.
Haven’t heard of this book, but if it keeps ypou thinking about it, then something about it must be good, right? I’m sure it will come to you in a few days when you least expect it.
Too bad the ending didn’t leave you feeling better. I’m not sure this would be for me. I’m not one for short stories and I’m not sure I’d like waiting for a connection to the characters. I’d become frustrated more than anything.
i love books that have a bunch of different characters and makes you keep guessing how they’re all related. makes me think about how small the world really is.
definitely sounds like a fascinating book! i’m going to add it to my wishlist. thanks!
I would seriously doubt you weren’t smart enough for the ending! But you have made me interested to want to read it to see what I think. I like the idea of the separate stories all being connected in some way.
I love books that plant seeds in our thoughts/brain. While I may not be reading this, I do like your review!
This sounds like a book I would like.
You’ve made me curious about the event that connects the characters, but I hate it when I finish a book and feel like I don’t completely get it.
I am kind of scared to read this book, because of all that raving. I am still not sure what it is about, but that’s fine – I’ll still read it. But maybe after a while, when I somewhat forget all the ravings.