It’s the middle of the week again, and another blustery day in the N.W. The perfect Winds~day for my next ‘What I’m Sipping On.’ The title of this book alone is enough to make you want to read it.
I am reading “Midnight in The Garden of Good and Evil“
(Click picture &/or title for more info.)
So far this book is extremely interesting and intriguing. It takes place in quaint little southern city of Savannah. A place thick with the feeling and personalities of the old south. I was a bit worried that it would not hold my interest, considering I saw the movie first, but it has yet to be a problem. Not only is the set up for the story line much different then the movie, but there are enough little extra quirks in the book to keep you angling for more.
It’s definitely an oddball book, one where you don’t quite know what is happening or where the books is going, but that is part of what makes it good. The most interesting thing about this reading experience, is that about 1/3 of the way through it, I discovered that it is a non-fiction book. Not only was I surprised due to the overall subtle-ness of the fact, but also because the story is so bizarre! John Berendt shows himself to be quite an impressive writer by this little fact alone.
I am only about half way through, but I am really enjoying the book. I love the quirky off the wall quality that it has. I like how easy going it is to read. I find myself interested enough that I look forward to reading it, but I don’t have this craze all the time to finish it. It’s just pleasant to pick up and read a chapter here and there. I can see why it is so revered, I just hope the second half doesn’t disappoint.
Have any of you read this book, or seen
the movie, or both?
What were your thoughts? (no spoilers please!)
I will of course update this post when I’ve finished it. 🙂
Cafe Book Bean 
Another book for me to look out for. So it was a “Winnie the Pooh” kind of day in the North West? Where I live, in the province of Ontario, it has been unusually mild and it looks as though we are going to have a green Christmas. which suits me just fine. I’ve come to the point in my life when winter isn’t my favourite season. In fact it wouldn’t bother me at all if it didn’t snow at all this year, although the ski hill operators wouldn’t be too happy. UI look forward to putting “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” in my tsundoko — it seems to be getting bigger all the Time!
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It sure is! I love the snow, I’m not super fond of the ice and freezing rain though. We rarely get nice fluffy snow fall. The frozen wonderland is pretty at first, but it doesn’t take long to turn to frustration, and sometimes pain. I’m glad you have another treasure to add to your TBR list. 🙂
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My to be read list is so long I think it will take me forever to read them all! A mover once estimated the weight of my library at over a ton, and I just keep adding to it. Charles
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Wow, its so great though 🙂
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Saw the movie – first time I salivated over Kevin Spacey. Then went on a solo pilgrimage to Savannah where I met the air crew that flew me there and we partied like crazy people. Fun!
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Wow, how cool! Was the city as it was depicted? If you haven’t read the book I would recommend it, it’s very interesting, especially now that you’ve been there. 🙂
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It was the coolest city ever! Just as depicted. Atmospheric, friendly and perfect for a single lady. So many offers but I have a husband…
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🙂
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PS Loved the movie
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I loved the movie! We took a tour in Savannah and they point out all the places… If you like the book, go there!
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I would love to one day. 🙂 The books is a great extension of the movie if you haven’t read it yet.
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I did like the film. I haven’t read the book.
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Some parts are the same, but a lot of it is different. If you ever get a chance to read it I think you’d probably like it too.
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This is one I haven’t read.
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I live an hour from Savannah. It’s one of my favorite places. I love the book and movie, Midnight in the Garden. When we visit Sav we walk the green squares and have driven through the old cemeteries with their beautiful statues. Excellent reading choice!
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That’s awesome, I’d love to walk it one day 🙂
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I haven’t read the book, but would love to check it out someday:)
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I hope you get a chance to, it’s very interesting. 🙂
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I’ve tagged you!
https://gettingthroughanxiety.wordpress.com/2015/12/18/seasons-of-book-blogging-tag/
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I read the book back in l884 and again a couple of years ago. It is a fascinating portrayal of of the unique southern culture. I saw the movie a couple of years later and Loved loved loved the movie!
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It really is fascinating.
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My English is poor.but her writing is so amazing I could understand every word.
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That is great to hear. 🙂
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I haven’t read the book, but this is one of my favorite movies. It’s an intriguing story with awesome cinematography of the surrounding area. Hope you enjoy it! It would be interesting to know how closely the movie follows the story line. in lak’ech, Debra
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So far it’s different (except for Chablis, they found someone who is a dead ringer!) However it’s not different in a bad way, it’s actually kind of neat. Having seen the movie first is ideal, because now I am reading the book he talks about writing! It’s the perfect follow up. 🙂
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Great choice on so many levels. It would be fun to discuss this book with you. Look forward to your further observations.
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I’m really enjoying it. I like reading things that are unique, and this one certainly is. 🙂
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I read this right after it came out (1994?). I remember thinking it was interesting but a little weird. Can’t even remember the plot. Apparently it didn’t stick with me at all. Of course that WAS 20 years or so ago! It wasn’t the style of the book. I’ve read several of Erik Larson’s books. Seems to me it was the same kind of tone. Don’t remember what it was about it that didn’t stick with me.
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Well it definitely is interesting, and a little weird. 🙂
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This book is new for me.
If a got trough my pile to read books I will get to it.
Kind regards,
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Haven’t read and watch it. Sounds interesting.
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Very interesting. A very intriguing almost haunting vibe I get while reading it.
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Yeah
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I read the book and thought it was brilliant. Also thought it gave a pretty good feeling for what it is like in Savannah. Didn’t see the movie. I often avoid movies that are based on books I really like because I’m usually disappointed.
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I do that with some books, but not all. I was fortunate enough to watch the movie first, and I loved the combination. I would only recommend it in that order, as I could see being disappointed if you read it first.
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Fabulous book, great movie 🙂
I lived an hour from Savannah for a long time, and while I can agree Savannah is beautiful, I never encountered such charming characters on my ventures.
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It sounds like a very beautiful place. 🙂
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Loved the book, but have never seen the movie.
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I would be interested to hear what someone thought of the movie, who read the book first. I watched the movie first so I cannot relate.
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Sounds really cool! Sounds like a book on how southern culture shapes its characters and vice versa. I’m so getting my hands on this 🙂
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It is. 🙂 If you plan to watch the movie, I recommend watching it before you read the book.
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Loved this book with its unusual characters. For me, a book is outstanding when the characters remain with me for a long while and they certainly did with this book. I visited Savannah after reading the book and could actually believe it was a true story after walking through the town.It has a totally different vibe to it. There is a very dark side to its history, given that slave auctions were once held along Savannah’s boardwalk district, and the fact that lepers were forcibly taken by boat to nearby Tybee Island and left to fend for themselves..
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Wow that would be such a cool experience. Sounds so interesting, I would love to visit there.
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You remind me that I have always wanted to read this book. It seems dark and heavy, though.
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I wouldn’t say dark and heavy… More like haunting and odd. 🙂
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Read the book then saw the movie. Personally liked the book better. It offered a more rich and complete story. The characters were more colorful and enjoyable. Have been to Savannah many times and love the place. Guess I’m just a misplaced southerner. Savannah is a must see and needs 2-3 days to truly enjoy everything. They also have some fantastic little bookstores. 🙂
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I did too, and I agree. I would like to visit Savannah one day, sounds like a pretty enchanting place.
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Savannah is a place that you fall in love with and there’s nothing you can do about it but just revel in the charm all around you. 🙂
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