Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn reminds me of that parable in the Bible of Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding, or more to the point, it reminds me of the quote by a guest at that wedding.
"Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best 'till now." --John 2:10Usually, the best part of a book is the beginning (best wine first) and the amazing start gets a reader drunk on the story, making them read all the way through so they don't even notice if the ending sags a bit. But not only did Quinn have a great beginning, keeping me hooked on the story throughout, she saved the best dialogue for the climatic ending...in my opinion anyway. It was so hilarious, I stayed up late to read in bed and kept laughing out loud; my husband started to get irritated with me.
But seriously...you gotta love that grandma.
I watched a video of Quinn talking about writing dialogue. What I liked best about what she had to say was she puts "an undercurrent of emotion" behind all the fun, snappy exchanges. Something serious makes all the witty conversations mean that much more. I think that's great advice; it's something I'm going to reach for in my own writing.
Anyway. Great book. Great author. If you like to read regency time historical romances, I definitely recommend you check out this story.
This will have to be on my list.... staying up late and laughing out loud would be delightful!!! :O)
ReplyDeleteI just love Julia's books. She is so funny! I haven't read this one yet. Can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI agree, that it's a balancing act between writing dialogue with snappy repartee when the overall tone of the book is considered serious. If you think of our own life experiences, people do find levity at the oddest moments.
ReplyDeleteGreat review and wonderful advice from Julia. Thanks for writing it!!
ReplyDeleteI'm absolutely coming back to read this clip. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I LOVE your example! That's so funny but good to hear about her book. :-)
And don't foget, Diane, you get to annoy your husband too when you read this story!!
ReplyDeleteJennifer - I think you'll like it! It has Olivia and Harry in it from the last book she wrote too!
Hi Lisa - How nice to meet you. And I total agree about how humor is good in real life situations too.
And Hi Nancy and Jessica too! You're welcome. But really, it's no hardship at all for me to praise Julia Quinn. She's just so fun to read.
I'll have to add this to my TBB list...
ReplyDeleteShe is so funny! I haven't read this one yet
ReplyDeleteContextual Ad Network India