1.27.2011

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Review

all photos via W Magazine

Some 7 months ago I shared this post with ya'll sharing that I was starting The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  I eagerly jumped into this novel after hearing such wonderful reviews. 

I've decided that I have kind of a love hate relationship with this novel.  It has never in my life taken me so long to get into a book.  It seemed as though I was running a full marathon, people around me constantly encouraging me to continue on that it would only get better and easier, and it did....around page 400 (mind you the book is 600 pages). 

Yes I know, why am I complaining when I could have easily just stopped reading the book.  The answer is simple, I wanted to believe that this book would be worth it.  And in a way it was, but perhaps it was all the hype but it just wasn't as good as I would have thought. 

Moments of the book were pure brilliance and I did like the characters of the novel, but I just feel like it fell short at times (perhaps the first 400 pages).  I watched the Swedish version of the movie this past Sunday and it did make me appreciate the novel more.  I am quite excited for the David Fincher version starring the darling and angelic Rooney Mara who has transformed herself completely for the role of Lisbeth Salander. 

Below are some pictures from her spread with W Magazine - it is kind of incredible how different she looks. 


Those abs - yes please!


Rooney is said to have pierced her lip, nose and nipples all in one day for the role.  Talk about dedication!

 Give the book a chance, if it takes longer than a month to get you excited I would suggest taking a pass.  What are your thoughts on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo?  Were you instantly a fan?  What page pulled you in or turned you away?  Have you read any of the other books in the series? 

Next up for me....The Help.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

these books are on my to read. BUt I wonder about all the hype. and i LOVE rooney mara(ny giants royalty woo) and she has transformed herself amazingly.

I really liked the help. I think you will too. I'm currently reading Sarah's key, about the children of the Vel'd'Hiv during the holocaust. I am amazed at 26 I am still learning about what went on during that time. It is so chilling.

Kristen said...

I've read the Wiki page on the books and it's a great story, but idk if I have any interest in reading it. It may make for a better movie.

The Help is on my list after I finish the Harry Potters.

Katie said...

I'm on page 100 and still not really into it. I keep setting it aside for other books but always return for a few more pages, hoping it gets better. I really enjoyed the help though! Trust me, much easier to get into. Enjoy!

Holly said...

we are on the same path! ha, yes i only read the first two in the series, didnt have the motivation to read the hornets nest.

you will LOVE THE HELP!!!! it is a fast read and i missed all the people after the book was over.

im reading water for elephants right now, and its great.

amy b.s. said...

it took me about 400 pages also, but the second book i couldn't put down and so far, the same goes for the third. i'm excited for the movies as well. and the help is fantastic.

Courtney said...

It def took a while to get into, but by about page 200 I was hooked!! Loved it.

The Help is a lovely book too- I think you'll really like it!

HR Mom said...

I have this book on my book club list, after reading your review, I'm thinking of waiting to read it.
We did read The Help a few months back and it is one of the best books I have ever read. You will totally enjoy it! I think I may even have a review of it on my blog if you want to read it.

Anonymous said...

I LOVED this series!! I listened to the audio version on CD though so I didn't have to slog through the actual book, which does have its slow points.

And the movies, they are great too. I am a little unsure of how well Ms Mooney will stack up to the amazing job Noomi Rapace did in the Swedish films, but I am excited to find out how it goes.

The Help was great too...you'll love it.

Alex said...

I too have a love-hate relationship with this book series. They were so long and clinical but still completely sucked me in. I'm so excited for the David Fincher movie as it has everything I could possibly want in a movie.

I'm hoping to read The Help next. It's meant to be incredible. I'm also super excited that Emma Stone is starring in the film version.

http://popculturemyth.blogspot.com/

Chuck said...

I started it two months ago... I think I stopped around 3 chapters, but then again, I do still lug it around in my car so that I remind myself that I NEED TO FINISH IT!

ChuckRefreshed

Anonymous said...

Rooney looks incredible as Lisbeth!
I read Girl with the Dragon Tattoo in the summer of 09. I picked it up randomly one day at Target, had never heard anything about it. The first 100 pages DRAGGED so much, but I ended up completely loving it. It's the book that actually got me into reading again after I had put it aside when I had my babies back to back. I bought the next one the first day it was released and I ordered Hornet's Nest, the last one, from Europe because it was released there 8 months earlier than it was here. Safe to say I am an addict :)

I'm so excited for this movie, like ridiculously excited. My husband knows if we don't have a babysitter, I'm going alone and he's watching the kids :)

Rissy said...

ahh I was just lamenting on facebook about how hard a time I was having getting into this book! I am on page 275 and its just not doing it for me yet.

The Help is amazing. It's a "can't put it down" kind of book! you will love it... ok I loved it.

Newest follower.

www.rissyblogs.blogspot.com

MerciBlahBlah said...

Loved ALL the books in the series (but like a previous comment, I listened to the audiobooks on CD). I am WAY bummed to hear that the American version of the movie is changing the ending of the book though.

Happy Friday!
Shannan

DrayaAnn said...

I never could get into that series. Maybe it was cause everyone else was reading them. But then I got The Help because of all the hype and I LOVED it. The characters really stick with you.

Cindy said...

LOVED The Help!!

Johanna said...

Mom gave me the first and second books and I am scared due to people's reviews but I feel like I need to read this. So you definitely felt it was worth it? I heard book 2 is even better.

Sandi said...

The second one is better! and easier to get into.
I liked it, but the first 100 pages were slooooooow.

You will love The Help! It shot to near the top of my all-time favorites.

I have a suggestion for you next one: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.
It takes place in Seattle, which is always fun, and it is really good.

Keri said...

I read all three of these books before all the hype. And I loved them! But I hadnt been told all about them and didnt really have huge expectations - so maybe that helped.
Im interested to see the hollywood adaptation.

Sarah said...

abs?! what abs! she is way too skinny!

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