Book Review: The Woman Who Wasn't There
Last week I read The Woman Who Wasn't There in two days flat. This story is about a woman who becomes the face of survivors after the 9/11 attack. She started support groups, gave tours, helps pass legislation for health care bills helping the survivors of 9/11. Sharing her own harrowing survival story of 9/11, she inspired many to move on with their lives after 9/11.
Except for one thing: Her entire story was made up. She wasn't even in the United States on 9/11.
I first heard about this book from Karen's blog and thought the plot sounded so interesting. I immediately put it on hold at the library and got it pretty quickly. I couldn't put this book down. I recently heard of a survey done where two groups of people read mystery novels. One group knew the ending before starting the book, and the other group didn't know the ending. The group who knew the ending enjoyed the book a lot more than the group that didn't. It's an interesting story, but I think that it applied to my experience reading this book. Knowing the whole time that her story was made up made it all the more riveting for me, and I had to keep reading to see how she was discovered.
Here is a brief video about the book, if you end up reading this book let me know, I'd love to discuss it with others who have read it!
Except for one thing: Her entire story was made up. She wasn't even in the United States on 9/11.
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I first heard about this book from Karen's blog and thought the plot sounded so interesting. I immediately put it on hold at the library and got it pretty quickly. I couldn't put this book down. I recently heard of a survey done where two groups of people read mystery novels. One group knew the ending before starting the book, and the other group didn't know the ending. The group who knew the ending enjoyed the book a lot more than the group that didn't. It's an interesting story, but I think that it applied to my experience reading this book. Knowing the whole time that her story was made up made it all the more riveting for me, and I had to keep reading to see how she was discovered.
Here is a brief video about the book, if you end up reading this book let me know, I'd love to discuss it with others who have read it!
Wow, this definitely sounds like an interesting read! Are you on Goodreads? I joined over the summer and have found it to be such a fun site!
ReplyDeleteNo I'm not but I've heard a lot about it - sigh , I just don't know if I can bring myself to get sucked into another social website!! but maybe I'll check it out...
DeleteI don't know if you felt this way, but I was picturing someone compleeetely different. I knew she was spanish so I was sort of picturing an exotic tall beautiful woman. Just my thoughts, there is a whole documentary about this story on youtube as well!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the book but you told me about it. I am the optimistic one I know, but I think of all the good that she accomplished though her intentions were far from noble or kind. At least she helped people but I also have read that many felt understanably betrayed. Don't tell me how they figured her out. I want to read the book.
ReplyDelete