Coming July 29, 2014, the new novel from Liane Moriarty, number-one New York Times best-selling author of The Husband's Secret.
"What a wonderful writer - smart, wise, funny." (Anne Lamott)
Pirriwee Public's annual school Trivia Night has ended in a shocking riot. One parent is dead. The school principal is horrified. As police investigate what appears to have been a tragic accident, signs begin to indicate that this devastating death might have been cold-blooded murder.
In this thought-provoking novel, number-one New York Times best-selling author Liane Moriarty deftly explores the reality of parenting and playground politics, ex-husbands and ex-wives, and fractured families. And in her pitch-perfect way, she shows us the truth about what really goes on behind closed suburban doors.
©2014 Liane Moriarty (P)2014 Penguin Audio
"Very entertaining!"
The character development, the characters themselves, and the somewhat "dark" humor
There are lessons to be learned, and all of its flawed characters teach us those lessons.
Her voice inflections greatly added to the story, she has a very pleasing voice to listen to.
How to avoid a "train wreck" in life.
The story droned on just a bit in areas, but the characters were so entertaining that I didn't mind.
I love to read books set in interesting places or historical settings. I especially love mysteries and thrillers.
"Oh, Calamity!"
Kindergarten Politics. I never had children, but I imagine that those two words strike heart-stopping fear in any parent with a child entering elementary school. Liane Moriarty took me through the experience with all the irony, hilarity, fear and poignancy possible. I loved the format of the story-telling. It was clear who was talking at each point of the story, but the story was written to allow each witness to say a paragraph or so about how they saw the event. As you can imagine, lots of differing viewpoints. For the main characters, Madeline, Celeste and Jane, their stories alternated from chapter to chapter. I would love to meet them for coffee anytime.
The narrator was outstanding in every way. I always knew who was talking, but the emotions generated by these stories were clear to the listener. I have no complaints with this narrator.
There is a death and an investigation, but it is actually minor to the rest of the story. Just the setting for the death, a Kindergarten Trivia Night in which everyone dressed as Elvis or Audry Hepburn, makes it funny to me.
If this book sounds like something you would never want to hear, let me tell you, I resisted my many friends begging me to read this story. Boy, am I glad I got away from my comfort zone to listen to this excellent story. I will go to Liane Moriarty again!!
"Great story. Genius writing"
I've never experienced a book quite like this one. I'm exhausted from listening to it. I was on the edge of my seat through the entire story. As each new fact was revealed I was impatient to see what happened next.
I laughed and laughed dozens of times. And I cried once, standing in the grocery store holding my breath waiting to see what happened. I was totally invested in the character and story development.
What makes the writing truly genius was that all of the reactions I listed above came from small, simple things that happened in the story. There weren't big, unbelievable action scenes or sweeping romances, just daily, simple, life-happenings that added up in just the right (or wrong) way.
And the ending...perfect. It was worthy of the rest of the story. The ending was long and satisfying.
I loved the narrator. I think she really added to it. Her voice squeaked and cracked and felt very real.
I loved, loved, and enthusiastically recommend this book.
"New Liane Moriarty fans!"
My husband and I listened to this book while driving to (and from) a vacation destination, and were thoroughly engrossed throughout. A very interesting presentation of events, EXCELLENT narration, and a satisfying ending all worked to make this a 5 star book.
"I didn't want to press the stop button!"
Everything! OK. To be less vague... I loved the characters, I loved the storytelling style (the interview responses were wonderful, and I found myself laughing out loud as I heard people I know in the statements. We all know these people! I loved the way the layers were peeled back to reveal a little more information. I loved Caroline Lee's performance. I'm guessing SHE know these people as well, because she captured their tone of voice and their personalities perfectly. The book was wonderful!
Madeline and Ed were probably my favorites, but there were many.
Titles that should be made or remade into film by Amazon or Netflix... Department Q. Harry Hole. Noble House. Tai-pan. Gai-jin and Shogun.
"A Tremendous Accomplishment, A Must Listen"
Many, many thanks to the audible reviewers of this book for leading me to the promised land. Big Little Lies is a work of genius, brilliantly performed. I have been extremely fortunate to have enjoyed many 5 star books. This one has to rank among the best.
Liane Moriarity's gift of creating characters and weaving an entirely unique story into a remarkably complex mystery is, well, genius. The setting is something I could never imagine being caught up in. Yet I was so caught up in the characters and every aspect of their lives I never once thought of them as fictional.
Caroline Lee, cracked voice and all, was equally great.
Do yourself a favor, buy this book!
Say something about yourself!
"WOW- what a wicked web we weave!"
I generally don't take the time to write reviews but am taking the time now. If you have enjoyed all of Liane Moriarty's other books, then you will enjoy this one too! It will definitely not be rated the "feel good" story of the year but very brilliantly crafted and inter-woven. I found the narrator very likable and believable and enjoyed listening to her accent. I was concerned a bit based on another review I had read as I cherish my credits and am very careful what I use them on, but am delighted to report that this book was very credit worthy!
Canadian girl in Kansas, love audible, books on kindle or kindle fire, and old fashioned books! I enjoy fiction most, mostly books with strong female leads. Favourite authors: Diana Gabaldon, Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, Wally Lamb, Pat Conroy, Andre Dubus III, Lisa Genova, many more!
"What Lies Beneath Our Outer Shells"
I just finished listening to 'Big Little Lies,' the book which has been on the New York Times Bestselling list for weeks. Another book by the same author had equal popularity. It's called 'The Husband's Secret.'
Big Little Lies focuses on a group of Kindergarten parents in Australia.
Jane has moved her son Ziggy to another school. She is a single mom and of course wants the best for her child. On the first day of school, Ziggy is accused of choking a little girl. This immediately tarnishes Ziggy and Jane's social status. Her right to bring her 'horrible' child to school is questioned by the 'bobs' which are the Stepford-like judgmental moms (with blonde bob haircuts) who not only have the same coiffure, but make it a point to be a pack of followers. Renata, the parent of the attacked child, is relentless.
Celeste is the mother of twin boys with a ridiculously handsome and wealthy husband. She sides with Jane on the matter, when parents start to write a petition to kick Ziggy out of school. Merideth also befriends Jane.
Behind the friendships and talk of their children though, all of the women have some pretty shocking secrets to share, which all come to a head on 'Trivia Night,' where worlds collide and the truth comes out.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes good literary fiction. The narrator was near perfect. She has an Australian accent and she is clear and concise. I really thought her voice was perfect for the story.
There are a lot of 'shockers' in Big Little Lies, which made it hard for me to break from. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am sure any other audible listener, or reader, will as well.
5 stars all the way through!
Never without an audible book on my phone!
"Really Loving Moriarty!"
This is my third Liane Moriarty book and I'm now a real fan. I just love her ability to take everyday life and extraordinarily real characters and delve really deeply into circumstances and emotions. And, she is able to do this through normal human interactions and humor. Clearly living on the North Shore of Sydney isn't any different than any upper middle class US suburb. Caroline Lee's performance was spot on.
"Great listen. Great narrator."
This one had me from the beginning. Good story, holds your interest, and tugs at lots of different emotions. Great narration! The narrator really grabs the personalities of each person. High recommend if you are not looking for anything "deep". Worth the time.