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Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Something Missing

by Matthew Dicks
audiobook: 9 hours
narrated by Jefferson Mays

About the Book
Something Missing: A Novel
Martin has made quite an interesting career for himself, stealing from the same "clients" for over ten years.  Through meticulous research he has learned about these couples in detail - their likes and dislike, their routines, their schedules - and he feels like he knows them even though he's never seen them face to face.  He usually steals small things (half-empty bottles of salad dressing, vegetables on the verge of going bad, drain cleaner from the back of the closet, etc.), but occasionally he'll take something bigger if he knows it won't be missed.  Through the years he's come to care about his clients, so when he suspects that one of them is in grave danger he knows he has to do something to protect her.


Why I Read It

This is not the kind of book I'd have picked up on my own, but I heard the author speak on a podcast and was totally captivated by him.  He's hilarious!  He talked about how he feels that more people should be writing because so many people have stories to tell.  At one event an 80-something year old woman came up to him and told him that one day she was going to write a book because she had a story inside of her.  His response? That she'd better hurry up and get started! LOL  You can listen to Matthew Dicks on the Books On The Nightstand podcast at this link: http://booksonthenightstand.com/2011/04/botns-podcast-125-because-you-asked-for-it.html You won't regret it!


My Thoughts 

This book is quirky and unique and oddly fascinating.  It doesn't move quickly and not a great deal happens, but it is strangely enjoyable all the same.  I couldn't help but like Martin in spite of the fact that he is a criminal (and an OCD criminal at that!) and I was always hoping that things would turn out well for him.

One side effect of listening to this book? Whenever I can't find something in my house I immediately think that it could have been stolen by someone like Martin. Odd, right?!

If you want a book that is a bit out of the ordinary but still a great read (or listen), give this one a try.

7 comments:

bermudaonion said...

Hearing an author speak almost always piques my interest in a book. This sounds interesting to me!

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

This doesn't sound like something I'd normally pick up, but your review really makes it seem worth it!
2 Kids and Tired Books

Kristen said...

I loved Something Missing! Martin is such a unique and lovable character.

Thanks for the heads up on the podcast. I'll have to check that out.

kay - Infinite Shelf said...

I have it on my ereader and had completely forgotten about it. Glad to hear you enjoyed it! :D

Anonymous said...

I have this book on my wish list and it's good to know the audio is good too.

Heather J. @ TLC Book Tours said...

bermudaonion - I agree - an author talk can get me interested in a book I'd never otherwise have picked up.

Holly - It really was a lot of fun!

Kristen - Ohh definitely listen to that podcast, and try some of the others are well - Ann & Michael do a great job with their show.

kay - I hope you pick it up soon!

stacybuckeye - Hopefully you'll get the chance to read it soon.

Simcha said...

I'm a Books on the Nightstand addict and I'll read anything they recommend (actually, at this time the only non-genre books that I read are ones I heard of from them) and so I got Something Missing after I Anne recommended it last year (?) and really enjoyed it. I'm now looking forward to reading Matthew Dicks' newest book which also sounds like a lot of fun.

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