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How is the write?

This was a really tough book to get through. I only did because I thought the writing was outstanding. Tolz is a literary virtuoso. There are great positives in this book, from the overall originality of the novel; to the very moving and powerful climax; to an extraordinarily original and intricate plot; through Tolz's writing. But there are also aspects that irritate and almost made me give up halfway. These are:- the characters are impossible to like. This applies to Martin and Jasper Dean, both of whom are just too wierd and eccentric and self-important to care about. The review on the cover page comparing this novel to " A Confederacy of Dunces" does "Confederacy..." a disservice: Ignatius O Reilly is also wierd and eccentric and self important but he was comic and pathetic in a way that the Deans never manage to be. By the way, its not easy to like much any of the secondary characters either...- some plot twists are hard to handle, eg. Anouk's transformation from hippy into "one of the richest women in Australia";- while the book had a hugely entertaining first 100 or so pages and equally excellent final 100 pages, the middle was boring at times, irratating at others (where it seems Tolz wants to show he's read every book on philosophy ever written). The one exception here is the part involving bullying and suicides at Jasper's school, which is really really emotionally devastating - enough so to make one persist through the book in search of more of the same power (which does finally happen).3 stars therefore for exceptional power and excellent writing, versus some (rather lengthy) deeply irritating sections and unsympathetic characters. But I'm very curious to see what Tolz will come up with next

What impact did the book have?

I enjoyed Money Secrets of the Amish. It's just a shame that what the book had to offer was no surprise to me. Being from Lancaster County, PA, I must admit that a lot of what the book had to offer was already common knowledge for me.These things include:Using couponsShopping at consignment shopsPurchasing meats and produce directly from the farmerShopping yard salesThe one idea I did really like was having a clothing/good swap with gal pals. I have heard of these before but would love to either be invited to one or organize one.The author does share some gems of knowledge, but none that I didn't already know.I really enjoyed the way the author gives assignments at the end each chapter. She also provides a lot of good resources such as blogs and other books to check out.All in all, I would have to admit that this book is valuable and a good read for anyone wanting to cut their expenses.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the <...> <...> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <...> : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Is the plot line good enough?

The book got me hooked almost immediately and then I got to the end and realized that there is another book after this one.I was unaware of this dilemma but its so good I did not care. Characters and dialogue are good but I liked the movie better.I disliked the name because there is one part about the city of bones and the rest is about characters and how they relate to each other. The interaction between characters are superb. Thank you Cassandra Clare.

Which is the good premise principal?

This is a return to form for Brown. It has the same mechanical plot development as usual but the premise is interesting, being based on the work of Dante. With settings in Venice and Florence, references to "Moonraker" (where Bond throws the bad guy through a Venetian clock) and a famous painting of Dante thrown in, and many many more, this is crammed full of thoroughly-researched aspects of Italy, Italian culture, evil plots to destroy the world and modern science.Thorough research is one thing, but Brown is one of those writers who has to show you all the research he did, and that, in addition to the way he frequently stumbles down winding side alleys of unnecessary thought-associations, make the book a little wearying, now and again.That said, the strange similes, the show-off piling on of irrelevant detail have always been part of Brown's repertoire, without greatly harming the volume of his sales. So you can't exactly blame Brown for giving his readers what they want, can you?Robert Langdon's new female assistant bears some remarkable similarities to the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, a leather-wearing, sassy, spiky haired chick with attitude and an itchy trigger finger. But that's either coincidence or a sign that such heroines are a dime a dozen these days.Even if it is a hokey kind of plot, Brown's new book has some interesting, forward-looking elements, and so you keep turning the pages. It may not be especially intelligent or eye-opening, but it does entertain you when you're in that lazy, hazy mood for unchallenging, easy reading.So I would recommend this to all Brown fans - this is a return to form and the standards he set in his finest works.

How is the book?

As Harry Potter's third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry begins the nation is shaken by the news that a murderer has escaped from the infamously horrible wizard prison of Azkaban. The escapee turns out to be Sirius Black. Many in the wizard world believe that Sirius Black's next target is Harry.There is yet another new professor teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts. The shabby man, Professor Lupin, is the first good teacher of the class that Harry and his friends have had. However, there are some strange things about Professor Lupin; why does he keep getting sick, and what is it about crystal balls that scare him so much?The reader meets more amazing and fantastic creatures including hippogriffs, bogarts and the horrible Dementors that guard Azkaban.The conclusion of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban leads to some fascinating discoveries about the Whomping Willow and the truth about the night Harry's parents were murdered, as well as the secret Professor Lupin has been hiding. Even Scabbers, Ron's rat, has an important role to play. Rowling's style is as enthralling as ever. No fan of Harry Potter should miss this book.

What is the concept of the book?

I'm new to Neil Gaiman, having only read "Good Omens" before, about four years ago. With "American Gods" I might become inspired to truly dive into this author's rich body of work. This book has a very creative treatise. Old pagan gods still live on as destitute characters in the real world, as long as a few isolated pockets of people still venerate them. Meanwhile, really old gods that are completely forgotten by humanity have disappeared into oblivion. The major religions couldn't even obliterate these decrepit old pagan gods for good, but the real gods of modern America may finally do it - the harsh gods of money and technology. The straight man in the novel is a hapless ex-con named Shadow, who eventually realizes that the bizarre characters he keeps running into are those decaying pagan gods who need his help in their struggle. Shadow also eventually bumbles into the realization that these gods are allying themselves with him for a greater purpose. The concepts behind this book are indeed fascinating and highly creative. Unfortunately the book must be docked one star because the action peters out towards the end, and the anti-climax takes way too long wrapping up a bunch of boring subplots. But still, Neil Gaiman is clearly one of the modern masters of innovative, speculative fiction.

How did you think about the sibling relationship?

Without a doubt, this is one the best books I have ever read. Although the author is a medical doctor, he possesses a special talent in writing. The story was very absorbing, engrossing, and riveting. I started the book one day around noon and I could not put it aside. I felt a strong urge to finish it as soon as possible and the next day, the book was over.The story in this book is so real as if somebody has gone through all these and is writing them. You can find all basic human emotions here together, love, hate, fear, friendship, betrayal, loyalty, selfishness, generosity, honor, piety, arrogance, deception etc.The two main characters in the story, Hassan and Amir, happen to be close friends, yet they have really distinct and different personalities. The one, who is more advantageous from almost all aspects over the other, Amir, is a superficial, unfaithful, coward boy. In my opinion, at the age of 38, he actually becomes a real man, i.e. a man of honor, righteousness and loyalty. The other character, Hassan, is genuinely, perhaps, the most decent human being you can ever come across out there. If you ever happened to have a friend like him, stick to him like you have no one in the World. He possesses all the good qualities that a human being may have, i.e. loyalty, courage, diligence, decency, integrity, faithfulness, you name it!This book is able to unearth all the humane feelings you might ever have lost and will enable you, by all means, to learn the meaning of being a genuine human being again.

Do you consider the author a person skilled?

The writer is very good at her trade, but the problem for me was that this reads somewhat like a country music song with all the "he cheated on me, my dog died and they repossessed my pick-up truck" that one can stand. More like a soap opera drama than a real story. I suppose it may fall into a category some might describe as "chick flick chic", but nothing I'd recommend for the average mystery or biography lover.

How do you describe the book?

First of all, The Book Thief is not a light read. It took me a couple chapters to settle into the writing style. The writing packs a punch and you really have to read the sentences fully to understand the beauty of them. But this is a book that deserves your time and attention. I have honestly never read anything like it. First of all, it is such a unique choice to have the story is narrated by Death. His observations are at once detached and intimate. He sees the overall picture, but is still affected by individuals. It really drives home the devastation of World War II on both a large and a personal level.Secondly, the writing style itself is very unique. Like I mentioned, it can take some getting used to, but there is real beauty in the words. It shows how powerful words can be. And again, it is not a book you can get through quickly, but you don't really want to either.Lastly, the characters are very very real. They have faults. They fight. They falter. But they also love and hope and dream. There are some disturbing and some very devastating events in The Book Thief. But ultimately, Liesel is a survivor and finds hope in even her darkest times. She finds a way to pick up the pieces and live on, and so to do we as readers.As a warning though, the subject matter is pretty heavy. I think it falls into that category of Young-Adult-But-Not-Really-Young-Adult. The Book Thief does not shy away from the tough subjects of Nazi Germany, poverty, death, and war. Some parts left me gutted, I won't lie. But I am glad I read this book.

How is the book flow?

This was a wonderful YA read.After a huge fight with her best friend, Camryn Bennett decides to get on a bus and just travel, instead of settling for the tedium of ordinary everyday life. She has no particular destination, she just wants to leave her old life, and the painful memories, behind.Andrew Parrish is the hot guy seated behind her on the bus, even though she is reluctant at first, they become friends and he teaches her a lot about letting go and really living.Andrew has his own secrets, or rather a secret that has the power to shatter Camryn's new found happiness.This book was a lovely read, and Andrew's secret... What can I say?... I was crying like a baby at the end.

What is the most exciting part of the story?

Yann Martel's Life of Pi is a wondrous novel, a marvelous novel--there is much to wonder and marvel at. The story is simple, yet complex at the same time and can be read on many levels. On the surface, this is the story of a young man who grows up in India and at sixteen, en route to Canada with his family, finds himself the sole human survivor of a shipwreck, afloat on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. The story is divided into two sectins. The first occurs before he gets on the boat and tells of his life as a young zookeeper's son. As a boy, he decides to become a practicing Catholic, Muslim and Hindu, all at once. His ruminations on zookeeping and religion lay the groundwork for how he could possibly survive on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. Beyond the story, however, is an examination of religion and of writing, of how to write about religion and the religious experience. It is an examination on the strengths (and weaknesses) of religious belief. The novel also ends with a philisophical bang, which I won't give away, but which did blow me away. It wasn't until I got to that point that I became truly impressed with what Martel has done here. Before that, I thought it was a very well done novel, but with the ending, it becomes much more. Life of Pi is not a typical novel. The story, its charming main character and his narrative style are all different than most everything else you can get today. That uniqueness makes it that much more special. I highly recommend Life of Pi. Enjoy.

How is the book?

I had so many people give me their opinions about this trilogy, and many of them didn't like the third book, so my expectations were quite low. I must say, though, that I LOVED this book. As an editor, I was a bit surprised at some of the things Collins got away with; as a romantic, I would have liked to have seen her spend a little more time on the romance part of the story. As a human being, I just couldn't get enough of this story. It's beautiful and tragic and raw and compelling and just plain phenomenal! Despite a few mechanical and other minor flaws, it's a great book! If you like a book that's wonderfully revolutionary, darkly provocative, and emotionally epic, this is for you. I got teary-eyed several times throughout the novel, but the truth is that I was reading too fast, desperate to see what happened next, to let myself feel the emotion of it all. With all that energy pent up, I read the quiet, understated afterword at the end. And cried. I totally want to read the entire trilogy again. Don't let all the negative reviews out there get you down. If you liked the first two books, you'll love the third. It's an awesome, climatic, mind-blowing end to a story that's shattering on so many levels. Let yourself get lost in it!

Why were the people angry at the release of the novel by Martin?

The third and final book in Suzanne Collins'sThe Hunger Gamestrilogy completes Katniss's story by taking her experiences to the next logical (and inevitable) step. In hindsight, the progression of the three-book storyline is obvious: Katniss goes from a tribute in a gladiatorial death-match, to getting caught up in the revolution that follows, to this: her participation in a full-scale war.Rescued from the arena at the conclusion ofCatching Fire, Katniss now finds herself recovering in District 13, a place long thought to have been destroyed by the Capitol, but in actuality existing as a vast underground complex. Her teammate and would-be love interest Peeta was not so lucky, for he was captured by the Capitol and is now being used as an instrument of propaganda by the sinister President Snow. Due to their home in District 12 being bombed, Katniss and other survivors/refugees from the mining community have joined forces with District 13's resistance fighters, though it would seem that their every act of kindness is hedged with self-interest.Katniss, her mother and sister, and her childhood friend Gale are moderately safe in the extensive underground bunkers of District 13, where schedules are tattooed in impermanent ink on everyone's arm each day and wasting food or other resources is tantamount to a criminal offense. Naturally, Katniss chaffs under the imposition of these strict rules, but luckily for her, she's got some leverage. Having made herself infamous through her actions in the Hunger Games, the resistance wants her to become a symbol of the uprising, using her status as the Mockingjay to unite the remaining eleven districts.She agrees, but not before laying down a few conditions of her own. It's at this point that we see Katniss finally become more aware of her own power as well as (paradoxically) her inherent helplessness. On the one hand, she's a valuable asset and thus has a certain amount of say in District 13's decision-making; on the other, District 13 is just as capable of manipulation, cruelty and exploitation as the Capitol, and Katniss sees firsthand the lengths to which they'll go to in order to destroy the totalitarian regime of President Snow and the Capitol. Can she be a part of it without compromising herself?Once again she finds herself in the Hunger Games - though of a slightly different sort this time. Now the cameras are trained on her as she visits hospitals, rallies the districts, and consoles her wounded compatriots. She's become a part of the propaganda machine, and struggles to maintain her own agency and personality in the progress. Clearly suffering from the first signs of PTSD (complete with concussions, drug-use, on-going injuries and nightmares) Katniss also struggles with the knowledge that everything she does to rile the Capitol may be putting the captive Peeta into danger.It all comes to a head in a nail-biting game of cat and mouse with in the streets of the Capitol itself, and in the climactic final gambit played out by Katniss.It was with interest that I read some of the other reviews for "Mockingjay", particularly the ones that gave it a lower rating. Notably, there seems to be a definite disconnect between what people were expecting, and what Collins delivered. Is this a dark but ultimately uplifting story about a girl who becomes a hero and leads a rebellion to victory at a large but ultimately necessary cost? Or is it a story about the effect that war and death have on young people, how both sides of the conflict can be morally grey, and how people have only so much strength in them before they break? It's the latter, but lot of people wanted the former, and it's clear that they're judging "Mockingjay" not on what it is, but what they wanted it to be. Naturally everyone will have a series of expectations whenever they crack open any book (especially one as anticipated as this one), but I also think that Collins had a specific message to impart, and ignoring it is to miss the very point of the trilogy.For example, Collins makes some very interesting storytelling decisions throughout. For the last two books President Snow has been set up as Katniss's primary antagonist; the ultimate foe that she will one day face (it's even foreshadowed in their names: Snow versus the Girl on Fire). Yet without giving too much away, their confrontation is not what you'd expect. Likewise, there is a rather unconventional resolution to the love triangle that many may not find satisfactory. Personally, I was never in any doubt as to which of the two boys Katniss would chose, but the way in which is occurs is hardly what you'd call a "fairytale ending."However, there are some parts of "Mockingjay" where I can understand why readers were a bit disgruntled. The death toll is extremely high; I wasn't keeping count, but there's a good chance that more named characters (I'm including the minor ones in this) end up dead than the living. In this case, Collins's gift is also her curse: by creating characters that you care about so quickly and so deeply, it is gut-wrenching when several of them not only die, but do so in a swift and anti-climactic manner. Sure, she's trying to make a statement about the randomness of war, but it's hard not to think that some characters deserved more - if not their lives, than at least a meaningful death.Although the writing is still as strong as ever in terms of its pacing and clarity, there are times in which Collins trips up. About halfway through the book, Katniss sings a haunting (and highly symbolic) song called "The Hanging Tree". Instead of Collins simply leaving the reader to interpret its meaning, she has Katniss internally analysis it for the benefit of the reader (taking up two pages!), thus robbing it of all its mystery. There are a couple of times in which she breaks the "show, don't tell" rule, breaking down various situations instead of letting the reader figure it out for themselves. (Though ironically, the most crucial gambit that Katniss plays toward the end of the novel seems to have been *too* subtle, given that many readers have expressed confusion over it. Or maybe most readers are used to being spoon-fed answers, thus justifying Collins's early attempts to spell things out. Who knows). Yet Collins's strength in writing is still apparent: her ability to maintain a riveting pace, in which everything flows smoothly from chapter to chapter, and suspense builds as the story goes on.Having a dig around some of the other reviews, I was disappointed (though hardly surprised) at the criticisms leveled at Katniss's characterization. Generally speaking, it's immensely difficult to write female characters, especially protagonists, as they will always be held to a higher standard than male characters. If she's too competent, too loved, too successful, she'll be deemed a Mary Sue. If she's too flawed, too fallible, or makes too many mistakes, then she's a bad role model and an affront to feminism.It feels as though that's what happened here. Many wanted her to step up as a hero and take control of every situation. Others dismiss her as "fickle" or "selfish" due to her interactions with Peeta and Gale (claims that baffle me considering her devotion to her sister and willingness to die for others). Others think she spent too much time under sedation, or gunning people down, or making the wrong decisions; and of course, with so much attention placed on the love triangle (not so much in the book, but certainly in on-line fan discussions - one can't help but feel that Stephenie Meyer's endorsements drew in the Twilight crowd) there were inevitably going to be disappointed shippers who would accuse Katniss of making "the wrong choice" no matter what boy she chose. So what was she: too good to be true, or a disappointing female character?Actually, she was neither. She was a seventeen year old girl who goes through a devastating ordeal, and the crux of this trilogy is that the reader shares in her terror, her self-loathing, her mental collapse, and her gradual crawl back to some degree of normality. It's a grueling experience, but one that's unflinching in revealing the true cost of war.So thank you Suzanne Collins for giving me Katniss: a three-dimensional, fully developed character who was nothing like me, and yet who I could relate to completely. Sometimes she failed, sometimes she succeeded, but she's embroiled in a story that is complex without being convoluted, and which raises difficult questions about the world without providing any sort of simplistic answer. The character development reflects this, for Collins doesn't make it easy: not for Katniss and not for the reader, and in my opinion, this uncompromising storytelling makes the complete trilogy stronger as a result. Will it be a classic? Only time will tell, but were I to place money on it, my bet would be yes.

What is the central idea of ​​the book?

The Hunger Games was phenomenal. Catching Fire did the impossible; it surpassed it's predecessor. So you can only imagine what high expectations I had of Mockingjay prior to reading it. I was deluded into thinking it would be as fantastic as the others. I was extremely disappointed and frankly, quite upset, that this was NOT the case. At all. Coming from a talented writer who has done amazing things with words and created unique, engrossing plots, Mockingjay was appalling. It didn't feel like reading for enjoyment; it felt like a chore.First off, Katniss. I don't even have words to describe how disappointed and disbelieving I am at what this strong, intelligent, resourceful, cunning, kick-butt protagonist has now become. In Mockingjay, she is an empty shell, a pawn for the rebels to use for their own objectives. She is diminished to an angsty, whiny, selfish brat who can do nothing but constantly bemoan her own fate. 90% of the book, she is a drugged up shadow; always wandering aimlessly through the hallways or throwing pity parties for herself in the closet. As the war unraveled, I felt like Katniss was always on the sidelines, only called in when other people commanded her to. We didn't get to see Katniss kicking butt against her enemies, we got to hear from other characters about events that occurred, or watch them on the TV. I kept waiting, sure this was all build-up for that moment when Collins would throw in the story changer. Sure that any minute Katniss would pick herself up and say "Enough is enough". I kept waiting for the moment when the winds would change and she would decide with conviction to actively work through her problems- but to my shock, that moment never came.Which brings me to my next biggest problem with the book: it was so anti-climatic! In the rare case we were ever given an exciting scene, as soon as it got intense, Katniss would get knocked out in the midst of things and we would wake up to her in the hospital being treated. The book was mindnumbingly dull; there was absolutely no excitement. I felt no emotion at all when the rebels triumphed; no relief, no joy. Because we were not there with them, amid all the action. We were stuck with dull Katniss, watching the events unfold from the sidelines. It was INFURIATING! Katniss did nothing to help defeat the Capitol; she basically watched Prim die, got burned, and woke up in a hospital, where she (and us) were TOLD instead of SHOWN how the Capitol fell. I also couldn't believe Katniss's trial just happened without us. Katniss is moping and plotting her suicide in her room in the Capitol (as usual), and then one day Haymitch wanders in and says, "Your trial's over. You're free." Honestly, I don't give a flying fart about Katniss' countless issues; give me some action!!WHAT IS WITH THE POINTLESS DEATHS??!! Deaths that don't ensure anyone else's survival, are excessively undignified, or never grieved for. Mockingjay was full of them. Finnick, Mesalla, itchell, Boggs, Cinna, need I say more? They are all ridiculous, gory, bloody and did NOTHING to aid Katniss bringing down the capitol. Essentially, they are all just deaths for the sake of death. Collins just randomly and meaninglessly killed off all the supporting characters to build excitement, because she couldn't bear to part with the main ones. Prim's death didn't have the impact Collins was aiming for; it felt like a strangers death. I didn't get to know or connect with Prim well enough throughout the three books to feel any emotion besides pity for Katniss. And she was absent for at least 100 pages before her death came out of nowhere, so I was too confused to feel any sadness. (Although it seems her death kind of defeated the point of sparing her from the Hunger Games.) On the other hand, I was extremely distraught over Finnick's death. He had just married the love of his life and she was pregnant, for god's sake! But I understand why Collins killed him off. I would even be okay with it (upset, but fine with it) if she had made his death a little classier. Or, A LOT classier. His death is absolutely nonsensical. I mean, eaten by mutts in a sewer? So unnecessesary.And finally, Gale. What happened to him? Oh, he's in District 2. And what's he doing in Distict 2? Dunno. How did he get there? Dunno. Why did he go there? Dunno. How does he feel about Katniss being with Peeta out of default, not either one's choice? Dunno. What's he going to do with his life now? Where is he going to live? What's going to happen to this character that we've been with for almost three whole books, and who's played a huge part in the story of Katniss's life? Uh...I dunno. I was team Gale all along, so I admit I may be a bit biased on this front, but I do feel like the conclusion of the love triangle was very rushed. Like Collins had no idea what to do with it, so she sent one off and left it at that. But Gale fit with Katniss so well. He was like the peanut butter to her jelly. Why did you do this to me, Suzanne Collins??

Does this book free your imagination?

After seeing the first two movies, I could not wait for the 3rd one, so I read the book. I generally enjoyed this book. It is moderately well written, but the story is VERY interesting and exceedingly creative, although not necessarily "good." Being of the genre of life after the apocalypse, it is a stressful subject.Each chapter continues a plot that I could not guess its next turn. The detail and descriptions are good and bring Katniss and her situations to life. I actually liked the character Johanna best. I wish she had a greater role.The action is extremely gory and I had nightmares one night. I would expect Hollywood to turn it into an 'R' rating.

Do you feel a lot of chest pain?

Breaking Nova is book one in the Nova series and is a New Adult Contemporary Drama written by Jessica Sorensen.4 Anguished, Broken Stars!The Review:This read was so heartbreakingly tragic, it weighed on me several days after reading it. I love Jessica Sorensen's writing. She has a way with words, allowing the reader to feel the despair and loneliness of her characters. This one took her other books and amplified the pain up by a thousand, and I loved every angsty minute of it.The two lead characters are so tragic, their pain so grievous, it jumped of the pages, leaving my heart bleeding, shattered and stomped on until it was crystallized dust. The desperation of the characters to find some sort of peace was a futile, blinding misery in the darkness that had ensnared them. Everything they went through in their pasts has broken the forward-moving, happy, loving people they once were and turned them into human husks, suspended in time, their minds stuck in an emotional turmoil they neither can escape nor want to escape, thinking they deserve all the turmoil they can heap on themselves.They don't want to let go and they don't want to move forward. For different reasons, they both feel the need to trap themselves in the past, suffering each long day in a black haze of nothingness.Their pain is real and they've completely forfeit their lives to their misery and tragedy.They are utterly broken.Characters/Story...This book opens up with a Prologue where eighteen year old Nova Reed and her childhood best friend, now boyfriend, are laying in the grass behind his house, talking about life and what it all means. The conversation is a bit deep for two people so young, but Landon is an artist who thinks on a different, more somber level than most people Nova knows. Its one of the things that drew her to him, along with the sadness that matched her own, in his eyes. Best friends since they were thirteen, they decided to take their relationship to the next level six months prior and Nova is looking forward to the future.But when waking up in the grass alone after falling asleep with the person she loves most at her side, her life is suddenly turned completely upside down and she is consumed by a bleakness so dark, its sends her spiraling into the void. That day changed everything about Nova.....Quinton Carter is carefree and loves life. He has a plan. He knows for a certainty that he will go to college in a few short months, get an art degree, marry his girlfriend who is the love of his life and together, have a family someday. But fate steps in and in an instant, thats all cruelly snatched from him and now he's left to figure out how to survive. Alone.The book finally opens up to fifteen months later where both Nova and Quinton are existing but not living. Neither one can get past the events that changed them so dramatically. On a chance meeting, they are both drawn to each other. The darkness within them is screaming out for a connection but guilt and pain keep them struggling to find a balance.As the days pass, they each try to find ways to cope.Nova has given up on the happiness in her life. She no longer plays the drums, she no longer thrives on music and she has turned off all her feelings except the pain. Instead of moving forward, she masks her pain with counting and order, a strict regimen, never expanding or experiencing. She's obsessive compulsive, trying to control everything in her life because she couldn't control the one thing that changed her unequivocally.Quinton has dropped all of the things he loves from his life as well, feeling he deserves no happiness at all. He never smiles, he never laughs and he drowns himself in drugs and guilt. He doesn't look forward to a bright future and he doesn't want a connection with anyone.Both of their coping methods are equally unhealthy as they try to run or drown in emotions instead of dealing with it. Its like those horrific event just happened yesterday because they are stuck. At times, while they are together, it seems there's a slight desire to move forward until the guilt takes hold again and sucks them back in, trapping them in the haze once more.Story...Nova and Quinton are surrounded by events and people that do nothing but aid in their struggle. I loved the harrowing journey these two take and their time together might have been steeped in sorrow but they could have been good together, healing together if only they allowed themselves. But both were so far gone, Quinton especially, that the good they once harbored, was suffocating under the pain.I also loved the flashbacks we get with Nova and Landon. It helped me to understand what happened to him and that he wasn't a hurtful person, just a person in so much pain he couldn't find the happiness, even though he tried so very hard and had so much to be happy about. His mind and soul just couldn't escape whatever was keeping him trapped in the dark.The Wrap Up:This book ends on a slight cliffy. Nova and Quinton's story will continue in the next book, which I know is going to be even more harrowing, given the way this one ended. I'm a huge fan of Jessica Sorensen and I can't wait to see where these characters are heading next.NOTE: A gifted copy was provided in exchange for an honest review by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) through NetGalley.

Why is write was readable?

Unlike most of the "history" we were force-fed in school, "Guns, Germs and Steel" is at once thought-provoking, well-written, fascinating, and highly entertaining. Jared Diamond richly deserves all the accolades (and money), which he has earned! Hey, anyone who can make history interesting to millions of Americans raised on a thin gruel of rote memorization, boring textbooks, and self-serving propaganda (see James Loewen's "Lies My Teacher Told Me") has got to be doing something right!As far as the critics of "Guns, Germs and Steel," at least as indicated by reviews here at Amazon.com, they basically seem to be arguing that the book is flawed because it is (choose one or more): "politically correct," "left-wing," not "original," "lacking in concrete evidence," overly deterministic in its focus on natural forces/factors, and -- a related criticism - neglectful of important "human variables," particularly "culture" and "religion."OK, then, what about it, is the book "politically correct" or "left-wing"? Well, if by "politically correct" the critics are referring to a hypersensitivity to any criticism of the "in" group(s) of the day, and/or holding the majority (or an "out" group, like white males, in some people's view) to a far tougher standard than others are held to, I don't really see how that criticism applies to "Guns, Germs, and Steel". Reason? Diamond is not saying that Europeans are BAD because they conquered the Indians or Africans or whoever, he's just explaining WHY Europeans conquered the Indians or Africans or whoever. Huge difference there! Really, it's surprising that this book is criticized as "PC", because as far as I can tell it's basically arguing "survival of the fittest" on a racial level (although not for any "inherent" or "God-given" reason, but basically for totally natural/arbitrary/accidental factors), and I thought that "survival of the fittest" was an old favorite of many conservatives, even fascists. So, in sum, I just don't understand why this criticism is being made at all.As far as "lacking in concrete evidence," I think that's kind of a silly criticism for a book which is written specifically for a mass audience, plus it's wrong anyway. Diamond presents PLENTY of fascinating, thought-provoking, entertaining evidence for his thesis, and if you want more you can read lots more about it all over the place!As far as "ignoring human variables" (especially "culture" and "religion"), that gets to the heart of Diamond's whole argument, and people who make this criticism either don't get Diamond's argument or just don't LIKE it (probably because it implies that THEIR "culture" and/or "religion" are not inherently any more wonderful or superior to any others, although they certainly may be more adaptive in a Darwinian "survival of the fittest" sense).The thing is, this whole question is a "chicken and egg" paradox. In other words, is northern European Protestantism (for instance) more powerful than, let's say, Native American religions, because it is inherently "better" in some sense, or is it more that northern European Protestantism HAPPENED to win out (for all kinds of reasons not under their control, like germs, which they didn't even know about), and as the victors they got to write history (and, not surprisingly, portray themselves in the most positive light). Just to take one powerfully intriguing example, what if Europeans had come over to America and been decimated by native American diseases instead of the other way around? That ALONE probably would have stopped the Europeans from defeating the Indians. Imagine if a few survivors had sailed back to Europe carrying these diseases and Europe had largely been wiped out as well. Among many other things, I don't think too many people would be making the argument today that European civilization was superior to any other, that's for sure!Anyway, the bottom line here is that this is a great book. So, pay no heed to the ideologues and nitpickers, read the book for yourself, and enjoy a fantastic story!

What is pace?

The idea and the plot moving the story is pretty fascinating. However, the tedious description kills the story and slows down the plot. The characters are poorly developed except for Julie shown as the only creative and vigorous person. To finish the book, I had to skip a bunch of pages to be able to follow and enjoy the plot. The idea behind the plot is depressing to say the least, quite a morbid story without any hope of a better life.

How is the series?

I have read many of Molles novels and enjoy them. The Remaining series was great and very entertaining. I hope for additional books to follow.

What is your feeling about this book ?

In this book, Collins tells the story of Katniss, a young girl competing in "The Hunger Games," a cruel, government-orchestrated fight to the death. The plot is as compelling as it is unsettling.This is a book you can't put down. The writing is excellent and the pacing flawless. The characters in general are nicely wrought. Collins keeps the reader fully engaged, trying to interpret and anticipate the moves of both the gamemakers and the competitors.Despite the wonderful experience of reading this book, I began to feel a sense of unease in the last thirty or so pages, the fear that I was about to be seriously disappointed. I hoped I was wrong. But I wasn't. I hated the ending. It resolved nothing.While I realize this is a series and the action resumes in "Catching Fire" and continues in "Mockingjay," I feel authors of series works owe it to their readers to reward them at the end of each book with some overwhelming emotion, good or bad. In an epic story such as this, there needs to be some sense that the protagonist has come through some major life event that has changed him or her, prompted some sort of growth or... something. The unfeeling, jaded Katniss of Page 1 is pretty much the same girl the reader's left with on the last page. She's likable enough but still self-centered, still terribly immature and self-congratulatory. How much can the reader really care about this character and her relationships with others when, in the end, Katniss herself really doesn't much give a crap? And at the end, the story just... fizzles. I have a strong sense that this book ended at the wrong place. There needs to be some sense of closure, some feeling that the reader has completed a book. And, in the case of a series novel, there needs to be some major driving element that pushes the reader into wanting to read the next book. A bunch of unresolved loose ends, vague questions, and protagonist ambivalence, as we get here, simply is not good enough.The ending here was so BLAH that I was left seriously questioning whether I wanted to invest the necessary time to keep reading the series. I thought Collins and I might have different views as to what constitutes a book ending. What if the difficulty with endings was systemic and I got to the end of "Mockingjay" and was left going, "Whaaaaattt?"No reader wants to be left that way.But I cared about this series. I would love to love it.I decided to check out the reviews for "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay" before I went any further with this series. I needed to know whether readers were more satisfied with the endings of "Catching Fire" and "Mockingjay" than I was with the ending of "The Hunger Games." If they weren't, then I was unlikely to read those books.In fact, I wish I'd checked out those reviews before I started the series.Having completed my review of the reviews, I would suggest that strategy to anyone contemplating reading "The Hunger Games." That way, you'll know what you're getting into before you're where I am now.Eventually, nostalgia may pull me back to the series and I'll pick up Book II. Right now, though, I feel too cheated and disappointed.With just a little more effort on the part of the author and editors, this could have been a phenomenal book.

Who was one of the most threatening villains?

As a long time Grisham fan, I had eagerly awaited this book and I was not disappointed. Each time I think that he has done his best, he outdoes himself on the next one. This time, I am sure this is his best. The suspense had me holding my breath from early in the novel and at no tim did I anticipate the resolution. I am continually amazed at his depiction of the people of his setting. I do believe that I know some of these folks! He made the people of this small Mississippi town come alive! I felt their pain, tasted their food, and shed their tears. Though I am not from that state, I do believe that I have driven though many towns just like that one with the boarded up businesses and homes, the weed choked fields and the square with its folks waiting for court to start. I am telling you, he made it come alive. As the will was read, the suspense in that room caught in my throat and I felt for each of the people and I was hooked. The book is wonderful and there is such a lesson to be learned for today's families. This has to be a must read!

How is the story?

Synopsis:Drew is your typical top-of-the-food-chain playboy with a no nonsense, tell it like it is attitude. He is the best at everything and is used to getting everything he wants. Women are nothing more than a release to him and love doesn't even factor into his thoughts. Until he sees her. She is the most beautiful thing he has ever seen and the most intriguing. She doesn't fall at his feet begging to go home with him, she walks away. Little does he know, she is just starting a new job at his firm. Things are about to get interesting.Review:I decided to read this book based upon the rave reviews it was getting. The fact that it is written from a man's perspective is great. And the fact that he isn't an angsty romantic, but a total guy in all of his glory is even better. I laughed my ass off reading this book. The fact that so many of my friends are male and I happen to know that they think exactly like Drew, made it even funnier. In fact, I think I have actually heard a few of these lines before in real life.The characters in this book are funny and play their parts well. I loved Drew. Not because of his looks or status or anything ridiculous like that, but because he was real and didn't apologize for it. Men just aren't men like they used to be, and it's nice to read a character like this, even if he does have his slappable moments. Kate is one tough cookie and I loved that. She wasn't a lay down and take it type of girl. She is strong and independent and fights to get hers. I loved that she wasn't portrayed as weak even once in this book. The supporting cast is great as well.The relationship between Drew and Kate develops nicely. There is a definite attraction, but it isn't love at first sight. They have a love/hate thing going on and its pretty hilarious. I also have to mention that this book has some pretty hot sex scenes. One in particular was one of the sexiest I've read.I really wanted this to be a 5-star book, but I wouldn't feel right rating it above a 4. Don't get me wrong, it is great, but there was a piece missing. I can't really put my finger on it. With all that said, this was a pretty great debut for Emma Chase. I will definitely be following her future work. READ IT!

What are the parts like?

While I would not recommend this book to a young reader due to a couple pretty explicate scenes I would recommend it to any adult who just loves a good book. Once I started reading it I could not put it down. I hesitated reading it because I didn't think that the subject matter would be interesting, but I was so wrong. This is a wonderfully written book.

What kind of storyline does the book contain?

Sequels to stand out debuts often struggle to advance the series plot and recapture the magic of the first book. INSURGENT isn't one of those sequels. It's as powerful or even more powerful than it's predecessor. And considering how phenomenal DIVERGENT was, that's no small compliment.One of the most inventive and action packed dystopian series ever, INSURGENT picks up almost immediately after the end of DIVERGENT. The factions that dictate every aspect of society are in danger and all out war seems inevitable. Tris's faction has ben split as too many members have turned traitor. Power hungry Erudite have set their sights on the Divergent, like Tris, systematically rounding them up to kill...and worse.What continues to impress me with the Divergent series is the character arcs. They are magnificent. Tris transformed from the almost Amish-like Abnegation member to a brave and confrontational Dauntless member so convincingly in DIVERGENT, and her transformation in INSURGENT is no less impressive. After the tragic choice she made at the end of DIVERGENT, Tris is plagued with guilt, self recrimination, and shame. She isolates herself even from those she cares about the most. It's heartbreaking to read. And Tris isn't the only one who evolves in the book. Characters who I thought were villains became heroes, and characters who I thought were trustworthy became villains. Shocking doesn't begin to describe it.The beginning of INSURGENT was a little slow and not as easy to jump into as the debut, especially since the worldbuilding isn't really recapped for readers (like me) who could have benefitted from a refresher. But once I got my bearings, and the central conflict was revealed, INSURGENT was as compulsively readable as DIVERGENT. And the revelations at the end were almost overwhelming--in a good way--considering their implications. Bottom line, this is a series not to be missed. The stakes just keep getting higher and I can't wait to dive into the third book in the Divergent series when it comes out in 2013.Sexual Content:Kissing

How pleasant is the storyline?

Wow, this story is simply fantastic from the beginning. You will cry, laugh and simply fall in love with the characters and the poetry in this wonder YA book. Great job Colleen Hoover and I guess I need to listen to The Avett Brothers. I'll start book two Point of Retreat tonight.

How is story?

Unbroken is a book to be read, and reread and discussed over and over again.Hillenbrand's extremely well researched and massively detailed book tells the story of Louie Zamperini. A man with an interesting personality to begin with, Louie survived ordeals that would have finished most people off. When it looks like tan incident is the worst thing that could happen to him there is a moment of....But wait! That wasn't the worst of it and the story is off telling another terrible event.An Olympic runner in 1936 Louie ended up in the Army Air corp as a bombardier over the Pacific during WWII. When their plane crashed he and 2 other men were in a raft for more than a month. On land at last Louie was captured by the Japanese and held in work camps for the duration of the war. Louie's "bring it on" attitude caused his jailers to hate him even more and his punishment was unbelievable.After being freed Louie faced demons for many years until a chance encounter with Billy Graham helped him turn his life around.I found this book to be compelling, endlessly interesting, and fascinating. I could not stop turning the pages, wanting to see what could possibly happen to Louie next. Everything about the story was interesting and educational while still being extremely readable. I learned about flying a B24, and details of WWII that I had not learned before. I read details of the treatment of POWs that I had not known before.I must ponder why Louie survived when so many others didn't. What part of his upbringing and genetic makeup made him so resilient that he was able to withstand the punishment, thirst, starvation and deprivation that he did?Hillenbrand gives quite a bit of thought to this subject of why the Japanese treated the POWs so badly. There are many reasons to be considered. It has been obvious in years past that people put in power over others can become overwhelmed with the desire to prove themselves to their prisoners, turning into monsters that they themselves could hardly recognize. Something about the Japanese personality made these men fail to understand why the westerners behaved so differently from the Japanese. In many ways the Japanese were simply following orders and were afraid not to do what they were told.This would be an excellent book for students of history to read, and for reading groups to discuss.

How is the research?

Great book! The research necessary to write this book is impressive and it brought this period in history alive. I was always an American History buff and disliked Ancient History so it took me a little longer to read this than it did to read Killing Lincoln or Kennedy. All 3 should be required school reading IMO.

How good it's the write?

Well done. This is like a cross between Orwell's 1984, Plato's Allegory of the Cave meets a post apocolyptic world. That might not have made sense, but this is a good read. I found the pace to be a bit slow, but exciting at the same time. There were no dull moments in this story.I rented this book through the Amazon Kindle Library and unfortunately for the author, didn't pay a dime for it. This is a long book however and I would have gladly paid the 5 bucks for it otherwise. There is a lot of politics, some mystery and some real thought on the survival of the human race through extremist action. Normally I would vote for more action, but the small amount involved in this book was just enough as to not distract from the true intentions of the plot. I absolutely reccommend this one.

How was the write?

Words cannot explain my crazy love for Anna and the French Kiss. The story is simple: girl gets shipped off to boarding school in France, makes new friend, meets a hot guy, and falls in lust with him. But there is so much more to it. The characters become real in the course of the 372 pages, as does the incredible Paris setting. I've never been to Paris myself, but after reading this, it's as if I've seen the sights, smelled the city, and tasted the food. Stephanie Perkins brings that much life to Anna's Paris.And to Anna as well. This is one girl I could not only relate to, but who I wholeheartedly loved. I adore Anna. She's funny, insecure, hilarious, flawed, angry, happy, sad, hormonal (obviously, as I list her emotions here...), and a teen girl. She's a character that could easily be any girl I pass on the street. Oh, and I love her. I love Étienne St. Clair too, because I couldn't leave him out. He's as realistic as Anna, with is insecurities, his sweet gestures, and stupid actions. And his British accent and all-around gorgeousness. That's the reason that Anna and the French Kiss is so easy to enjoy (not the gorgeousness, but a plus!); it's the characters. The characters, both big and small - no offense to the short Étienne - are developed so thoroughly that they all leap off the page.The relationships between Anna and Étienne, between Étienne and Josh, between Anna and Meredith (I could go on, but I'll stop) all evolve throughout the book. Perkins' witty humor comes out on every page and the dialogue is sharp and quick. The book is cute, I can't lie about that, but it's not 'ooey-gooey, poke-out-your-eyeballs' cute. This is `melt into a puddle, I-want-to-live-in-you-forever,' kind of cute. It's a love story that doesn't just focus on the love. There's tension between Anna and Étienne - and it's some yummy tension - but they start as friends and build from there. Not only that, but the two of them have issues outside of their little `I like you, do you like me?' bubble.Anna and the French Kiss is impossible to dislike, unless you are soulless and possibly a kitty murderer. It's sweet and real and fantastically written, with a cast of characters that you'll want to meet, know, and be BFFs with. I smiled a lot while reading it; one of those cheesy grins of pure joy. I read it one sitting because I couldn't put it down, even though I wanted to. Much like a meal in Paris, Anna and the French Kiss is a book to be savored, but is still so easily devoured. As I read the last line, I let out a sigh of pure bliss. A sigh!? That alone should make you pick this book up. Right now. What are you waiting for? GO.

How interesting is the back story ?

3.5 StarsIn the sequel to Delirium, Lena is stronger than ever before, and ready to start loving again.Lena has spent several months in the Wilds. Months learning how to grow stronger and how to survive. And now she is ready to walk among the "Zombies" once again. On a special mission, Lena has to keep tabs on a pro-Cure group that is fighting to have the Cure required starting at a younger age. This organization is not the only thing that catches Lena's eye, she also can't seem to stay away from the founder's son, Julian.Hm. I wanted to like this book. I wanted to love this book. But....I don't. Like Delirium, there isn't a lot of action but a lot happens. Lena grows into her own person and soon she is ready to infiltrate New York under a new guise. The story is told from the past and the present until the past meets up with the present. This allows the reader to watch Lena's transformation.I was disappointed that none of the characters from Delirium were present in this book, I really wanted to see Lena's reaction to them after she discovered the true meaning of love. The characters that we are introduced to are just as strong and interesting though. We first meet the ever strong Raven who really pushes Lena to be all that she can be-and more. Their interactions were interesting and endearing; I think Raven was my favorite secondary character in this book. She is so head strong but also so vulnerable with the most heart-wrenching story.Now.....I have to address something that I wish I could ignore. Julian. He is the poster child for the pro-Cure group Lena is trying to destroy from the inside. As fate would have it, they fall in love and their relationship starts to mirror that of Alex and Lena. Now because I know and love Alex I cannot accept the possibility of another boy who can hold a light to him. Because Alex and perfect. And the story seems to hint at a future love triangle which...I could definitely do without. So that's really all I have to say. It's upsetting to write about.The writing is akin to poetry. Oliver describes everything beautifully and romantically. Lena's first person point of view helps show her progression into a strong and independent woman who is taking the role of her first love.Pandemonium is not what I was expecting but Oliver never fails to create a beautiful story. I am curious to see how this will all end.

How is it dialogue?

I've ready many YA or Young Adult novels, and they always leave me less than satisfied.The characters in those other books seem immature and the story way too dramatic. This book is unbelievably good. The dialogue between the characters is very real and the story was well written and fully developed.The subject matter is a little heavy, but dealt with beautifully and realistically. This book stayed with me long after I finished it. It has to be one of my favorite books of all time (and I'm old). I would recommend this to anyone who wants a good read.

How is the sex scene?

I loved this book so much! From the very first page to the very end. It kept me flipping pages like if I was in a race or something. It was intense & these sex scenes were very steamy; there was a point in where I thought "I could probably get pregnant from just reading this lol" I recommend this book to everyone over 18 that is lol Great storyline & I can't wait to start reading other Jasinda Wilder books!

What do you think of this way of write?

I was so close to giving this book a higher rating. I would rate the first half of the book as 4/5 and the second half as 2/5.1) The WritingThis is one of the book's strongest points. The author's prose is lovely in its creativity of expressing emotions and describing scenery. Luckily, this is well done throughout the book overall, lacking the heavy prose that can come from being too flowery with one's writing. There were only a few of times the creativity of the writing jarred me out of the story, as if the author was stretching it thin, but these were few and far between. The story is also in 3rd POV, which I found to be a smart move, allowing the author to take the narration up to a level that would otherwise be barred down by 1st POV.There are also usages of foreshadowing and symbolism that I thoroughly enjoyed in the book and found their execution spot on.However, this is part of the downfall of the story when paired with the plot, at least in the second part of the book.2) CharactersKarou is a strong character. Although I didn't connect with her right away, I was still able to appreciate how flushed and well rounded she is. She's got good point, but also flaws that even she comes to acknowledge. I also liked her resilience when it came to getting cozy with the love interest from the get-go. It plays more realistically and in a `genre' where I've read a lot of characters dropping everything for their love interest, Karou doesn't forget that her family comes first. Her commendable points are strong ones.My favorite where the chimaera. They didn't have a lot of book time compared to our main girl, yet still were powerful figures with personalities. I adored each of them, especially Brimstone, who, I thought, happened to be the strongest character of them all. That being said, I also found myself liking two minor characters, one of Brimstone's collectors and the mysterious creature at his back. Even they were fun to read about.The love interest was a bit so-so for me, if only because his hunger for revenge made me feel like yawning. I appreciated learning his history layer by layer and understanding why he became the way he was. However, like Karou, I didn't have an emotional connection to him like I did with the chimaera. I didn't dislike him, but I wasn't swooning either. He gets his own POV chapters as well (still in 3rd person), but overall I think the switch of POV was done well enough. Not the best handled I've read, but not so distracting it caused the story to deteriorate.The only side character I did really like was Zuzana. At times, her dialogue was not cute (where it was meant to be) and made me roll my eyes. At the least, I didn't hate her, but preferred when she wasn't around to spoil the moment with her not-so-cute banter. I do like, however, that she served as an anchor for Karou and did remind the reader that there are humans observing the spectacle that is Karous and Akiva's involvement. Even if I didn't love her, I could still appreciate her purpose in the story.3) The PlotThe opening is a bit slow for me, I admit. However, I do find it was necessary to ease us into Karou's life and the juxtaposition of her other life with the chimaera. It didn't matter too much because the rest of the first half just skyrocketed for me. There was an excellent pace, interspersed with learning about characters, and I was hungry to know what was going on with the handprints. Karou meets Akiva, the love interest, and I was still aching to know what would happen.Then, it fell flat. The last half of the book is extremely heavy. The couple skirt around each other, feeling warm fuzzies and unsure why, and this consists of a good portion of the book. After that, we get the full history between them, and that's it. Whatever expectations of the greater plot are disregarded for now (perhaps to be resumed in the second book).That means the book was left hanging for me, with no resolution. Sure, Karou learns about herself but I could hardly call that a resolution when other "problems" she was facing are all gaping wide to be filled with conclusions. What aggravated the situation is how the past is completely unfolded before our eyes, with chapter upon chapter devoted to their past lives. This made it feel like I was reading two books by the same author in one.This is where a small fault in the writing arises as well. The creative prose I came to enjoy in the first half was utilized to capture every funny feeling the two characters had in their past, and then some, making the second half drag on that much more. Also, and this is more of a personal preference, we learn their love is an insta-one, which was a disappointment. This results in their current love to be lackluster and didn't give me any heart-fluttering moments.However, I will say learning about the chimaera was a plus, though it could have been executed in a manner that didn't involve the way the second half was written.-x-Overall-x-I think many people would enjoy this book, flaws included. I don't regret reading it, even if the second half was a disappointment. The writing is sublime and I could reread the first half again and again. Definitely give it a shot because it's still a gem in the YA category.Readability: Very high (for the first half)

How did you like the story line?

I would love to read more from this author, if only she would use a more traditional means of writing and pay attention to editing and correct word usage. I really had to struggle through this book and almost deleted it more than once. If the story line had not been good, I would not have finished. I hope to see a better presentation from this author, as I believe she has great stories to tell.

How is the book?

The Book Thief (New York: Albert A. Knopf, 2007), a novel by Australian writer Markus Zusak, accomplished a rare feat for Holocaust literature: the novel won numerous literary awards and became a long-standing international best seller, including being on the New York Times best seller list for a record of 230 weeks. What’s even more surprising about the novel’s success is not only its somber theme, but also the fact it’s a work of literary fiction (as opposed to genre fiction), a style of writing that rarely becomes a mainstream hit. Although the distinction between literary fiction and genre fiction is not cut-and-dry—for instance, Elizabeth Kostova’s novel, The Historian, fits both genres--I’d say that genre fiction places emphasis upon a fast-moving, interesting plot, while literary fiction privileges psychologically nuanced characterizations and a unique narrative style.Death characterized the Holocaust, and Death is the real narrator of the novel, which begins with the heroine’s end: Liesel Meminger’s death, many years after WWII, after she’s lived a full life and had children and grandchildren of her own. As Death carries the elderly woman’s soul to the other side, it also takes and narrates her childhood diary.In the late 1930’s and early 40’s, Liesel is a young adopted girl living in Germany. She has her first encounter with Death when her brother, Werner Meminger, who is also given up for adoption along with her, dies on the train to Molching. He’s buried by the railway station. That day, Liesel’s obsession with books—and death--begins. She picks up The Grave Digger’s Handbook, a book dropped by the funeral director at her brother’s funeral.Shortly thereafter, the distraught girl joins what might be seen as a typical German family, with whom she bonds quickly. Liesel’s adoptive father, Hans Hubermann, is a loyal German, who served during WWI, but is not sympathetic to the Nazi regime. Despite his reservations, Hans is enlisted in the German army during WWII. Artistic and sensitive—a painter and accordion player--Hans probably characterizes the attitude of a vast majority of Germans who were not anti-Semitic yet were forced to participate in the Nazi regime. His wife, Rosa, is a no-nonsense woman with a sharp tongue and a loving heart. She washes people’s clothes to supplement their income but gradually, one by one, her customers fire her.Liesel also meets Max Vandenburg, a Jew hidden by the Hubermann family from the Nazis, whose father fought during WWI alongside Hans Hubermann. Liesel befriends him. When Hans becomes ill, she reads to him. He eventually recovers, in part, the novel suggests, because of the power of friendship transmitted through the act of reading. Liesel and her family have a close call with the Gestapo, as soldiers search their house to see if they can use their basement as a shelter. Fortunately, they deem it too shallow and they leave.In all respects, Liesel blends in with her adoptive family. Their hardships and struggles become hers as well. She becomes especially close friends with Rudy Steiner, a blond “Aryan” boy a few months older than her, who develops a crush on her. Although the girl refuses to kiss him, together they embark on many adventures, which bond them to one another. Together, they become book thieves when the Mayor and his wife also fire Rosa. Their love of books and of the forbidden, representing a kind of protest against the Nazi regime and against injustice in life in general, binds the two children even more.Perhaps the strongest character of the novel is Death itself, its main narrator. Death may be brought about by war and by the savage murders perpetrated by the Nazis, but it is not sympathetic to them. Rather, Zusak depicts Death as a kind of Humanist, philosophical character: humane and disapproving of senseless violence, hatred and destruction. In parts, Death touches upon the comic and the absurd, needing “a vacation” from its job during the war.I think the strength of this novel lies in its complex characterizations: the German characters in particular are nuanced and multifaceted, not stereotyped in any way. They too struggle with the evils perpetrated by the Nazi regime and try to help victims, as much as they can. In the end, however, they too become victims of Hitler’s war, as Rosa, Hans and Rudy all die when the Hubermann house is bombed. Rudy doesn’t even get to experience Liesel’s first kiss, dying seconds before she finally declares her love for him and kisses him. Only Liesel survives and gets the chance to have a full life.If I were to identify any weakness in the novel it would be in the narrative style. Since style functions as a kind of author’s unique fingerprint in literary fiction, it’s largely dependent upon each reader’s subjective taste. The choppy, short sentences and disjointed, subjective structure of the novel weren’t to my personal taste, particularly since I usually look for a dense, sweeping and well-informed description of lived history in Holocaust literature. This novel, however, is impressionistic in both style and structure. But these stylistic features also made The Book Thief popular with readers of all ages, particularly with young readers, who could identify with the characters and appreciate its accessible form. Due to its literary success, The Book Thief was recently made into a movie directed by Brian Percival, released in November 2013. The movie, however, unlike the book, received mixed reviews.Claudia Moscovici, Literature Salon

How was the book?

Jeez this book tore a hole through my heart. I loved it so much but this is not a happy perfect love story. There is a ton of baggage going on during this book. I loved Sky and how she was at the beginning with her friends, Six and Brekin. Some of the funniest lines were between them. Then Dean Holder enters the picture and I was immediately intrigued as well as confused by, as sky describes it, his multiple personality disorder. Colleen Hoover did an amzing job of weaving the storylines of this book so that it wasn't obvious from the beginning what the twists were. She gave you enough information at the appropriate time so that you could piece it together naturally. The relationship between Dean and Sky was just heartbreaking and amazing all at the same time. I loved it! I was so mesmerized by the bond that they shared and the commitment to each other despite all the tragedies that had fallen on them. The ending was great with out trying too hard to wrap it up in a fancy pretty bow. It had an ending that fit with the emotional feel to the book it didn't try to jar you into an epilogue 5-10 years down the round when everything is magically perfect. It just kind of stated that life is not perfect and will not ever be so. Fantastically amazing story that is exactly what we have come to expect from Colleen Hoover!

What kind of adventure do they have?

The story of "The Kite Runner" opens in the Kabul of the 1970s. The main character, and the narrator, is Amir, the teenage son of Baba, a prosperous businessman. The film's title derives from the fact that Amir likes kite fighting, a popular sport in Afghanistan, and the central incident in the novel occurs during a kite fighting tournament. Amir has cut an opponent's line and his friend Hassan, his "kite runner", is racing to fetch the downed kite when he is set upon and sexually assaulted by a gang of bullies, who despise him because he is a member of the minority Shia Muslim Hazara ethnic group. (Amir, like the bullies, is from the majority Sunnite Pashtun group). Unknown to Hassan Amir, who was running closely behind him, witnesses the assault, but fails either to intervene or to summon help.This incident puts an end to the friendship between the boys. Amir, ashamed of his behaviour, wants to get rid of Hassan from his life, and falsely accuses him of theft. (Hassan is the son of Baba's servant Ali). Hassan, not wanting to expose his friend, falsely confesses; Baba is ready to forgive him, but Ali leaves the family's service, taking Hassan with him. When the Soviets invade Afghanistan in 1978, Amir and Baba are forced to leave the country and make a new life for themselves in California, where Amir becomes a writer. Many years later, after Afghanistan has fallen to the Taliban, Amir has an opportunity to atone for his treatment of Hassan, but this involves him making a dangerous journey back to his homeland.Khaled Hosseini offers us a window onto a culture which, for most of us in the West, is an exotic one, as well as a commentary on the turbulent recent history of Afghanistan. He clearly has little time for either the secular totalitarianism of the Communists or the religious totalitarianism of the Taliban; there are graphic scenes depicting the brutality of both regimes. Kites were banned by the Taliban, and the book's central image of the soaring kite may be symbolic of hopes for a return of the happier times which Afghanistan enjoyed before the overthrow of the monarchy in 1973.Yet, perhaps more importantly, Hosseini also deals with some universal human themes, most notably friendship and father-son relationships. Hassan is Amir's devoted companion, but Amir finds it difficult to regard him as his "friend", even though Hassan has no reluctance in using this word about Amir. The two boys are divided by ethnicity, by religion and, most importantly, by social class, which makes it difficult for Amir to accept Hassan as an equal. Amir tries to persuade himself that he failed to come to Hassan's assistance because he was too afraid to do so, but his motives were more complex than simple cowardice; part of the reason is that he despises Hassan as an inferior and regards his devotion as no more than a servant's duty towards his master.The other important relationship in the book is that between Amir and Baba. (Amir's wife Soraya is a relatively minor character; this is a book where relationships between men are given greater weight than those between men and women). Amir, whose mother died giving birth to him, is haunted by the idea that he is a disappointment to his father, an idea which has some basis in truth. The two men are very different. Baba has little time for books and culture; his main interests, apart from his business, are hunting and sport, which do not interest the studious, bookish Amir. He looks down on his son's ambition to become a writer, which he regards as an unmanly way to earn a living. (He would have been happier had Amir used his academic gifts to study law or medicine). Amir's love of kite-fighting is in part due to the fact that it is the one physical sport at which he can excel and therefore a way for him to win favour in Baba's eyes. Much of Amir's life, in fact- even after Baba's death- can be interpreted as an attempt to gain his father's approval. It is only later in life that Amir learns something which causes him to reappraise his relationships with both Baba and Hassan.Although Amir and Baba are complex figures, some of the other characters are drawn in over-simplified terms. Hassan is perhaps too good to be true, and Assef, the leader of the bullies who assaulted Hassan who later appears as senior Taliban official, is certainly too bad to be true. Not content with making his main villain a bully, a bigot and a sadist, Hosseini also makes him a paedophile and a Nazi. The plot, particularly in the second half of the book, is excessively reliant upon coincidence (although Hosseini is far from being the only writer to be guilty of this) and the scenes set in California lack the power and local colour of those set in Afghanistan.The book's faults, however, are outweighed by its virtues. Hosseini gives a wonderfully vivid picture of life in pre-Soviet Afghanistan and draws a powerful psychological portrait of his central character, a man dominated by the shadow of his father and by the need to make amends for his act of betrayal. In this respect it reminded me of Ian McEwan's "Atonement", another novel from the early part of the last decade which deals with the theme of a person who, as an adult, attempts to atone for a youthful misdeed which has had serious consequences. Of the two books, I would perhaps rate "Atonement" slightly higher, but then that is a work by a very experienced novelist. "The Kite Runner", by comparison, is a first novel, but it is a very good oen and was amde into an equally good film by Marc Forster.

How is the story?

"The things that knock you down in life are tests, forcing you to make a choice between giving in and remaining on the ground or wiping the dirt off and standing up even taller than you did before you were knocked down. "RECAPSky Linden Davis, has always lived a sheltered life with her mother. With not being allowed to have any technology around Sky spends her time with her best friend Six and reading. But she also spends her night making out with boys to just escape the real life and feel "numb". But senior year its different, after coercing her mother to allow her to attend public school Sky realizes what the world really hold outside her home walls. One of those realizations is Dean Holder.Holder has spent the year in a state of despair. He didn't lose one girl he loved, he lost two. So he does what guys do best, he rebels. When Sky shows up on his radar Holders life changes drastically, he knows she looks familiar. He takes it upon himself to get to know her. Even if getting to know her turns out to hurt both of them.When secrets unfold will Sky and Holder be able deal with them? Or will the secrets destroy both their lives?MY TAKEOkay, this book came highly recommended by numerous book lovers so I couldn't wait to get into it. I was ready for the romance, the angst, the tears, and the secrets unveiling. I was ready and prepared to love this. And I did enjoy the story and the premise of it. I saw the twist coming a mile away but I still enjoyed learning all of the facts and all about the characters.Sky is completely sheltered from social media, television and cell phones. She was a teenager starting to learn how to find her way in life. I liked her character at the beginning of the book and loved her inter-dialogue. The turn in that changed when she became consumed with Holder. Don't get me wrong who wouldn't enjoy Holder? But I just thought she had more of a backbone in the beginning when she didn't "need" him for everything. This is not to say that I didn't feel bad about what happened. Even though I saw it coming I was still sad for what she had to go through and for her having to relive it.What I loved is their connection with each other. "It's what happens when two people become one: they no longer only share love. They also share all of the pain, heartache, sorrow, and grief." Holder was the perfect rock and perfect person to help her through the devastation, even if he kept secrets. Both characters feel hopeless during the book but both together bring hope to each other. Holder shows, not only Sky, but himself as well, how to live, how to ask questions even if the answers are scary, and how to always have hope.Then there are the secondary characters that play a part in this book. Six, yes that's her name, is Sky's best friend and although she's gone most of the book she is on of those friends that is a bad influence but honest and faithful to the core. Six's words to Sky set the stage for this story which is why her character made such an impact, "Not everyone gets a happily ever after. Life is real and sometimes it's ugly and you just have to learn how to cope." Breckin, the new best friend in the whole wide world, is awesome and such a sweetheart. He is nonjudgmental and is present when needed. Karen, Sky's mom, I just can't say how much I adored her. She was your typical protective mother but her story in this book is so heartbreaking. Her strength, her courage, her love for Sky is what a mother's love should always be.This book is filled with love, loss, and pain. The only reason this was a 4 star is because Sky's character annoyed me at parts, her reactions were a little selfish and judgmental, and I thought the book was a little too drawn out. But don't miss out on this story.BUY it. READ it. LOVE it.HAPPY READING!!

How is the message to the reader?

I spent seven years in the corporate/workforce training field, and never reached lower points than my run-ins with this unfortunately popular piece of tripe. My job was to train employees in the use of extremely complex software systems � training that required deep analytical thinking by the employees. I was never more distressed than to teach a high-impact software class to a group of people who had been exposed to �Who Moved My Cheese� in the recent past by another trainer. Any company that thinks this book is useful in the training or motivation of employees epitomizes everything that is wrong with corporate education today. This book does contain a useful premise in how employees have to deal with change and competition in the workplace. However, distilling these important matters into the inane parable of mice in a maze is a device meant for grade school students. Parables are used to teach complicated topics to kids. But using a parable to teach an important but non-complex topic to freethinking adults who are smart enough to get a job at a corporation is as nonsensical as it is insulting to their intelligence. Any company that subjects their employees to this dribble (plus the dreaded �group activities� that go with it) is too concerned with weak trends and not concerned enough about encouraging independent and intelligent thought among their employees. If you work for a company that makes you read this book, consider working elsewhere because they obviously don�t think you�re very smart.

How is the friend?

This book touches various topics. Some of them are ordinary problems like trying to get over the break-up, some of them are quite serious like rape. Moreover, this book has its sweet and funny moments too. In a simplified way, this book is a whole package and I would recommend to read it to everyone. You definitely won't regret it.I really like the main female character. I felt like I was right there with Jacqueline, experiencing everything with her and perfectly understood her way of thinking. And I loved Erin, she was the best friend Jacquelin could have - supportive, funny and faithful.Oh, and Lucas...he is every girl a dream (boy) come true. I do not remember reading about better way to ask girl for date and I definitely do not remember better first kiss than the one in this book. Honestly, all kissing in this book was so hot and exciting :) But the story about young Lucas was very powerful and emotional! So prepare yourself for some eye watering.The style of writing was very engaging, I am glad that I discovered this author and I will definitely check some of her other works!

Is this book based on rumor of real story?

The first thing to say is that not everyone will find OOTP better than the previous books. The tone is darker, Harry is very upset and feels different than the other books and character development is much stronger while plot twists and turns are down-played.But for me this is just an incredible book! The first two chapters are, in my opinion, the best two that JK Rowling has ever written. From there things slow a little bit but my interest did not waiver one time.We find out much more about the past of Sirius, Snape and Harry's own father James than we had done. Perhaps most importantly we find out Trelawney's first prediction and why Dumbledore has kept Harry in the dark up till now.Many questions are answered in this book but many are left open and, as it ends we wonder, now that the wizarding world is more united, what is the Dark Lord going to do about it? Will Harry fulfill his destiny or will Voldemort overcome him?And, on a lighter side, will Fred & George become the big kingpins on Diagon Alley, is Hermione wearing her Christmas present from Ron and what were there OWL results!On a practical note, those who do not have much experience of English slang might want to keep a British dictionary handy with this one - the book seems less "translated" than the others and much better for it.Finally, the wait was long but oh so worth it!

How is the book?

Continuing the story of Lisbeth Salander which he began in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Swedish author Stieg Larsson creates a fascinating character study of a young woman with a terrible past, a young woman who also suffers from Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism. Salander, having worked with Mikael Blomqvist in the preceding novel, in which she used her formidable skills as a computer hacker to help him solve a major mystery, is on her own for most of this one. For reasons Blomqvist does not understand, she has refused to have anything at all to do with him, though they had had a relationship in the previous novel, and seemed to care greatly for each other.Salander has just recently returned from her travels around the world--using her substantial financial resources. Her hacking skills have allowed her to acquire an enormous bank account, and only Blomqvist is aware of how she has done it. She is fearful of the future--as she should be, considering her terrible past--and she is doing whatever she can to live a secret life in a luxury apartment that no one else knows about. A mistress of disguise, the people in her building have no idea what she really looks like or who she really is. Gradually, the reader becomes familiar with her background, her family, the reasons for her institutionalization as a young teenager, and the horrifying abuse she faced at the hands of her legal guardian, a lawyer supposed to protect her. A woman who believes devoutly in an eye for an eye, she has exacted her revenge upon him in ways he does not dare share with anyone else.Blomqvist, in the meantime, has continued with his work running Millenium magazine, which has been working on an article about the sex trade, its connection with the drug trade, and the high-ranking police and political officials who are involved in it. The two people who have been doing the investigative reporting for Millenium plan to name names in their expose. They are murdered before they can conclude their work. Three different investigations into the murders begin, and all center on Salander, whose fingerprints are found on the murder weapon. She, in self-defense, uses her computer skills, once again, to read e-mails and the contents of Blomqvist's and others' computers to stay ahead of the investigators who are seeking her for murder.Larsson does a terrific job developing sympathy (and even admiration) for Salander, a woman whose violent behavior sometimes makes her hard to distinguish from the sadistic criminals who are pursuing her, and readers who enjoyed the previous novel will enjoy this one, too, as she becomes a more complete character. The action moves very quickly, despite the book's length, and the author's gradual revelations about Salander's background add to the suspense and make her actions impossible to predict. Though Salander disappears from the action for significant periods of time, Larsson keeps the tension high by involving the people around her in high drama. Unfortunately, he relies very heavily on coincidence to resolve the action as the novel heads toward its conclusion, and the final revelations strain credulity to the breaking point. Still, the book is fun to read, especially for fans of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. n Mary WhippleThe Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Vintage)The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest

What opinion do you give us about this istory line?

It took me a while to get into this book...about halfway through exactly. I thought it started off slow, but I do realize that introducing all of the characters takes time. Once I got into it, the story was great. I would recommend going forward with the series...the books get better every time.

How good is that book?

This book was a big surprise. My ratings stay below 5 unless it's among the best books I know. The story is captivating. I loved it. The writing is outstanding. Even though it's fantasy sci-fi, it's logical, makes sense and has great insights and lessons. I was able to anticipate several things, which is a good thing - it didn't go off on some lame tangent attempting a plot twist fail. There are interesting stories within the story. Stephanie is a very talented writer and we're lucky to have her. She does write from a female perspective (slightly girly), but that's hardly noticeable. Mainly, the male behavior and lack of male considerations like leadership or security (in this context) were more of an external way a girl might think/observe a guy as opposed to realistic male thinking or behavior. The only thing I thought this book lacked was an opening background chapter to give better setting and perspective. The opening is hard to follow and I got the same complaint from a young less experienced reader (who kind of lost interest over it). It's like you wake up looking through a microscope with no context for what you're observing, so disorienting might be a better description. You don't want to lose readers of such a fantastic book with that kind of opening. The very ending also was short on details to make it more plausible and believable - specifically, how they were "found".I can see why they were quick to make a movie of this book - it could be really good. Hopefully, the same level of attention and budget as the twilight films, as it could be really bad too. I am really looking forward to the movie and am glad that I finished the book first, because I know there's no way to fit all of the story in. Either way - movie or not - read the book! It is more than worth the time.

Are evil people on story line of this book?

After a long stretch of semi-interesting to really bad books, I opened up this book and just loved it. I don't want to write a long review, because the book has to be experienced, be loved, and be enjoyed on its own terms, because this is what it deserves. The Help by Kathryn Stockett is about the black maids in southern US in the 1960s, their lives, loves, and despair, and about the white women that hire them, use them, depend on them, and sometimes, respect them. I insisted on reading it before I watched the newly made movie based on it, so now I am ready. If you have read the book, the movie is never better than the book, I think. But this book gets a 9 out of a 10, so I am not worried about the movie being really bad. I heard some had complained that a white woman shouldn't write a book about black women, but come on, that is the stupidiest thing I have heard. If that is so, then women can't write about men, Swedes can't write about Norwegians, and black men can't write about white men. We are foremost people, humans, and not our color, citizenship, or gender. Compassion and understanding is deeper than skin color or culture, at least it ought to be. So, if you want a great read, a good story, and deep thought mixed with fun stories, this is the book. It is just like life is. Just read it. A++Read more: [...]Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

What is your feeling about this book ?

This book is so much and i love it!! The book punched me right in the feels! I am 10 years old and love this book!!

How is story?

It's hard to write a review of this novel without spoiling it. Let's see, it's Sly, Devilish, Nerve-Wracking, Original, Imaginative.The plot is mostly solidly believable, so much so it should come with a WARNING:THIS BOOK MAY BE DETRIMENTAL TO YOUR MARRIAGE, particularly if you suffer from Bellicosity, Duplicity, Perfectionism, Quotidian Nagging or any other condition which has, within the past 12 months, led to the the precipice of Divorce.This is just a great novel I had to keep reading and reading until I finished.

How many chapters are missing from this story?

This was a great book, until the end. Some parts were dark. Twisted. But after reading all those pages, some of which were redundant, it just stops. Like there should be part 2 which I would not read. Readers deserve closure. BIG waste of my time and money

What about the story?

I loved Hopeless, but in a completely different way than I loved Slammed and Point of Retreat (the two books that made me fall in love with Colleen Hoover's writing). Hopeless takes us down a tougher, grittier road than Slammed did, with far more mature themes that honestly made me quite uncomfortable at times (or maybe a lot). But the journey through Hopeless is actually quite hopeful, if you can handle it, and written very well.This review will be short because I want to avoid spoilers, and if I even said a little, that might spoil the journey for you. And that's what this book is: a journey, a revealing, an epiphany even, into Sky and Holder's world. But I will say that I loved how Sky and Holder's characters, pasts, presents, and futures, came out through Colleen's writing. This book also hits upon the emotional gamete. After finishing Hopeless, I could not stop thinking about it for days, the good and bad parts. I couldn't stop thinking about Sky and Holder, and it took me a few days to start another book, because this story was so embedded in my psyche.Bottomline: This is a well-written, heart-breaking yet hopeful, journey through sensitive, mature subject matter, with touching main characters that you won't quickly forget. Colleen Hoover does it again!

How is the storyline?

I had seen a few advance reviews for "Beautiful Creatures" by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl, all of which raved about the novel, so I went into it with pretty high expectations. On top of that, it's one of the few books ever to be selected as a "Heather's Pick" at Chapters/Indigo (Canadian Barnes & Noble basically). This discovery, again, amped up my hopes. And I was not disappointed!The main character of "Beautiful Creatures" is Ethan Wate - 16-year-old basketball stud from Gatlin, a town in the deep South. A year before the novel begins, Ethan's mother passes away and since then, his life has changed immensely. His father writes all night and sleeps all day, so Ethan sees him about once a week, which leaves Amma, their housekeeper, to care for him. Along with the changes in his home life, Ethan has begun to have strange dreams, ones with a mysterious girl in the rain and when he wakes up, he is usually soaking wet, his hands caked with mud.Then one day, the girl from his dreams shows up at school. Her name is Lena Duchannes and she is the niece of Macon Ravenwood, the town shut-in, automatically making her a social outcast. However, despite the best efforts of Ethan and his popular friends, he cannot deny that he is drawn to her. Eventually, Ethan gives in and when he does, he and Lena begin a magical journey that he could have never predicted. I don't want to give too much of the plot away since the suspense about what is happening is one of the best parts! However, I will say that you won't expect the "supernatural" twist in this novel.Despite the fact that the main characters are even younger than my youngest sibling, I still really enjoyed and connected to the story. The characters don't seem 16, which makes this way easier for 20-somethings to read. "Beautiful Creatures" is also very well-written - just enough description to give you a good idea of the setting and lush, Southern atmosphere. There is nothing that I hate more than over description in a book (you know - a whole page describing a blade of grass). There is none of that here. Actually, I think one of the reasons that I like teen books in general is that they tend to stay away from tons of adjectives and just get to the grit of the story.Another problem I've had with supernatural teen fiction lately has been the "Twilight"-syndrome. There are SO many books out there that have taken the basic bones of the Twilight novel and then slotted in another supernatural being (werewolves, angels, etc). I HATE THAT! "Beautiful Creatures" DOES NOT do that, thankfully. It has a unique story, which, unfortunately, is a rarity in teen fiction these days.I'm going to recommend "Beautiful Creatures" by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl to any fan of teen fiction or supernatural fiction, OR people who are fans of a combination of the two, such as Twilight, Shiver, etc. The unique story and supernatural suspense will keep anyone interested and reading away hours at a time. Enjoy!

How is book?

I try to read fiction interspersed with all the non-fiction reading to give myself a break from harder reading and so I decided to give `Hunger Games' a go after seeing that the movie was going to come out and asking my mom if the book was worth it. She said to read the series. I read the book in two days. I found the topic interesting in that the future where a small group of elite control everything and live high off the hog while basically enslaving the rest of the people to work and live in squalor is actually, if you read around off the beaten path, a goal of the powers that be psychopaths running the show currently. If you read what is being funded by the government (think DARPA) you will see the technological horrors presented in the book or something along the same lines are being furiously pursued by the elite. They want total control and are pursuing a means to that end.And so it was with that in mind that I think the book has relevance not only for entertainment. I think it shows what the future holds unless people of conscience stop wanting to just have a quiet life without the responsibility to question and champion the causes of liberty and freedom. The hunger games parallel the dog eat dog entertainment we are presented with as normal, such as Survivor, and it is high time take the blinders off and see the crap presented by the elite for what it is. Sad to say the final touches on total National Security State are being put on as I write (NDAA, Executive Orders for full confiscation powers, Patriot Act renewal, etc). It isn't for the majority of peoples benefit where something akin the life portrayed in this book is a rosy picture as compared to what is actually coming down the pipe.

Is this book funny?

Jenny Lawson has some hilarious stuff in her book, LET'S PRETEND THIS NEVER HAPPENED. There's no question that she can come up with some great humor and create comical situations. And then the rest of the book rears its ugly head.For one thing, Lawson must find some way to moderate her excessive use of the F word. The word itself is not funny. If it is used as a shocker in situations where it's not expected and by characters not expected to utter it, the expletive can be humorous and the effect can produce a jolt. If not, it becomes tedious and trite. It ceased being funny after high school.Overuse of comments involving body parts and their functions is also a part of this book. Headaches and nauseousness caused by overindulging in alcohol and illegal substances is more likely to be considered stupid than funny. Reinvent your misery, Lawson, and present it in a more tasteful form. More people are turned off by your puking than appreciate it.One more little annoyance surfaces here. Lawson seems to have a need to broadcast what's coming up; to alert the reader that more funnies are on the way. Good writers let their dialogue direct the reader through the orchard to discover the plums. Be our guide, Lawson. We are astute enough to decide what is golden and what is sludge.It's only fair that I point out some good material. I thought her Post-It notes to Victor were hilarious. Notably, the obscenities were used sparingly. I also enjoyed her human resources experiences, probably because they didn't vary much from some of mine. The chapter on housekeeping was funny, probably because I have relatives who like her style. ODing on laxatives was great (I had to set aside my dislike for toilet humor here) as was the Halloween party of endless babbling and no underpants. And finally, I really enjoyed the journal of her book tour because it brought back memories. Was that you next door, Jenny?Jenny Lawson has a wide and rabid audience, based on the comments I've seen. So, contempt will probably rain on me for this review. I deserve it: I'm just an old fart without a life. But I could also be a raging fan of Lawson's because I recognize the talent she has. I'm going to check her blog and other writings because I know there are gems there. I want to be on her side.Schuyler T WallaceAuthor of TIN LIZARD TALES

Does its contains a lot of action?

Like all Dan Brown's Robert Langdon books, the action is super-fast paced and action packed. His works remind me a lot of Alistair McLean or Desmond Bagley books in their formula.As mentioned, I thoroughly enjoyed this book right up until about the point, where I couldn't put it down for fear of losing the thread of all the different plot lines. It just got too busy.Great book, but it could have done with 1 or 2 less twists.This is another great book from Brown, but some advice? When to go to read it, I'd really suggest you clear a day and just go at it. It deserves your undivided attention.Basic premise - Langdon wakes up in a small Italian Hospital with no knowledge of how he got there and just get's swept along in his struggle to make sense of it all. SPOILER alert:What he finds is that some madman or group is planning to poison the world population in some misguided save the planet type environmental mission.

How was that end?

The style as usual is very lucid. But the ending is too fantastic and forced. Everything seemed to have fitted in place for Harry Potter.

Does this story have depressing stuff in it?

For good reason, Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand landed on many Best of the Year lists in 2010, including on Mark's. I'm not sure I would have picked this up otherwise; I like World War II books as much as the next guy (if the next guy in question also likes World War II books), but this is focused on one man. And it's 500 pages. I wasn't sure that I was ready to commit.I'm so glad that I did. After a few pages, I knew that I would love this book. Unbroken is the story of Louie Zamperini, a hooligan-turned-Olympic runner-turned-pilot-turned-prisoner of war-turned- unbroken and hopeful man. That's a pretty good one-sentence summary of the book, just in case the publisher is looking for a subtitle for the forthcoming paperback version. I liked Louie instantly; he was a troublemaker tough-guy, but found his escape from his California town by running. Introduced to the sport by his brother, Louie runs in high school, college, and then in the 1936 Berlin Olympics where he met Adolph Hitler.His life changed soon after as the story follows Louie into his new career as an AAC bombardier, until he crashes in the Pacific. Louie and two others survive at sea for over forty days without provisions (with a troubling scene about a lice infestation in his newly grown beard). If the story ended here, it would be a powerful journey. However, it does not. Much of the book is his horrid treatment in several prisoner of war camps in Japan. Just when I thought all the evil happened to Louie, there is a new chapter of horror.The title is perfect to describe Zamperini. This man personifies courage, resilience, and hope in ways I have never seen. There were times I gasped aloud to read his ordeals. The squalor and suffering only provide a backdrop to allow Louie's courage and character to shine brightly.I hesitate to say to much to avoid taking away the suspense as you read it, but allow me to say that Louie continues to sink lower into despondency and hopeless until God intervenes. In literature, it's called deux ex machina; in life, it is called redemption.This book also has much to say about the many Japanese atrocities in World War II, whether it is in prison camps, Pearl Harbor, or Nanking:"The Japanese military surrounded the city of Nanking, stranding more than half a million civilians and 90,000 Chinese soldiers. The soldiers surrendered and, assured of their safety, submitted to being bound. Japanese officers then issued a written order: ALL PRISONERS OF WAR ARE TO BE EXECUTED. What followed was a six-week frenzy of killing that defies articulation. Masses of POWs were beheaded, machine-gunned, bayoneted, and burned alive. The Japanese turned on civilians, engaging in killing contests, raping tens of thousands of people, mutilating and crucifying them, and provoking dogs to maul them. Japanese soldiers took pictures of themselves posing alongside hacked-up bodies, severed heads, and women strapped down for rape. The Japanese press ran tallies of the killing contests as if they were baseball scores, praising the heroism of the contestants. Historians estimate that the Japanese military murdered between 200,000 and 430,000 Chinese, including the 90,000 POWs, in what became known as the Rape of Nanking."This gives a more complete picture of the behavior and the attitudes of Japan, and why Hiroshima and Nagasaki were last resorts. Japan was on par of the atrocities committed by Hitler and Germany, and the two countries had more in common during treatment of people during the war than they differed. This concept certainly is not in our modern psyche. It is accepted (and often applauded) to denigrate Germany, but it is labeled as racist if we criticize Japan.In addition to the highlighting of a great man and as a history lesson, Unbroken is simply excellent prose. Hillenbrand has a poetic style of writing even the cruelest events.Examples:He felt as if he would faint, but it wasn't from the exertion. It was from the realization of what he was.One engine, for reasons known only to the plane, was thirstier than the others, so the gauges had to be watched constantlyThere was one perk to life in the barracks. The bathroom was plastered in girlie pinups, a Sistine Chapel of pornography.But it was good to feel oriented, to know that they were drifting toward land somewhere out there, on the far side of the earth's tilt.Dignity is as essential to human life as water, food, and oxygen. The stubborn retention of it, even in the face of extreme physical hardship, can hold a man's soul in his body long past the point at which the body should have surrendered it. The loss of it can carry a man off as surely as thirst, hunger, exposure, and asphyxiation, and with greater cruelty. In places like Kwajalein, degradation could be as lethal as a bullet.The paradox of vengefulness is that it makes men dependent upon those who have harmed them, believing that their release from pain will come only when they make their tormentors suffer.Whether or not you are a fan of war accounts, go read this book. Like me, you will be mesmerized with Louie Zamperini for good reason. He is a man who stands above other men, and his story demands to be told. The more like Zamperini we are, the better the world would be.

What is the concept of the book?

I started reading this book at the recommendation of a co-worker - and I just couldn't stop. This book has a great new concept to it and is a very intriguing page turner.

How is the insight?

I'll be honest. I was doubtful of this book. I honestly didn't know what to think when it first came up on the Booksneeze list of available books. I let it pass the first time. However, after my mentor read it, I decided I wanted to read it. Thankfully, it popped back up on the list and I was able to check it out for myself. I fell in love with this little boy and his family. I honestly pray that I never have to go through what his mom and dad went through, but what an encouraging book that reminds me that even if I do, a much better place exists.For me, this book reminded me of how wonderful heaven will be. It will make me not want for the things that I'll leave behind. After Colton experience an illness that left him with a glimpse of heaven, he came back to life and was able to share with his parents people that no one had ever told him about.Whether this book is true or not, I found myself thinking purely about heaven and how awesome it will be when I get there and can see Jesus.I would definitely recommend this book for all! It was very encouraging and reminds you that there is more to this life than what we see here and now._____________Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

What is the most exciting part of the story?

To say REAL by Katy Evans is one of my favorite books ever would be an understatement. After reading so many books, and changing book boyfriend a couple of times a week (Don’t judge, eh! LOL!!), I officially declare that I have found my book husband! Yes! Remington Riptide Tate is the total package. OMG!!! My heart was beating for him when I read this book. Every single emotion that Brooke was going through, I felt it! Never, everrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr did a main character steal my heart the way Remy did! While reading this book I feel in love not once, but twice! Brooke stole my heart too! She is one of the most well developed characters that I have ever read and I loved her through the whole book. Sometimes the heroines get on my nerves, but Brooke kept me cheering for her until the very last page. She is strong, beautiful inside and out and she fights for what she wants. This book should seriously come with a warning. It’s should say something like this … ‘’This story may cause your clothes to melt and your ovaries to do the conga over and over again’’ LOL! ;)Remy and Brooke meet at one of Remy’s underground fights. The moment he lays his eyes on her she is LOST! An avalanche of emotions attack her and she is trying to deny this instant attraction she feels towards Remy, but she honestly can't. She wants ALL of him! Holy SEXUAL TENSION!!!! These two have a panty melting chemistry. Sweet Jesus! *Fan Self* When Remy runs after Brooke after his fight, he makes her forget about everything and marks her heart and soul. Brooke ends up leaving on tour with Remy and his team. She accepts his job offer right away since she’s been looking around for a way to launch her new career as a sport rehab specialist. From the moment they go on tour, Remy tries to push Brooke away because of his dark secret, but Brooke stands by her man once she finds out what his dark secret is.The music is very present in this story and I loved that! When one of the songs mentioned in the book plays on the radio, I just get transported back to this book. Remy is a man of few words, but when he speaks his words are real and powerful! If the word SEXY BEAST would be in the dictionary, you would find a picture of REMINGTON TATE. Not only is he a sexy beast, but he’s a caring human being who got hurt in the most horrible way. His love for Brooke is just AMAZING!!!The other characters of the books all hold a special place in my heart and some of them hold a place in the DESPICABLE pile. I’m sure once you read the book you can figure out who goes in that pile. My favorite would be Brooke’s best friend, Melanie. She is extremely funny and I love her to pieces! Would love to have her as one of my best friends :)Katy Evans did a PHENOMENAL job on her debut novel. Her writing style was perfect to me. She is on my auto-buy list and I can’t wait to read MINE, REMY, RAW and RIPPED. If you did not read REAL, go one-click … You won’t be disappointed! A sexy underground circuit fighter, a Kick A** heroine, a sexual tension that will have your panties melting and a beautiful love story.I give REAL by Katy Evan 5 intense, consuming, sexy and thrilling stars ! I can’t get enough of the world Katy Evans created. I want to get lost in it over an over again! I always tell people that you have to feel a book, not just read it. I felt everything with REAL. It was a sublime read and I can’t wait for more of it!

Do you have a gift for me?

There are no words that can completely describe the intensity of this book. It is for a more mature audience, because it does deal with a very dark subject matter. At times, I found it very hard to read some scenes because I just could not imagine a father doing that to his own sister and child. This book is very heartbreaking and painful to read, but it is the strength, will, and heart of the characters that make this book a standout.It was very well written and extremely engaging and has left me completely speechless as to the talent of Colleen Hoover. Sky is beyond brave and she is a survivor in more ways than one. She is absolutely incredible, smart, and strong willed. I can never imagine going through what she has gone through ever.Now for Dean Holder. Dean is just....There is no way to describe Holder than perfection. He has his flaws, but everything that comes out of his mouth and everything he does for Sky just melts my heart and soul. Certain scenes from Holder made me cry. Certain scenes from Holder made me laugh and completely swoon for him. Certain scenes from Holder made me just want to hold him tight and NEVER LET GO. He is just one of a kind and he is truly what Sky needed to get through her traumatic past. It also doesn't hurt that he has amazing blue eyes, lick-able dimples,is incredibly handsome, and a flirtatious tease. I just can't get enough of Holder and I don't think I ever will. He has and will always have a very special place in my heart.Sky and Holder's love for each other is just simply breathtaking. Their love is unconditional and Holder is there for Sky through every revelation and truth. He shows her the path, but he never forces any decisions on her. He guides her and protects her any way that he can possibly find. It is together that they discover their painful past, and it is together that they find each other and find a kind of love that transcends time. It is a truly beautiful and lasting love and very awe inspiring.I cannot wait for Dean's POV in Losing Hope. I still feel that there is more to him that I want to know and need to know and I am sure Colleen Hoover will deliver!!!!!!!!!!!

Where else can I get an emotion like this?

This book is so touching. BEWARE, 26% into it you better have tissue. I cried, felt the hurt and the pain coming from all characters. OMG! Jasinda Wilder, you knocked it out of the park on this one. I LOVED your Big Girls Do It Better series, but this¡K¡K¡Kwow, wow, wow, is all I can say.Nell Hawthorne is a teenager trying to find her way through life. Her best friend is Kyle Calloway. They are a typical teenage couple going through all their firsts together and I mean firsts. Best friends, to dating, making out, becoming lovers to almost being¡K¡K¡K..you¡ll have to read to find out what was next I loved the chemistry between them. They had their whole lives ahead of them and they were SO IN LOVE. Unfortunately tragedy strikes and leaves Nell emotionally disturbed and broken (see, I gave it away).Every review you read is all stating the same thing. This is CLEARLY a MUST READ book. To sum it up best, someone wrote: QUOTE: Falling Into You was an incredibly graphic, deeply sorrow filled story. It wasn't just a love story, even though it contained not one, but two. It was a narrative about the dark struggles you have to fight through to move on with your life. It was about the hardship of letting go of someone you were never ready to give up. Letting go of the other part of your soul. Feeling whole when part of you will never be remedied.Wilder stresses the importance of accepting support from others. She makes us ask the hard answered questions. Can you have more than one true love in a lifetime? Kyle and Colton were nothing alike, but brothers none the less. Is it okay to love someone in spite of how they are linked to you, in spite of the person that they innately are, because of who they come from?

Where its began to be hot the story?

I was really looking forward to reading this book after all the phenomenal reviews I read for it. Unfortunately, it didn't meet that for me. The story became repetitive. Brooke's feelings about every situation were described, in detail, and sometimes to the point of boredom.The story was good, and somewhat different. With the exception of the licking (WTH?!?), the love scenes were hot. I get that the "it" formatting style is to tell the reader that He.Is.So.Hot., however the use of that for emphasis was overdone here.All in all, didn't live up to the hype. Not sure ill read the next one.

How was the story line?

It was fast paced and kept me very interested in finding out what would happen to Peeta and Katniss. I liked it the most because the story line was unique and like nothing I had ever read.

How was the storyline?

I was excited to get Gone Girl because it has been pretty highly ranked lately. When I first started the book, I wasn't convinced it was something I would love; I didn't find the writing to be very engaging, believable, or well-done. As you keep reading the book, though, you could get the impression that this approach is purposeful, I suppose, because of one of the plot twists. For that reason, and because there was a good bit of suspense even early on in the novel, I did keep reading it. Ultimately, I even read to the very last page, increasingly cursing myself for having gotten myself too far in to quit now. I'll admit, there are numerous plot-twists and surprises that kept me going back to the book. I kept hoping that many of the traits that I so disliked about the novel, and the writing, would be revealed to be elements of the plot themselves, even. Retrospectively, though, I've got little to recommend in this book. You may read to the end, but it won't be a satisfying, fully-realized reading, and, if you are anything like me, you'll wish you had used that time for something else.Overall, here are my complaints with this book:1. The ending was terrible. It was a mishmash of cheap plot tricks, unlikely scenarios, and even more unlikely (and unlikable) character decisions. Yes, all the loose ends were tied up, but at what cost?2. The characters were ridiculous. There was not a single character that wasn't contrived from a number of stereotypical flat representations we've seen a million times (usually these flat characters are reserved for minor roles; not in this text).3. The plot never seemed very well thought-out. Frequently, when one problem got too big for the author to handle, there was a conveniently planned revelation that, no, the main character had already predicted this approach, and, two years earlier, had concocted a plan B, or C, or D, that itself was even more ludicrous than the original plot wrinkle had been.4. The writing wasn't particularly good. Sometimes, even poorly constructed plots could be saved by really stellar, awe-inspiring prose. Not in this novel.Good luck!

Why do they hide a secret?

I FINALLY FOUND IT!!!!This is the book I have been searching for!!!!!! I wanted something that gave me the same feeling I had when I read FSoG or Crossfire Series......not the same story but the same feeling. If I wanted the same story, I would have just reread FSoG or Crossfire Series. I've been craving something hot, irresistible, sexy, controlling alpha male, and dark but with a fabulous story and even more fabulous writing. I simply want to fall in love with the guy and the story. Is that too much to ask for?????Well, I certainly found my WINNER. Admit it - if you are a FSoG or Crossfire fan, then you use those as a benchmark for all others. It's okay, admit it, I won't tell anyone. (Psst).... I'll tell you a secret..... I freely (and proudly) admit that's what I do. There's a reason publishers put those stickers on books that make comparisons to FSoG. Whatever the reason........ it sure as hell helped my choose Release Me!This captured my attention right out of the gate. I didn't have to give it time or let it grow on me at all. It was very engrossing. The anticipation & build up throughout were amazing. I was on the edge of my seat.The writing is polished with a wonderful flow. The writing style is more sophisticated and intelligent with great dialogue!!! The chemistry between Damien and Nikki is off the elemental charts! OMG. The hotness started off blistering in the limo and only continued from there. The sex scenes were beautiful, sensual, and erotic.Damien is the powerful, magnetic, beautiful, and seductive billionaire ex-tennis star that is used getting what he wants - and, that includes women. The word `no' does not factor in to his vocabulary unless it's coming from him. He's very possessive with the need to control everything and everyone around him. Damien harbors dark secrets and is very good at keeping them just that - secrets. He's one big mystery, revealing just enough to keep you wanting. I'm dying to know what he's hiding. The brief glimpses we do get of his vulnerability and his thoughtful gestures make him very likeable and real. I even think I saw a bit of his heart peak through that stiff and hard exterior.Nikki is the beautiful ex- pageant girl with sass, smarts, and attitude to boot. But, Nikki has her own secrets and demons - painful and dark secrets. She's broken on the inside just as much as much on the outside although no one can tell. Nikki uses her attitude as armor to protect herself. Her strong attitude is refreshing, and her witty sarcasm had me laughing out loud. It's nice to see a heroine that stands on her own two feet and isn't afraid to show her strong side.Damien and Nikki meet at a party and the attraction is instant. Damien decides that Nikki's next on his list of acquisitions. Nikki is more than attracted to Damien, but she isn't THAT kind of girl. She does things on her terms and this presents a challenge for him. Damien is relentless in his pursuit, and he soon becomes too much to resist. Nikki wants this, but is this just a game to Damien??? Because to Nikki it certainly is not; it's very very real and terrifying . If she pursues this is she ready for her past to come front and center? Is she ready to give up control and let Damien possess her?It's very easy to ruin the story by saying too much more here. I will say that their story is very passionate, and they very much understand one another. Secrets, skeletons, insecurities, doubt, and second guessing run rampant, but there are touching and heart felt moments that make these bad elements fade into the background. And, it's not all about the sex. HALLELUJAH!!! There was a nice balance between the sex and the story. Sex was part of the story, but it never became THE story. Nikki and Damien have a relationship, and that's what we get to see first and foremost. I love this couple because they are both strong and smart with a vulnerable side.After all this you're still probably thinking been there done that, rich billionaire alpha male goes after a young, beautiful, nave woman. THAT'S where you're wrong!!! By no means is Nikki nave. She's confident, smart, and doesn't allow anyone to make decisions for her, it's all on her terms. And, that is why this is different.I know a lot of people hate cliffhangers or waiting for follow up books, but I'm glad this is a trilogy. I'm loving this couple so much that it would have been a shame if Ms. Kenner tried to force their story to fit into a stand-alone book. Their story is too involved and complicated not to run this over multiple books.Nikki and Damien's story isn't very heavy into BDSM if that's what you're looking for. Yes, it's hot, erotic, and passionate with some kinky elements, but I wouldn't classify this as a BDSM or even light BDSM........ but, Release Me does give FSoG and the Crossfire Series a run for their money.I simply loved this book. At times, I think I was purposely reading slow just so it wouldn't end. There are certain books that I re-read occasionally just because I love the feeling I get from the intense feeling the characters have for one another. Release Me is going into that pile! I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment of Damien and Nikki!!!!!

Does this one bugs registered like a valid point?

For reasons of space, I shall pass over the routine recital, now given in hundreds of the reviews, of most of the points in Dawkins' book The God Delusion, and concentrate my review on one point only, which he deals with on pages 339,340. His position is, unambiguously, that there cannot be any such thing as `human' ethics or morality, and he tells us why: there is no real, meaningful distinction between a human being and a brute beast. I am astonished that this passage is not more frequently commented on.Dawkins simply ignores the critical issue of human rationality. Flying in the face of all the evidence, he assumes (I insist, he assumes, he does not prove) that Homo sapiens, absolutely like every other form of life on earth, is simply a bundle of cells. He says (p. 340): "The evolutionary point is very simple. The humanness (italicised) of an embryo's cells cannot confer upon it any absolutely discontinuous moral status." I must underline what Dawkins is saying. He is not saying that man is `like' the brute beast in some ways ('Intelligent Design' authors like Antony Latham, Alister McGrath and Michael Behe who attack Dawkins' atheism have no difficulty in accepting common descent, shared cellular similarities with the rest of creation, in varying degrees). He is saying that man is `no more than' a brute beast in any way, is no more than a collection of cells.Dawkins explicitly rejects the idea that any moral consideration can apply to humans simply as humans. He rejects the idea that there is anything that clearly separates human beings from non-human animals. This follows from his view that limits everything to pure Darwinian evolution of matter from matter. He believes in the evolution of the non-human animal into the human animal, body, mind, 'spirit', 'soul', religion, science, and all. He tells us (p. 339): "Notice now that 'pro-life' doesn't exactly mean pro-life ('life' is italicised) at all. It means pro-human('human' is italicised)-life." Of necessity this must mean that he views all merely brute animal life as equal with human life.Notice the monstrous conclusion that follows from this. It destroys any possibility that Dawkins' version of Darwinism can be right. "The granting of uniquely special rights to cells of the species 'Homo sapiens' is hard to reconcile with the fact of evolution" (p. 339). I repeat this: "The granting of uniquely special rights to cells of the species 'Homo sapiens' is hard to reconcile with the fact of evolution." I conclude: It is not only hard, it is impossible (which is what Dawkins clearly means us to understand). And therefore, for me, on the grounds of the evidence provided to any observer (even a Darwinian observer) that Homo sapiens and the brute beast are not the same, Dawkins' 'fact of evolution' must be abandoned. I see no alternative to this. Dawkins is utterly indefensible here. But his arrogance blinds him to the absurdity of his own position, for he goes on immediately: "Admittedly, this [irreconcilability between the pro-lifers and the Darwinists] will not worry those many anti-abortionists who don't understand that evolution is a fact!" (Dawkins is responsible for the exclamation mark.) Dawkins has just proved, to my satisfaction, that 'the fact of evolution' cannot be a 'fact' because of the manifest monstrousness of the conclusion that he sees as necessarily following from his position. Surely the idea that a human being is fully and exhaustively defined by its having "cells of the species 'Homo sapiens' ", to use Dawkins' own words, in exactly the same way as any other living organism is fully and exhaustively defined by its having cells of its own species, is an intolerable assumption that, I repeat, will not stand one moment's observation of the world about us. This Dawkinsism must be exploded for the absurdity that it is.Dawkins takes as proved (but doesn't prove) the existence of 'intermediate species' (Dawkins' words) between man and any brute beast you care to name. So Dawkins asks the question: "Would these [intermediate] creatures 'count as human' or not?" Dawkins replies (p. 340) that only 'absolutists' "must answer the question, in order to apply the moral principle of granting humans unique and special status because they are human" (Dawkins puts the last four words in italics (p.340). Dawkins scorns this 'absolutist' position. He says: "To a consequentialist like me, the question doesn't deserve an answer, for nothing turns on it." Can Dawkins be really aware of what he is saying? He tells us that it doesn't matter if we are humans or brute beasts, "for nothing turns on it". Once again, this must be exploded for the absurdity that it is.He goes on (p.340): "Even if a clear answer [as to whether a living being is a human or a brute beast] might be attempted for Australopithecus, the gradual continuity that is an inescapable feature of biological evolution [another glib assumption of Dawkins that he doesn't prove] tells us that there must be some intermediate who would lie sufficiently close to the 'borderline' to blur the moral principle and destroy its absoluteness. A better way to say this is that there are no natural borderlines in evolution. The illusion of a borderline is created by the fact that the evolutionary intermediates happen to be extinct. Of course, it could be argued that humans are more capable of, for example, suffering than other species. This could well be true, and we might legitimately give humans special status by virtue of it." (Understand what Dawkins is saying: the only reason that he can find for granting human beings any 'unique and special status' 'because they are human', is that the human may be more conscious of suffering than the brute beast. Dawkins continues: "But evolutionary continuity shows that there is no absolute (in italics) distinction." Yet again, an absurdity to be addressed and condemned.Understand again what Dawkins is saying: There is no absolute distinction between human beings and brute beasts - or any other of the now-lost 'intermediate species'. He goes on: "Absolutist moral discrimination is devastatingly undermined by the fact of evolution. [I riposte: Exactly the opposite statement is true: 'The fact of evolution is devastatingly undermined by absolutist moral discrimination'.] An uneasy awareness of this fact might, indeed, underlie one of the main motives creationists have for opposing evolution: they fear what they believe to be its moral consequences. They are wrong to do so" [Are they really? Am I then free to judge Dawkins the same way that I judge a brute beast? Does Dawkins accept that it is acceptable for a human being to be a carnivore? Where do I draw the line in my choice of meat meals?] "but", Dawkins goes on, "in any case, it is surely very odd to think that a truth about the real world can be reversed by considerations of what would be morally desirable." Really? This is intolerable reasoning. It is not odd, it is essential, that what is 'morally desirable' must rule the world. Law and order would collapse otherwise. Murder and lying and stealing and adultery are 'truths about the real world'. Morality is a truth of the real world. Without 'morally desirable' judgments, which Dawkins' Darwinism considers to be impossible, the quiet world of scholarship (and even scholarship is impossible as a strict Darwinian evolution from matter) that Dawkins inhabits would collapse into sheer barbarism, '(human) nature red in tooth and claw'. Dawkins' philosophical ramblings here are simply derisory.Ruse and Wilson, `respected giants in this field' of moral philosophy and science, find it "easy to conceive of an alien intelligent species evolving rules its members consider highly moral but which are repugnant to human beings, such as cannibalism, incest, the love of darkness and decay, parricide and the eating of faeces ... " (quoted in Latham's The Naked Emperor, pp, 154,155). Dawkins' reasoning above forces him to accept such a scenario as unobjectionable morally for us humans now.

Is this book probably too complicated?

Having enjoyed Donna Tartt's previous 2 books so much, I was eager to read her third novel. However, I found that I got a bit bogged down in this one. The first third of the book was quite good, and after that it lost some steam and/or I just lost interest. What I would say to prospective readers is that if you have not read The Secret History, her highly acclaimed first book of some 10 years ago -- read that one first. While she is a good writer and her previous 2 novels were very engaging, this one was a little disappointing. For me the loose ends just did not come together at the end.

How good are the details?

This is not one of those times where the hype ruined it for me because I picked it up before Oprah selected it for her book club and I went into it with a completely open mind. BUT...it was a complete fail for me.After losing her mother to cancer and divorcing what seemed like the most supportive husband ever, Strayed decides to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. The idea comes to her after seeing a book on the subject and since she doesn't seem to have anything else going for her, why not? She is essentially homeless as she can't figure out where she wants to settle down and without a job to tie her down, the decision is easy. She's in her mid-twenties and healthy, it can't possibly be that hard, right?It's not unheard of for a non-hiker to hike a trail like this one. Lots of people find closure and peace of mind on the trail. Stripping yourself down to the bare essentials, pain and hunger all have their place in clearing away the cobwebs so Strayed's decision to hike the trail, was not that unusual. However, I expected her story to be about her coming to terms with her mother's death. After all, that is why she set out for the trail in the first place. Instead, what I got is a silly book about a woman who is just a little too full of herself.Here are just a few reasons why this book falls into the ridiculous category:The contents of her pack included an entire package of condoms. Really?Her decision to hike alone. Really not safe and in fact, stupid.Her care packages to herself included sexy lingerie for her potential hook-ups with strange men. Okay, she said it was for her to feel good but when you pack an entire box of condoms you've got to to wonder.The possibility of sex on the trail is of great concern to her. Not her shredded feet or the lack of boots that fit.The actual sex that takes place and her getting a kick out of being able to attract smelly men on the trail. Ick.Ahem, the drug use. She was a hard-core heroin user before the trip and if my memory is correct, manages to find drugs at least once while taking a break from the trail.Clearly, there was not enough hiking and true self discovery for me to take this book seriously. It veered off into numerous directions and although I felt for her at the beginning of her story, I had lost all respect for her by the end of the book. The writing is choppy and I didn't care for her self-absorbed nature. Every thought seemed to turn towards sex or the possibility of sex or had something to do with her looks. I got tired of it. You are hiking and haven't showered in days. How can you be concerned with your looks? Seems like more important things should have been a concern.I can't recommend this one. It's not what it's described to be. I don't feel that she really got the closure she needed and it angers me to see it flying off the shelves just because Oprah picked it for her club.Trust me, it's not all that.

Is it a good book?

I found the booking disappointment, maybe because there is so much hype about it and my expectations were too high.Fist of all 21 years old virgin? hard to believeand from her first time having sex she is having mind blowing orgasimsI found the book filled in with fluff, like pages and pages of e mails between them that don't say anything but fill the pages. Each of them on his cover letter with at least six lines filled with name, subject, date etc and one or two words or one line of the actual e mail and very childishMaybe it is meant for younger audience but I am 44 and found it lacking and have hard time finishing it. Keep reading hoping it will get better but it does not.To me it was waste of money!

How was this story?

Ink and Page's Quick & Dirty ReviewRating: 4Best Thang `Bout It: The writing is seamless and beautiful and the storytelling is amazing. The development of the characters is thoughtful and has plenty of depth. The historical aspect to this story, the connection to Death himself, and the magical aspects make an already good story great. The romance ain't half-bad, either.I'm Cranky Because: Even clocking in at 549 pages, I didn't want it to end. Thankfully, there is a sequel that comes out April 2, 2013.Should You?: Without a doubt.Grave Mercy was published on April 3, 2012 by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children.Genre: Young Adult Fiction Historical Fantasy Paranormal RomanceAges: 14 and up

What is your favorite story?

I've to admit I didn't really read all reviews on Amazon or Goodreads; and I'm so happy about it! I was looking for a similar book to 'Beautiful disaster' & 'Easy' on the Goodreads homepage and stumpled over flat-out love. Reviews were great so I gave it a chance.I've to say the beginning was a lil slow and I got a bit inpatient but then I was totally hooked(Keep on reading u wont be dissappointed!!) The book is so well written and the story,unbelievable. I was really touched by the story,the family,just everything. I was so sad and even tears were falling. NEVER EVER WOULD I HAVE EXPECTED SUCH A STORY, ENDING AND PLOT!!!I love this book and recommand it to everyone I know. I'm glad it was a different kind of love story and now Jessica Park is was of my new fav authors!!Enjot reading this book!!

How is the story line?

I was looking for a new good fantasy book to read. I've read hundreds of books and can tell a good writer and story line from a bad one.This book and new author Susan Ee is an excellent book and is now one of my favorite books and authors.In Angelfall the story is unique and puts you in a post apocalpytic setting with in depth characters that are true to human nature.I can't wait until the second book! I would definitely recommend this book!

What is novel?

Rowling did about as well as anyone could have hoped in this book. Her writing is still a bit rough (as many have noted before me), but it's gotten better with each book. Her strengths have always been her plotting, detail, inventiveness, and ability to convey philosophical insights in a non-preachy way, and those come through in spades in this book. Especially her ability to bring the complex threads of her story together for a satisfying conclusion. Frankly, I didn't think she'd be able to do it -- no insult intended towards her. Her imagery is more than occaisionally reminiscent of Tolkien, but that didn't bother me too much (fan of Tolkien that I am); Tolkien's imagery was itself reminiscent of the great literature before it. Those archtypal plot devices have been around since the Epic of Gilgamesh. If the middle part was 'slow,' I didn't notice, and it's a pretty piddling complaint all things considered. All in all a very good read. Keep the tissues handy.So here's my tangential question: Does Dumbledore remind anyone else of George Smiley? It struck me several times that there was a resemblence between Dumbledore's machinations and multilevel motivations and those of Smiley in LeCarre's Karla trilogy. More than a little of LeCarre's darkness as well. Perhaps those are archtypal images too.

How is the quality of style?

*reviewed my MM's (Katie) -Warning: while reading this book you may experience severe reactions to amor deliria nervosa, also known as falling in love, something that's "cured" aka banned in Delirium's society. Side effects may include sleepless nights while reading Delirium, the inability to concentrate on anything else but reading this book, nervousness over what's going to happen to Lena & Alex, having your heart ripped out, sighing, finding yourself sitting on the edge of your seat, kissing your book, running out to pre-order PANDEMONIUM, petting the new beautiful cover, telling all your friends to go pick up this book, and of course falling helplessly in love with the brilliant, and breathtakingly beautiful writing of Lauren Oliver.Can you imagine living in a society where LOVE is a disease?! I seriously loved the way Lauren created a fascinating society that "cures" love. Yes it may seem hilarious, but when you read DELIRIUM it totally makes sense. Lauren's writing is just awesome! It's richly detailed, it's poetic, captivating and I love that she really makes me think. Lauren is truly a gifted writer and I swear she could write a story about the most outlandish thing and make it credible. Here's a taste of Lauren's beautiful prose, which is also one of my favorite quotes from DELIRIUM:Sometimes I feel like if you just watch things, just sit still and let the world exist in front of you- sometimes I swear that just for a second time freezes and the world pauses in it's tilt. Just for a second. And if you somehow found a way to live in that second, then you would live forever. - pg 153This is one of the many reasons why I adored Lena, the story's main protagonist. She's insightful and I admired the way she fights to believe in something she's grown up being taught vs something that's right in front of her face telling her otherwise. I love a character who has a quest for finding the truth, no matter how heartbreaking that truth can be and how much they'll have to sacrifice in order to get it. Alex is a character I immediately loved. He challenges everything that Lena has been taught. I love the way in which he makes her think and helps her open her eyes to the truth around her. I of course loved the way their relationship developed over the course of the book.I'm surprised at how much I loved this book considering there isn't a lot of action, there's no paranormal characters and the characters aren't as in-depth as I usually like them. What a beautiful change of pace this book is for me! This is a book that completely snuck up on me and swept me off my feet with it's beautiful writing style, romantic story line, and it's well developed characters. Oh Lauren Oliver the things you did to my heart in this book..... Luckily my heart won't be ripped out for long as I'm off to drown my broken heart in PANDEMONIUM. Seriously, if you haven't already go PICK UP DELIRIUM! You'll enjoy every moment experiencing the side effects of amor deliria nervosa while reading Lena's story. There is very mild language in this book.** Reviewed by Sophie for Mundie Moms-Love. Stories, poems, films, songs have been created in an attempt to explain the concept. But imagine growing up in the United States where love didn't exist. I saw you blink slowly as you read that last sentence. What if there was a cure for love? I know what you're thinking -- no thanks, I don't want it. But what if the government made you take it when you turned eighteen? There would be less divorce, less violence, less reliance upon pharmaceuticals, less addiction. You get the idea.Lauren creates such a world and introduces us to her protagonist, Lena, who is just a few months from taking the cure. In these last weeks, she thinks a lot about what life will be like for her after the cure. All around her, we see the effects of cured family members and friends. They're happy with their lives and go on with their daily activities with a predicatble rhythm. But is this what Lena wants? As Lena and her best friend, Hana, begin to question some of the government teachings and rules, the reader discovers how far the government has gone to eradicate the concept, feeling and existence of love.I have to admit to sitting back and admiring the absolute plausibility of such a concept. The excerpts of government approved literature at the start of each chapter set the tone for what Lena and Hana have learned all of their lives. As a reader, you can't help feeling sympathetic for them. This level of propoganda is all they know. It is their truth. And then the reality of the horror unfolds as you find out what happens to those who do fall in love and are caught.I'm a huge fan of well-written dystopian stories and Lauren has penned one that rings true and shakes our most sacred belief system. To top it off, her prose is so lyrical, at times, that yes, I paused to text KatieB and even call her to read a few sentences out loud. I am thrilled that this will be a trilogy and that the movie rights have been optioned.If you enjoy a love story where love is truly forbidden, pick up DELIRIUM on February 1st. You will realize that a unifying, maddening and unpredictable concept like love will remain even when threatened. It'll be that loose thread in a tightly woven fabric and the temptation to pull it will be overwhelming. So what would happen if you did fall in love in such a society? I know, I'm still thinking about it.A quick aside for those Mundie Moms who will ask me -- but is there romance? I will confess that there is a multiple-page Kissy Scene that I may have read more than once. And there is...Alex. Mundie Moms, trust me, you will want to meet him.

What is your opinion of the scene?

Dan Brown just seems to write the same book over-and-over. This book is so similar to "The Da Vinci Code" that it's just deja vu reading it.

How is it the book this one?

I really enjoyed this one. I have read every book in this series and the last couple have left me a little wanting but this one was really good. I loved the story line about Kevin. I liked that she explained Stephanie's dilemma about deciding between Joe and Ranger....which of course is still up in the air. As always Lula is da bomb!

How is the book?

This was one of the best thriller/psychological suspense/family saga/mystery I have ever read. Ms Flynn has a terrific ability for description and development of very interesting characters. She puts you right there in the middle of the story. I couldn't put it down. It has twists and turns and a double ending. As much as I enjoyed this book, there was much dark and depressing elements of the story that I cannot forget. I'll wait awhile before I read Dark Places, the only other novel I have left to read that she has written. It's not that I don't want to read it. I just want go save it and let the novel just finished digest a bit. Actually looking forward to Dark Places. Hoping she will have another novel published soon. She is one writer that I intend to keep reading. I did read Gone Girl last year and loved it. But somehow it did not have the same kind of experience for me. It was a great novel but very different . Highly recommend this if you like real psychological thrillers. And some parts require a strong stomach. But so filled with dysfunction and disordered lives that are wonderfully written, no matter how difficult it may be to read. It is a unique kind of book. Not for children and adolescents in my opinion. Some very heavy material and necessary but ugly descriptions of things better left for mature adults. It all comes together and leaves you breathless.

Is this book probably too complicated?

Having enjoyed Donna Tartt's previous 2 books so much, I was eager to read her third novel. However, I found that I got a bit bogged down in this one. The first third of the book was quite good, and after that it lost some steam and/or I just lost interest. What I would say to prospective readers is that if you have not read The Secret History, her highly acclaimed first book of some 10 years ago -- read that one first. While she is a good writer and her previous 2 novels were very engaging, this one was a little disappointing. For me the loose ends just did not come together at the end.

How was the book?

A wonderful but heart-wrenching story about orphans and the people who took them in. Thank goodness that things are different today. The book was a real reflection on the goodness in some people and the evil in others.

How is the world building?

Wow! I have a new author to fangirl on. The world building was unique and exciting. The characters were smart & practical, a jackpot to hit when reading YA. Nobody was stoopit! Aria (who coincidentally is a talented opera singer - yeah, that was hard to swallow) turned out to be strong & in possession of self control. No damsel in distress. Out hero, Perry, turns out NOT to be a jerky he man. Surprising, since he's in line to be the blood lord of his tribe. He's an alpha leader in all the right ways, able to protect & willing to sacrifice his needs for his people. Hmmm...yeah, I kind of adore him. The supporting cast was great, & there's even a manipulating government leader type to hate. Super bonus: There. Are. Cannibals! A tribe that wears crow masks & black capes (okay, okay, and jingle bells). Perry pissed them off & they want to make him into stew. Honestly, the bells make them even creepier.Under the Never Sky, I award thee the highest of honors. 6 stars & a unicorn. I highly recommend & I have the next book ready to go.

Is the book good about love?

This review is going to be hard, I loved Cam and his baking, turtle owning self. I did not love Avery, I didn't hate her or even dislike her but her actions just made it hard to love this book completely. She was a child, I get that something terrible happened to her at a young age and that probably messed her up. However, she refused to tell anyone about it even though we could tell they kinda knew. The ending was so sweet and towards the end I was getting super nervous because Cam still didn't know and I kept seeing that this was a series. My mind just kept going to the bad place where scary cliffhangers live. This is the place where characters die when they shouldn't and I was terrified! I also am not sure that the parental aspect was that believable. I am just not sure. The best friends Brit and Jacob were fun but I never really felt emotionally invested in their story. The only thing I keep thinking is thank goodness there was not a cliffhanger. Anyway the main reason this story gets 4 stars is because of Cam. He was so sweet (I loved that he called her sweetheart) and the fact that he never pushed her except for her to trust him just made me love him more. The sunday morning breakfast! I think my favorite thing about this story is the progression of their relationship. I love that they started as friends , sort of, but then worked their way up to dating. Him constantly asking her out was a great part of this story. It would probably make any woman swoon! A couple of times he was a d-bag but honestly Avery deserved it! He has his own secret to tell and I wish we had learned more about him. This story would have been perfect if it had alternating POVs! Anyway its still good so I think you should give it a shot. While reading it I felt more content than I do now writing this review.

How is the write?

OK I LOVE ALL THINGS SOOKIE!!!!!!!!! Yes I know that some people were not happy about the ending of this epic series but I did. I love Charlaine Harris's writing. Her stories are witty, charming, and full of suspense and I love every minute of it.Sookie is one of my all time favorite characters. I love the fact that she expresses everything she feels and holds NOTHING back!! She is always into something and there is always someone after her.....You never know what you are going to get when you begin a Sookie Stackhouse novel but you know this....IT WILL BE GOOD!!! Every new character that pops out is just as fascinating as the one before.Sookie is my favorite character but there is a close running for second between her best friend/boss Sam and her ex-vampire boyfriend Bill. There is just something about Bill that I have always loved. He always fights for Sookie no matter what. Even after their relationship ended he always swore he would watch out for her and he does...Another character that I enjoy immensly is the bitch of all bitches, Pam. Pam is Eric's (Sookie's "current vampire love") child. Pam is just fascinating. She is mean and vindictive but yet you know she will always have your back.When thinking of how I would write my review I ended up with the decision to not give away any spoilers. The shocks and secrets are what make this book good. I will say that yes the ending is not what alot will expect especially with how this series has been going and being shown on tv (True Blood.) But die-hard Sookie fans (such as myself) will love the book no matter what. I am truly sad that this is the last book in the series. I will miss Charlaine's writing and her story-telling....

How is the appreciation?

In "Lone Survivor" author Marcus Luttrell (with Patrick Robinson) relates in 390 pages the heroic stand at "Murphy's Ridge", near the hamlet of Sabray, Afghanistan in 2005. Out-gunned at approximately 30-1, Luttrell's SEAL team, commanded by Michael Murphy, battled Taliban and al Qaeda terrorist fighters to a standstill 4 times until all of the SEAL team members were dead except Luttrell. Badly wounded, his escape and evasion tactics to avoid capture or death were clear thinking and noteworthy.Mechanically, the narrative was a disaster. Cliché-ridden and clumsy, the early chapters relate Luttrell's childhood in East Texas and his SEAL training which civilians might find interesting, but veterans can skip on through it. As the reader approaches mid-way, Mr. Luttrell opines on several issues including the Left leaning Main Stream Media, the ridiculous Rules of Engagement for our fighters in the region and other geopolitical issues for which he is grossly under qualified. The fact that he is correct is not the subject at hand.Continuing, Luttrell related the incredible bravery of team leader Michael Murphy as he purposely exposed himself to get cell phone reception to call for assistance. A support and extraction team was swiftly sent to the area but the chopper was hit by rockets with the loss of all hands.Befriended by local Afghans, Luttrell was finally rescued by Green Beret and Ranger search teams.For his uncommon valor, Murphy was posthumously awarded the War On Terror's first Metal of Honor. Three others, including Luttrell, received the Navy Cross, the nation's second highest combat award for Navy and Marine Corps personnel.Mechanics aside, this story and this book are important. It is unlikely the heroic sacrifices of these war-fighters would have ever been fully told without it. I'd rate it 4 and 1/2 stars and well worth the readers's time.

Who is author ?

Ella and Micha... could two young people be more messed up yet compliment each other more perfectly? I think not.Jessica Sorensen has a rare talent when it comes to building sexual tension between characters, and The Secret of Ella and Micha (The Secret #1) perfectly exemplifies her ability. She hooks you at the beginning by creating characters you instantly adore. Then, she builds a world filled with dysfunction and reality that Ella and Micha must overcome... together.I actually downloaded this book a few weeks ago and popped it open when I needed to kill some time before an appointment. I found myself wanting to find out what happens to them and between them so I went home and finished reading it. Lucky for me, it is a quick, easy read because I have very little time (most of my books are 'read' via audiobooks on my commute to work).Go ahead and take a few minutes to fall in love with Ella and Micha AND Jessica Sorensen. You won't be disappointed.T.R. Graves, Author

Who is the story about?

This story is just perfect. I am so glad I was sick so I got to lay around and just read this! I think I might just reread right now. Next wait for the next!

How was that end?

The style as usual is very lucid. But the ending is too fantastic and forced. Everything seemed to have fitted in place for Harry Potter.

Does this book make laugh?

This book was very funny, but I have to say that I don't think it is meant to be read all at once. I read it for my book group and waited until a few days before the meeting to read it. I usually do this because if I read it too soon, I will have read several other books by the time we meet to talk about the book. Because I read this so quickly, I felt that some of the stories were a little tiresome after reading so many crazy things in succession. I would have enjoyed it much more in small doses. I was really ready to be finished with it by the time we met. We did have a fun time talking about it though, and it is good for a laugh.

How is Robinson's prose?

I enjoyed this book very much. The writing is interesting and detailed. Gripping and painful. Amazing author. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to understand war.

What is your feeling about this book ?

If you're looking for a neat, tidy book where the hero beats the bad guy and gets the girl in the end--look somewhere else. Life isn't like that, and you know it. Holden Caulfield knows the world is full of phonies, and even if he lies a little himself, that's part of life too.On the surface, this is a story about nothing. Holden gets kicked out of boarding school and goes home to New York City. He doesn't want to tell his parents, so he gets a cheap room and spends a few days drinking, smoking, and catching up with old friends.What that doesn't tell you is that Holden is on the verge of a moral and emotional collapse. It's been coming ever since his kid brother died. Sure, lots of people can handle death gracefully, but a lot of us can't. For Holden, the death of sweet little kid challenges his belief in a just God, and without a moral foundation, he's left wondering how he can possibly live the rest of his life. It's a question any serious thinker poses eventually, and the way Holden seeks an answer is what this book is really about.Yes, there's language, but it's true to the character. What's more, while it may have been shocking 50 years ago, by today's standards it's very mild. Any reader with cable TV in the house has heard much worse. I recommend this book for any bright reader 12 years and up.

How about word?

On one hand, Neil Gaiman has trod this road before: that the line between our world and another world is thin, and sometimes we accidentally break through or see something we weren't supposed to. On the other, this is so lyrical and poetic and absorbing that I didn't care. It was such an aching book, so bittersweet, that I kept on thinking about it for days.The unnamed narrator attends his father's funeral. Afterwards, he returns to see the home where he grew up. He wanders down the lane, encounters someone he remembers, and spends his afternoon remembering long-forgotten, and re-forgotten, events from his childhood. As a small boy, he saw between the worlds and unwittingly became the carrier for an evil force. The three women who lived at the end of the lane guarded against it, and fought it as it tried to gain a foothold, and sacrificed so that it would lose its foothold. The narrator remembers the events, as well as his deep sense of loss about the sacrifice.The review is short, as is the book. I might use this to introduce others to Neil Gaiman instead ofStardust.

What objective opinion does the reader give to this story?

There are very few novels where the movie is better and this is one of them. Although the author creates one of the most interesting characters ever in Lisbeth, he bogs down the story with multiple plot lines. The main plot , which the movie focuses on is well paced and interesting but the secondary plot of the journalist's battle against an evil corporate CEO is useless and the movie appropriately cuts most of this out. Unfortunately 1/4th of the novel involves this uninteresting storyl line including the end. The main plot is solved with about 150 pages left only to revisit the journalist's revenge against the CEO.With that said, this book is worth reading for the character Lisbeth Salander alone. It gives a more insight into this dark but intelligent person. I only wish the WHOLE story was about her only!

What is the excitement level in the ending?

I read all 5 books (yes I read it already) and I really enjoyed them. At first I read the books because everyone in my class read the books (that was before the 4th book came out) so I felt kind of pressured to read them, so I read the first book and I really enjoyed it! then the second, after that I read the 3th book and I thought it was the best.Now that I read 5 books already, I really see that the third book was one of the best that J.K Rolling wrote.Firstly, the plot was very interesting and exciting.Seondly, J.K Rolling doesn't over write in this book (that really gets kind of boring) she gets to the point here.So I really do recommend this book. And of course the other Harry Potter books.

How is the relationship?

I didn't think it was possible, but Stephanie Perkins managed to make me love Lola and the Boy Next Door even more than Anna and the French Kiss. Another home run for the Queen of Contemporary Young Adult Romances.Lola was not your average girl. She saw every day as a chance to reinvent herself, with wigs and costumes; she marched to her own drummer and if you didn't like it, tough noogies. She lived with her too-good-to-be-true dads and dated an older "bad boy." Everything was going pretty dandy for Lola until her old neighbors moved back into the house next door.I loved Lola's dads - they let her just be herself and were there when she needed them. They were kind (to each other and to her) and thoughtful and just quirky enough. Her boyfriend, Max, was a few years older, and this was mentioned several times, in an effort to make their relationship almost... naughty. I didn't think the age difference was that big a deal.The neighbors, the Bells, included twins Calliope and Cricket. Calliope was a talented figure skater whose family had moved back to town to advance her career. She was spoiled and selfish, and not a likable character at all. Cricket, well he's one of my favorite book boyfriends ever. He was sweet and nerdy and made of pure awesome.Most of the novel was spent building up the horrible thing that Cricket did to Lola before the Bells moved away, and once we found out what he did, it was a huge letdown. Honestly, it was no big deal at all, and I thought she overreacted quite a bit. The dialogue was fun and real; Lola really had a tendency to say what she was thinking, which led to some amusing situations.The setting of the novel was so well described, I felt like I was right there in San Francisco with the characters. Everything was so lush and descriptive, I loved it. For fans of Anna and the French Kiss, we are treated to a few scenes with Anna and Etienne in Lola. They are just as in love, and Anna provides a sounding board when Lola needs someone to talk out her issues.There were a few clichés, and some predictable bits, but they were few and far between. The quirky and fun nature of the book more than made up for those few drawbacks.

What can you say about the idea?

That is all I can say. It was well written and very vivid. Gaiman has some interesting ideas on Gods.

How is the book?

If you begin to read a book and the first two pages are set aside for an apology from the author for writing about secondary characters throughout, you might want to reconsider.It's amazing that even George Martin realized what he was doing was going to frustrate and infuriate readers. It made me wonder what the makers of the television series based on the books are going to do in season four. Good luck, guys.That being said, favorite characters included or not, the book is dull. It has a few moments of flash, but it feels like a place-keeper to me -- Martin just writes about the day-do-day trudgery of life with no payoff at the end. No cliff-hanger. No momentum-turning battle.Just go on with your lives and wait until the next chapter.

How good is the book?

A hauntingly beautiful character study, brilliantly written, and methodically detailed in spirit. The dialogue is fantastic, the characters richly developed, the sense of tragedy so deep, its power is difficult to describe in literal form; "The Goldfinch" touches something on the periphery of human experience. The plot slowly develops and leads to many interesting paths, but the final act stretches on too long through metaphoric and verbose description, lacking dramatic impact deserved of such a strong, first three-quarters. Donna Tartt is immensely talented, and her passion is evident on every page. In the finale, it's just creative decisions that undercut what could have made perfect.

How long is this book?

I am a veteran of about 15 or so different King novels and I have to say that Under the Dome really was on the low end of the quality spectrum. The premise to me sounded really interesting and I was pleased to receive the book as a gift this Christmas. Much like favorites like the Stand and Needful Things, UTD starts of with a lot of intrigue but really fails to deliver any payoff.To sum up the plot I would liken this novel to a combination of Storm of the Century and Needful Things. It relies heavily on the Stephen King theme of entrapment and the moral and social conflicts that can arise. King loves to trap his characters in various ways whether it be in bondage, a storm, mist, vagabond trucks, a crazy dog, or in this case, an invisible dome. The basic premise of the story is very similar to that of The Mist or Needful Things with how the town dynamics change after the Dome falls and the rise of the villain(s). Its the standard "everyone has some dark secrets under their normal demeanor" story. But unfortunately like other King novels, nothing really happens in Dome.In the afterword King responds that in this book he was really trying to keep the pedal to the metal and that his editor pushed that sentiment. My questions are what pedal and where was the metal??? He also admits that the book was a dinosaur and his editor was responsible for the 1075 page "more manageable" tome we see now. Makes me wonder how long and boring it was originally?The Good:The concept was kind of interesting. In typical King fashion you have no idea why the Dome exists or what it is so you get kind of drawn in pretty quick.Some characters are fairly interesting in the classic King way.It's not a terribly challenging read.The Bad:Too many of the characters are rigid and devoid of any depth or intrigue. Most characters are just introduced only to be slaughtered so the reader quickly loses interest in most of them.The main villain is quite weak and very unbelievable at times.You don't really care about the main characters at all.Lots of filler content. Probably 300+ pages of needless story.The Ugly:It's way too long. I am not adverse to a 1000+ page book but so little happens it's unnecessary. The book takes place in a about a week and the payoff ending occupies about 30 of those pages. Quite ridiculous. Needful Things had a lot more going on in fewer pages. Because of the size of this story and lack of substance it is easy to get bored. The filler gets annoying too. Usually just a lot of meaningless characters doing nothing of any value to the story just being paraded in front of you. They may add some human quality to the story but are ultimately un-needed.Worse, the book is ridiculously heavy. Boring and heavy, not a good combo.Lastly, the ending, like many King novels to me, is incredibly weak. The standard I find for King, and what I love, is that he creates amazing life like characters I feel like I know and care for, and then builds a thrilling tale over 2 acts. Almost universally I find that King struggles with the 3rd act and the ending. He has let me down quite a few times in several stories with seemingly simple solutions to what he presented as a complex thrilling problem. UTD is exactly that just minus the thrilling buildup. I never felt like any tension was building in this novel. In fact it worked opposite to that. The first several hundred pages were very tension fueled as no one seemed to know what was going on but once you were introduced to the cardboard characters and got used tot he Dome the story really calms down and just doesn't move much for about 500 or so pages. Worse the main villain is entirely predictable and boring. His plots unfold too neatly and the reader will not believe he is as convincing as King tries to make him. Probably King's worst Antagonist ever. Plus the ultimate ending left a lot of questions unanswered and was so overly simplistic it didn't reward the reader for those 1000 pages in any way. It was typical to King in some ways but there was virtually no lead up to it. It just pretty much happened and any foreshadowing of these events were buried in 100s of pages of meaningless text.I just felt the ending was a cheap cop out and in an ironic way made much of the story unnecessary because it seems the residents could have resolved the problem far quicker and with less chaos than they ended up facing. In other words most of those who die died unnecessarily. Worse, the ending doesn't really resolve the biggest question the reader will have.My final verdict is that if the book had been shorter, I am thinking maybe 700 pages, then it would have been paced better and could have been more rewarding. But as it is the book is just too long, too slow, and too simple to be a rewarding read for hardcore King fans.If you are new to King I would not recommend this read. It would turn you off completely. GO to the Stand, Needful Things, Hearts in Atlantis, etc... For existing fans, well, just be warned that it's one of his longest train wrecks to date. King admits he tried to write this story back in the 70's and gave up on it. Maybe even today the project was just too ambitious even for him. Any experienced King reader will recognize all of the themes in this book whether they be political, moral, religious, emotional, supernatural, etc. You have met all these characters before just in more vivid detail elsewhere.King was capable of much better. My rating would be a 2.5 star because I found about half the book to be enjoyable to some degree. Despite the weak characters there were some elements of King's voice in there. His characters were merely shallow vehicles for his obvious emotional opinions of the world in which we live. The conflicts he tried (and mostly failed in my opinion) to achieve represent King's own personal struggles with the world.He commentates (usually indirectly) on Political corruption, religious fundamentalism, censorship, human dominance or submissiveness, addiction, etc. While I was not crazy about the story, and in most ways felt it failed to entertain, I did find some enjoyment of exploring these themes in King's mind. The final scenes of the ending represent a strong King theme (and obvious opinion) buried in an abrupt and out of the blue ending. At least King left the reader with a chance to salvage something from the stroy despite it's obvious shortcomings.

Is it a good story line?

I was excited to come across a book that has over 4000 reviews, and still have 4.5 stars at that, so I knew it would be good...I didn't know it would be INCREDIBLE! This book was NOT written hastily, it is apparent how well thought out and planned, and ultimately executed with every turn of the page. The banter between the characters is also hilarious, especially at the beginning, I found myself laughing out loud so often I was happy I was just sitting on my couch reading it! It is also a complete book from beginning to end (that can't be said for a lot of releases with similar young couples in the romance novel category around the same time frame) so that's worth a bonus star at this point too! This was just a really good read, and would also be a really good movie too!

Is there any interesting thing in this book?

This book is a good review of what happened in the world in the last 15 years or so. It tells us that the world is flat, and it explains why the world went flat. For the free thinkers, that is nothing new and we don't really need to be told, because we noticed that long time ago. Still, it's interesting to read (free thinkers like to read, don't they?). For the ones who have a harder time getting things, this is a great book that will open their eyes.There are good things and bad things about the book. In general, the sources of information of Friedman are good and first-hand (friends of him who are CEO's at so many hot spots!), and he gives us many examples so we get the point. Bad thing about it is that the book is supposed to be a "brief" history of the 21st Century, and sometimes it takes forever to get to the point, with many examples that are not necessary because we get the point right away. I mean, 496 pages are too much. The book would be enough with 200. And better. Shortes is always better! (It's like that quote that says "I'm sorry I could not write you a shorter letter, I didn't have time!).Another thing that is good is the list of the ten forces that flattenered the wolrd. It is well explained with lots of examples (sometimes too many!). Then what it's bad is the way the book is outlined. It's not balanced, and the conclusion is not a good one. It doesn't summarize the whole book, and adds more material when this is not something that is supposed to do in a conclusion. I liked very much the analisys of the Arab-Muslim world. It's full of true things out of stereotypes.Anyway, in conclusion, I give this book a 4 stars rating, because it is a good book that tells us very interesting stuff about the world we live today, and I recommend it to anyone, free thinker or not.

What is the story like?

A mix between "Eyes Wide Shut", "National Treasure" and Oliver Stone's "JFK", Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code is an exciting novel wrapped in intrigue, suspense, and controversy.To criticize the book for offering one dimensional characters, silly plot twists, and predictable discoveries about conniving figures who we thought were good-guys would be disingenuous on my part, since I particularly enjoy entertaining stories without much depth. Curator Jacques Sauniere is murdered in the Louvre, and professor Robert Langdon, innocent yet the primary suspect, and cryptologist/granddaughter of the victim Sophie Neveu go on a wild adventure running separately from the cops, the tall limping albino Opus Dei monk who really committed the murder, and the secret "Teacher" orchestrating the crime, while at the same time trying to figure out the mystery behind the hidden secret Sauniere was killed for. We find out that Sauniere was part of a secret society, the Priory of Sion, that has and protects the true identity and nature of the Holy Grail. The Albino monk is Silas, a member of spooky Catholic organization Opus Dei, working for his mentor Archbishop Aringarosa and the unknown Teacher, to seek out the Grail for ad majorem dei gloriam. French police chief Bezu Fache seems too religious, and arouses suspicion about his motives in pursuing Langdon. Luckily, Langdon knows Sir Leigh Teabing, a prominent Grail scholar eager to help in their search, in the hopes of revealing the "truth" of the Grail to a world that has been denied it by the "evil" Church. But, would Sauniere really have wanted the truth revealed?It would be simple if this work of fiction were really just a lighthearted work of fiction. However, Brown offers a disclosure stating that certain parts of the book are true. Yes, he is sure to point out that, while the Priory of Sion and Opus Dei exist, the main characters who are members are fictional, and while pointing out that descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals are true, he never makes any claims about the historical theories put forth by the characters. Yet, it is these claims by the characters that have excited the popular imagination and must be confronted.Both Langdon and Teabing refer anachronistically to "the Vatican" when criticizing past historical actions of the Church. Whether or not the claims made about the Church are true, it is incorrect to refer to the actions of "the Vatican" in the 15th century, much less the 3rd and 4th century. Vatican Hill, the location in Rome where St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican City are located, has only in the last few centuries been the seat of Church governance. Before then, the Pope's home base (and still the official Cathedral Church of the diocese of Rome) was the Cathedral of St. John Lateran in Rome. The 4th century, the era most derided in the book, the Pope was not in practical terms "in charge" of the Church, and East and West were still more than half a millennium from splitting. The Catholic Church as we know today, and Teabing loves to bash, was not around then. There was a Catholic Church, but it included both West and East, Latin and Greek, unlike today, where it is just Latin and few Eastern Rite Churches.Teabing and Langdon's major theses involve the idea that the Holy Grail is not the chalice of the Last Supper, but the blood line of the children of Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene, a 2000 year old secret that would shock the world. We learn in the book that the Priory of Sion heroically protects the secret by meeting and having "Eyes Wide Shut" style orgies. But, why keep this fact a secret? Why not tell the whole world that Mary Magdalene and our homeboy JC got...it...on? Then we can all have orgies.Book claim: "Constantine made Jesus divine." But you see, Teabing tells Sophie when Langdon and she seek refuge in his mansion, the Church has suppressed this truth. All the early Christian followers "knew" that Jesus was just a swell guy, descended from the royal blood of David who married Mary Magdalene of the royal line of Benjamin to make a super royal bloodline. But, Emperor Constantine ruined all the fun. He had the JC-MM marriage written out of the Bible, and decided to "make" Jesus divine at the Council of Nicea in 325, in what turned out to be a real close vote. Now, since Jesus is divine, no one can challenge the Christian religion of the Empire. A divine Jesus could not have a wife, so Mary Magdalene gets hush-hushed. From then on out, Christianity phased out the pagan practices of goddess worship, cut out the divine feminine, and the world started stinking.My rebuttal: Whether or not Jesus is divine is matter of faith. However, from a historical perspective, it is incorrect to claim that Constantine is the first to call Jesus divine. Since the time of Jesus, there have been many followers who have considered Jesus to be God, to be one with the Father. Yes, there also were followers, such as Arius, who placed Jesus as less than God, and the merits of the decision at Nicea is a much wider topic than a book review, but it is historically false to claim that there were not early Christians who believed in Christ's divinity. Also, the vote at Nicea was not close. It was an extreme majority that voted in favor of the Creed.Book claim: "Jesus married Mary Magdalene." It is claimed by Teabing and Langdon that Jesus must have married Mary Magdalene because he loved her, references to kisses he gave her in apocrophal (non-canonical) gospels, and the "fact" that all Jewish men married then.My rebuttal: However, in reality there is solid evidence against the view that Jesus married. NOT all Jewish men married. There was always a place for asceticism in Judaism. The Dead Sea Scrolls, just discovered at Nag Hammadi in 1945, were not early Christian texts, as mentioned in the DaVinci Code, but rather Jewish religious texts written by the Essenes, one group among a number of Jewish celibate ascetics, the equivalent of later Christian monks. While most Jewish men married, it was not unheard of for some to remain celibate. And, since marriage was looked highly upon, and all the great Jewish leaders from the Old Testament were married and had their wives mentioned, the only reason not to mention a wife of Jesus was that he probably did not have one. After all, at this time, it would have made Jesus look better to have been married. The only reason not to mention it is it is not true.Book claim: "Sex is sacred." We can see the true colors of the Priory of Sion, the defenders of the "truth" of the Grail, in Sophie's traumatizing experience that drove her from her grandfather. An orgy to show that sex is sacred? Actually, this is not a "new" idea. All of the ancient pagan religions believed that sex was divine, and many practiced ritualized sex. This is supposedly in contrast to the Church, which through the "fictional" story of Original Sin, has made sex dirty and shameful.My rebuttal: It is true that the Church does not consider sex to be divine. Unlike the straw-man that is set up to be torn down in the DaVinci Code, the Church also does not consider sex to be evil or dirty. Sex is a normal human activity. Not demonic or divine. It is good and a gift of God, but thoroughly human. And, frankly, whether one is someone who believes that sex is only for marriage or that sex is for any two (or more) consenting adults, I think we can all agree that it is kind of creepy and weird to call sex divine or sacred or religious. It does not cure cancer or make you fly or anything. It's sex. Even animals do it.Book claim: "No need to reveal the "truth" of the Holy Grail." Let's pretend for a second that there really was a big cover up, and the Church has kept the Priory of Sion, under threat, from revealing the truth, and that is why they have to keep the bloodline of Jesus and Mary Magdalene a secret, only meeting once in awhile to perform some, um, rituals. Teabing is secretly the Teacher orchestrating the murder of Sauniere and seeking out the Grail because he thinks the "truth" that JC and MM married should be shouted from the rooftops. Langdon hedges, because Sauniere, the Grand Master leader of the Sion's, did not want it told, and, as Langdon says, "if you and I could dig up documentation that contradicted holy stories of...belief, should we do that?" After all, "those who truly understand their faiths understand the stories are metaphorical," i.e. religious faith is based on fantasy, and it does not matter what one believes if it makes him feel good and he is nice to others. Plus, as we find out from Sophie's long lost grandmother who is not really dead like we earlier thought, the "truth" about Mary Magdalene and Jesus' marriage is found in art, historical objects, writings, phallic objects, and nature. Riiiiight. No reason to tell people the truth. We are the enlightened ones who have it.My rebuttal: Obviously, this is very patronizing. It conjures up images of the Grand Inquisitor who "knew" there was no God, but burned heretics to spare people the unbearable truth of a life without hope. If something is true, why not reveal it? And, the idea that the "important" truths are meant to be hidden and only known by the enlightened few is not Christianity, but Gnosticism. True Christianity is for everybody. Jesus did not come for just for the enlightened few. His message is for us all.If Jesus is just a man, and not divine, what is the point of worshipping him, or Mary Magdalene, or their "sacred" bloodline? The reason why Christians worship Jesus, and do not just revere him as a prophet like Moses or Muhammad, is because we believe him to be the God whose love is stronger than death, who offers us hope for new life after this one. And, far from disgracing Mary Magdalene's name, the Church honors her. Who but she is revered as the one who is definitively present at the empty tomb to witness the Risen Lord?

How is the story in the book?

The story is a mystery novel. The main character, Mikael Blomkvist, is a journalist who was hired by a rich old man to take another look at the disturbing disappearance of a family member. A second main character, Lisbeth Salander, is a computer hacker with lots of *personal* issues due to its own sad life story. Being misunderstood from young age, and exploited in later parts of her life, she has very little trust in about basically everything that society has to offer: the authorities, work colleagues, and consequently has almost no friends to relay on. However, being highly intelligent, she manages to get through life in very original ways.As expected in the genre, the books starts by jumping from Mikael story line, to Lisbeth's plot, and eventually both stories intersect and a joint story-line emerges. Two things that I've noted while reading: First, in contrast to many similar novels that usually takes several background chapters before they become interesting, this books is very engaging from the first pages. This is probably due to Lisbeth, who is a very original and interesting character. Second, the flow and pace of the book is great: it starts interesting, and half way through you simply cannot put it down as you want to see what happens next. Lisbeth's character is very interesting, and it is especially intriguing to learn her way of thinking about different issues, and her biased, yet logical view of reality.Great fun, read and enjoy. By the way, I know there is a (Hollywood) movie around the corner for the book. However, I think that in this case I recommend reading the book before watching the movie, as I'm not sure that a movie script can make a good case of presenting Lisbeth's unique thought process.