Deciding between a two and a three, I'll settle for a three. On some levels, this was a very good book. It was emotionally involving and to some deg...moreDeciding between a two and a three, I'll settle for a three. On some levels, this was a very good book. It was emotionally involving and to some degree uplifting. On another level, it was studiedly folksy and transparently maudlin - to its detriment. The addition of Willy Jack's story was superfluous and distracting. (less)
Strange book. There were scenes that grabbed my interest, but they were scattered and disconnected, so that the story was hard to follow. The author...moreStrange book. There were scenes that grabbed my interest, but they were scattered and disconnected, so that the story was hard to follow. The author's choice to use no punctuation, other than periods, made it hard to tell sometimes which character's viewpoint was being given and exactly what was being said. The fact that all the characters had one-syllable surnames made it even harder to follow each subplot. I found myself having to constantly turn back to clear up misunderstandings. That process became more tedius than the book was worth to me. (less)
This book contained two novels by two different authors. As extremely forumulaic and light romance novels go, both were fairly interesting. I skippe...moreThis book contained two novels by two different authors. As extremely forumulaic and light romance novels go, both were fairly interesting. I skipped pages at a time as the same scene(couple almost connect then have a misunderstanding then each mope and mourn separately before coming back to the same place. rinse. repeat.)but still both stories held my interest enough to finish them lightly skip-reading through to see the conclusion. (less)
Ms Corrigan wrote a very touching memoir. This book was not at all what I expected. While it did chronicle her fight against breast cancer, the book ...moreMs Corrigan wrote a very touching memoir. This book was not at all what I expected. While it did chronicle her fight against breast cancer, the book was actually more about the ebb and flow of family relationships. Although the author was in her mid-thirties, the story is actually what is commonly called a coming-of-age story in some ways. She poignantly shows the emotional pull between parents and husband that many young wives and mothers feel. She chronicles the common seesawing that young adults often experience - one day a strong and in-charge wife and mother; the next day a dependent child still craving that affirmation from parents.(less)
I haven't read much "good literature" since my retirement 6 years ago. I have really enjoyed, however, reading some really interesting and ...moreI haven't read much "good literature" since my retirement 6 years ago. I have really enjoyed, however, reading some really interesting and well-written mysteries and novels of other genres. This is a new author for me; and I found his story fascinating.(less)
As a literature educator, I feel obliged to give this book 4 stars instead of 5. The book has no great literary value, no life lessons to learn, no p...moreAs a literature educator, I feel obliged to give this book 4 stars instead of 5. The book has no great literary value, no life lessons to learn, no particularly clever word use, and no lasting quality; however, as a mystery-genre reader, I feel compelled to give The First Law 5 stars. I don't know when I have enjoyed a book as much. Returning character, Lawyer Dismas Hardy, was a key figure in this novel, but policeman Abe Glitsky was really the main character in this one. I really enjoy the characters with which Lescroart has peopled this series of novels. John Lescroart can be depended upon to provide an interesting and involving read. As usual, I would edit and shorten the final product a little if I were in charge.(less)
Reads more like a journal than a novel. Somehow the reader becomes interested in the characters although there is basically no plot. Transitions betw...moreReads more like a journal than a novel. Somehow the reader becomes interested in the characters although there is basically no plot. Transitions between the various characters' stories was sometimes abrupt and disorienting.
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I am a big Jodi Picoult fan. I enjoy novels that make the reader think about life issues, which is Picoult's specialy. She usually draws her charact...moreI am a big Jodi Picoult fan. I enjoy novels that make the reader think about life issues, which is Picoult's specialy. She usually draws her characters with so much depth that the reader finishes the novel feeling connected to and loving the characters. This book contained the same succinct and precise language as her other novels, but somehow the characters just didn't come alive. There were moments when the characters were real, but overall they seemed to be stereotypes. In looking back over the book, I concluded that Picoult allowed herself to write this novel more like a parable or story designed to promote an agenda than like a novel exploring an issue. I also found the ending very abrupt and unsatisfying. There were too many unresolved loose ends. (less)
I actually considered giving Fragile 5 stars, although I usually reserve that rating for books with redeeming social or literary value. This book is ...moreI actually considered giving Fragile 5 stars, although I usually reserve that rating for books with redeeming social or literary value. This book is the best-constructed plot I have read in years. I cannot imagine how an author can weave so many subplots so seamlessly into such a sturdy cord. I would have lost track of which part of which plot needed to be revealed at which point in the novel. The construction of the novel was not its only strong point; the suspense generated by the constant weaving of the plots into one another was very strong. I literally could hardly put the book down and read it only a couple of sittings. (less)
This is the penultimate book of a long series. I have enjoyed these characters in most of the books: however, this one tried to tie up a lot of loose...moreThis is the penultimate book of a long series. I have enjoyed these characters in most of the books: however, this one tried to tie up a lot of loose ends and ended up featuring an astounding group of super-human, super-cool characters. It was just a bit too much. (less)
While it is true that Nick Heller is a little too stereotypically macho, he is nevertheless a believable and likeable character. This was another wel...moreWhile it is true that Nick Heller is a little too stereotypically macho, he is nevertheless a believable and likeable character. This was another well-developed novel by Joseph Finder. The plot was full and complete, the characters were well-drawn, the story was memorable.(less)
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