Overall, this was a good book. I never got so frustrated that I considered giving it up, but there were several spots where it dragged, where Kay seem...moreOverall, this was a good book. I never got so frustrated that I considered giving it up, but there were several spots where it dragged, where Kay seemed to drone on and on about things that weren't all that important. If you're into political thrillers set in a fantasy world of magic, this is a book you'll probably enjoy.(less)
Another excellent book from Gaiman! It doesn't have the epic scope of American Gods, but it is a clever and entertaining addendum to that story, featu...moreAnother excellent book from Gaiman! It doesn't have the epic scope of American Gods, but it is a clever and entertaining addendum to that story, featuring the sons of the trickster spider god Anansi. Definitely highly recommended.(less)
If you come to this book expecting it to be anything like the Anthony Hopkins movie you'll be very, very disappointed. There's no red-eyed mule, no fr...moreIf you come to this book expecting it to be anything like the Anthony Hopkins movie you'll be very, very disappointed. There's no red-eyed mule, no frogs, nobody strapped to a hospital bed, and no possessed mentor priest. Other than the basic premise of an American priest going to Rome to become an exorcist, there's almost nothing else common between book and film. Hopefully Matt Baglio was able to laugh all the way to the bank with Hollywood's money and didn't get too upset at the film treatment of his material.
That said, this is a very informative book on exorcism and what a modern American priest learns about the rite. Baglio introduces us to Father Gary, the American priest appointed exorcist by his bishop and sent to Rome to learn to do his new duties. More than that, though, the author gives a lot of background information about the history of exorcism and mental illness, and interviews experienced Italian exorcists. The most relevant thing learned is that exorcism is not a one-shot session as portrayed in most movies, but an on-going treatment. Kind of like a spiritual chiropractor.
I gave the book three stars instead of four simply because it seemed to jump around erratically between Father Gary's story and the other information. I wanted to know more about Fr. Gary. It's a fine book and very informative for those interested in how the Catholic church really treats exorcism.(less)
It wasn't a bad read, but I never really felt connected to any of the characters. The narration seemed to hold the reader at a distance. When I put it...moreIt wasn't a bad read, but I never really felt connected to any of the characters. The narration seemed to hold the reader at a distance. When I put it down, there was no compulsion to get back to it, other than a stubbornness to finish. And yet, it wasn't a bad story. It certainly has some strong themes -- mostly the search for yourself -- and it a nice period piece, though typically depressing pretty much throughout. If you're required to read a classic for school, you could do worse than this one.(less)
This was only my second Neil Gaiman read. After finally reading American Gods earlier this year, I wanted more. Now I have to wonder why it took me so...moreThis was only my second Neil Gaiman read. After finally reading American Gods earlier this year, I wanted more. Now I have to wonder why it took me so long to finally begin reading Gaiman. This was a fantastic, imaginative, and compelling read from beginning to end. I highly recommend it. I think it might be classified as a children's book. It has some scary imagery in it, but overall it isn't too much for middle schoolers, I think.(less)
As an AP English teacher, I'd heard colleagues snub this book pretty often, complaining that the writing was bad, the story was bad, etc. With that, a...moreAs an AP English teacher, I'd heard colleagues snub this book pretty often, complaining that the writing was bad, the story was bad, etc. With that, and a huge TBR pile, anyway, I put off reading it for years. My mistake. Sure, it's written for a younger audience, but I found the writing to be very good and the story was engaging and lays the groundwork for what I assume will be the more complex plot elements to come.(less)
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