Quite simply, this is one of the best novels of the year. It's a thriller in the best tradition of Alfred Hitchcock and layered with brilliantly writt...moreQuite simply, this is one of the best novels of the year. It's a thriller in the best tradition of Alfred Hitchcock and layered with brilliantly written characters; it's the kind of book that's nearly impossible to put down. The surprises and twists keep the reader guessing up until the final page, and my first thought upon finishing the novel was that I wanted to read it a second time.(less)
I was fortunate enough to receive an advance readers copy of The Twelve, by Justin Cronin. It's a follow-up to one of the better novels I've read in t...moreI was fortunate enough to receive an advance readers copy of The Twelve, by Justin Cronin. It's a follow-up to one of the better novels I've read in the last few years -- The Passage -- and it's to be published later this fall. Best of all, The Twelve was just as good as the first. It was well-written with page turning excitement -- i.e. it's literary fiction disguised commercial fiction -- and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a great story. I read it in two sittings. It's nothing like the kind of novels I write -- it's a bit about the "end of the world" with vampires thrown in (or Virals, as they're called in the novel), but it's so well done it transcends the genre. (less)
This has to be one of my favorite books of the last few years. It's non-fiction, but it reads like a thrilling adventure, complete with a high-octane...moreThis has to be one of my favorite books of the last few years. It's non-fiction, but it reads like a thrilling adventure, complete with a high-octane conclusion, all with a bit of science thrown in. It's a fantastic look at the sport of ultra-distance running, but trust me when I say that once you start reading, it's impossible to put down.(less)
This is a book about ocean waves, and I can already hear what some people might be thinking: Why on earth would I care about that? I had the same thou...moreThis is a book about ocean waves, and I can already hear what some people might be thinking: Why on earth would I care about that? I had the same thought when I first picked it up; hours later, after reading the book in a single sitting, I realized that good writers can make any story interesting, fascinating, engaging and a lot of fun. Susan Casey is a wonderful writer and the subject only grows more interesting the further you read. While I'm the first to admit that I enjoy a good novel, I also enjoy non-fiction titles, and this one is a 'Don't Miss.'(less)
If you have yet to read this wonderful novel, do yourself a favor and do so. It's original and captivating, and I simply adored Enzo (the narrator ......moreIf you have yet to read this wonderful novel, do yourself a favor and do so. It's original and captivating, and I simply adored Enzo (the narrator ... who also happens to be a dog). It tells the story of a particular family, with twists and turns that keep the pages turning. It's a perfect read for a rainy afternoon or while laying in bed, the kind of novel that you'll remember long after you've finished.(less)
Historical fiction at its finest, this novel recounts the fames Battle of Thermopylae, when a vastly outnumbered group of Greek soldiers took a heroic...moreHistorical fiction at its finest, this novel recounts the fames Battle of Thermopylae, when a vastly outnumbered group of Greek soldiers took a heroic stand against the powerful Persian Army.(less)
It's a "love story" done "Stephen King" style and so perfectly done that my first thought after finishing was to read the novel a second time. The cha...moreIt's a "love story" done "Stephen King" style and so perfectly done that my first thought after finishing was to read the novel a second time. The characters are so genuine and universal that everyone will love them, and the story is both magical and heart-breaking at exactly the same time. (less)
Cronin combines two classic and overused literary elements--vampires and the end of the world--and spins them into something entirely fresh and new. T...moreCronin combines two classic and overused literary elements--vampires and the end of the world--and spins them into something entirely fresh and new. To me, it's an amazing accomplishment.(less)
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