**spoiler alert** To me, this story is an amazing exploration into the mind of a man with borderline psychotic jealousy (not that any of US can relate**spoiler alert** To me, this story is an amazing exploration into the mind of a man with borderline psychotic jealousy (not that any of US can relate, hmmm?), wrapped with spiritual struggle. Sure, the plot was a bit predictable at times...
***SPOILER*** Does anyone in an older book with a "bad cough" ever NOT die? ***END SPOLIER***
...and even slightly contrived, but Graham wrote what I felt was a narrative true to the narrator, in both voice and actions. The characters aren't necessarily likable all-around, but Graham makes them more human than many books I've read....more
I'll admit I did not read every page. Not because it wasn't interesting, but more so because it seems so complete, a lot of the information came acrosI'll admit I did not read every page. Not because it wasn't interesting, but more so because it seems so complete, a lot of the information came across as obvious. Of course, it's a book for "Dummies" so I can't really consider that a flaw. Though repetitious at times, it's a simple yet thorough intro into meditation. If I manage to make meditation a regular thing, I can see picking this up again to advance and broaden my technique....more
I wish I'd read the book before ever seeing the movie. I love the movie, but much like a too revealing film trailer, it's not as much fun or involvingI wish I'd read the book before ever seeing the movie. I love the movie, but much like a too revealing film trailer, it's not as much fun or involving if you know what's coming. Beautiful writing, moving characters, and a story that gives just the right amount. And now I'll watch the movie....again....more
Beautifully written and very engaging. I can see why this book has won so many awards and I'm somewhat surprised it's labeled as YA simply because so Beautifully written and very engaging. I can see why this book has won so many awards and I'm somewhat surprised it's labeled as YA simply because so many adults might miss out on this because of that label. It's full of wonderful, well-rounded characters, including the narrator (Death).
There was one important scene near the end that I found went against what I thought was in the realm of the characters' possible actions/reactions, but it didn't seem impossible enough to ruin the flow. Only once or twice did I find the language of Zusak's imagery a bit overdone, but the gems throughout this book made up for it.
All in all it was a touching portrayal of a young girl caught up in an ugly world. I'm very glad to have read this, as a reader and a writer....more
I was wavering between four and five stars on this one. but, considering this is Kyle's debut novel, I think five stars are deserved. Excellent writinI was wavering between four and five stars on this one. but, considering this is Kyle's debut novel, I think five stars are deserved. Excellent writing, beautiful characters, and genuine emotion made this book a very enjoyable read for me. Yet another book I wish I'd taken less time to read. Had I done so, I think I would have enjoyed it even more. Potent and heartfelt....more
Excellent characterization, in both direct and subtle ways. As despicable as the main character, Frank Wheeler, was at times, I thought the author didExcellent characterization, in both direct and subtle ways. As despicable as the main character, Frank Wheeler, was at times, I thought the author did a tremendous job of showing the reader who he really was. April Wheeler (his wife) didn't seemed to be as covered in-depth, but was still so well-drawn with her thoughts, words and actions.
As long as the story was (460+ pages, even though the stats here don't seem to match), it moved quickly for me. I read the last 100 pages in one sitting; I knew it would bother me all day if I hadn't. As much as I ultimately disliked Frank and April for a good part of the book, I felt for them. It was easy to get caught up in their mania, and just as easy to get pulled down by their selfish and deceptive games. I haven't felt this moved since Sarah MacLachlan's latest SPCA commercial. (*sniff* Don't look at me!)
Yes, that's much needed humor after I finished this book. This has no happy ending, but that's how I usually like them....more
A quick, easy read that pretty much delivers what's promised. Who knew Reagan was such a romantic? Considering I don't care for much non-fiction (espeA quick, easy read that pretty much delivers what's promised. Who knew Reagan was such a romantic? Considering I don't care for much non-fiction (especially politically-oriented), I have no problem giving this five stars....more
Surreal, intriguing, and thought-provoking, Murakami impresses me once again. I'd love to see this or Kafka on the Shore made into a film directed by Surreal, intriguing, and thought-provoking, Murakami impresses me once again. I'd love to see this or Kafka on the Shore made into a film directed by David Lynch. I can't say I took in every meaning or symbol the author intended, but the story, action, and characters entranced me enough not to care. I loved the way Murakami wraps things up just enough to satisfy, but still leaves room for my own imagination.
I would probably give this 4.5 stars if possible, but only for the fact that a few passages seemed unnecessary or redundant. I liked Kafka better, but it was shorter (this book is 600 pages with a handful of different but connected sub-plots) and easier to wrap my head around....more
Well-written with a perfect pace. I can see why people have gotten emotional reading this. This was a fun book to read with plenty of excitement to keWell-written with a perfect pace. I can see why people have gotten emotional reading this. This was a fun book to read with plenty of excitement to keep me interested. I liked the fact that the author was not squeamish or overly careful with the main plot or the obvious consequences of that plot. It's nice to see a young, female protagonist with guts and brains who isn't swooning over some dreamy guy....more
It's probably been close to 30 years since I first read this. I loved it then so with this eBook being on sale for $1.99 and me receiving a $2.10 credIt's probably been close to 30 years since I first read this. I loved it then so with this eBook being on sale for $1.99 and me receiving a $2.10 credit from Amazon, this is a no-brainer. I rediscovered McCammon a couple years ago with SPEAKS THE NIGHTBIRD (highly recommended!) and I'm currently reading THE QUEEN OF BEDLAM (and really enjoying it), so I'm excited to revisit this McCammon classic.
UPDATE: Still holds up as one of the best.......more
Loading...
