I must give the author credit for taking what should be an exciting story and stripping it down to its most boring mundane parts. Then presenting thosI must give the author credit for taking what should be an exciting story and stripping it down to its most boring mundane parts. Then presenting those parts in the most unimaginative way possible. If you are seeking inspiration look elsewhere. ...more
Large portions of this book were not as engaging as I had hoped and had to force my way through some of the chapters. A difficult subject made approacLarge portions of this book were not as engaging as I had hoped and had to force my way through some of the chapters. A difficult subject made approachable for all though. ...more
While the language and writing style are still as mesmerizing as I have come to expect from this author, the characters were not. “Paul” never seemed While the language and writing style are still as mesmerizing as I have come to expect from this author, the characters were not. “Paul” never seemed to mature past the twelve year old boy we meet in the first variation. I couldn’t care less about what happened to him in the later chapters. Instead of rooting for him to find his love I was willing the other characters to run away. ...more
Help us, Al Franken. You're our only hope. EDIT: ***...and then THAT happened... Dammit Al. You too???Help us, Al Franken. You're our only hope. EDIT: ***...and then THAT happened... Dammit Al. You too???...more
Hmm...I'm still trying to process how I feel and what I think about this one... I guess I'll start with the mechanics: it is well written with an inteHmm...I'm still trying to process how I feel and what I think about this one... I guess I'll start with the mechanics: it is well written with an interesting narrative style. It is full of achingly beautiful description without falling into minutiae. The characters are so odd that I want not to like them but they are so quirkily endearing and gentle one can't help but care about their fates. The romance between young cousins was somewhat disturbing but not as disturbing as it should have been. I guess that is my point: I shouldn't like this book. I didn't want to like it as I was reading it. But I do. Dammit. ...more
An interesting and unique origin story for "zombies". It's Ok. Not great.An interesting and unique origin story for "zombies". It's Ok. Not great....more
I read this book years ago when it was first published and watching Senator Franken question Betsy DeVos and Jeff Sessions recently, I knew it was timI read this book years ago when it was first published and watching Senator Franken question Betsy DeVos and Jeff Sessions recently, I knew it was time to revisit his truth seeking process. Al Franken is my only source of hope in Washington right now. Keep asking questions, Al - and keep demanding answers....more
Why isn't zero stars an option? This collection of words - hate to sully the word novel by using it to describe this - is so full of tired clichés, caWhy isn't zero stars an option? This collection of words - hate to sully the word novel by using it to describe this - is so full of tired clichés, cartoonish caricatures, and insultingly implausible plot devices that it was hard to get through. I feel like I should be rewarded for withstanding the torture of reading this. ...more
I am conflicted and a little perplexed by this one - A well written, terrific story with terribly developed characters. Honestly, the plot, pace, histI am conflicted and a little perplexed by this one - A well written, terrific story with terribly developed characters. Honestly, the plot, pace, historical facts, writing style, word choice - everything was great. But the characters and their interactions were so stilted, awkward and surreal that it spoiled this novel for me. I just ended up jumping into the historical facts of the story to enjoy the ride and tried to ignore all the people involved in it. ...more
I am not a fan of magical thinking but I am a fan of moonshine - haha!! Now for the real review: it wasn't terrible but I can't imagine recommending tI am not a fan of magical thinking but I am a fan of moonshine - haha!! Now for the real review: it wasn't terrible but I can't imagine recommending this to a young reader. The portrayal of intense casual partying is questionable but adults - every single one of them - are characterized so negatively as to be deeply disturbing. The most disturbing examples of the adult's behavior is never again addressed nor resolved throughout the novel. If a novel includes a description of a mother sexually abusing her teenage son it should not be treated as just one of many anecdotes. Troubling....more
There is a two thirds chance the world as we know it will come to an end in eight weeks. What would you do during those two months? Spend your time onThere is a two thirds chance the world as we know it will come to an end in eight weeks. What would you do during those two months? Spend your time on something other than this book. It took so long to go anywhere it almost felt like the end of the world would be upon me before I got there. ...more
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