Sam Savage's first novel, Firmin, chronicled the coming-of-age misadventures of a very literate rat living in a bookstore in Boston's Scollay Square. Garnering praise from authors and...
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I'm always a bit skeptical when I read that a book is the next generation's "Catcher in the Rye," but I have to say that I loved "Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You." Capturing the difficulties of the transition from teen to adult -- without resorting to cliches -- is extremely difficult to do. This book is, at times, hilarious and heart-breaking, but always sharp and beautifully written. I was quite sad to finish it -- just as I was when I first read "Catcher in the Rye."
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(14 of 23 readers found this comment helpful)
I am not a rabid Stephen King fan, and I've read only a few of his works -- The Shining, On Writing, Lisey's Story, and now Duma Key. But, Duma Key was a fast-paced, well-written, engrossing read. Even if you don't typically enjoy horror stories or those involving the supernatural, if you appreciate fascinating, well-developed characters, spot-on dialogue, and page-turning suspense -- then I think you'll enjoy this one. In my opinion, it's the perfect winter "beach novel."
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(5 of 8 readers found this comment helpful)
I just finished The Magus last night and found it fascinating. It was published in 1965, so it definitely has a "vintage" feel to it; however, the plot twists and turns kept me interested. In addition, the references to mythology, ancient literature, philosophy and history added to the puzzle-like feel of this book. Enjoy!
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(5 of 8 readers found this comment helpful)
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Bethany has commented on (3) products.
Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You by Peter Cameron
Bethany, February 8, 2008
I'm always a bit skeptical when I read that a book is the next generation's "Catcher in the Rye," but I have to say that I loved "Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You." Capturing the difficulties of the transition from teen to adult -- without resorting to cliches -- is extremely difficult to do. This book is, at times, hilarious and heart-breaking, but always sharp and beautifully written. I was quite sad to finish it -- just as I was when I first read "Catcher in the Rye."(14 of 23 readers found this comment helpful)
Duma Key: A Novel by Stephen King
Bethany, February 6, 2008
I am not a rabid Stephen King fan, and I've read only a few of his works -- The Shining, On Writing, Lisey's Story, and now Duma Key. But, Duma Key was a fast-paced, well-written, engrossing read. Even if you don't typically enjoy horror stories or those involving the supernatural, if you appreciate fascinating, well-developed characters, spot-on dialogue, and page-turning suspense -- then I think you'll enjoy this one. In my opinion, it's the perfect winter "beach novel."(5 of 8 readers found this comment helpful)
The Magus by John Fowles
Bethany, September 20, 2006
I just finished The Magus last night and found it fascinating. It was published in 1965, so it definitely has a "vintage" feel to it; however, the plot twists and turns kept me interested. In addition, the references to mythology, ancient literature, philosophy and history added to the puzzle-like feel of this book. Enjoy!(5 of 8 readers found this comment helpful)