Stephen Dau's The Book of Jonas is a marvelous, lyrical debut that examines the effects of war on everyone involved. Dau weaves together the stories...
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I am currently on a much-anticipated vacation in Italy -- and as always, I carefully select the books that I bring with me to ensure that they complement the relaxing, beautiful time I hope to have (and that they are literally worth their weight!). The Night Circus was the first book I selected for my trip -- and I finished it in two days. It was perfect. The writing was wonderful (with vivid sensory descriptions), but the story was completely captivating -- with a harmonious blend of dreamy escapism and philosophical challenge. It was just a great, fun read -- and I know I would have enjoyed it just as much from my armchair at home!
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(2 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
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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(6 of 9 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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(8 of 11 readers found this comment helpful)
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Bethany has commented on (4) products.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Bethany, September 27, 2011
I am currently on a much-anticipated vacation in Italy -- and as always, I carefully select the books that I bring with me to ensure that they complement the relaxing, beautiful time I hope to have (and that they are literally worth their weight!). The Night Circus was the first book I selected for my trip -- and I finished it in two days. It was perfect. The writing was wonderful (with vivid sensory descriptions), but the story was completely captivating -- with a harmonious blend of dreamy escapism and philosophical challenge. It was just a great, fun read -- and I know I would have enjoyed it just as much from my armchair at home!(2 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
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."(6 of 9 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!(8 of 11 readers found this comment helpful)