Customer Comments

This is, hands down, my favorite Outlander book aside from the first one! Diana Gabaldon has created a masterpiece with this novel. I laughed a lot, cried A LOT, and the ending literally gave me chills (in a good way). I just LOVED this book so much!!!!! The story is so rich; Diana has an incredible talent for writing intricate, yet readable stories. One of my favorite aspects of the book overall is the addition of small details throughout the story that are nods to previous characters, books, and plots. It gave me a little thrill every time I ran across one of these little throw-backs. MOBY is definitely a fan-pleaser! For those of you who were dissatisfied with Echo, you HAVE to give MOBY a chance--you won't be disappointed. MOBY had a strange way of paralleling my own life while I was reading it, and it's something that has happened multiple times before while reading the other books. I won't go into details so as to keep this review spoiler free, but suffice it to say this book touched my heart during a difficult time. Diana writes her characters in such an honest way that it makes you laugh, love, and grieve right along with them. MOBY and the rest of the Outlander books are the most incredible books I've ever read and, likely, ever will read. For the next few years that I'll undoubtedly be waiting for Book 9, I'll content myself with reading the whole series all over again :-D

I was initially drawn to this book, because I'm fascinated by the fine line between being religious or just plain crazy. A Land More Kind Than Home focuses on the goings on in a snake charming church, which a lot of people would deem as crazy, in backwoods Appalachia. Carson Chambliss, the pastor of the church, could aptly be described as a false prophet. The tragedies that take place in the novel are all directly or indirectly related to the fact that parishioners follow Chambliss as though he is speaking the word of God and not serving his own self-interest. But, does Chambliss see himself as divine, or does he know that he isn't entirely holy? That's where lines start to become less clear. Cash gives you A LOT to consider in this book. The discussion questions at the back of my edition are thought-provoking and deep. This is a book that will stick with me for a long time. Here is my favorite passage, the prologue, from Thomas Wolfe's You Can't Go Home Again: Something has spoken to me in the night... and told me I shall die, I know not where. Saying: "[Death is] to lose the earth you know, for greater knowing; to lose the life you have, for greater life; to leave the friends you loved, for greater loving; to find a land more kind than home, more large than earth." It's a beautiful passage to start a rich, atmospheric story with a lot of depth. I'll definitely be reading more of Cash's work. This is the sort of story that becomes a modern day classic.

Have you ever read a choose-your-own-adventure novel? Well, this book is like a series of choose-your-own-adventure options put together. It makes you think, 'What if...?' Moriarty's writing is fresh and witty. I can't say that I particularly loved any of the characters, but they're real--likable yet flawed.

I seriously loved this book! It wasn't quite what I was expecting; it was a page-turner, unconventional, and surprisingly funny. I don't want to say much so as not to give anything away, so I'll just say this: READ IT (and have a box of tissues handy). 5 stars! I can't wait to read more by Moyes.

I didn't think it was possible, but Bring Up the Bodies is even more of an achievement than Wolf Hall. And, that's saying something! Mantel makes the reign of Henry VIII, which has been written about in hundreds of books, fresh with her insightful writing and her unique focus on Thomas Cromwell. A main complaint by many about Wolf Hall was the confusion of pronouns, namely 'he'. Mantel seems to have taken the criticism and fully corrected it here; if she uses 'he' ambiguously, she often corrects it like this: "'I don't think the king means that,' he says; he, Cromwell." Mantel seems entirely at ease with her writing in Bring Up the Bodies, and I felt as though I was a proverbial fly on the wall throughout much of the story. Mantel writes as though she is channeling the actual historical figures--they are entirely believable. Cromwell once again proves to be a fascination figure, and I particularly enjoyed Mantel's description of him in the Author's Note at the end of Bring Up the Bodies (referring to his status at the end of the story--another book is in the works titled, The Mirror and the Light): "Meanwhile, Mr. Secretary remains sleek, plump and densely inaccessible, like a choice plum in a Christmas pie; but I hope to continue my efforts to dig him out." It's an apt way to describe such a shrewd and evasive man. On the surface, Bring Up the Bodies appears to be a hardcore historical fiction novel, but it's FUNNY. I laughed more reading this than I have reading some lighthearted comedic books. But, I will say that the humor is mostly geared toward those who are familiar with the history and the people involved. This is no fluffy read--it requires your undivided attention. Mantel is a genius with words and I think it's fantastic that she won the Booker Prize a second time with this work. I can't wait to read her final book about Cromwell. I have no doubt that it will be equally as amazing as its predecessors.

This far surpassed my expectations. I rarely read just straight contemporary fiction, but I was drawn to On the Island because it's a survival tale and I'm a sucker for those. Garvis-Graves had my interest and attention from the very beginning and I was so gripped by the story that I read it all in a day. The story is certainly exciting, but it was also surprisingly emotional for me as a reader; there were several points during the story where I got a little teary-eyed. I couldn't put it down and I can't stop thinking about it!

Wow. I absolutely loved this!!! I've read, and really liked, Stiefvater's The Wolves of Mercy Falls series, but The Raven Boys far surpasses any of the books in that trilogy for me. Stiefvater's unique and at times poetic writing is at it's best in this. The story moves along at a nice clip and I enjoyed every moment reading it. I was so entertained by all of the characters that I can't even pick a favorite; they all play a part in the brilliance of the story. This is magical, mysterious, imaginative, and unexpected. I'm rarely surprised by a plot turn in a book, but Stiefvater threw multiple twists in this that I never saw coming. I don't even want to contemplate how long it will be before the next book in the Raven Cycle is released. While I'm waiting, I'll be reading The Scorpio Races and re-reading this. Awesome book! 5 stars.

The Snow Child left me in awe. It was incredible! I was amazed that it's Ivey's first novel, because her writing is breathtaking; she has a rare talent for writing beautiful, flowy paragraphs without being wordy or overly fluffy. The story was magical, mysterious, and moving. I was so entranced that I didn't want to stop reading. It seems that more and more authors these days write about subjects they've extensively researched; it's rare to find an author writing a fictional novel about something he/she really knows about like Ivey does here. It's obvious that she has forged a life in the unrelenting Alaskan wilderness just like her characters. I really hope she writes more. As it is, I'll be purchasing a copy of this book and reading it again. This is by far my favorite book of 2012--LOVED it. 5 stars!

I just finished The Snow Child and I'm a little bit in awe. It is incredible. It amazes me that this is Ivey's first novel, because her writing is breathtaking; she has a rare talent for writing beautiful, flowy paragraphs without being wordy or overly fluffy. The story is magical, mysterious, and moving. I was so entranced that I didn't want to stop reading. It seems that more and more authors these days write about subjects they've extensively researched; it's rare to find an author writing a fictional novel about something he/she really knows about like Ivey does here. It's obvious that she has forged a life in the unrelenting Alaskan wilderness just like her characters. I really hope she writes more. As it is, I'll be purchasing a copy of this book and reading it again. This is by far my favorite book so far this year--LOVED it. 5 stars!

This book is very aptly titled; it really is "A Novel of the French Revolution". Although I'm a lover of historical fiction, I haven't read much HF set in France so went into this book largely ignorant of the events of the Revolution. As Moran states at the beginning of her "Historical Note" at the end of the novel, "It is hard to relate just how turbulent and bloody the years of the French Revolution really were...[they] make for what can be a challenging read, simply because so many innocent people perished in the name of liberty, equality, and fraternity." I'm still in a bit of shock at just how bloody and tragic it was. Moran does a great job at imparting knowledge of the events spanning from 1789 through 1794 while keeping the reader engaged and maintaining historical accuracy by taking very few fictional liberties. This is not a feel-good story, but it isn't meant to be. The witch hunt for those who are "traitors to the patrie" is reminiscent of our own HUAAC mixed with the Inquisition. And, as one part of the book says, "people's imagination has proven stronger than reality" in the conviction and execution of supposed traitors. They really were sad and tragic times. As for Madame Tussaud herself, her character is incredible. I will admit when I first heard of this book I immediately thought of the slightly cheesy wax museums of our day and age. As Moran has pointed though, people in the late 1700s didn't have the means or ability to travel and see people and places as we do now, nor did they have the media we do today where we know what everything and everyone looks like. Tussaud truly was an artist creating 3D portraits of people and places that the general populous would rarely, if ever, get the opportunity to see.

Wow, I can't believe this book is over...I feel a sense of accomplishment for having finished it (it's really, really long) and a sense of loss that it's over. The writing is so beautiful and real that it isn't a stretch at all to imagine that Cleopatra wrote it herself. There are so many incredible sentences in this book I could write page after page of quotes. Some of my favorites: "Always carry a limited gold service with you, was my motto." and "When fate offers you no choice you must appear to relish it." and "Goddesses do not grow old." Those are just quick samples of some sentences that made me smile. My only small complaint about this book would be the length, but, after thinking about it, this book would not have felt complete or like a true memoir if it was any shorter. By spending so much time with Cleopatra you really feel like you know her by the conclusion. And, you can't help but feel a dramatic sense of loss by the end even though you know it's coming. Knowing doesn't make her fate any less lamentable.

This book is very aptly titled; it really is "A Novel of the French Revolution". Moran does a great job at imparting knowledge of the events spanning from 1789 through 1794 while keeping the reader engaged and maintaining historical accuracy by taking very few fictional liberties. As for Madame Tussaud herself, her character is incredible. I will admit when I first heard of this book I immediately thought of the slightly cheesy wax museums of our day and age. As Moran has pointed out, people in the late 1700s didn't have the means or ability to travel and see people and places as we do now, nor did they have the media we do today where we know what everything and everyone looks like. Tussaud truly was an artist creating 3D portraits of people and places that the general populous would rarely, if ever, get the opportunity to see. Excellent read!

This is one of the best books I have read recently. The premise is simple: it's a diary of entries written by Sarah Prine who settles in Arizona Territory in the late 1800's. The novel is based upon Turner's own family memoirs, which makes it all the more intriguing. At first, I thought that the improper grammar and lack of writing finesse would bother me, but the entries become more well-written so it quickly wasn't an issue. My feelings toward this story are hard to put into words. I felt like Sarah was a real person by the end and I easily could have read another 400 pages about her life. Her tale is difficult, honest, and heartbreaking, but also full of love and even funny at times. It made me reflect on my own life and count my blessings. Some things in life that may seem mundane or annoying at times, like taking care of a family, don't seem so once they are taken away. The daily ins and outs are whta make up a life. This was a library book, but I'll be buying myself a copy to add to my bookshelf. Beautifully written and without a doubt 5 stars.

This was my favorite new book of 2010 and it rivals Dark Lover as my favorite book in the series. Simply awesome story and great writing. Paranormal romance doesn't get any better than this.

Awesome cookbook! The philosophy with which America's Test Kitchen approached this healthier version is logical and atypical for most nutrition-minded recipes: If it didn't taste good using low-fat versions of milk, meat, etc., they didn't use it. The recipes are flavorful, thoroughly explained, and well-organized. The 3-ring binder publication format makes the book so easy to use--no more marking pages and flipping back to the recipe while you're cooking. I've never seen a healthy cookbook with so much flavor and creativity in its recipes. Highly recommended.

This is one of the most addicting books I've read recently. I couldn't put it down! The love story of Tatiana and Alexander begins amid the siege of Leningrad during WWII. The living conditions in the city during the blockade will bring tears to your eyes, but the strength of Tatiana and the love she and Alexander share will warm your heart. It is an incredible story and one that shouldn't be missed. I loved it!

This is a must have for any fans of Outlander! Gabaldon reveals several huge new pieces of information that we've never known before, including a new character. Nguyen did a great job with the character design, especially Jamie. There are some breathtaking illustrations that I could just stare at all day. It's a fantastic addition to anyone who read and loved Outlander.

This was one of the most addicting books I've read recently--I couldn't put it down!! It's an amazing love story that is both heartening and heart-breaking. It's unforgettable :)

I enjoyed Lowcountry Summer as much if not more than Frank's first book in the duo, Plantation. This is a fantastic book! Frank writes her stories with such a frank outlook on life you can't help but become enchanted with her characters' lives on the Edisto River. I can't even count how many times I laughed out loud while reading this! There are also several very heartfelt moments that brought tears to my eyes. I found myself missing Miss Lavinia right along with Caroline; this story really shows the resiliency of a family in the aftermath of losing such a beloved matriarch. I loved seeing Caroline come into her own in this novel and I was wishing it was longer at the end. If Frank chooses to write another Plantation novel I will gladly read it. 5 stars!

This is a beautiful retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It is very similar to the Disney movie version, but much more grown-up and richer. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the original story. I will be reading more works by this author. 5 stars!

This is such a beautifully written book. Moran is adept at flawlessly weaving facts of Roman times into the fiction of her story; it makes for a very fluid read. I've been to Rome and the Capri (the two main settings in the book) and Moran does a wonderful job of describing them just as the are/were. The story of Kleopatra Selene is so captivating, emotional, and exciting that I couldn't stop reading. The story could have gone on for another 500 pages and I still would have loved every word. 5 stars! I have already purchased Nefertiti and The Heretic Queen and I can't wait to read them :)

I can't even put into words what an amazing book Outlander is and how wonderfully Diana Gabaldon writes. This is so much more than a paranormal romance novel. Outlander marks the beginning of the epic love story of Jamie and Claire that spans the Outlander series. It's filled with adventure, heartache, resilience, and hope. I can't say enough good things about this book! Read it and you won't be sorry.

This was such a fun read! It's a light time-travel romance with a little bit of fairy tale mixed in. I couldn't put it down! I'm really looking forward to reading the other books in the series.

Overall, I thought this was a very good book. It is smartly written in that Morton implies major plot points rather than hitting you over the head with them. I also liked how the story unfolded bit by bit and how the chapters set in the past melded and paralleled those in the future. The fairy tales included in the story are wonderful and creative. I think it would be awesome if Morton actually published the fairy tale book discussed in the book--I would read it! :) As for the negatives, I felt that the book could have used some better editing--some parts seemed unnecessarily long-winded. The descriptions also got a bit cliche at times and I (personally) found the story to be a bit predicable about half-way through. All that being said, it's a good, relaxing read that keeps you pulled in.

I read the first Amelia Peabody mystery (Crocodile on the Sandbank) to familiarize myself with the characters before reading this. Peters' characters are so wonderful! Regardless of the setting be it Egypt, or in this case Jerusalem, the story comes alive with the pluckiness of Amelia and the irascibility of Emerson. This book is funny, suspenseful, and thoroughly entertaining. I plan to read all of the Amelia Peabody mysteries now--I'm hooked!

What a fun book! This my first Amelia Peabody mystery and it won't be my last. Peabody is a pluckier version of Nancy Drew for adults and I've been completely sucked in. The writing is smart, funny, suspenseful, and descriptive without being wordy or boring. I'm hooked! 5 stars.

I was privileged to read an advanced copy of this amazing book. It is a wonderful debut novel on par with Girl With a Pearl Earring and The Birth of Venus as far as the plot is concerned. I have a background in art and I thought that Wagner did a good job of capturing the essence of an artist in Degas. While there are romantic elements to the story, it is much more of a coming-of-age novel that also encompasses French/Parisian society during the later 1800's and the role of women in it. The ballet is of course also a prominent fixture and it comes to life. I couldn't help but think of Gaston Leroux's Phantom of the Opera, which is one of my favorite books, in reading this since they are set during approximately the same time in Paris and both address up-and-coming young women performers. P.S. At one point a Charles Frederick Worth dress makes an appearance. I suggest Googling him to have a look at his work. His dresses were AMAZING.

This is one of those books where you're just not sure what to make of it until the end. It sort of reminds me of a non-Christian version of Redeeming Love. It is about redemption and forgiveness. The main characters are all flawed, gritty, and driven by their need for love, although that often plays out through them either thinking about or having sex. Their are a few plot twists that are fun and I liked the way the characters' lives are told bit by bit instead of being revealed all at once. This is a quick read and if you're looking for something a bit quirky and deviant I would recommend this.

My daughter's pediatrician recommended that I read this to learn about introducing solid foods to her. It's a fabulous book! I really appreciated that Satter even covers preemies. My daughter is a preemie and it is difficult to find good information that is actually helpful in regard to parenting her. Preemies come with their own challenges and I felt so much better about feeding her solid foods after reading this. My only (very) small complaint about this book is that Satter can be a little long-winded at times. That being said, I really think that her ideas are revolutionary and if more people followed her ideas and research then obesity and eating disorders wouldn't be so prevalent with subsequent generations. Personally, I think Americans are a bit backwards with their ideas about food and body image.

I think though that my absolute favorite part about Echo is seeing the evolution of the characters. I think that it is nothing short of amazing that Diana can write about the same characters over and over again and still make them grow and evolve as people. I loved reading Echo and thinking back to what Jamie and Claire were like in Outlander and even young Ian in earlier books. They really have grown up and grown older. I think that that is the key to what makes Jamie, Claire, and the rest so lovable and so real; Diana writes them as if they are real people who grow, change, and live. I know them and love them and can't wait to see what happens next :)

This is a completely amazing novel. I feel like the characters are real people, and, in a way, they were. It is beautifully writen, but it's also incredibly funny in parts. Sockett's "Too Little, Too Late" at the end made me a little teary-eyed. I want my daughter to read this book when she grows up. Among many other things, it is a story about how to treat people. 5 stars--LOVED it!

Katherine has a surprisingly modern tone for being written in the 1950's. Beyond the writing, the characters are incredibly real in the sense that none of them are perfect. So often in historical fiction people are drawn in extremes being either flawless or terrible, but Seton crafts her characters (while still maintaining historical accuracy) with all the positive and negative attributes of real people. It is a beautiful novel and a modern classic.

This is an AMAZINGLY written novel. Loved it. Note to readers: whenever Mantel uses the pronouns "him" or "he" she invariably is referring to Cromwell. Some people find it confusing to figure out who was speaking, but it didn't bother me in the slightest. The story is told from Cromwell's point of view after all.