"so-so"
This is a tepid book. The subject is depressing, and the writing is even more so. Is it the same Ian McEwan who wrote "Atonement" and "Saturday"?
"Yet another masterpiece"
Philip Roth at his best. Concise and detailed, lyrical and gut-wrenching bloody, a story about a young life told from the grave, about growing in New Jersey and Ohio during the Korean War. Please, please, G-d, do not make this book Roth's swan song.
"Bravo! The best book of 2007!"
This is the only book that I listened to 3 times back to back. The language is so vivid (both Spanish and English), that one can smell the air, taste the blood, and feel the pain of Oscar Wao's world. One of the literary critics wrote a review in Time magazine, and compared Junot Diaz to Philip Roth. I would upgrade the comparison. Mr. Diaz's language reminded me of the great Henry Roth. We can expect a Hollywood to follow up with a movie. Most likely it will be a pale version of the book.
Both readers are wonderful, and their performances add to the richness of the text. BRAVO!
"ancore!"
This is Tom Robbins' best book, in my opinion.
Not for a lazy-minded reader. What a sleek sense of humor! Great plot and characters. I loved his colorful metaphors and comparisons. They added heat to a fast-paced narrative. In a signature "by-the-way" manner, the author presents interesting, even juicy,eye-popping bits of information about religions, exotic tribes, foreign cultures, etc. Great fiction!
"a true treasure!"
A mind twisting love story, that keeps a reader alert to the last page. A rare gem!
"waste of money and time"
The author certainly uses many "words that work" to sell his book. I quit after an hour. It reminded me an endless TV informational, that one can count on at 3 a.m. I want to ask the author 'where is the beef?"
"a must read for most parents"
A detailed account of an evolution and a finale of a Columbine-style disaster. As most good books, this one exposes problems, asks questions, but does not offer solutions. It makes a reader pause and think hard. In my opinion, the author forces every parent to re-evaluate his/her parenting philosophy. Maybe, as a society we were better off when it took "a village to raise a child"? If there is a child in your life, read this book, so that you would not ask later "What did I do wrong?"
"great audio tutorial"
This is by far the best Spanish audio tutorial I came across so far. I am an advanced beginner, and I decided to skip Level 1 of this book. Level 2 is advanced, yet it is structured in such a way, that it promotes quick learning and understanding of grammar. Make sure to download their visual material as well. I listen first, then work with the text, write and re-write each sentence, then listen again. This is a good educational tool for a motivated adult student.
"beach reading"
The story line is naive, but entertaining. Kind of a distant pale version of "Forrest Gump".
"great book!"
This fascinating book gives detailed account of Sir Conan Doyle's personal and public life, as well as that of an obscure lawyer George. George's tragedy, akin to the Dreyfus' case, is vivid, and his pain is palpable. I enjoyed detailed descriptions of characters and places. A must read for anyone interested in English history.