Reviews (39)

Classic Forsyth
With The Afghan, Forsyth is back with a political thriller that plays to his strength.Like many of the novels published in the post-9/11 era, Forsyth's story follows an al-Qaeda storyline.Unlike some of the others, Forsyth can at least claim that he had addressed the Middle East terrorist genre well before 9/11 with his very good effort, Fist of God.In The Afghan, he spins a very interesting tale about the efforts of American and British intelligence and governmental organizations to thwart what is believed to be a future attack on the West.
Forsyth's poorest effort.
Frederick Forsyth has been one of my favorite authors and expected this book to be an update to The Fist Of God. I found the plot to be very scattered and that events that took place to be so far out without contributing to the book. Very little of the book centered on who I thought was the central character, but based on the jumping around, there was no real central character. After so many excellent books, one dud can be forgiven.

Stupid book
Plot is entirely built on preposterous coincidences: the lazy way to write a novel.Read "Acts of Faith" by Phil Caputo if you want an intelligent, well researched novel about Arab terrorism. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Espionage / Thriller    3. Forsyth, Frederick - Prose & Criticism    4. Islamic fundamentalism    5. Suspense    6. Terrorism    7. Thrillers    8. Fiction / Thrillers   

Editorial Review

Following the huge success of Read more

Reviews (28)

Thought-provoking, but not the best
Janet Fitch's descriptions and prose leave little to the imagination and she creates a punk world that is so graphic and believable that it could very well be called a work of genius. The first half of the book read smoothly, as Josie struggles to deal with the after-effects of Michael's death. I could vividly feel her emotions as she began to learn that the man she loved so strongly was not exactly who he seemed.
Not worth the hype
I really thought I'd like this book. I loved White Oleander- it was thought provoking and haunting. But Paint it Black just didn't connect with me. Finch never gave me a reason to care about Josie. I didn't think she was a sympathetic character. The more I learned about Michael, the less I liked him too. Most of the book felt slow and plodding and I just couldn't wait to finish it and read something else.

Paint It Black - What happens to the dream when the dreamer is gone?
Reading "Paint It Black" shone on the little shadow you hid away, glued back that patch of depression you thought you outlived, and plastered on you that streak of emotions that you resisted to experience. It was 400 pages of melancholy mourning, 400 pages of gloom, and 400 pages of finding the dream, after dreamer pulled the trigger.
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Subjects:  1. Bereavement    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. First loves    5. General    6. Popular American Fiction    7. Young women    8. Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (135)

A very good read - the series continues
If you are a Terry Goodkind fan, you will have little trouble liking this book. Sure, the story line is somewhat played out, and many fans just want the final confrontation to resolve itself. But Goodkind has committed to taking us on a trilogy ride in the battle between the Richard Rahl side vs. the Jagang side. And guess what? Kahlen is in the middle of it. Again.
almost over...
if you're like me, you're reading this book because it's the second to last and you just want to finish the series.because the series started out as amazing books that had non-stop action without all the nonsense and unrealism and lecturing that we get to deal with now...one more to go and then richard and kahlan can live happily ever after.yay!

Loved it
Ok I have to admit I wasnt expecting the "old" Terry to show up in this book but he did. It was interesting and exciting and enjoyable -It left me really looking forward to the next book and wishing it wasnt going to be the last.It is true that the word "phantom" is mentioned too often - and there is some of the usual lecturing that comes in all of Mr. Goodkind's books but it is no where near the last one or two.In short I enjoyed it from cover to cover .... now when is the next one being releasted? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fantasy    2. Fantasy - Epic    3. Fantasy - General    4. Fiction    5. Fiction - Fantasy    6. Married people    7. Missing persons    8. Science Fiction And Fantasy    9. Fiction / Fantasy / Epic   

Reviews (98)

One of my favorites
"Angels Fall" is one of my all-time favorite books by Nora Roberts. The characters are believable, the plot is full of suspense, and the setting is breathtaking. Once again, Nora Roberts does not disappoint when it comes to describing the lush mountain scenery.
She's the Master
Even though this is the first Nora Roberts' book I've reviewed, I'm a huge fan and have read almost all of her books.The only reason I didn't give this book five stars is because it's not as in depth as her other books - such as Northern Lights - one of my all time favorites.Don't get me wrong, Angels Fall wasn't lacking in any regard. I thoroughly enjoyed the characterization - impeccable as usual - Reece and Brody read like real people. The plot was intriguing and even though I wasn't too surprised when the "bad guy" was revealed, it didn't at all detract from a very enjoyable read.Nora Roberts seems to write effortlessly while sucking you into the story, making you feel as if you're watching it all unravel on the big screen.

Great Read
The book was riveting in such that I couldn't put the book down even while working. The finding out what Reece was hiding and becoming a strong person because she wanted to live her life was excellent.The trust she had for Brody made the romance that was coming so believable.Excellent story. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Romance    3. Mystery/Suspense    4. Romance - Contemporary    5. Romance - Suspense    6. Romantic suspense fiction    7. Suspense    8. Wyoming    9. Fiction / Romance / Suspense   

Reviews (330)

Charmed, Lyrical and Wise
This is indeed an immensely luxurious and brilliantly written read.However, and this may be due to my limited critical faculties; I felt that it suffered somewhat due to the writer's brilliant and seemingly limitless imaginative skills.Shouldn't a well written and absorbing work take one effortlessly from beginning to end without the writer's hand being obvious as he changes gear? And Carlos Ruiz Zafün changes gear and opens new vistas at every turn, going off at yet another tangent with, as Stephen King so rightly says on the cover blurb; "Where even the subplots have subplots".
Zafon is a fine storyteller
There is a lot to entertain readers of The Shadow of the Wind. This novel draws on many literary traditions--mystery, magical realism, and gothic romance, among others. The plot is like a Russian nesting doll set--seemingly never-ending in terms of new surprises, mysteries, and twists. A brilliant mix of characters populates the novel, including many eccentric and humorous minor characters. Zafon uses the motif of the search for identity which quickly turns into multiple searches for multiple identities. The setting of Barcelona from the 1930's to the 50's is so richly drawn, you come to realize it is another character adding to the mysteries that abound in this story, as well as another character in search of itself. Zafon is expert in pacing his plot and manipulating the moods of the story. I can only testify to my admiration of Zafon's work and my enjoyment in reading the novel. To attempt to summarize the story would result either in oversimplification or overamplification.

A modern classic?
I delayed reading this book for quite awhile for 2 reasons:
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. General    4. Literary    5. Fiction / Literary   

Reviews (16)

A real disappointment
If these stories were by some unknown writer, they would have been boring and dull.But from Jennifer Weiner, they are a real disappointment.I can't imagine this book would have been published but for the fact that it was an automatic "sell" to Weiner fans.
Stinker!Big disappointment!Save your money!
Her other two books were awesome so I expected the same out of this one but was sorely disappointed.I kept slogging through the short stories expecting them to be connected in some way but alas, I was wrong.The entire book is a series of short stories that go nowhere.They're not connected with at all.I'm left totally unsatisfied.
Gloomy & Boring
Jennifer Weiner is such a good writer; if only she could get past her neuroses! Enough with divorce, enough with overweight women! Many of these stories made me uncomfortable or turned me off altogether. There was a reason why various publications rejected these stories way back when, and so should have her current publisher. Ms. Weiner needs to break from the advice of many a writing teacher, i.e., write what you know. Explore new situations, new emotions, and include some happy endings! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. General    4. Popular American Fiction    5. Short Stories (single author)    6. Single women    7. Fiction / Literary   

Reviews (32)

Now that's what I'm talking about!
The only bad part about this book is it had to end! Red was conniving and dirty as they come in this scandalous tale of deceit and consequences. The narration really exemplified the story. It was almost like a good friend was giving you the scoop on what was going down. This wasn't your typical ghetto street saga either because the author has substance. She knows how to grab your attention and keep it. Based on the wild ending, I know a sequel will be hitting shelves in due time. Hopefully the wait won't be too long!^5.

Can't put it down...
I sometimes read urban books since I can relate a lot, and this was a fast read! Red was pathetic...if she'd been a go getter with some scruples I'd have liked her better....

So Dirty...So So Dirty
The title of this book definitly described who Red really is.I read this book in one day and was nowhere near being disappointed.Red did so many people "dirty" that there has to be a sequel to this, just to see what happens next.I don't want to sit here and give away any details, but I am sure that you will all agree with me that this book is (1) off the hook and (2) there needs to be a sequel.I mean it is only right!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African American Novel And Short Story    2. African American women    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - General    5. General    6. Love stories    7. Popular American Fiction    8. Romance - General    9. Romance: Modern    10. Fiction / General   

Reviews (589)

Great addition to the series
But what is wrong with this guy?Why is he taking so long between books?Another 3 or 4 year wait is NOT worth it.He will lose the fans he's got for no reason other than his procrastination.5 star book, but 2 points off for the delay. And yes, I bought it the first week it came out along with everyone else, that's the only reason he was on the best-seller list, not because of any 'staying power' in that list.
What a loss...
Other reviewers here are worrying that Martin has entered Robert Jordan territory with this volume, but you have only to visit Martin's web page to guess what has really happened: he's badly distracted.Maybe that's why this book reads like unedited backgrounder draft.No editor worthy of the name should have let this go to print, but I'm sure the publisher finally gave up on the wait and insisted on something, anything...and what we get is this...mess. Honestly, it is WORK to read this book and, after the pure pleasure of reading its predecessors, a bitter disappointment.

A Passing Wind
A lot of build up and fluff. You can speak that this is only 1/2 the book that Martin wanted to publish but with such a time gap between books and no substantial story line, all the characters and individual story lines are vanishing from my memory.To me, this book was a waste of both my money and time.I wish I could have skipped this book and since I probably will not lose any important story line information since I am starting to forget it anyway.I will state that the first three books were amazing and I am hoping the next book redeems my faith for what Martin has done in his first three books.My recommendation, skip this book ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Science Fiction And Fantasy    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Historical    4. Historical - General    5. Science Fiction    6. Science Fiction - General    7. Fiction / Fantasy / Epic   

Reviews (2)

Well-written page turner, very worthwhile
Restless is the story of a mother who has concealed her true identity from her daughter.Chapters alternate between WWII and contemporary Oxford.The characters are complex and the settings detailed and evocative.I loved this book and read it in one sitting--I wish it had been longer.I love William Boyd's novels--he has a historically detailed imagination and knows how to tell a story.

One of his best
Over the last twenty years, William Boyd has, for me, been among the most consistent writers of narrative fiction.There have been books that will stand the test of time (New Confessions) and ones that already seem dated (Stars and Bars), but Restless finds him in good form.Boyd, as flexible as ever, turns his attention to the spy genre.We are presented with a double narrative, mother and daughter.The plot is hampered by a slightly overwrought literary device, the mother doling out her diaries at intervals, conveniently allowing the author to flip back and forth in time.Still, Boyd remains a wonderful writer.His characters are incisive, full blooded and captivating, even the ones we're not supposed to like.Boyd, like McEwan, manages the perfect blend of literature and thriller and Restless reads very quickly.That alone is a reason to buy it, but add in the Paris of 1939, spymasters and double dealings and Boyd is on to another winner. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boyd, William - Prose & Criticism    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. General    5. Great Britain    6. Historical - General    7. Mothers and daughters    8. Secret service    9. Women spies    10. World War, 1939-1945    11. Fiction / General   

Reviews (181)

Great book - highly recomended.
This is the first Vince Flynn book staring Mitch Rapp and boy de he start with a boom. This is a great fast paced read that will keep you at the edge of your seat until the very end. You won't be able to put it down. Vince Flynn is definitley the new king of political thrillers. Anyone looking for a new series of books to get addicted to should definitley start the Mitch Rapp series and it will take no effort at all.

Typical characters, fast plot
Flynn offers up a fast-paced, if unbelievable story.Unfortunately, character development is paper thin and clearly portrays Flynn's political preferences.Characters, like Rapp, with a military background are guided by clearly defined ethical principles, have all the answers and are always showing those good-for-nothing politicians how the "real world" works.Meanwhile, Flynn's politicians (the majority of whom are Democrats) seem only concerned with public opinion and the next election.While there are grains of truth in his characters, Flynn consistently goes for the cheap, partisan stereotype.I was looking for a well-developed political/military thriller.I'm still looking.

A great read!
FLYNN's books are a mixture of Tom Clancy and Matthew Reilly.There is political intrigue and interference; plenty of special forces action to whet anyone's appetite; a plot with many twists; and some common-sense problem resolution.The action just keeps going!This is a hard book to put down once started! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Espionage/Intrigue    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Espionage / Thriller    4. Political    5. Thrillers    6. Fiction / Suspense   

Reviews (1032)

White and Nerdy
I think "Of Mice and Men" was an good book.It had some good parts in the book along with some bad parts in there. I thought that the book taught a good story of people living a different life.Then also it was a sort of racial and had a lot of cursing in it.I think that older people should read this book and not young kids.

Of Mice and Men. Breaz*Plum, Student at Maces Lane Middle School.
The book, "Of Mice And Men," is one of the best books I have ever read. It is about two men, Lennie and George. They ran away from thier old ranch, Weed because Lennie is mentally retarded and he grabbed a ladies dress because he likes soft things. He got accused of rape. Later, they found a ranch in Salinas, California. Many events occured at this ranch, Lennie got in a fight with curly. Curly is a little man unlike Lennie and he is jealous of big men. You will have to read the story to find out the best ending. If you like breathtaking, loving, but yet harmful books you should read this book.

Great Book!C.L.M. Student at Mace's Lane Middle School
The book "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck, has a very good plot and good setting. The setting of the book is in Salinas,California. The two characters Lennie and George are two people who have travelled together ever since Lennie was on his own. They have gotten all of their jobs together, and they have gotten fired together. Then they finally get a job as ranch hands and they get paid fifty dollars at the end of each month. While the two are there they meet seven more people, but I will let you figure them out for yourself.
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Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Fiction    3. Literature - Classics / Criticism    4. Literature: Classics    5. Fiction / Literary   

Reviews (82)

Thought provoking reading... but not convincing
I toally aggree that pattern recognizers and somebody who can see the big picture will lead the world. Right-brain activity adds color and mystry to our lives while left-brain activity let us understand why things they are. But fundamentally one has to have strong L-Directed skills to excel on anything at all. The L-Directed skills can be aquired later at life but R-Directed skills are more of natural. The book make us feel like if we all go persuit those R-Directed skills, we will all better off. To me, in the real world, it is only for thos ones who already master R-brain skills and happend to have some L-Brain potentials which has not been exploired.

Thought-provoking but...
A Whole New Mind is the kind of book that many life coaches will love. Pink presents ideas that will reassure us we can have fun while reaching success. Creativity wins. Meaning matters more than money. Your job (and even your industry) could be automated or exported out of existence.
Worth reading
In this book, the author says that just like how we moved from the industrial age to the information age (computerization), now we are moving from the information age to a new era called "conceptual age". With the effects of globalization and abundant wealth in the western world (especially in US), there will be an increased demand for the right brain skills like creativity and empathy. Though it "feels" to be little exaggerated, it is quite interesting and worth reading. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. General    3. Leadership    4. Personal Growth - Success    5. Personal Guidance    6. Self-Help    7. Fiction / Literary    8. Popular psychology   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (118)

BestSales Book ever written
I am an avid Mandino reader.This is the best sales book ever written.It is inspiring and speaks the truth of the success principles which are applicable to sales, to relationships and to life.Every individual who wants to become a leader must read this amazing book and learn the scrolls.

Mandino is Brilliant
I have read everyone of Og Mandinos Books and all I can say is that he writes with brilliance, clarity, enthusiasm, and spirit.You can never go wrong with any of his books.He points out the path to success and motivates the spirit within to achieve all that we as human beings are capable.He helped me to tap into my innate genuis and create a life of prosperity and creativity.If you havent raed his books, start now and your journey of the spirit will begin.He was a born writer and even after his passing continues to have a great influence on many people old and young.He truly lived a purposeful and divine life.Go buy all his books and enjoy the growth and enlightenment.After that Buy my Book " Your daily Walk with the Great Minds of the Past and Present".Enjoy and rememeber you are capable of great things in your life.

Good Stuff To Remember
This book says the secret to learning is forming good habits.In other words, one only learns by repeating the same good things over and over again.Simple idea that I think we can all agree on.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Religious - General    4. Fiction / Religious    5. Philosophy    6. Religion: general   

Features

• Audiobook
• Unabridged

Reviews (26)

Good Old Harry
I just finished reading Echo Park and really enjoyed it.I like the way Michael Connelly keeps the action moving and keeps the reader wondering what is going to happen next.I usually have some of the villians identified but in this case I did not see Abel Pratt involved in the plot.I too feel it would have been good to see what happened to those corrupt people.However, I used my imagination which perhaps is what the author intended.

What a disappointment!
Having read several of Connelly's books, I expected this one to be a cut above the usual crime thriller genre.I was sorely disappointed.Although the plot is somewhat interesting, the characterizations are weak and there is just too much tough cop talk and unbelievable heroics.The narration is weak, especially the personification of the FBI agent girlfriend, which is absolutely grating.I did finish it, but wish I could get my money back.

Harry Bosch remains one of the best cop characters in fiction
Settling in with a new Harry Bosch book by Michael Connelly is like getting together with an old, close friend you haven't seen in a long while.Harry is still with LAPD's Open-Unsolved Unit along with his partner, Kiz Ridder. Returning to the police force after a short, unsatisfying retirement, Harry still looks at cases from long ago, cases that he had a hand in, but were never solved.
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Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Fiction/Mystery    2. Audiobooks    3. Fiction    4. Mystery & Detective - General    5. Mystery & Detective - Police Procedural    6. Mystery/Suspense    7. Suspense    8. Unabridged Audio - Fiction/Suspense & Thriller    9. Fiction / Thrillers   

Editorial Review

Beginning with the "10 Greatest Lies About Pregnancy" (number 10: Lamaze works), and ending with postpartum dementia, Vicki Iovine's Read more

Reviews (881)

LOVED this book.Kept me laughing all the way!
I have recommended this book to several of my expecting friends, and each of them have equally loved it.I needed the laughter during my lonely pregnancy, and this book provided 100%.
Fun and Frustrating
"The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy" is a difficult book to rate. Vicki Iovine's honesty and sense of humor about pregnancy deserves 5 stars.If you find pregnancy difficult for even a moment, this book will be a great comfort to you.It is a delightful antidote to the dry, frightening pregnancy books that flood the market.
This Book Is Great!!!
I loved it!I thought it was honest and fun.Vicki does a great job of letting you know how it is, while giving you suggestions on getting through it.I look forward to reading her other books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. General    4. Pregnancy    5. Pregnancy & Childbirth    6. Topic - Family    7. Family & Relationships / General    8. Humour    9. Pregnancy, birth & baby care   

Reviews (55)

Wonderful tale with special meaning
This is a very charming tale and has deep meaning behind it. A great book to read more than once because of how powerful it is. A classic.
A most consuming story of a shepherd boy on search
Not often do you discover a goldmine in the simple story of a Shepherd boy. Santiago is seeking his Personal Legend to find his destiny in the Language of the World and in his heart of love. Traveling from Andalusia and beloved, Fatima, meeting the King of Salem, the Englishman, finally the mystic, Alchemist, he learns to turn himself into the wind, overcoming his fears of an African desert and those distant Pyramids of Egypt he discovers his Treasure! In discovering his treasure he loses his fears, learns things along the way he would have never discovered without following his dreams!
Sales/Motivational Book sold as Mainstream Fiction
Not that there's anything wrong with that.It was a cute book and a good fable about following your dreams and creating your own reality with the power of your mind and the strength of your spirit.I enjoyed it.
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Subjects:  1. Brazilian Novel And Short Story    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Literary    5. Portuguese (Language) Contemporary Fiction    6. Fiction / Literary   

Editorial Review

In Read more

Reviews (88)

Is this what Jesus would talk about?
It's a devout Christian's dream: the chance to have a heart-to-heart with Jesus Christ himself. What questions might one ask about oneself, life, the universe? What would Jesus think of us? What would he look like?
Simple premise. Lighthearted message
How many times during your life has someone asked you who would like to meet from history if you could? Jesus would top my list. Gandhi. Princess Diana. A host of others. Now imagine that this could actually happen. One day you receive an invitation to meet Jesus over dinner at a local restaurant. No big drama. No last supper kind of scenario. No church hierarchy sitting in the wings editing everything that you two discuss. Just you and him. You approach the whole event skeptically. This must be some sort of joke. You review your belief systems to determine if such a thing is even possible to begin with. But you are intrigued. You still have that hope that you had while you were a child that God exists and that he loves you and is interested in you. Such to me is the basic premise of this seemingly simple book.
Awesome book.
Easy read, an excellent and insightful book to reveal the truth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Businessmen    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Cincinnati (Ohio)    4. Dinners and dining    5. Fiction    6. Fiction - Religious    7. Jesus Christ    8. Popular American Fiction    9. Religion    10. Religion - Christian Life    11. Religious - General    12. Restaurants    13. Religion / Christian Life   

Editorial Review

David Sedaris became a star autobiographer on public radio, onstage in New York, and on bestseller lists, mostly on the strength of "SantaLand Diaries," a scathing, hilarious account of his stint as a Christmas elf at Macy's. (It's in two separate collections, both worth owning,