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Review Date: 11/23/2010
Helpful Score: 1
Superb and shocking at the same time. A very thought-provoking story with some great dialog and characters. One of the best Sanford novels ever, and that is saying alot for such a talented writer. Not for the faint of heart or easily disgusted, though.
Review Date: 10/15/2010
Good continuation of the series. Puts a nice wrap on a couple of story lines and reopens a couple of previous ones.
Review Date: 9/11/2011
As a 52 year old guy I thought that a book about "another dumb blonde facinated with sex, soap operas and gossip" was probably not my style. But once I gave it a try it was great fun. I did find myself turning down the cover of the book on my desk at work! The story moved along, she was an entertaining and believable heroine, and I will definitely read another. Hey guys, just consider it a guilty pleasure.
Review Date: 5/16/2010
Fantastic both for its historical perspective and the wonderful internal self-analysis of the child Jesus. A must read.
Review Date: 3/1/2010
Haydon makes an interesting, atypical character for a Houston police detective. Explores the full nature of many cultures and neighborhoods, while developing an interesting plot. The story is an excellent medical mystery/thriller, but missed 5 stars because some of the mystery was revealed a little too quickly and you are left with only the chase. I will be requesting more from this author.
Review Date: 11/14/2011
I have read every John Grisham book, and this was his worst. The characters are shallow and one dimensional, and that problem goes beyond just the lead characters to almost every actor in the book. The entire setting is a cliche, without any real understanding or effort at development or thorough description. The story line offers no real suprises or twists, just a steady drumbeat on a single theme.
In reading a book, I hope to be informed of new places, or to learn of new cultures, lifestyles, occupations, etc. Another potential is to be entertained, or taken away from worldly cares or concerns. This book fails from both a journalist's and a novelist's perspective.
I am opposed to the death penalty and would vote to abolish it if that option was presented as a straight option up-or-down vote. This book does not advance that cause, being nothing more than a preaching screed with ugly overtones and strong personal bias shallowly concealed as literature.
Here in his own words is a passage from the author's note that completes this lecture. "There are mistakes in this book, as always, and as long as I continue to loathe research, while at the same time remaining perfectly content to occasionally dress up the facts, I'm afraid the mistakes will continue. My hope is that the errors are insignificant in nature."
They were not, and were compounded by bad storytelling.
For a primer on how return to writing meaningful books about sensitive, complex issues in our lives, I would point Mr. Grisham to "Cast of Shadows" by Kevin Guilfoile. Or perhaps even "A Painted House".
In reading a book, I hope to be informed of new places, or to learn of new cultures, lifestyles, occupations, etc. Another potential is to be entertained, or taken away from worldly cares or concerns. This book fails from both a journalist's and a novelist's perspective.
I am opposed to the death penalty and would vote to abolish it if that option was presented as a straight option up-or-down vote. This book does not advance that cause, being nothing more than a preaching screed with ugly overtones and strong personal bias shallowly concealed as literature.
Here in his own words is a passage from the author's note that completes this lecture. "There are mistakes in this book, as always, and as long as I continue to loathe research, while at the same time remaining perfectly content to occasionally dress up the facts, I'm afraid the mistakes will continue. My hope is that the errors are insignificant in nature."
They were not, and were compounded by bad storytelling.
For a primer on how return to writing meaningful books about sensitive, complex issues in our lives, I would point Mr. Grisham to "Cast of Shadows" by Kevin Guilfoile. Or perhaps even "A Painted House".
Review Date: 6/18/2010
One of the better of the Stone Barrington series. Very enjoyable. Will be vacationing 4 miles from Dark Harbor, Maine in just a few months so the setting had a special interest for me.
Review Date: 2/24/2010
Excellent! Follows in the great character development and plot twists that make Sandford great. Doesn't dwell overmuch on the bloody violence that have slowed my enjoyment of the "Prey" series.
Review Date: 1/6/2011
Best of the Britt Montero series yet. I kept getting in trouble with my wife because I wanted to wear the headphones in the evening to finish this. A definite yes!
Review Date: 6/7/2010
The classic that started the series that lasted 30+ years. A must read, along with nearly all of the other 35 (and counting).
Review Date: 3/29/2010
Loved this book. Has equally sensible tips on the game of golf, and the even more difficult game of life. Have met the author, and he truely reflects his passion for both these topics in person and in print.
Review Date: 10/22/2010
The castion on this one was too predictable. All the characters with liberal or progressive viewpoints were flawed but basically likeable and sincere of heart. All the characters with conservative viewpoints were one-dimensional, disreputable, and universally to be scorned. The author even had to emphasis physical appearance differences to heap scorn on some. Really Mr. Woods, a huge pimple on the face of the preachers son? Certain you would catch the preacher with a choirboy? And every conservative is a stupid automaton? Perhaps to develop a fuller and more realistic sense of how those you disagree with think, you need to practice some of that acceptance and genuine love your was preaching throughout the novel.
I have always admired Mr. Woods story-telling abilities, but if many of his novels were this blatently partisan and sermonizing I would have to stop reading him. If you like a fanciful political yarn and are either of a more liberal viewpoint or don't mind being insulted while you read then this is the book for you.
I have always admired Mr. Woods story-telling abilities, but if many of his novels were this blatently partisan and sermonizing I would have to stop reading him. If you like a fanciful political yarn and are either of a more liberal viewpoint or don't mind being insulted while you read then this is the book for you.
Review Date: 6/26/2010
As a native Houstonian I really enjoyed his portrayal of 1980's Houston with all its interesting and unique characteristics. Story line is riveting but just a little on the typical side. His characters are human, motivated and acting in believable ways. Will be trying "Requiem for a Glass Heart" next.
Review Date: 6/7/2010
Another in a great series. Get hooked!
Review Date: 12/7/2010
Loved this! It just reminded me that I haven't been keeping up with Steve Martini's books the last few years. Paul Madriani is just as interesting and human as ever, and his side-kick Harry is just as humorous. Mystery of the murder kept me in the dark until the very end.
Review Date: 6/9/2010
Helpful Score: 1
An enjoyable book with tons of action and intrigue. Ending wrapped up just a little too neatly, so it only got three stars. Will be trying "The Apostle" next.
Review Date: 3/29/2010
Well defined and interesting characters. The story line held together, but was very standard right-wing zealot/CIA/Vietnam conspiracy type stuff. Not quite as challenging to the reader as "After Dark" was, but still a good read.
Review Date: 3/24/2010
Excellent theme and some very interesting characters. Plot takes some zig-zags but holds together in the end. Some very graphic scenes described.
Review Date: 1/23/2011
A book review should not be about whether you agree with the author, but how well the book presents itself as both as literary art and as entertertainment.
Excellent book about his early years in the business and how his upbringing and experiences have influenced his views. Being read by him makes it just like one of his shows. If you love Bill O'Reilly's sense of self and wit, or just want to understand what makes him tick, this is for you.
Excellent book about his early years in the business and how his upbringing and experiences have influenced his views. Being read by him makes it just like one of his shows. If you love Bill O'Reilly's sense of self and wit, or just want to understand what makes him tick, this is for you.
Review Date: 1/26/2011
One of his older books, before he took on such a political tone. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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