innovative and beautifully written - brilliant man - he opens his world ...
934337
innovative and beautifully written - brilliant man - he opens his world up - to quote Toni Morrison (on Ta-Nahisi Coates book "Between the World and Me") this is required reading.
4804625
When my friend asked if I liked Let The Great World Spin, I nodded emphatically and asserted that she should definitely read it. Youll love it, I said. Youll absolutely love it. I don't think I would have done this if I didn't enjoy or value the book in some way. Its true: the novel (or collection of short stories?) was filled with beautiful lines, moving moments, and strange realities. It was lovely to read, and in spite of the seemingly incongruous link of stories and perspectives, it still manages to captivate the reader and maintain interest throughout.

The biggest and most memorable conclusion I can make about this book though is that I don't like Colum McCann. It was a thought that kept popping into my head as I read. I loved the way he wrote. I loved the way he expressed his ideas. In fact, so many of the ideas throughout the novel hit home with me as a reader. And yet I found there to be an authorial presence that, quite simply, rubbed me the wrong way. McCanns perspective invades the novel. He doesnt mean to--or perhaps maybe he does??--but its there, latent and jarring.

Its a strange dynamic though: the novel is still a beautiful piece. It comes together and makes it point and stands alone as a wonderful read. But for some reason, I felt that McCann as the human behind the writing was just not a great guy, and that really distracted from the reading for me. I genuinely had the thought, I wish someone else wrote this book, because his authorial presence was so abrasive and contrary to my own opinions and feelings on certain subjects. Nonetheless, he was still able to present the story and the ideas in the most wonderfully lyrical and eloquent manner. The images are shockingly beautiful and vivid. The revelations are poignantly expressed and true. One cannot critique his writing, or natural way with words.

I almost dislike McCann for being able to produce something so alive and beautiful while himself somehow managing to insert himself and his opinions. Theres no other way to explain it-- I want McCann out of McCanns own writing. I think that McCann says a lot of ideas in a special way, but I also think that his ideas are smaller than everyone seems to think they are. I think McCann says a lot of things that that are supposed to be novel and exciting and deep, but they're not new. Theyve been said before. He isn't a fresh voice; he isn't putting any ideas out there that don't already exist. McCanns perspective is limited in a way that his writing isnt.
4697528
One of the best-selling authors in contemporary Hungary, Miklos Vamos has produced his masterwork in The Book Of Fathers.  The book's conceit (regarding a pocket watch which allows the first-born male of each generation the gift of visualization of the lives of those who came before) allows Vamos to weave an interesting tale across an astonishing ten generations.  But don't be fooled.  This isn't magical realism or anything close to science-fiction, but rather a powerful overview of a couple of centuries of Hungarian (and partially, Middle-European Jewish) history.  It examines conctructs of identity in the light of personal whim, political and social tides and random chance.

Frankly speaking, it blew my mind.  Each chapter deals with the first-born (always a son) of a new generation.  In this sense, the book is really a compilation of ten brief novellas.  Vamos is such a wonderful storyteller that most of these chapters would work well as stand-alone stories of their own, and in fact, if I could read the book "anew," I'd probably read the chapters in random order to test this theory.  Of course, we see glimpses of the previous (and future) generation in each chapter, and various connective themes are woven throughout the book.  The book is quite lengthy, but I read it in a few evenings simply because I found it impossible to put down.  By the time I'd finished, I looked by at the first chapter and couldn't really perceive how Vamos has managed to create such cohesion and subtle historical transition in a story that spans centuries.  The ultra-intense and surprising (yet hyper-realistic) ending stands as one of the most spectacular comments on the illusory nature of both history and human nature.  I can't recommend this book enough - absolutely brilliant, awe-inducing and thought-provoking.

I might also add - I can't think of a book more well-suited to book club discussion, if that's your game.
1214121
A Modest Genius is a brilliant book on a brilliant man with brilliant ideas! It is very well written and highly interesting! I learned many new things about Darwin both as a scientist and as a private person through his interesting letters, which the author cleverly includes in this great read. The book is definitely worth a read for anyone with an interest in Darwin.
3240742
I was absolutely marveled by the new visions that Goodkind has given us in this, the first volume of the Sword of Truth series.  As an avid reader and a fantasy lover, I am more moved by Terry's works than any other fantasy author-including Tolkein-primarily because his characters are so brilliantly written.  I think Goodkind has made a very human world for us to imagine and relate to.  Each individual has a face and their own values and beliefs, and when I read Goodkind I can picture these people doing exactly what they are doing in each given scene.  Goodkind proves that, while he might not be the greatest writer out there, he is one of the best storytellers of our time.
3910221
Absolutely brilliantly written.  The author's adventures took my breath away -- sometimes in a good way, sometimes not so good.  But that's how it is when we're in the process of becoming a whole person, of growing up. . . . . .I know that this seventy-five year old woman (the reviewer) has developed a bit more on the evolutionary scale thanks to Ms. Strayed. . . . . .I also loved that the author shared her reading list with us;  I'll soon be enjoying those books that I have not already read.
4929760
Stealing Fire was recommended to me a few weeks ago. While I had a faint knowledge of hypofrontality and the enormous strides that had been made in neuroscience and related fields, I was captivated and thirsty for more. So I read Tomorrowland next and was pulled deeper in learning more than I though I understood about the transformative innovations that are augmenting human potential. Yet I was still merely an interested reader. The Rise of Superman threw me into the deep end of the Flow pool.  This brilliantly written book by Steven Kotler has compelled me to go with the Flow and discover the boundless yet challenging opportunities to experience a more enriching, enlightening and uplifting relationship with the wonderment of life, albeit later in life than I wished I had been awakened to.
4847516
Recently discovered this author and really hope he will give us more of this excellent writing - an engaging, thought-provoking book, both witty and poignant.  Mr. Hury unflinchingly shines a light on the times we live in and our very human nature. I will be eagerly watching for more from him!
3275950
This book was a delightful read, and possibly my favorite novel of Susan Rohrer's.  I enjoyed how David's view of the world and perspective on life touched every person he encountered.  His ability to tell a story through his music was captivating and unique.  I was quickly caught up in his journey from innocence and living in solitude with his loving Father, to being thrust into a world that didn't know or understand him.  This book will open your eyes to another way to live, view, and participate in the 'world' in which we are placed.

The publisher provided me a copy of this book to review.
2049187
Diccon Bewes' penetrating insights into the Swiss psyche makes Swiss Watching a book about Switzerland like no other.

I'm married to a Swiss and have visited Switzerland -from Australia- about thirty times.

In my quest to acquaint myself better with this fascinating country I've read many books and guides, including a couple of very good ones.

But here we have something very, very special.

Swiss Watching is utterly absorbing and brilliantly written.
In his unique and engaging style Diccon Bewes zeroes in on the Switzerland we don't really know, the one that's hidden behind all those majestic peaks, quaint chalets, well-fed cows and the chocolate, cheese and precision watches.

The book is a comprehensive and very fair account of all things Swiss -especially the people- and the author's sharp and perceptive observations cut through to the very core of the national mentality.

Want a book about Switzerland full of gushy prose extolling the country's numerous virtues?...dozens of such books exist, have been around for a hundred years and may be found in the travel section of bookshops the world over.
Prefer a no-holds-barred, balanced treatise that will accurately reveal the Swiss to you in a way you never thought possible?...this is THE book.

For author Diccon Bewes, researching and then writing Swiss Watching has clearly been a labour of love; he is to be heartily congratulated for producing such an outstanding and seminal work in which he truly has nailed the Swiss like no-one has before.

As it's right up there with the most enjoyable and informative books I've ever read I simply can't recommend this wonderful book highly enough.
1512940
Brilliant writing from a brilliant person. As a young entrepreneur learning how to handle facing hardships, it's a breath of fresh air reading about someone who genuinely cares and can put aside his own ego to help others.
You may not agree with all is beliefs, but his overall message is tough to disagree with.
390409
A highly innovative author who will be more broadly read as his fame continues to build.
4457725
My husband raved about "The Hauntings of Playing God" the whole time he was reading it.  I simply had to read it myself when he finished just to see what all of the fuss was about.  I am not normally a science fiction fan and have never read a book about the end of the world, but once I started reading  "The Hauntings of Playing God" I couldn't put it down.

The amount of empathy I felt for the central character, a good-hearted old woman named Morgan, is testimony to Chris Dietzel's ability to transport the reader into the mind and soul of his characters.  He is the best new talent I have been exposed to in a very long time.  As I read "The Hauntings of Playing God" I found myself constantly asking myself what I would have done in Morgan's circumstances and questioning if she could have done anything differently.

Everything about this book is genius, from the title (which makes perfect sense when you read the book) to the character development to the tale itself.  I loved the way the author brought so many unique characters into his story without once getting waylaid by excessive detail.  His use of made-up personalities for the "blocks" under Morgan's care was brilliant.

 "The Hauntings of Playing God" made me a believer in the author's talent.  I have started reading "The Man Who Watched the World End" and am enjoying it just as much  as "The Hauntings of Playing God".  Next on my agenda will be "A Different Alchemy" and then anything new that Dietzel writes.
1156612
An Excellent Offering by a very talented and brilliant Man.  His courage to tell the TRUE Story is to be applauded by any open-minded and free thinking person.  A very sad reminder as presented in Mr. Coppen's text;  "Everything you have been taught about Mankind's Creation and Development is WRONG, Dead WRONG!"
259796
One of my new favorite books.  This guy's a genius.
2667251
I am a voracious reader and it's been a LONG time since I've read anything in the sci-fi/fantasy genre that is truly unique.  The writing is superb - the world created is totally different, ritualistic, and fascinating.  The  same-sex relationship in the book does not detract from the story - even  for those of us that are not oriented that way.  The writing and the story  are gripping!
1344932
He's done it again!

Absolute genius. James Blackthorne is the ultimate fantasy writer of our time. His characters are both sinister and lovable, and his beautiful writing rests in the delicate paradoxical nook of being both in-your-face and properly reserved.

This book will make you fall in LOVE with reading. I read the whole thing in one sitting. I just couldn't help it. I was late to work because of it, but when I told my boss it was Blackthorne he said he was a fan as well and that there was no need to worry, ha!

Brilliant writing, just brilliant.