Be prepared to read this book in one sitting. Seriously.
920115
Great story! When I picked it up to read I couldn't put it down. Excellent character development. The accompanying imagery from the characters' descriptions really brings them to life. The characters are all cleverly woven into the story and it's interesting to see how this bunch of misfits actually live and work together. The story has an absorbing flow to it and conflict, climax, and resolution are amusing, splenetic (think Judy), and seamless. I loved it!
4773491
An afternoon. That's how long it took me to get through -- devour -- Matthew Quick's latest novel, which takes a pretty icky subject and shades in the edges with matter-of-fact prose and deep empathy.

Read the synopsis above to learn more about the plot that tracks Leonard's planned last day on earth, but 'FMLP''s power -- and yeah, it's a POWERFUL read -- comes more from the clarity with which Quick guides us through his protagonist's head. The loneliness. The questions. Those indescribable thoughts none of us would ever cop to having. There were moments in the book I bristled at, and you will too, but none of it is anything but utterly authentic. Never cheating, Quick gives the reader everything.

If your concern is heaviness -- understandable! -- know that Quick imbues 'FMLP' with the same wry sense of humor he brought to 'Silver Linings Playbook', 'Boy21'...all his work, actually (which should encourage you to check out the rest of his catalog!) You'll cry, undoubtedly, but you'll also laugh against your will at the perfect portrait of high school interactions and teenage life, in general. Quick consistently makes sad shit really, really funny.

To say that this is an "important" book would be an understatement. And not just given the seemingly mounting school violence of the past few years. We've all known a Leonard Peacock -- have maybe felt like him some days ourselves -- which makes this story of a kid with a loaded gun more universal than the jacket blurb would suggest. Are you a teenager? Do you work with teenagers? Are you a *human being*? Read this book, and remind yourself of those simple duties we owe each other: forgiveness. Kindness.

Go hug someone today. But first buy this book, and say thanks that we have writers like Quick willing to tackle such tricky emotional terrain.
496221
I read this in two sittings . It felt so real and is so personal I couldn't put it down.  This is why I read.
2807593
Pretty much downed this in one sitting -- I simply could not stop reading! Beautiful story and very real, so reminiscent of many a summer vacation: swimming, cookouts, and baseball games; the rollercoaster-ride of young people's friendships; the tightrope of teenage emotions, of feeling "in" something (or somewhere) but not "of" it. It's impossible not to like David Grossman. Read it. You'll be glad you did.
619485
With the exception of a break for dinner, I finished this book in one sitting.  I could not put it down.  It's well written and heart-stopping up to the last page.
3271125
My goodness. A book like this is one to be savored for sure. But even after I finished it I could immediately tell this was a book I would come back to, and one I will have to read many times over. Highly recommend.
1341860
I read this in one sitting, with barely a bathroom break! Looking forward to Book 2.
1898342
I literally read this in one sitting because it was that amazing. So relatable and helpful and such an easy read. This will definitely be something people will keep coming back to. As a bonus it'll literally make you laugh out loud too.
1684707
I'm going to try not to gush too much. Yes, I am a total fan girl for this book. In fact, BUY IT. Then, make sure you have the time to read it uninterrupted in one sitting. It's that damn good.

However...my only beef was that when I started the book, I felt like I was dropped into the middle of something.  However as I just learned there is prequel novella, I'll be checking it out ASAP and suggest you do too before reading MS.

As this is a series, I can not wait to see how it develops, especially since we don't have to wait too long. I seriously can not wait.

Mercury Striking reads like a Mad Max action style movie. It's dark and gritty and completely cinematic. It's also sexy, heart-felt and heart-breaking. Oh yes, it is heart-breaking. It's also frightening in the completely believable plot.

All the characters are well developed and Jax and Lynne are both perfectly imperfect. Ms. Zanetti is rough/hard on these two(especially how Jax treats Lynne early on) but it makes the story that much better; giving it much more depth. I'm also usually not surprised or caught off  guard in my books, and Ms. Zanetti was able to accomplish this.

I'm trying not to give too much away in this review, because I don't want to ruin anything. Trust me, this book is so good, you need to READ IT NOW.  In fact, I'll be buying a copy to re-read to see what I might have missed on my first read. I love that- now I can look for clues and things I might have missed the first go round.
1022297
Although I had had this book for several months, I had just not had the time to read it. I picked it up a few times, but couldn't concentrate...then...I read it. I didn't get off the couch for the first 110 pages. If I hadn't had to work the next day, I would have finished it. It took me two more days to pick it up and once again...I read...until I was done. My emotions were a roller coaster as I saw people I knew...I could relate to. The research to create this book was spot on. I live here.  And I felt that swell in my chest as I read the unexpected, the slight bit of predictable, but most importantly that snap back to make me look inside myself more. Thank you Beth.
4237458
I am completely in love with this story..
No cookie cutter, tired teenage drama here... May in fact be the first time I didn't see what was coming - I refuse to post spoilers, or lessen the experience by submitting a generic review of how it all goes down, just know this; the characters are vivid and dimensional, you WILL read this book in one sitting.. Its an experience, one totally worth having:)
)
2163903
CAUTION:  Reading this book my cause exhaustion and blotchy eyes.

I usually read myself to sleep at night.  With some books, I can barely last a chapter before I nod off.  Not this one.  I couldn't go to sleep until I found out what happened next -- all the way to the end!

I can't decide which character I loved best:  Juliet.  Elizabeth.  Isola.  Dawsey.  Each distinct personality shined through in their correspondence.  For awhile, I actually forgot that this is a work of fiction and not an actual collection of letters written by separate people.

I know I can't do the book justice with this review.  Please, please, PLEASE get your hands on a copy and read it for yourself!  Schedule a large block of time.  Brew up a pot of tea.  Settle into your favorite chair.  Don't forget to keep a box of tissues handy.  You will need it.
3348805
So, I just read this book without getting up out of my chair once.  I was drawn immediately into the suspenseful scenario ... and then I gurgled aloud and twitched at the sordid imagery ... and followed (against my will) along Sue Young's journey, chewing off my cuticles, until the very last page.  I anticipate more gnashing and thrashing in my bed tonight!  This book is not only a thriller.  The thoughtful and precise language - and the structure of the book as a whole - make it a book I'll remember.  I just hope I can forget it once the lights go out tonight.
825134
C.S. Bills does a magnificent job of presenting the nitty gritty of the surgical suite as well as the hidden rooms of psychological trauma. Try combining a medical perspective with the nuns of Mt Carmel and we have an unlikely duo . . .unless the abbess is a psychologist. I wondered initially if Bills could pull off this dynamic, but she succeeded.

Sara is a cardiovascular surgeon plagued by panic attacks. The Mt. Carmel sisters are in the healing business--soul and mind. Bills pulls on the heartstrings with this read. There is something to touch a deep part of any reader.

Highly recommend. Read in one sitting.
1832418
It's a great book if you're excited from page one, and I WAS. I got so excited reading the prologue that I began freaking out because moi&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Kindle-Paperwhite-6-High-Resolution-Display-with-Built-in-Light-Wi-Fi-Includes-Special-Offers/dp/B007OZNZG0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Kindle Paperwhite, 6" High Resolution Display with Built-in Light, Wi-Fi - Includes Special Offers</a>&nbsp;seriously needed to charge. I was out doing wedding shopping with my daughters and omgosh I just had to finish the errands ASAP because I knew moi Kindle Paperwhite would shut down soon and I need to get to my laptop so I could read in the fabu~* Amazon Cloud. I could hardly wait to get some place where I could settle in and read because this book is INTRIGUING from the get-go. When you buy this book, be certain you are somewhere you can read undisturbed when you open it (and be certain your Kindle is charged). Seriously. The story is very well-written, sophisticated prose, without being slick and you will not know what is going to happen next. Maybe you see things coming a mile away, normally. Well, kiss that ability to predict plot with certainty good-bye because the author of this book will keep you guessing (and it will make you nervous and excite you terribly). The author skillfully handles transitions between characters--while they are in a dream state. This book is peculiarly good, in the sense that the read feels like the work of a Vonnegut or a Heinlein or the like; the book in no way reads like the work of first time author. Think mesmerizing, think engaging, think psychologically compelling. The characters in this book are on a journey where their unconscious and shadow reality realms, their own mysterious unknown natures and the secrets of reality, are bumping up against their actual waking actuality. This story is spooky, exciting and the read is entirely addictive. I got chills and that just doesn't happen (sure, I might feel fear reading certain books but #goosebumps on my neck and arms? that is the result of some really great writing). I admit that I love Jung's writing on dreams and have been dream journaling for around 15 years and so find dreams compelling but those interests aren't prerequisites for enjoying this seriously trippy, entrancing serial fiction. Plus there is a a romantic subplot that is thrilling and dreamy in it's own way--so heartfelt and authentic in feeling. The main characters are primarily students and the setting is primarily a university. If you are interested in a compelling and exciting read with heart, that you won't be able to put down, then this book is for you. Think #nightmare #dream #thrilling. I can't wait to buy and read&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Dream-Doctor-Dreams-book-2/dp/B00BW8JPWS/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Dream Doctor (Dreams, book 2)</a>. Happy reading~*
3428503
What to say. Where to start.  This is one of those books that teases you in and won't let go.  The characters are alive  and I easily found myself relating to each of them.  The story unfolds much like life.  Up and down all at the same time. If I hadn't fallen asleep , I would have finished it in one sitting.  I'm glad I didn't.  Why? Because it was so wonderful to puck it up this afternoon and get comfy with old friends.
I'm not the best at book reviews, but I do highly recommend this book if you  want a taste of old and familiar friends.
I was surprised several times and upset at the way some things turned out. And yet, life takes turns at times that are upsetting and that we question.
The Author molds the story and gives true meaning, life, to  her characters. She reminds us that things happen for a reason and that we do need to follow our hearts.  No,  I'm not going to say anymore;  I hate spoilers and this is a review not a book report!
2570794
If you sit down with this book when you don't have plenty of reading time, you do so at your own peril.  This journey draws you in at once and won't let go.  Talk about a page-turner!  The writing is spot on, the lead character swipes your heart, and his story unfolds with amazing insight and sensitivity.  Expect much from this one, and you will get it.  Dora Leigh, author of The Forgotten Gift