Gripping, engaging, educational.
920641
It was engaging as well as educational regarding the early days of Ireland's fight for Independence from the UK.
4699309
While the issues of conservation vs. development are timely, the impressive achievement of Mitchell's book is the narrative.  He cleverly tells his story Roshomon-style through the "nature notebooks" of three women who are all in the same nature writing class.  The different perspectives offer an unfolding understanding of a series of events culminating in a tragedy.  The pleasure comes in the new level of comprehension provided by each of the three narratives.  You'll want to keep flipping back to compare the earlier accounts.
Very engaging.
3062472
Gripping Read ! I really dug the premise and it was brought to life in a strong, skilled effort here. Well done !

First person/present tense brings that raw, palpable sense that the reader is a part of it.  However, this story was a great lesson in maintaining the integrity of such an intense situation, with a blend of stream of consciousness and skilled writing, to hasten the pace giving that situation the respect it deserves.

A lot of writers get tripped up in putting their ego over the story and there is obviously a need for detail and texture.  However, when called for ,the author did a superb job with a vivid, yet precise descriptions (i.e. the characters home life), striking a cord and adding an extra jolt into the readers experience (honestly took me from what I thought was the plateau of intensity to a whole other level, the first of several actually). The same can be said for thought provoking jabs at the human condition along the way.  Though unique, like any good story, I was pulled in quick, it escalated exponentially, and it didn't let go until it fluidly set me free.

Look forward to more from this young writer that "gets it".
3061146
A gripping story of how the equation came about and the affects on World history. Couldn't put this down, have given a copy as a gift and recommending the read to all.
41910
I first picked up Arslan in a used bookstore, based on OSC's recommendation on the back cover, as many people have.  I was not disappointed; Arslan is engrossing, a character study of the people affected by the upstart dictator and how he uses the effectively limitless power he wrestled to control.  Engh does a very credible job of writing from two character's first person viewpoints, one a reluctant school principal-turned-mayor under Arslan's regime, the second a boy rape victim-turned-confidant.  It's not a pleasant read all the time, which I understand tuned some reviewers off, but not all books or other art forms are meant to be pleasant.  I found it compelling.

The narrative does slow down a little when the narrator changes, and I found that a little disconcerting, but It's also perfectly in keeping with the different, fractured mindset of the second narrator.  At least it was different enough in tone and approach to actually put me in the frame of the second narrator, unlike some other multiple points of view books I have read (the otherwise fun Armor by Steakley comes to mind).

I did wonder for a while how that got put into the category of science fiction, as it reads like a political novel (albeit an extreme one) where new technology is not a driving force to the plot.  However, it becomes apparent that the entire chain of events stems from technology.  It's definitely not hard science fiction a la Niven, but rather soft a la Card, where it's enough to know what the thing is and what it does.  It's especially appropriate given that none of the protagonists are scientists; just ordinary people, caught up in rather extraordinary events.

Some of the "shortcomings" I've heard/read in the book I don't think are valid.  Firstly, if the narrator is a school principal, it's probably not to be expected that he would provide any sort of information on the weapons presented, as this is not his field of expertise.  He's an administrator, and from this perspective he's completely believable in both the things he does describe well (in terms of land productivity, setting up agrarian systems, managing labor) and in the things he is ignorant of.  Secondly, rape plays an important part in the development of the story, which is understandably alarming to people.  However, what happens in this story is that government and authority is reduced at a stroke to incredibly antiquated standards, under a military occupation.  To think that rape was not a common event under these circumstances (e.g. dark ages) is just silly.  I'd venture to say that rape is not really the defining force in these episodes; it's power.

I highly recommend Arslan.  Just bear in mind that a book need not have likeable characters to be a likeable book.
2998835
This well paced page-turner is a fantastic example of how history can be made engaging and accessible to readers of all ages.  Before picking up The Jericho River my understanding and appreciation of history was limited.  This book provided a captivating overview of the history of western civilization that pulled me in from the start.  By joining Jason Gallo on his perilous journey I felt like I was learning history while living it.

As a former high school teacher, it's easy to appreciate the value of teaching history in such an immersive fashion.  This book should be mandatory reading in middle or high school history classes and for anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of how humans arrived where we are today.  I look forward to future works from Mr. Tollen.
952794
This book is both academic and entertaining. I'm fascinated by the strength of human travail and survival. Adversity is often our best teacher. An epic account.
944485
This is the kind of book that is so interesting you forget you are learning valuable history.  The author tells a gripping tale, well researched, but also provides important background for the era to put the story in its proper context.  In school I learned (or at least remember) little more than that Magellan was the first to sail around the world.  I may be partial to true-life stories, but I thought the book was as entertaining as any work of fiction I have read.
3604301
This is the third copy of this book I have bought.  I love this book.  A great account of the tragedy on Everest from a first person POV.  A gripping and engaging read.
689340
Engaging, inspiring, and emotional. I recommend this book for children and adults or better still to be read jointly by parent / teacher with their children / students. It provides insight into an important time in history that should not be forgotten. Janusz Korczak, someone worth learning about, provides the background for this uplifting book.
3520664
well-written and grabs your attention from the beginning.  Definitely a page turner as well as being a history education.  Superb.
1831736
A surprisingly gripping and very informative read, full of interesting characters.  Mr. Amore seems to be a true expert in this area, and his conceit of exploring the problem of art heists by examining thefts of Rembrandt's works pulls the book together in a way that is engaging and entertaining.  I was especially interested in the account of the theft at the Gardner Museum in Boston, which occurred not long after I visited there, but the entire book is filled with fascinating accounts of thieves and their targets.  Recommended.
3033514
Meticulously researched, balanced and multi perspective story, written in an engaging style. Could not put it down till I finished it.
398830
Loved this book.  An interesting relevant topic that pulls the reader in and doesn't let go.
1907817
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Engaging, exciting and brilliantly paced. The author skilfully included an almost subliminal message of personal and planetary growth, without being moralistic, judgmental or patronizing.

With elegance and simplicity she told a fabulous story which is engaging and utterly readable whilst also educating through modelling and example.

Best of all theres a lovely plot twist at the end.

I shall be waiting with baited breath for the next in the series
4073246
The characters are always engaging,  the stories gripping and well written.
4473605
I read a great deal....both non fiction and fiction. In the political culture we live in...many fears arise that, unfortunately, are not a far stretch from reality. Mortal Threat takes these real-time inferences and creates a gripping story that forces page turn after page turn. As a woman, the strong female protagonist is a voice I can both empathize with and champion. Her journey unveils information that is culturally significant, realistic, and breeds a life all of it's own. I can't believe I am only stumbling on Tata's work...but I can promise this won't be the last investment I make in his clear and present understanding of the stories that make up the collective heartbeat of this world.