I realize it's just fiction but...
922626
We all know it's just fiction but some people think it should be treat more respectfully.  Hard to return and reorder twice because of water damage.
1116520
"Mann is well aware that much of the history he relates is *necessarily* speculative."  This says it all: speculation = non-scientific/unreliable.  And I starred the term "necessarily" because it describes the author's own view that he is consciously aware of writing what in all honesty is fiction.
1630679
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and, while some will say it's a bit farfetched, I'd respond by saying that's the reason it's called "fiction."
2592502
I have read all of George's books and I must say this book somewhat disturbed me.  If you take this book as purely fictional, you should have no problem reading it.  During the read, you have to constantly remind yourself that it is purely fictional based on the author's creative interpretation, imagination and some fact.  I think Mary, Jesus' mother came across as "confused" or "weak"--totally unlike the Mary I have come to understand based on scriptures.  If Mary, Mother of Jesus, knew he wasn't conceived as other humans were and as scriptures say, an angel brought her this news, why is she unsure of who Jesus is?  The immaculate conception was underplayed yet other prophecies were mentioned such as riding into the city on a donkey to distinguish Jesus as the "Messiah".  Mary of Magdalene does seem like this super-woman who you kinda get tired of.  One thing I did like was the interpretation of Judas.  He could possibly be as Margaret has portrayed him because it would answer a lot of questions.  There is more I could say but it would take too much space; just keep in mind with this book that it's more fiction than fact.
595409
The writer has such talent for making everything truly convincing, that I was very disappointed to realise, as I read, that this was really fiction. Too many inconsistencies and oddities. Kokopelli in Manitoba? boy, he's a long way from home! I've travelled in the South-West and known Navajo people, and Lakotas in South Dakota, and I've lived in Canada, though not Manitoba, and the points made by those who describe that western province are very convincing. No way do Andrews' descriptions ring true.

The clincher was where at the end Andrews is strictly enjoined not to tell anyone of her experiences: she asks "what should I do" and is told "Write a book!" I think Andrews is almost slapping the more gullible readers upside the head!

And it's sad, because on its own terms, it does in some ways convey a quite meaningful view of the world, and encourages us to be open to the deeper meanings and the spiritual connections and resonances of the natural world.  So I wish it were a real account, but as it isn't, I have to feel that such transformations of reality must do more harm than good. What happened to a medieval Christian when it was proved that the famous saint's relic everyone had revered was the bone of a dog's hind leg? Didn't it hurt the faith that had sustained him, and damage the good that was in that faith? Other reviewers have mentioned more accurate, reality-based reports of the shaman's world: I'll have to follow some of those up.
3308827
I can only corroborate what other 1-star reviewers have said.  Under no circumstances read this book as a historical account of Descartes' life or adventures.

The real problem here is that there is just enough truth to make the fiction seem real.  You read it, and two years later forget which tidbits about Descartes you've learned from academic resources and which pieces have attached to your memory from rubbish like this.

I hope one day the author re-writes this book replacing Descartes with a fictional character.  It's a great and intriguing read - but a terribly falsity with respect to history.

I also agree with others that exists at least one fake review here.
201019
Okay, I always figured there was something suspect about Leroy's background. Now with the cat out of the bag, I have to confess that there's something about the writing that will perplex me for a while to come: When I believed SARAH, HAROLD'S END, and HEART were written by a young wunderkind with a heartbreaking past, I allowed myself to forgive much about the writing that seemed forced, over the top, and just downright questionable. Now that it's been revealed the writing comes from a 30-something woman who opted against the understandable use of a moniker and decided to pass Leroy off as real (ten points for the marketing coup, but minus fifty points for manipulating so many of us who felt real empathy for your invention), I just can't take this writing seriously anymore. Instead of coming off as the creative purging of a painful childhood, it now just reads like what it has become: the ramblings of someone who never was a child prostitute, never an addict, and never lived the life she is writing about and claiming to be real.

Perhaps J.T. is the product of a troubled woman with multiple personalities, and if that's the case there's at least a couple of more books she can write about along those lines.

Anyway, I'm very sorry to learn about Leroy being hoax. And, yes, it does make difference for how I feel about the writing.

By the way, I'm still giving HAROLD'S END three stars, but that's only because I really think the illustrations are beautiful.
2301814
Fact or fiction?  I read this book over the course of two days, reading late into the night and using up a rainy day.  Who would imagine that 247 (or however many) days at sea could be so captivating?  I had to keep reminding myself that this was a work of fiction - a fantasy, almost - born of a writer's mind and delivered up in paper, not flesh and blood.  The enduring lesson is simply endurance; or maybe it's hope.  Or maybe - as the twist is delivered in the end - it's about how we shield ourselves from the unbearable by devising a more bearable, though surely less credible tale.  I found myself invested in the Life of Pi so much that I did not want to read the 'alternate' version he told to assuage the skeptical Japanese men.  How could I care so much?  This is, after all, just fiction...
4062355
Again maybe fiction, maybe not. Could it happen ? Think about it....especially with today's headlines. I wish Lincoln was on our police team!
673970
This book was about the author & his daughter's ideas about the end of our civilization. I think it is a little far-fetched but it's fiction. I do imagine that maybe someday some man-made biological germ will lead to our destruction if we're not careful. For me, the story was captivating at times & lagging at others. It wasn't spellbinding for me.
2506485
This is a great thriller... I just wonder , how much is fiction and how much is fact.  I find the acts of ,,, more and more betrayal a primary subject in thriller , governmental stories to be very scary. I read about similar happenings in the newspapers and TV shows daily. I have to question.. are these writers of fiction borrowing from the facts and if so what is happening today in AMERICA.YOU NEED TO READ THIS AND SEE WHAT YOU THINK.
912510
Just from reading the description I am convinced there is an element of fiction to this narrative.  Why would parents who had isolated themselves with their children and were afraid their children would escape them give them to Amish and expect them to be more isolated that way?
4793840
Ok.  There are far too many dramatic conclusions to relationships and situations for me. Work of fiction, or not, there's still a limit to believability.
2583305
the story seemed so implausable and it may well be an embellished story to say the least. i hope the truth is known one day.
482162
I have to be able to believe on some level that what is taking place could.  I had trouble with that throughout the read.
2280191
It is an entertaining read.  I finished it in one day.  I consider it more fictional than factual.  I do believe this boy saw what he says he saw, but the father, who is a pastor indicates he believes there is more than one religion that leads to heaven, for me that was disappointing.  I will watch the movie, but I will view it as fictional entertainment.
2555972
This book was fascinating and riveting.  As it's sometimes been said, fact is often better than fiction.  However, my problem with this book is that much of this book could easily be make believe.  Perhaps it's reality. But who knows.  There are so many "coincidences" that it strains belief -- and that's coming from a person who believes in the concept of synchronicity.  Anyhow, it's a good read.  If you're not wedded to it being true and just stick to the story (i.e., accept that it might not be all true but enjoy the prose and the theme), you'll enjoy it.  It certainly will change the way you view the world and read/listen to the "news."