Unmistakably the best BEST book I've read in a very long time
938116
Unmistakably the best BEST book I've read in a very long time.  I fell in love with McKenzie Ridge with the first book, and with each subsequent addition, I love it even more.
Forgotten, blew me away.  It was the best so far, and can not wait for the fourth book in the series.  Morgan and "Guy" are such an adorable couple, Ms. St. Klaire drew them out so well and add to that a bit more detail in the other regulars, particularly Blake.  Well it's just so hard to put into words just how good this book is.  I guess the best way is to say she makes you feel as if your one of them, you (at least I did) consider all the characters are your close friends.  The finish was incredible, she drew out the scenario so well, where other writers might have just left it at, trying not to be a spoiler, the basics but she took it to the next level, really validated the entire mystery.
I still can't believe she's been a writer for less than a year, the only clue is the level of improvement with each book.  Look out world this gal is someone to watch, at this rate there has to be great stories in our future.
4275712
This is one of the most captivating books I've read in a while
500694
I'm putting this at the top of my list as the best book of the year. I loved it! Absolute pure enjoyment from beginning to end. Beth Hoffman is a wonderful storyteller and gifted writer.

All the characters in this story are so REAL and the writing is so colorful and vivid that I felt like I was living in Savannah the whole time I was reading. I laughed and I cried from one page to the next. There is such a depth to the lessons CeCe learned from the women who helped her heal. Each character is beautifully developed and gives something remarkable to a little girl who has lived without much for most of her life. This story is far more than entertaining because it made me think and reflect and rejoice at the beauty of female friendships. I'm going to buy copies for my mom and sisters.

This is one of those rare books that I will read again and again.
700653
This is without a doubt the best book I've read this year. It grabbed me from the first sentence and didn't let go until I had finished the final word. The two main characters are funny, witty, and, most important, real. I felt that I was being given a glimpse into a world that kept going even when I wasn't reading the book. It doesn't shy away from the grisly aspects of war and the seige of Leningrad, but it doesn't dwell on the dark stuff either. I'm recommending this book to any fan of well-written fiction.
2677185
This is, quite simply, the best book I have ever read.  It is my all-time favorite, and rightly so.  Everyone looking to expand their horizons a little bit should give this book a whirl.
2886368
I don't know were to begin, as I finished reading the book this morning. It is one of the best books I have read in a very long time, for starters. Although having read more books on war and such, including some of the cliche 'classics', this books moved me more than I could ever have imagined. I have had some sleepless nights by now... The vivid decriptions of human nature, loyalty between people, the surroundings (which are decribed in a way I recognise from Tolkien, he has the same (English?) way of colourful and lively picturing nature) and trench warfare in general made me many times recoil in fear, digust, hope or pity at what was happening, but always with the urge to return ro the story. The interludes in the seventies are somehow very touching too, I think many Europeans have felt the same way Elizabeth, the character in this part of the book, is doing. More than one million dead sons, brothers and fathers in the first months of WW1 is not something that is forgotten lightly, whatever the cause... Read it, and think, and hope (in vain?) for no more wars on this scale...
2914607
The most wonderful, unique story I've read in a long time...and how it all comes together - amazing.
4816289
The most amazing book of fiction I have read easily in the past year.  I started reading this book this afternoon probably around 4pm and have now finished it at 11pm.  I couldn't put it down, I was completely immersed in this world and invested in the characters lives.  It was just a beautifully crafted piece of literature.  The way it was written was very unique and it took a bit getting used to in the beginning but then just flowed really amazingly.  Just absolutely beautiful.  I was crying my eyeballs out I was so moved.  There really is nothing I would change about this story at all. Love. Love. Love.
773052
This was the best book I've read in a long, long time (And I'm picky!)
4596369
I could hardly tear myself away from it to go to sleep. This is the best book I've read in a very long time.
3431759
This book is honestly the best that I've read in a while. I hit a reading slump that's been hard to shake and I was a little hesitant in starting because I'm not usually super big on fantasy, but a close friend recommended it to me so I had to try it. I'm so glad I did. So, so glad.

You get to know the characters and get attached and while you get comfortable in the story, it's never really predictable. The story is very inclusive and its characters are diverse, and none of it feels forced which I absolutely adore. It's such an amazing read, I'm so glad I picked it up.
4808262
This has got to be, one of the best books that I've had the pleasure to read in a long time.  If I could give it 10 stars I would.  This book holds a lot of meaning for me personally, as if every page gave me a new spiritual insight or a serendipitous gift.

All the characters played an integral part, and each one had their share of pain to try and heal.  As the book progressed more and more was revealed about each character, especially Olwen, Elsie, Dr. Jack and Rose.  The emotional (and some physical) scars that these people bore due to terrible abuse from others in earlier years, and the desire to be healed from them was the glue that bound them together in this special place. They were willing to participate in some very special events geared towards spiritual growth and healing.  These wounds are the same that many of us carry with us, and which are depriving us from living full, productive and happy lives.  I realized that we are given "demons" when a parent or an adult person whom we trust violates us in the most personal way.  We are then burdened with a demon that eats away at our lives as a direct result of the abuse.

This story takes place in a beautiful setting, in a beautiful, grand house (while reading about the Dunesfort House I kept imagining it looking like the Biltmore House in Asheville, N.C) set remotely from villages and towns.  The Celtic and Irish worlds mixed with legends and faeries, labyrinths, soul retrievals, Breathers and Watchers, Firewalks and culminating with a rare rite held in the heart of the Callanish Stones on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland.

The vivid imagery and superbly developed characters made this book a special treat for me.  I often re-read paragraphs to get all the spiritual "goody" out of them that I could.  This book seemed as if it were written for me, about me.  It was surreal.  There were so many things I could personally relate too and I could see that Olwen and I would have been great friends.  The author put a lot of time, effort and thought into the writing of this book.  I rarely go on about the books I review like I have this one.  I believe that many of the events that O.R. Melling writes about actually happened to her.  I think she is Olwen writing about her life, her being a friend of Bill Wilson, and her healing from unfortunate events that no person, especially a child, should ever endure.  Reading about the these made my heart literally break.

I love this book.  I will re-read it several times.  I highly recommend it for anyone who has untreated pain from the past.  I totally now believe that such pain also requires it to be removed from the memory of the body as well as the soul.
4040079
I loved this book so, so much. From excellent anxiety representation to female friendships, and the most healthy, loving husband/wife relationship I've read in probably forever, this is easily my favorite book of 2018. I will be shocked if it isn't nominated for a Hugo. I cannot freaking wait for the next one in the series.

Added note: Kowal's narration is a gift. Highly recommend listening to the audiobook, if you have that option.
3063825
WOW, I wish there were 10 stars to give this book! This was by-far the best book I have ever read and I've read a lot of books over my lifetime. His writing style is superb and the story itself is heart-warming, poignant, witty, sad, and hilariously funny. I laughed (guffawed more like it!), I cried (sobbed), and I honestly hated to finish this book. I was afraid that it would have a sad or bad ending but the ending was excellent, perfect, and  completely satisfying. I have also read Beartown by the same author and that book was amazing and well-written as well. I'm so excited to have found another great writer and I will read all of his books as fast as I can.

Thank you Mr. Backman for a wonderful, unforgetable, experience!
4357597
Absolutely loved this book, best book I've read in a long time, stayed up nearly all night rereading it, stays with you for along time after
4108290
I read probably a book or two a week, and here it is 12/29/09, and this is the best book I've read this year!  As I was reading this book, savoring the language, I felt deeply satisfied in the sense of something filling my soul.  I am not gifted at literary review; I am not an editor.  I can only say that the writing of this book seems extraordinary, a rare thing.  I just now watched the clip of Colum McCann on this site, and he speaks of "channeling" the voices of the characters and of acting as a ventriliquist.  He succeeds expertly at channeling disparate voices--and so many of them--from different races, socio-economic standing, and from different places--Ireland, Guatemala, and the United States (he seems to have New York City down pat and then there was Gloria with her Missouri roots).  He made me love these people, these very different people.  He helped me understand and also care about hookers in the Bronx, about a struggling single mother from Guatemala, and a judge in NYC who's life was not all it seemed to be once McCann helped us see beneath the veneer.  These people are believable, both in the way they talk and the way they think, their interior lives.  This is an outstanding book.  I am not the first to say so; I just wanted to add my thoughts and thanks to so many others'.  Congratulations to Mr. McCann for this amazing work of art!
4809972
What a bloody fantastic book! The story of Yara and David is so damn beautiful. From the first page to the very last I devoured everyone of Tarryns beautiful words.

This story is amazing and the emotions hit me deeply. I really don't think I'll be the same again. Yara and David will stay with me forever. I'm so happy to have read this book, I didn't have any idea what it was about when I started reading, and whilst reading I had no idea how it would end. When I'd almost finished I suddenly thought I don't want this book to end, I don't think I've ever felt that before, normally I'm rushing for the finish!

Five stars! Cannot recommend this book enough, best book I've read this year.