Best book I've read in months
925839
Really well crafted saga of a life we can only imagine. Can't wait to read more from this author.  Couldn't put it down.
2298859
I discovered this book after I finished reading From Sand and Ash.  Beneath a Scarlet Sky is the best book I've read in a long while, and reading is my favorite thing to do, every day.  It is history told in a thrilling way.  It's almost unbelievable that Pino Lella's life story can have occurred in a single person's life.  I found myself Googling every person, event, and place; it's amazing that we can do this and see pictures of the characters and places.  I soaked up so much knowledge that I never had before.  I can't stop thinking about Pino Lella and this book!  Thank you, Mark Sullivan.
1339440
This is a winner!  Easily one of the most enjoyable books I've read in months.  The book has LOL humor, which I loved, as well as great characters and a good mystery. It is well written, well edited, and thoroughly engaging; I couldn't put it down.  Please continue with this series, Catherine.  I'm hooked!
301777
I loved this book so much I started reading it again immediately. I don't think I've ever done that before. This is he best book I've read in a long, long, long time.
2180892
This book was recommended to me, and I can't praise it highly enough. Fine writing, totally engaging characters and the best book I've read in awhile.
3532961
Best I've read in a while, technically fascinating, funny, believable and no false notes. I think more books about human cooperation and not conflict are very welcome. Reminiscent of Kim Stanley Robinson, where hope, no matter how difficult the situation, makes the survival of the individual or the group, seem possible. Also being able to self publish and be a success, makes the impossible seem possible.
4766836
I'm a little surprised, honestly, that there are so many low-star reviews for this book, because I thought it was one of the best books I've read in months. The main character--Alby, Albert, Al (Matt?)--is crass and irreverent, just a colossal a-hole, to be sure. But the vulnerability! Oh, man, I felt like I was flailing right along with the guy. I felt his pain and understood his desperation as he tried to grapple with the death of his mother (and the Disappointment that is his father). Would I ever want to be friends with him? Absolutely not. And God forbid he try to hit on me in a bar. But as an outsider, as an observer with no ties to or responsibility over this character, I could allow myself to empathize with him. And I most definitely did.

Sumell's writing style certainly helped those feelings along. He has a unique approach. He's all over the place, kind of random stream-of-consciousness. It could be confusing at times, but I enjoyed it. It made me FEEL something. It made me connect with the characters, almost like I could tap into their emotional states in a way that traditional dialogue or linear storytelling could never accomplish. Like this, for example:

"So I have to wonder then if [loss] could be better explained with numbers, if there's some equation, some formula that could calculate the force by which my mother's death impacted me. So shattered was my spoiled-white-kid understanding of the world by it that I'm convinced momentum and mass somehow come into play. Maybe an algorithm could better explain how her suffering and dying divided time into before and after, could calculate how precious my dog became to me as a result, could communicate how his loss seemed like a loss compounded, interest earned on a previous injury. Maybe math could help me understand why--after suffering for so long--I don't get better at suffering. But I don't. Every time, I don't."

There is a rawness to both the characters and the method of storytelling in this book. It all felt fresh and interesting. Alby may have irritated me, but I still liked him. I wanted to know more about him, and, eventually, I wanted him to succeed.

One thing I will mention, there is a whole lot of profanity and crassness (and a whole lot of profane, crass sex talk) in this book. You're going to want to prepare yourself for that. For me, it was never offensive, but I'm not really offended easily. It also helped that I thought Alby was ridiculously funny; I just couldn't take even his most disgusting remarks seriously. But I'll still put the warning out there.

Overall, this was such a good read. I am so happy I picked up the book, and I would definitely recommend giving it a go--despite all the meh reviews.
1850454
I read, on average, 2-3 books a month.  I have to say, this is the best book I have read in several years.  The flashbacks along with current story lines makes the characters more complete.  The story line involving the murder of Tracys' sister and the subsequent years of trying to determine the truth when an innocent man is sentenced for the crime and sent to prison.  The twist and turns throughout the story made it move fast and kept me glued to the book to see who actually did it.  When the conclusion arrived, I was floored by the reveal.  I did not anticipate the ending.  It wrapped everything up completely.  It is a completely enthralling book that will grab and deep your attention for every page!!!
1520933
One of the best books I've read lately!  And I read a Lot!
679257
I am awestruck by this book!  Absolutely the most enjoyment I have had from a book in a long while.....and I'm an avid reader.
3002717
I absolutely loved this book.  It hooked me from page 1.  I loved the way it was written, although I could see how some people might find it annoying. The characters were well-drawn and the story was gripping.  I chose this book for my book club and everyone loved it. I highly recommend it.
2882424
Best book I've read in awhile.  I couldn't put it down. As you get into the book you feel like you really know Vince.
The book was so good, I bought Tanzi's  Ice. It's way more intense than the first book. I hope there is another in the series.
149434
I chose this book from the Kindle First list and I'm so happy that I did. I am an avid reader and can honestly say that this is one of the best books I've read in a long time. The characters were well developed, the author captured the pure human emotion of each character beautifully, and I could actually feel for every single one of them. Several tough subjects were covered in the story-child abuse, rape, infidelity, substance addiction, an orphaned child ,and the effects of each were eventually overcome. I knew how I wanted it to end from the beginning and, thankfully, it did. I highly recommend this book. I was sorry when it ended.
761952
I received this book as a giveaway and it was the best book I've read in awhile! I love the way it was written, from the order it is in to the wording used. I highly recommend this!
858750
This book was absolutely fantastic.  I couldn't put it down once I started it.  I loved the characters, the story and most of all I loved the unexpected surprises and twists.  I didn't want it to end it was that good.  If you haven't read it, do yourself a great big favor and definitely read it.  Great, great read.
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.
4113384
This is one of the BEST books I have read in a while. I loved every single second of it. I want EVERYONE to read it is that good. I can't wait to read more from this author....I will be following her from now on!