"Total Genius" of a Book
347880
AMAZING BOOK!!!! What an emotional rollercoasterI think I experienced every emotion there is while reading this book: sadness, love, anger, and downright hatred for some of the characters! I just hope I can give this book the praise that it deserves. Once I started reading, I was completely drawn into the small town of Chastity Falls and its dark secrets.

Savannah, affectionately known as Ana, has moved from sunny Florida to the rainy coast of Oregon. Like the sunny, bright Florida coast she once called home, Ana used to be happy, and her life was filled with hope. But, all that changed in a moment, and she was thrown into darkness and uncertainty. So, she finds herself in the small town of Chastity Falls trying to put her life back together. She wants to remain invisible and just move through life, not living it. However, she soon finds that rather difficult as meets people who will soon challenge her to feel again, from her feisty, loveable roommate, Elena, to the sexy football star, Jackson, who has the power to heal her shattered heart or completely destroy it!

So, as I am reading, I am thinking this is going to be a beautiful love story of two people who have lost something precious and will heal each other. It is the beginning of a great romance, but dark evil forces in the form of deadly secrets and twisted individuals threaten to tear Ana and Jackson apart if not killing them. The romance, the sex, the secrets, the intrigue, and the mystery blend together to make a PERFECT story!
I read in Cottons acknowledgements that when she came up with the idea for the book that she thought it would be either genius or total rubbish. Let me just say, its COMPLETE GENIUS. So, do yourself a favor and buy a ticket to the secretive little town of Chastity Falls. I guarantee you won't want to leave until you uncover all of its dark and deadly secrets!

***Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***

****I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.****
1292102
Genius.  I only wish that it was done as a hardcover, and that they had used newsprint-type paper. . . but otherwise, it really is brilliant.  Great images and graphic design, there's literally endless knowledge for the curious mind. . .
3247596
Christopher is a genius little kid well above the minimal Mensa threshold with a very capable memory, logic skills and very gifted at math.  However, Chris is also an autistic kid, very, very low on his social skills.  The combination of his skills makes him a very special kid: wildly creative, most of the time living in a fantasy world of his own; yet fragile given his unability to read other people's emotions and intentions accurately.

However, Chris is brought to reality by a bizarre incident: the dog of his neighbourg is killed and left in the garden with a fork.  As Chris approached the dog to capture the scene, the lady next door things Chris had something to do with it and calls the police.  The police quickly finds out that the little kid had nothing to do with the incident, but Chris gets deeply engagaged into the whole incident from this point on.

After this point the novel gets into a very quick, engaging turn of events as Chris discovers new traces, somehow by luck, somehow by connecting all the dots that are given to him by the adults around. Eventualy Chris gets to unmangle a web of events that are very relevant to him and his father and "the curious incident" turns into something very meaningful to him and his dad.

The novel is extremely creative and is definitively a huge breeze of fresh air.  It definitively teaches how simple developments can be used to build high quality fiction work without having to look at the clich toolbox.  Do not miss it - you won't be able to put it down.
3137465
Coupland never ceases to amaze me.  It has been said that he is a modern day Salinger, and after reading this title, I can't agree more.  His quirky observations, his ever-relative comparisons, and his thought provoking moments of genius--all these add up to make him in my opinion the greatest author of our time.  My favorite part of this book is the fairy tale that the main characters sister is constantly having he and his brother act out.  Pure genius!  It will change your life.  If you get a chance, you should visit the authors website and listen to real audio clips of him reading from this book. "Sometimes I think this is the only thing I should be thinking about."
724031
There's so much in this slim volume that I'm not sure where to start.  Here's the TLDR version:  it's an utter delight, and you should buy it immediately.

Our hero is a graphic designer with some meager programming skills who is left jobless by the recession.  He finds new work as a bookstore clerk, and soon discovers that the store is much more than it seems.  His quest to uncover its secrets leads only to mysteries, eventually sending him not only across the country but (figuratively) back in time to when the technology to make books widely accessible first became available.

The "I love the smell of glue" crowd is represented, as are the "print is already dead" folks.  Neither are wrong, because the book as object *and* the book as text are important in different ways.  The vast power of the Internet is harnessed, often to great effect, but human handcraft is also vital.

That would be plenty, but there's so much more.  For instance, consider the idea -- so casually tossed off -- that the world is simply filled with secret societies, the only hitch being that most of them don't realize that they're secret.  Or ponder how the standard adventuring party from role-playing games, when the roles are translated into modern terms, actually is a fine combination of human resources for accomplishing a goal quickly.  Or think on how movable-type presses were, in their day, the equivalent of a young Internet -- a new technology with limitless and thrilling potential to open vistas theretofore undreamed-of.

It's missing a few things, most notably combat and sex.  I didn't miss them.  I didn't even really notice their lack until I sat down to write this review.  There's no need for faux excitement when there's so much genuine excitement.  The book is so full of *story,* not to mention ideas, that the pages very nearly turn of their own accord.

Buy it.  Read it.  Rethink parts of your world.
2856230
I was glued to the pages of this book. I found the book extremely original, witty, and absolutely brilliant. The author, Eric Maisel suggests his theory on the multibillion dollar industry of mental health disorders and questions mainstream notions of this disorder. But she does so in a way that's sensitive to the reader. I would recommend this book to ANYONE who is interested in the field or who is exposed to the notions of mental disorders, which is pretty much, everyone, in Western Cultural.
3911711
I purchased this book at the Philadelphia Museum of Art several years ago, when it presented a show on Salvador Dali.  The show was an eye-opener to someone who basically knew Dali for his significance as a surrealist as described in art history courses, and for his limp watches depicted on tourist shop posters in Greenwich Village.

I did not know Dali the genius, the intellectual, and the wit who wrote this book.  This is a brilliant book, which I am not qualified on any level to describe.  But if you enjoy clever, original writing, or being allowed into the head of a genius, or are a serious artist who wants confirmation of the colors never to invite to "the ballroom" of your palette, this book is a joy.  I hope it never goes out of print.
1648218
This book was absolutely amazing.  For a children's book, it can capture even the adult imagination.
The book starts off with the careful manipulation of eighteen people into moving into an apartment complex.  Of the eighteen there is a doctor, a restauranteur, a judge, a runner, and a birdwatcher.  But there is a also a bookie, a bomber, and, quite possibly, a killer.
On a dare, Turtle Wexler agrees to spend the night in the Westing Manor.  However, that night is shortlived as the body of the deceased (and possibly murdered) Mr. Westing is found in the house sending Turtle running in fear.  But surprise of all surprises, the eighteen residents of the apartment complex have all been named as potential heirs to the Westing fortune -- but first they have to play The Westing Game.
Paired off the group goes on their merry way searching for clues.  However, when the secretary's transcribed copy of the will goes missing and a mad bomber starts to terrorize the players the game takes a wild twist.  At the same time, though, you come to realize that there is a bizarre method to the madness behind the game.  People are being paired off for a reason.  From people learning to bond with others, learning about differences, learning to love, and learning to be loved, each pair brings its own special allure to the game.
Now, I am not going to spoil the ending, however, I do urge you to read carefully if you want to figure out the big "whodunit."  Just when you think the answer is there, there's a REALLY BIG monkey wrench thrown just to send you for a loop.
Although it's a mystery and there is talk of death, dying, bombs exploding, and you might have to explain what a bookie is to your child, this book really and truly captures the imagination of anyone who reads it and is truly a wonderful book.
3772893
What IF everyone could be a genius? What if genius is not something you are born with? What if genius does not reside in your DNA and only a privileged few have access to it? Would you want to live YOURS?

Genius is something we each can tap into at any point in our lives. It is a field of energy around us all the time. Take a moment to watch and ponder the Magic of Nature for example. How tiny seeds transform themselves into giant cedar trees, or pumpkin vines, flowers, carrots or peanuts growing in the ground! How does nature work together so magically, every tiny microscopic part working in harmony with all the rest? Animals and nature living and growing in harmony.

How do the seasons come and go and things grow endlessly when left alone in the forest, the jungle, or deep in the  arctic worlds filled with frozen water hundreds of feet thick? Supposedly humans are even more evolved than the magic and wonder we have yet to figure out! We only use a tiny bit of our brains I am told and there is so much more to explore!

Take a trip inside yourself. Ask new questions. Look at everything in life from a more infinite perspective. There are always hundreds of ways of looking at the same situation or question.

We have all read or seen examples of people tapping into their genius whether it is listening to Mozart, reading about DaVince or Einstein, gazing at the Mona Lisa. We have seen people tune "into their zone" during athletic events and break records others thought were impossible. What if we each were capable of similar feats?

This book offers you any clues to finding your own personal streak of genius. It guides you into finding new ways to experience your life and perhaps you will emerge a different person for having taken this adventure.

Genius is defined as: an exceptional intellectual or creative power or other "natural ability".  Wouldn't it be wonderful if each of us could tap into this creative field and more often live from our own "natural zone of genius" more of the time! This book certainly  provided me with many tools to begin to do so! I loved this book!
657440
Unbelievable book.  I've seen the movie about 45 times then found out it was a book!  And like usual, the book was better.  There is such force and direction behind the writing.  The ideas that this book contains are simply genius.  Everything comes together for one reason or another.  It's a mind bending, mind enhancing, mind opening book that will, in one way or another, change the way you view things.  Definitely worth buying because you will read it over and over again.  The story is original and Chuck Palahniuk delivers one punch after another.
2795149
Just think if Picasso could have written a really good book about himself, or Tolstoy, or Martin Luther King, or Joni Mitchell--what a great thing it would be to get an inner glimpse into these people, coming not from some biographer but direct.  That's what Bob Dylan has done, and I found it absolutely fascinating.  First of all, he's an inspired wordsmith, and that extends to his prose as well.  Certain passages or turns of phrase would stick in my mind because, because, well, there's something about them, something special.  And it's because this guy's a genius and he understands something of the mystery of words.  It's so interesting seeing his fateful years in the Village from his point of view . . . This book jumpstarted my own creative juices, because this guy is just so creative, that just to follow his thought processes starts making your brain synapses start to crackle and pop . . . Other reviewers have explored many other angles, don't want to go too deeply into it here except to say I read it twice--was compelled to read it twice--because I just couldn't stop thinking about certain things he said, and I wanted to go back and see why the writing affected me so much.  The magic is both in the lines and between the lines, and I just wanted more and more.  Can't wait for vol. 2.
4120972
This book totally blew my mind when I first read it, maybe more than any other book since. Kundera has a way of looking at the world that is totally unique and pretty enlightening, and although I didn't understand everything he said at the time, I feel like his sharing that view with readers is an incredible gift. None of his other books grasp it quite as completely (although several other people I've talked to also say that the first one of his they read was the best, whatever it was). Read it, read it young, and let its ideas float around in your mind forever- you'll be a more complex thinker, I guarantee it. (I'm not sure how much my guarantee means to you, but it means a lot to me)
3486279
My purchase of the book was not so smart.  I have poor flexibility, and I supposed that some dynamic technique of kicking around would loosen tight muscles more easily and more safely than the painful (and perhaps foolish) stretches I was taught all those years ago in high school.  That was just my personal hallucination.  I have no interest in martial arts.  Still, the book is amazing, perhaps nearly perfect.  Wallace is meticulous, including information detailed at just the right level to allow someone to learn his flexibility and kicking style.  He has thought through every detail with great precision and fantastic insight.  Unlike most books, there is no "back story" or "fluff."  Everything in the book is concise, to the point, and (odds are) perfectly correct.  It is a very great pleasure to read such a well crafted book by a real master.  Some people (Vladimir Horowitz) are wonderful in their area---a kind of genius---without really knowing how they do it.  They have unconscious mastery, so they can't teach anyone else how to perform their skill.  Wallace has conscious mastery, and he teaches this as a high craft indeed.  It's a pleasure just to own and read a book by someone of such accomplishment---across the board.  I have no idea how this book could be improved.  It is nearly perfect.
486090
I've not finished reading the book yet, but I'm enjoying it very much. I read A LOT!  Some books I guzzle in a day, like a dehydrated maniac. Other books, I read slowly, savoring each drop. This is one of those books that I feel is best enjoyed a few sips at a time. While reading this, I flip back to the family tree at the front of the book, as new characters are introduced. It is a fascinating glimpse into the GENIUS of David Bowie. I am acquainted with one of the contributors to the book and have heard his stories of playing Monopoly with David, and his own awe at the pure genius of David Bowie.

My only issue with this book is that several pages have come loose, which frustrates me because this book will remain in my collection and I'm sure it will be pulled out from time to time to be reread. Most books I read and pass on to someone else, but this one is a "keeper".
4274185
Simply put, this book is a masterpiece. I read the entire book cover to cover in one sitting... I could NOT put it down! I cannot praise this book enough. Do yourself a favor and just buy it. If you don't recommend it to all your friends when you finish reading, I'll be shocked. There's a reason why this book has an almost perfect 5 star rating, and no it's not hype, it's that good, period.
4208046
This is a book you get to read once in a lifetime. Certainly one of the 3 best books I've ever read. Unfortunately, it is not for everyone to just read off the shelf without prior knowledge. I have read this book after having read & researched a lot about (and sometimes experienced) the fields of (or persons) Psychology, Psychoanalysis, Buddhism, Zen Buddhism, Daoism, Confuciounism, martial arts, Philosophy, Nietzsche, Capitalism, Social Democracy, Advertising, ADD/ADHD, Marxism, Freud and quite a few others. Only a person who has some basic knowledge of all these subjects, and preferably lots of knowledge about them, would be able to appreciate Fromm's greatness. It is because Fromm takes ideas and concepts shared by all these subjects, and many more, to produce an amazingly coherent outlook on our reality and society. I have never encountered anyone else who could seemingly merge so many topics, and discuss them with plain brilliance, as they were all just one thing. It is not just a great book in general - to someone who is into Buddhism or Daoism, this could be the best book he or she had ever read on this subjects - simply because of Fromm capacity to explain subjects like these, sometimes even without naming them, in a way a westerner could easily and intuitively grasp quickly. In this sense, and unlike what some reviewer has mentioned, it is a "self-help" book - it's just that the "help" it's going to give you is highly dependent on what is your starting point, knowledge-wise.

Beyond the main subject of the book, which is "Being" (or "mindfulness") and how to "get it", I think this book has achieved something much bigger - a grand theory of the nature of our society and human civilization. No less. Read this if you value your intelligence.
179477
This is one of the best books I have read in a while!!! Sure it seemed a little too tedious, and boring at some points (because some chapters were utterly useless-- or so I thought...) As one reviewer put it "everything ties in together", which is a very true fact; thus my reason for reiterating the point. I absolutely loved this book and hope everyone at least tries to take up the 'challenge' for reading this masterpiece. I assure you, when you finish reading it, you will be very proud of beginning it in the first place!! Oh, and one little suggestion: Make sure you have a dictionary around you somewhere (because you will need it with Dickens' superfluous use of archaic vocabulary).