Would have liked the subject character having a bigger role in the ...
347343
realistic story line. Would have liked the subject character having a bigger role in the plot.
4062314
not enough of the main character for me, I liked Holiday and just would have preferred more of him as a lead
756610
3.0 of 5 stars 
This was an interesting story capturing a few different themes: the graphic novel industry, the Jewish culture, two boys/men (cousins), one gay, as they grow up and age. So I saw potential in this and wanted to like it more, especially since this was recommended to me by a close friend who ranks it as one of his favorites. Alas, it was not to be for me.

This had a lot of potential for me, partly because I like historicals and graphic novels, so I got into that part of the storyline. I also like stories that include a gay MC, and like this one it doesnt have to be just or the main focus. But in this one I thought the gay part was superficial, the struggles of the MC not fully, emotionally understood and depicted, told from, if you will, how a straight person might see it (although I have to say from my reading experience that has not limited other such authors). And while I was sympathetic and found it initially interesting, I just could not identify with the Jewish culture; so that part was not as meaningful to me as it might be to others, and thus the long story lost some of its luster as I read on.

I can see why it won the Pulitzer  which is not necessarily a compliment. It is, if you like what I call high lit. Michael Chabons style and language was prosaic, but sometimes it didn't seem to fit (maybe trying too hard?). It was not an easy, but a heavy, read  laden with intelligent yet complex language, methodical pace, much detail even minutia, to the point where I could only take it in small chunks at a time. I got the symbolisms and themes (ok, maybe not all), and that did sustain my interest to some extent. And I liked how the characterization changed with the characters, such as capturing the suave sophisticated banter of Hollywood types as well as the dialogue and lives of the working class.

I thought the first half was much better, because of the depiction of the Jewish struggle during WWII and of the early, golden years of comic books (both the business side and how they creatively evolved at the time). There were specific scenes I found engaging, such as the creation of the Escapist, the depiction of the young mens passion for comic books, and later, even the scene out on Fire Island. But when it started to focus on just the aging of two Jewish cousins, I lost some of my interest. That along with all the extra details and heaviness started bogging it down for me, making it just an okay read with some interesting parts.
3798473
The Game Master is a modern parable focused on two young boys and their place within the small community where they live. The other central character is an older Japanese man very much in the tradition of the shopkeeper in the Gremlins movierather mysterious and wise. I didn't realize at first that this book was written for children, but it soon becomes apparent. This is not what Id call an action-packed story, but more a journey of self awareness and study of the human condition written from a young perspective. Although generally well written and a pleasant read, its rather predictable. There were a couple of opportunities for the author to create some suspense, and if he had done that, it would have perked things up a bit. That said, the characters were diverse, real, and likeable. And if even a fraction of this generations children were to read this book and absorb its messages, the world would be a better place.
541531
I like the character, Bill. And I suspect the next book will provide more background on what he does as an investment counselor and hopefully give more detail as to how he draws trouble into his life. The author could use a better editor or writing program; the grammar was off at times, a word missing or placed in error. Overall I enjoyed the story because it took me away to another place where my masters thesis does not live - yet.
4283761
It was interesting because the subject matter was different.  The characters were not well-developed, except somewhat for the controversial lawyer.  With knowledge of the inner workings of the White House living quarters, this story could have been more rich.
2652397
LIked it to a degree....the issue I have is that the main character is carrying a black stone already....you would think she would have questioned someone concerning that stone....but I guess that would be too easy
639461
Enjoyed the characters & the plot, also the ancillary characters.  Versatility would have been a +
4813681
Poses that someone will be solving the kidnapping of one of the characters.  Would have liked more info on Day as a bipolar photographer but got museum curator turned PI. Could have done without the sexual overtones.  While some went w the story others seemed included for unclear purpose
64046
Enjoyed the character, though one of my friends really objected to her pigeon English.  Thought it was obvious who the bad guy was from the very beginning.  The writing of characters other than Aunty Lee was one-dimensional.  Probably wouldn't read another book if it turns into a series, and probably wouldn't read another book by the author, but I don't regret the time I gave it.
1610364
We read this for our book club. It was enjoyable for the most part. Had a good story, a subject matter that provided intelligent feedback but I didn't enjoy it enough to be interests in the second book.
1177336
I would have liked to read more background information on the characters and more details in the final scene.
704805
On the plus side, Ms. Layne knows how to write sharp, realistic dialog that develops character and moves the story along.  While crisp dialog is difficult to write, it really does make a story much more fun to read and I fond myself more engaged with the characters than I would have been without it.  I liked both Lincoln and Daisy but felt that their characters weren't as strong as they might have been with a few different choices in the plot development.

On the downside, I just couldn't completely 'buy' the complicating issue between the two main protagonists.  Yes, I understood Lincoln's grief over loosing his fianc&eacute; to a for-all-intents-and-purposes fatal car accident two days before their wedding.  What I didn't understand was how strongly he clung to that grief more than two years afterward.  I have known and understood grief.  However, without going into 'spoilery' details, the depth of his ongoing, devastating grief felt like an author's contrivance.  As a consequence I felt his character was weaker than it should have been.

With regard to Daisy, I liked her but felt that she should have been a little stronger.  She put up with entirely too much from Lincoln with his I'm over it/not over it vacillating. Her quiet, ongoing infernal 'acceptance' of his in my mind, illogical-at-this-late-date grief, made her more passive than I would have liked.

Bottom line: Had Lincoln somehow been responsible for his finace's death, his hair shirt would have made more sense.  Instead, it just felt like self-indulgent wallowing.  What gets this three stars is the dialog.
2181631
I found the plot engaging and the characters fairly well developed. WHY the two men were attracted to her was missing some development there would have greatly enhanced the narrative
1957001
This book was an enjoyable read and I was glad to learn more about Korean history and culture.  However, I found that I expected more of the main character -- things just seem to happen to her. A woman who represents a new cultural direction for Korea -- particularly one who accomplishes what she does and lives through what she does -- should not be quite so passive, especially when the author has described her otherwise.  I had also expected her to express more conflicting emotions about being caught between her traditional family and her desire to be more independent.
3384468
The main character proved interesting and should be a strong personality in the series.  Multiple plots sometimes wander however.  But they join later in the storyline.
1011427
Overall this book had a lot of what I look for in a good read. Characters that I could care about and story line that was interesting. The main character is a hard nosed former cop who is now a private eye. He is involved in a detective story that ends up being a personal vendetta for him. Its obvious sub plot deals with the issue of abortion without actually clearly condemning either side. I felt he seems to be more pointing out the hypocrisy of the religious right in the book than being preachy for or against. He leaves that up to the reader to decide, which I am a fan of.

Although the main character was good, I did think there were a few characters that were weak. Mr. Rickstad could have strengthened a few of them to make it so that you cared about them more. A prime example of this is the main character's daughter who goes missing, but he didn't build her into the story strongly enough for me to really care about her.  IMHO, he could have done more in that regard. Also, I felt the police detectives were almost little more than bit characters in the novel when they could have been a little more valuable to the story line.

Overall, it is a good book. Could have been better, but it could have been a lot worse too.