The writing was some of the most beautiful I have ever read
359163
The writing was some of the most beautiful I have ever read. We read this in my book club and analyzed the book. The history behind the story was fascinating. Not everyone enjoyed the book, but we all agreed that the writing was incredible. If you are a lover of fine literature I highly recommend reading this book.
1137890
This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read.  The prose is lyrical at times (describing nature, or the abiding love between two long-married people), and also funny (when Leonard's mind meanders in the middle of things, "Spaghetti Bolognese"), and poignant (when Leonard aches that he can't make his grown daughter feel "all better"; the crushing grief he feels so deeply, and remembers feeling).  It's a tender, engaging story of an older man, his thoughtful relationships and connections he has with others, chosen or not.  It moves slowly but deliberately, and I enjoyed reading as it meandered along and didn't want it to rush.  The plot is enticing, and pulls the reader in to learn the secret, but the writing makes it a lovely world to inhabit once inside, and asks profound questions about life and love and trust.  It's a mystery, but it is also Truth.
3693709
Nicholas The Naked Sicilian and Other Stories is an amazing short story collection written by a truly gifted writer. It is replete with characters that are zany and unforgettable. There are men who dream of loves they've lost and women they have known. There are artists who hide their talents behind the artifice of the mundane world; nightmare scenerios converge with the commonplace and it all makes for a fictive world that quivers on the edge of a dream. And yet the author pays his respect to the everyday absurdies through his wonderful prose and minute attention to details.
For instance, in The City Of New Beginnings he describes one of his finest characters, Miss Lena thus: "Yes, Miss Lena had transformed herself. She had become a lone planet, a mass of bright, then darker colors, a revolving planet where birds and butterflies, snakes and spiders came to life with her every movement, her every breath. Then the music stopped, and a siren cut through the blind. When the doorbell rang Miss Lena dressed herself in a hurry, and as I watched her I thought to myself that hers were the most beautiful, the most timeless scars that I would ever see."
On reading this book I had the uncanny feeling that I was being pulled into a mad theatre of strange tales and unusual dreamscapes that were like the paintings of Dali or Borsh. Yet it's all there to behold in the powerful prose of Militello, who is indeed a great new force to be reckoned with. For he has burst upon the tepid literary scene like a streak of lightning through storm laden sky.
I look forward to reading more from this writer, until then I'll just go on reading and rereading this fascinating book.
2077948
This book was one of the best books I have ever read just because simply how beautifully written it was made I wish there would be another book after this. :0
4454551
The beautiful, almost poetic writing caught my attention. The author does a wonderful job capturing human emotion and makes history come alive.
3810914
Extraordinary. Having lived on the East coast and now in the Northwest every reference made to both areas made me feel a part of the journey. The writing is beautiful. Both my husband and I loved it. I really did not want it to end.
739703
I've never read ANYTHING SO BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN. She writes like my mind thinks! It was an amazing experience! I could read it over and over!
662168
This is one of the most beautiful books I've read in a very long time. Sarah Hagerty is a particularly gifted writer (she has the most lovely writing style!) and her story touches the deepest of places. I found myself stopping many times while reading and just staring off as I pondered the truth of what she had to say. Inspiring, convicting, and touching. I highly recommend this book.
2181409
This was one of the most magically beautiful books I have read this year or possibly ever. The words were lyrical and in some parts it utterly destroyed me. Its one of those stories where you feel so many emotions that its just so difficult to fully explain. I felt like a tornado, all twisted up inside. At times I was reading with a huge smile and others crying quietly to myself. When the Moon Was Ours was definitely a rollercoaster ride, but one I would gladly take again.

It would so easy to just summarize the story as being about four beautiful and manipulative white girls who will stop at nothing to steal something from the quiet odd girl. Sure, thats kind of where the plot takes the reader, but this story is about so much more! Its about secrets, those kind that you try to hide even from yourself, self discovery and acceptance.

Miel struggles with who she is and remembering her life before she was found in the aftermath of a flood. Multicoloured roses grow from her wrist, but she isn't sure how she feels about it. Sam, her best friend, isn't sure who he is. He struggles with his body and his place in the world. What he does know is that he loves Miel more than anything else in the world. Miel and Sam  Honey and Moon as they were often referred to  were just so beautiful. I wanted to hug them so many times!

Where this book shines is in its handling of gender issues. I have never read a book where the topic is written with such skill and brutal honesty. Yes, I have read books in the past that discuss transgender characters, but it felt like thats all the character was. Here, the characters aren't forced into one box. All facets of their personality and lives are explored.

I highly recommend reading the Authors Note at the end of the story. Like the book, its highly emotional and carefully crafted. It provided insight into how the book was written and the inspiration behind it. I found it extremely touching.

You really need to read this gorgeous book! I rated it five stars, but could have easily given it more. The writing, the charactersit does something to you. Seriously, my heart is still recovering. Its going to be so difficult to pick up another book after finishing this one.
3215457
There are about 5-6 of these pieces that just took my breath away with their beauty and depth, and many that were good and enjoyable to read. There was just a little filler stuff.
It was a pleasure to wander through these thoughts, and Im grateful for Brian Doyles writing.
65065
So beautifully written.  I cry every time I read it.
2453928
This book wasn't "exciting" or "thrilling," but the more I read the more I liked it. The writing is lyrical, gorgeous, and hauntingly beautiful. The main character, Marianne, is 60 years old, but this story is like a "coming-of-age" for her as, following a failed suicide attempt to escape a loveless marriage, she discovers who she is inside. The description of the settings and the food are particularly beautiful. Thank you, Netgalley, for this arc.
4613070
This novel (which is more of a self-admitted autobiography) is AMAZING. The writing is so so SO gorgeous. Even in translation, this prose left me stunned, inspired, awoken. Such a short read, and every word is perfection. Poetry on every page.
2048905
Possibly the most gorgeous writing I have ever read. Beautiful images. The stories were often thoroughly depressing and bleak, though. But the writing made even this beautiful.
4323614
Beautiful iilustrations and intriguingly written!
2987017
I have not enjoyed or devoured a book this much or this fast in a very long time. The writing is beautiful, poetic, humanistic and funny, blending light sides and dark sides with eloquence, sadness and joy.
Amazing.
3163321
The writing is very absorbing. It takes place in a general area I'm vaguely familiar with. Every area is beautiful until it's not.