Storytelling at it's best
352530
Finished playing all the games. The game's storyline was so intriguing couldn't resist the urge to investigate more of the witcher's world. A worthy read that fills the gaps in the game's storyline. Can't wait to read the next book.
1499632
I loved this book. The author has mastered story telling and keeps the reader glued page after page.
2907954
This story had every element a good story should have. An exciting plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. Theres an abundance of well illustrated scenes that really make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that's something I really look for in a good book.

This absorbing and attention-grabbing work had me engaged from the beginning. The story flows from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling.

Its one of those rare stories that come along that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. Im giving nothing away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery!

Ill certainly be looking forward to reading more from Dror Segev in the future! 5 Stars from me.
961947
This complex narrative is told in five voices: a wheelchair-bound teacher named Mrs. Olinski and the four brilliant sixth grade members of her academic team.  Konigsburg alternates brief glimpses of their final quiz bowl championship match with short stories about the different life journeys each kid has had to make, each told in the first-person.  The longer personal narratives temper suspense about the outcome of the competition, and the resolution of all the stories is satisfying.

I didn't want this book to end.  I was so captivated by the characters that I wanted them to stay with me as long as possible.  The book seems much longer than its 163 pages-not because the plot is slow or boring, but because it is so rich and complex.  Konigsburg weaves five narrative voices into a coherent whole: Mrs. Olinski, who teaches from a wheelchair and manages one of her school's sixth grade academic teams; Noah: funny, clever, methodical, and accidental best man at a senior citizen's wedding; Nadia: introspective, reserved, wondering how to cope with her parents' divorce; Ethan, who dreams of working on Broadway; and Julian: Indian boy magician and target of the school bullies.

At first, I was very skeptical about this book.  As I listened to the characters, I often thought, "No, I'm not buying this.  Real kids don't talk, think, or write this way-especially sixth-graders."  I noticed that Nadia rarely uses contractions, often making her speech stiff and mechanical.  Noah begins numerous statements with the word "Fact."  Ethan makes sophisticated observations such as the differences between farmers and suburbanites ("A farmer likes dirt.  Suburbanites like to get rid if it") and describes people with a maturity beyond his years: "His skin was the color of strong coffee with skim milk-not cream-added."  Julian is a skilled magician who sends his new-found friends on puzzling journeys through Lewis Carroll.  I have taught middle-schoolers for many years, and have met only one who could even come close to writing this way-but never four at once.  Yet after a bit, that didn't matter.  I was so caught up in the masterful way that Konigsburg shifts the point of view and the setting that I really believed in these kids.  Just as Mrs. Olinski came to believe in each one that she chose for the academic team, I too came to believe in them as I journeyed with them through their memories and stories.
262276
Great Story Telling! Leaves you thinking about it for a long time. Unforgettable.
3314312
Wonderful narrative and a poignant storyline. I loved this book. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy simple storytelling techniques with the backing of a depth that comes only from real experiences.
1600643
This book is an incredible piece of literature, and one I'd assign to my students if I thought I could get away with it.  This story pulls none of the lazy storytelling tricks that many others attempt, and engages you quickly, not dropping that engagement until the Epilogue.  Colville is great at setup and dialogue, good at world-building, and while his actions scenes aren't the best, he works with that to write in such a way that it's if not a strength, then at least not a weakness.  I'm glad book 2 is already out, because I am buying it immediately after writing this.
3645036
Whoa. It's been 2 days. I have not put this book down. (Mind you, I have a toddler, so maybe I put it down once or twice). Really good storytelling.
4943217
What stands out most about this book above all is Mrs. Senzai's compelling storytelling ability. She does a lovely job of keeping the reader immersed in the story and wanting to know what happens next. The characters are believable and, dare I say, loveable. The children will particularly pull at your heart strings if you have kids their age.

There are times when some of the "factoids" of the region and period are related in the form of dialog between the characters and it kind of comes off as a news article or Wiki entry. However, I don't fault her for this because she is actually doing something laudable in making the effort to inform the reader about Afghanistan under the Taliban in the process of telling a captivating story that takes place in that context. Considering that young readers are the target audience I would actually praise her for writing with a social conscience and making an effort to educate as well as entertain.

The fact that I found myself caring for what happened to the characters made me feel that the author accomplished the objective of her storytelling very well. I would go so far as to say that someone could write a film script off of this very easily. I, for one, would be delighted to see that.
3802599
Storytelling at it's finest. Mysterious, nerve racking and sweet.
227066
I am not finished with the book -- though I'll probably stay up tonight until it's through -- but wanted to write to applaud this novel.  Other reviews have covered the imaginative and unusual plot; and it is an engaging story, right from the first chapter.  I am a lover of oral stories; I like going to storytelling festivals because I enjoy listening to a tale being told, and I am able to go deeper in the story with the sound of a storyteller's voice.  All The Little Graces is written in such a magical way, I feel as if I AM hearing a storyteller.  I linger over some of the lyrical descriptions, and am in awe of how Eleanor MacDonald paints a vivid picture, complete with every colorful detail.  As I read and engage with Eleni, Lily and Harry, I can see them;  I can smell the ocean, taste the wind, hear the sounds of Greece.  Eleanor MacDonald knows how to paint a picture and add sounds to it with her words.  There's an enormous amount of heart and art in this book.  All The Little Graces is pure love.  I shall try to taste each chapter and not consume it too quickly...  not sure I'll succeed as it's already got me hooked.  (My husband may not appreciate it, however, when I find myself at the Animal Shelter adopting another four-paw though.)
1586934
Beautifully intertwined stories that span generations and explore colorful and thought provoking characters.  The art of story telling at its best.  You will fall in love with the characters and you will never guess how all the mysteries unfold till the very end.  The characters have an intimacy and a depth to them that is very telling of the hard work and research that the author put into her writing.  I can't stop thinking about the book after I finished reading it.
4026219
Sensational. It becomes clear as you proceed the required time it took to write this book, near ten years I believe. Was not expecting to marvel as much as I did, and it is definitely worth a re-read. Written simply and beautifully, great storytelling, sympathetic characters of interest. A palpable grayness with little light. Moved deftly between worlds and time periods. Its depth will continue to be revealed on re-reads. This book can be completed in a day or two. Given the numerous white space between chapters (most are three pages) this book is about 100 pages less than the its numeric length.
4318803
Kevin Hearne is keeping the art of storytelling alive and thriving quite nicely. His style of writing is succinct and enthralling. His wit is superb, both when he is being subtle and in-your-face, laugh-out-loud funny.
  By the way, Kevin. You know that TRUE storytellers tell stories right up until the day they pass from this world, right? This means we shall expect more from you on a regular basis.
  Having read all you've written several times, I'm not so patiently waiting. (This is where some might place a smiley-face.) (Note: no smiley-face.)
767726
What a coup for a first novel - an intriguing foray into the intimacies of family relationships as told by the individual members of the family.  Uvi Poznansky has created characters so rich and unique in their communication that I almost felt as if I were inside each character's head as the details of each thought was hatched.  Wonderful storytelling!
1176574
There are stories I get so involved with, I don't want to put them down, but I don't want the story to end.  This is one of those books.
1807543
Good storytelling by the author. The characters have depth and are flawed, making it easy for the reader to form a bond with them. I would definitely recommend this book to others.