Lightening....yes.......very compelling.
343420
This book has to be a new favorite of mine. I never thought I would read any Dean Koontz books, but after this one encounter with this man's work, I am inclined to disagree with my prior judgement of him as an author.  This book was so completely NOT what I was expecting.  I don't know WHAT I was expecting but, I was pleasantly surprised.  I am sold on Dean Koontz. I will be reading more of this authors work.  Very good story line. Excellent and believable characters...I thought at one point I was going to be disappointed in the book, but then he turned it around and made it good.....highly recommend if you have never read one of his books, this is a great way to check this author out.
4823017
Wow. If you enjoyed Lights Out, you will LOVE this book. I got this plus audio. Audio was very well done. The writing in this book was top knotch, the story moved along nicely and it was a unique, clever read.

The main character and many secondary characters were extremely likable. I really felt I was there with them! Very realistic, excellent pacing. Though I believe there's a sequel, this novel wraps up nicely.

If you like "world goes to sh&t", try to survive stories that are grounded ( people aren't all gun experts) you'll thoroughly enjoy this. I'm about to buy the sequel now!
2041894
what a compelling novel...i couldn't put it down...i felt like i was there and fiona was telling me the story...it is so well written and the story is wonderful...it is full of love, courage, hope and heartbreak and more hope and yes, more heartbreak...it brought laughter and tears and the ending begs for a sequel...it is not an ending, but a new beginning...and i so want to know what happens in their lives...i certainly won't be able to give it to anyone as a gift, because my tear stains are on lots of the pages...kudos to kerri bennett williamson for a wonderful story...but i can only imagine what happens next...i hope we will find out...
430738
Do you get bored quickly? You won't with this book. Compelling - a dramatic insight into Chicago politics. The words are highly visual allowing the reader to be drawn into each page. I was reading 2 other "beachy" books simultaneously and actually re-directed my attention exclusively to just read Not Black And White. From the opening paragraph to the conclusion, you will be enveloped. Shouldn't all books and tv shows be this stimulating? Perhaps This book would make a great TV show.
3053162
Not exactly the light romp it purports to be.  Alright, it doesn't purport to be 'light' 'romp' exactly, but it does purport to be easily accessible to the interested lay reader.  I beg to differ.  There's quite a lot between the covers of this book that is scarcely intelligible to -- I imagine -- all but the highly trained practitioner of neuroscience, physicist, molecular biologist, and about a dozen other -ists to boot.  Nonetheless, even that which lies beyond the bounds of complete intelligibility does lay tantalizingly beyond them.  What I did manage to understand reading this book had me completely bowled over, and eager to read more books on similar topics.  I score that a win.  In the event Loewenstein considers writing other 'popular' sciences books, in future, I'd recommend that he give a little more consideration to his likely readers.  But dimwitted a reader of future Loewenstein titles as I may be, I'll still happily pour over them.  Physics in Mind is one fascinating romp!
3690609
Great read......You can almost see the characters in motion.
822096
A smooth, fast paced light read. The characters actually have 'character' and the reality they exist in and the technology they use is both believable and congruent, capable of temporarily suspending disbelief. I find myself wanting to read the sequel so I can find out what happens next. I think I would enjoy viewing it too as film or tv series.....
512110
I have been reading a book that has compelled me to light a flame against mainstream print MEDIA. An urban tale based on reality that has a familiar flare but the virtual outcome is OVERWHELMING...and "simply spiritual". I expect that anyone who has travelled long, winding roads will want to read this and realize that behind the obstacles and wrong choices there lies a greater gift. Definitely destined to become one of the greatest "biggest little" reads of the year! Please go purchase a copy of "When GOD was EFFERVESCENT" by Saleemah GRAHAM..smooches!
3400711
A fantastic read. The author utilises one of the most distinctive voices I have ever read to tell a compelling story in a vivid setting that manages to illuminate some of the less-well-lit chambers of the human heart.
3454477
"The day you were born . . . the morning sun was very beautiful." With the Light begins like a love letter from a mother to a child, and in a way, it is, although a fictional one. More than that, though, it's an in-depth analysis of a young mother discovering that her son, who came into the world at the first light of day, is different from the other children she knows. He doesn't talk. He cries often, and for hours on end. He doesn't like to be touched or held. He is difficult to understand or relate to.

Gently, and with the aching slowness of gradual realization, Sachiko comes to understand that her son, Hikaru, is autistic. With no understanding of the condition, she struggles to come to terms with what it means and what she can do about it, while her hard-working husband, Masato, pulls away and immerses himself in his career.

With the Light takes all of its principal characters on a long journey of self-discovery. Sachiko longs to understand the way her son's mind works. The innocence and the tenderness of the scene in which Hikaru finally acknowledges his mother and, in his own fashion, expresses his love, is heartbreaking. With the Light's ability to convey the complexities of human emotions without getting sentimental or overwrought might be its most admirable quality. Author and illustrator Keiko Tobe at first treats her story almost with the allure of a mystery--Sachiko is driven and determined to unlock the secret behind her son's aloofness, while her husband and his family separate themselves, and even blame Sachiko.

All of which is not to say that With the Light doesn't have its tender moments. It does, but it earns each one of them without toying with the reader's emotions. When Masato struggles with his anger and stress of his son's autism and lashes out at his wife, it's not the cloying stereotype of an uncaring man with no time for his children. Instead, it's all too apparent that this is a man too young to be both an effective father and the star employee his bosses--not to mention his family and society--want him to be.

With the Light's two volumes run an expansive tale totaling over 1,000 pages, including resource material to help the reader along. A convenient guide to manga helps those who aren't familiar with its style (the book is read right to left; it's surprising how easy it is to adapt to it once you get started), and the editors of this English translation include brief descriptions of elements of Japanese and manga culture to avoid confusion and enhance the reader's understanding. Also included are supplementary materials on autism and translation notes.

With the Light is fascinating to watch unfold. Its broad scope spans years in the lives of this couple and their son, covering not only his development but the relationship he has with his sister, who comes into the family years after her brother. Teachers, doctors, friends, and family all play a role, too--sometimes in a negative, judgmental way, and sometimes with a heartwarming spirit of compassion--as Sachiko and Masato learn to cope, live, and move on. That's the brightness of these two graphic novels and the triumphant nature of their storytelling.

-- John Hogan
4016849
I'm not sure anything I say can actually do this book justice, nor can I rave any more eloquently than some of the other reviewers. First I must explain that crime and serial murders fascinate me, so grabbing this on Kindle Unlimited was a must. My bookshelves are filled with true crime, I even write dark stories like this. But, wow. Just wow. Usually I find things in this genre that rings untrue, or unrealistic. Something that by even suspending belief for creative license still gives me pause. But I found none here. The book explores the nurture vs. nature argument in a very interesting way.

The characters are extremely well developed, having a touch of stereotype, yet still being individual as well as unique from each other. Even though they recognize their differences (for example with Carol & Jamal) they can still can grow a fondness for each other, looking past those difference. Then comes the bloody, gory parts that would scare many... so if you're squeamish... don't read this at night. Like I did... all in one sitting and carrying it around the apartment because I refused to put it down. All night long I said, "Just one more chapter, but before I knew it, it was hours later and I was finished. The writing style is the perfect blend of narrative and action/dialogue to keep any reader interested. And the twisted.. darkness.. oh how I love it.  Now I have to go get Mr. Power's other book, but need to set time aside to read it, as I'm sure it will be another long night.
3129338
Rarely does one find depth and play in such a lightening-paced novel.  Cleverly written with unexpected turns that both make sense, yet alter one's vision of reality.  What more can one ask of a novel?  Heck, what more can one ask of life?  Rabin takes you on a wild ride, and while I'm not sure if in the end I find myself "23 degrees south," I am certain that upon finishing this debut novel I ended up exactly where I was meant to be:  happy, content and a bit dizzy.  Just like I like it.
4250789
I don't leave reviews often but feel compelled to share that this book is an exceptionally compelling read. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read more from this guy.
3711185
Very  well riting  ....I  injoy  it  very  very  Much  .....I  give  it  ,,,,4,,,,,,Stars  Thanyou  ,,,,,Fay  ,,,P  ....
3695380
You could call this light reading, pure entertainment reading OR heaven forbid, you could play with the thought of 'could this be a glimpse into a futuristic reality?'
Life is moving on and which direction will it go??  This book does get you thinking!!!
Have fun. It is quite an interesting read.
122657
And more speed, and even more. In the end you are hanging on for dear life, wondering how the heck this train is going to come to a smooth stop.
It is, by no means, a perfect book...but it is a powerful and compelling story. I still found Lilia to be a more engrossing POV character than Kevin; her sections just made me feel more, care more about her struggles.

Eagerly awaiting the next one.
1745434
...This is one of the best dramas ever created.  some...thought traffic was much better. hah!...if you want a really good story that stays in reality, ie. (not characters that turn from a rich little schoolgirl into a [prostitute] that [works] for heroin within the timeframe of about 2 weeks) then buy blow.  i garantee you will find it a compelling and powerfull story.  O_o  o_O