Wonderful Read, Wonderful Experience
583528
I read this book having purchased it at a book store where Ms Fitzpatrick was speaking. I've just purchased it here on Amazon to send to my mother-in-law.

This book is a wonderful read. Ms Fitzpatrick really takes you along her journey, with a healthy dose of her own skepticism.

I have read a couple of other books dealing with this subject matter but none were as personal and riveting as this book. She is not preaching at you, trying to convince you of anything. She shares her experiences. It reads more like a novel about this young, fabulous woman on a glossy paved path to success who gets derailed due to sudden harsh realities.

My mother in law will love this book as much as I did, this I'm sure. It's really very good.
2520948
"Voices of the Stars" was a terrific reading experience.  I read a great deal of literature pertaining to King Arthur and this is one of the best.  Whaling gives multiple points of view in the novel, bringing the many characters to vivid life.  She also presents the reader with some interesting spiritual insights as well.  I highly recommend this book to readers of Historical Fantasy and Arthurian stories.
4857365
I have not enjoyed a story so much in a long time.  I laughed and wept and felt emotions which are a delight to be given through a book.  The characters have wonderful depth.  Ms. Landvik's grasp of what it takes to be the parent or friend of a disabled child as well as the myriad gifts they bring to a family is perfectly on target.  After finishing this book I went upstairs, kissed my daughter and thanked God once again for giving our family this wonderful gift which allows me to truly comprehend how lucky I am and how wonderful life can be.  Thank you Lorna Landvik.  I can't wait to read what you bring us next.
2768659
A wonderful read, I have travelled to Goa for holidays and the book brings to life so much of Indian culture as seen through western eyes. It really made me want to return and experience the culture, the friendly people and the food. Don't be fooled into thinking we  have real indian cooking in our restaurants - the real locally cooked food is in a different league. I was definitely transported back to India and the sights and sounds and aromas all came flooding back as they were so well described. Lovely adventure - so I am going back there after reading this again.
950813
This book was something wonderful to experience. It was so incredibly unique. And thought-provoking, as it dealt with censorship. You don't need to like sci-fi in order to get completely immersed and lost in this. I loved how the book was structured between Mikk's present day trial and his childhood upbringing. His training to become one of the greatest performance masters thoroughout the universe, and his sweet romance with Thissiz especially. His romance with Thissiz (literally a giant snake) was one of the most interesting interspecies relationships I've read about, that's for sure. I was never bored for one second.

I did feel just a little disappointed with how things were resolved in the end (it was a little too easy), which is why it didn't quite reach 5 stars for me. But this goes down as one of my most memorable (if not THE most) and favorite books of this year.
3293168
The author has a way of not only putting you inside the book, but making a believer out of you. The book is wonderfully written, with a perfect blend of descriptions, without bogging you down in details! I highly recommend this book and hope this is the first of many.
4572686
Lawrence Wilson is a truly gifted writer and story teller.
His is a wonderful journey, and it is a great experience to go along on his enlightened travels of daily life.
3319594
It is always refreshing to read a book that takes you on a journey with the characters, one you can't put down!!! I loved this experience and can't wait to read the others in the series!!! (It would also make a great movie!!!)
861954
This book was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and touched my heart from cover to cover as I felt everyone's pain and joy as if I, too, were a part of Natasha's family. It was vividly expressed in a way that drew me into the experience as if I had personally known all the characters. They were well rounded depictions, having both strengths and flaws, making her people very real to me. I highly recommend it to not only young readers, but anyone at any age who wants to either sympathize or empathize with a family's struggles to survive and thrive in a world they don't yet know.  Even as a middle-aged woman, I found from reading this book that it's never too late to learn. Natasha's story has had a ripple effect on my life and that of others, as it made me more sensitive when a stranger to this country recently entered my life. The book was entertaining, informative, and touching and I applaud Ms. McCaughan for her contribution to her reader's awareness of the anguish of those who find themselves baffled by a new life in a strange place.
1873186
I found this book to be a delightful experience.  It is so well written, and the character definition is excellent. I almost felt I knew the characters, and wish I did know a lot of them.  I sometimes wanted to kick Jack's stubborn ass, but I kept the faith.  I never got bored. I found it to be a great read.
1898322
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, I couldn't put it down and read into the wee hours of the morning. The author takes you on a journey of adventure; with battle-strategies, honour/respect and friendships. Its like going up and down mountains (from reading perspective), just when you think its starting to get heavy-going the author lightens it up and lifts you up and takes you further on the journey. A wonderful read, looking forward to reading the rest of the chronicles. :-)
3525761
This book was a delightful read. If you like The Never Ending Story, Inkheart, and Jumanji, I think you will love this book as it follows Ethan and Maggie's adventure in a bookshop that literally comes to life. This story is told in bite sized chapters, perfect for reading aloud or squeezing in between appointments, on the train, or before bed. You can tell when reading this book that Robert Perrine has developed a very large, imaginative, and spectacular world, and while we only get to see a glimpse of it in this book, the depth of the world is obvious and I can't wait to read more about it in a future book.  I also really enjoyed how each character had a distinct personality and encountered situations that helped them grow as individuals and as a family unit. I am very impressed with the way Robert incorporated some "grown up" themes in the book. I feel like this book can be a wonderful gateway for children to discuss how to handle situations and feelings. For instance, there's a wonderful discussion between two characters about the diffetence between bravery and courage, and it was spot on. He tackles friendship and loneliness as well, grief and love, and he does it in the simplest ways. It's not right in your face as an obvious lesson, but it's there, right under the surface, and artfully done. The author also doesnt shy away from the fact that actions have consequences and individuals must take responsibility for their own. Truly, it's a wonderful book. In the first few chapters I was thrown by the way the narrative changed POV paragraph to paragraph, whatever seemed to suit the author at the time. However, as the characters separated on their own journey's, this began to make much more sense, and he made it work for him and his story. I do feel the bear Bearguar did lack some narrative explanation or depth. I was always somewhat confused regarding their blind devotion to Joanna. Regardless, it was an enjoyable read and I will enjoy reading it to my nieces and nephews.
3358994
For the first time in my life, I found myself harboring, holding onto EACH and EVERY phrase in this book. Reading it was an experience beyond reading. It relaxed me, put me in a frame I've never been in before.

The story can be picked up by other reviews, but it's about a daughter looking for her father. It's about reconnecting with your senses; particularly hearing. And it's about how precious are the lessons in life.

I found the insight into other cultures - and the patience found therein - to be astounding. I understand why the east is so magnetic to some. Being an impatient American, I found this book to be a breath of fresh air.

Additionally, the plot and characters were fantastic.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

(*)>
4417694
I read this book in its preview/review edition. The book flows from chapter to chapter very smoothly and is a joy to read. I read the whole book in one evening. I was having so much fun reading the book that I didn't even realize that it was an educational experience for me. I learned so much about Muslims living in America. Asma writes with so much humor and interesting personal incidents between her and her mother and her family that the characters of the book almost become alive in front of you. Her Colorado experiences bring forth a picture of that state that I had not realized. A must-read for anyone who has ever had or does have any association with a Muslim. Also, a great gift in this holiday season for all your friends, especially with Christmas, Ramadan, and Hanukkah falling in the same week. The size is perfect for wrapping,and the cover is a picture of the author and her sister in snowboarding outfits standing some where in the snows of the rocky mountains. Perfect holiday picture.the chapter dealing with the african americans is extremly touching. I cried while reading the conclusion of this chapter.
3381091
I thoroughly enjoyed this read! I was engaged from start to finish and didn't even wait a day after finishing before recommending to some friends! I know I will definitely be purchasing multiple copies to give as gifts through the years. I heartily recommend to everyone - both young & old - I feel that everyone could find something different in it and finish the book with a sense of having experienced so much right alongside the author.
91437
Simply...just had a really great experience reading this book! Would recommend it wholeheartedly!!
1269604
This is one of the best books I've ever read.  It has lead
me on a wonderful spiritual journey beyond the book in
ways I never could have imagined.  Not only is it an incredible
read, but the community involvement surrounding this piece and
those involved is beyond words. We are so blessed to be able
to share in their experience!