A story that stays with you for days and perhaps forever.
580825
A story of fate and how one event can weave itself so intricately into the lives of so many. The hopes and dreams of the past woven together in the present. Then the fickle finger of fate changes the future for everyone!  The unknown would have changed it all.
4498090
There is no doubt that Hugo can be quite long winded in telling this story, but it is worth every second.  A classic story of human suffering, kindness, cruelty and redemption.
583618
This is a deeply moving novel written in a beautifully picture3sque style.  We suffer with the main character, and we experience joy with her.  We also experience the horrors that are only hinted at until the final portion of the book.  The pace is slow. luxurious at times, and frustrating at times, but always in such a way to stir the appropriate emotion from the reader.  It's a story of survival, of hope, and of painful memories.  And it's a story you'll remember long after reading the book.
4144567
Lenore is a beautiful story. The words jump and dance off the page and sweep you inexhaustibly to the dramatic conclusion, one that you sense will be heartbreaking, yet you long to reach it anyway. The characters drive this book: their interactions, their thoughts, their motivations and love and despair. I felt a weird kinship with all of them, cared for them all, despite their numerous and far-reaching flaws. This is the sort of fiction I love to read, the sort of fiction I long to write myself. A beautiful, believable story, delicately told.

Kudos, Jordan.
4528441
This is a fascinating story of a travel undertaken by seven children in order to save their native Teletsia. A journey of epic proportions in which even the youngest of the seven discover hidden heroic - and humane - qualities they did not know they possessed. It is an inspiring story which stays with you months and years after you've finished it. Hard to put aside,  when finishing reading it, one has the feeling of loss usually associated with having to leave trusted and loved friends.  The adventures of the seven kids somehow engulf every day reality, lending it a deeper meaning and even a sense of enjoyment despite adversities. Linda Williams' book resembles Gregoire de Kalbermatten's "The Legend of Dagad Trikon" in that they both feature a revival of heroic tales (not unlike J.K.Rowlings's Harry Potter Series), and center around a collective hero - in which the virtues of feminine intuition and wisdom play a significant part.
2930536
This book may be controversial on many different levels, and yet the story is so very compelling that it has to be read.  The characters are amazingly well developed, the emotions are raw and often hard to read.  A reader needs to put aside their preconceived ideas of love and ownership, allowing the story to touch them deeply. This as well as its sequel definitely have been stored in my "keep to read again" section.
2950781
You can read it to a child, but this is definitely not a children's book; you can have a long discussion about it with fellow adult friends. There are so many deeper meanings and inferences behind everything. It gets you thinking, the simultaneous simplicity and complexicity of the book stays with you; after finishing you might think it a bit haunting.
  Easily read in one sitting, it captivates you because you have so many questions in your head and you just have to know what happens next.  The author's 1-page biography is also captivating, and only makes the story more meaningful.
2767547
At least, this book has stayed with me...for a very long time. I first read it back in 2008, and I still remember it. I don't remember all the plot details, but others have commented on those - and you have the book description for that. What I do remember is how I felt while I was reading it and how I felt after I read it.

As I was reading, I couldn't wait to turn the next page. And when the end came? I was sad. I wanted more. I was thoroughly invested in the characters and their stories. Ms. Penney has a wonderful way of using words to covey character and atmosphere without spelling it all out for the reader. She lets you use your imagination to fill in some of the all important gaps.

There's magic in the storytelling of this one. It is a beautifully written book (even years later), and I highly recommend it!
4868541
I read this book almost 30 years ago. I picked it up in a used bookstore and spent the entire weekend reading it on the couch. I lent it out to a friend, who devoured it and loaned it to another friend and it took off from there. I always insisted that I get the book back, but the last time I saw it, it was held together by rubber bands and finally I lost track of it many years ago. The writer tells a story that I've never forgotten, and details remain with me this day. I would recommend it to anyone.
608138
This book was so good that I cant seem to think about reading another one yet. It is still digesting in my heart and I think about the characters almost daily. So rare that a book can do that to me. Although the book had some parts that were tough to read, I found I couldn't put it down. A favorite for sure!! It is already making the rounds to my friends. A STORY I WILL NEVER FORGET.
2696920
Exciting, sad, and stays on your mind for a long time.  Calamity Jane and friends lived quite a life, some fiction, some true.  Letters to her daughter, whom she abandoned at a young age, are melancholy and make you wonder how her life might have turned out differently.  Everyone I know has truly loved this incredible story.  Just purchased this for the second time in 20 years.
3840990
I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the author/publisher.

This is such a gripping story. There is so much emotion held inside. This is one of those kinds of stories that you have to read- you just have to! You know that it will tear at your insides, but you read it anyway and you are better for it. You gain so much more from reading this than an engrossing story. You get perspective, you get raw truth, and you get to feel your heart working overtime. This story makes you feel something real.

What I liked
I loved these characters. You really get to know them through the way they think, the way they live, and through flashbacks from their pasts. There are so many layers to these characters. It makes me think of the movie Shrek when Shrek is talking to Donkey about onions, how they have layers, and how he has layers like an onion. These characters definitely have a lot going on- in their heads and otherwise. They are compelling, and as you read you just feel for them. Their situations in life are horrible, but they trudge on. You can't help but to admire them.

I liked how everything was historically accurate. The setting for the story is the 1950s. In the story there are numerous people that knew about the way that Christopher, Nora's father, was treating her, and they did nothing to help her. They all looked the other way, which was normal for that era. While I was reading I kept thinking about how different it could have been for Nora and her sister if it would have taken place in the present. Another aspect of the historical accuracy is in terms of the Japanese Americans and how they were treated by the rest of American society. It was so saddening, the discrimination. I like how Taylor portrayed it in the book.

This story is a reimagining, if you will, of Peter Pan. It is a very quasi portrayal, but you can pick up on the Peter Pan references while reading the story. I rather enjoyed the retelling. I've always loved the character Peter Pan and the story of Peter and Wendy.

I liked the fact that we got to know each main character before they met in the book. We got a chance to see them as they were without each other's influence on the other. We got to glimpse into their worlds, so that when they finally meet the story dramatically blossoms.

I think that the thing I liked the most about the book is the sensitive issues that are touched upon. Child abuse, domestic violence, alcohol abuse, and discrimination are portrayed so brilliantly. And the portrayal was so in sync with the era that the book is set in. These are issues that are overlooked and ignored, but Taylor pushes them to the forfront and makes us take notice of them. And although these issues are some of the main focuses in the book, it isn't written in a boring manner. The story is compelling while still being about these delicate issues. It really is brilliantly written.

What I didn't like
Nora and Kettle don't meet until halfway through the book. I kept reading and hoping that the next page they would come together. I kept anticipating that seemed to never come. I would have liked to see Nora and Kettle together more in the book. The time that they spent together was magical, but there didn't seem to be enough of it for my liking.

The ending was kind of meh for me. It was glorious at the beginning of the end, but it petered out in my opinion. I needed more closure than what I got handed. I felt gypped. I honestly would have rated higher if the ending had turned out differently. Because the rest of the book is amazeballs.

Would I Recommend It
YES, oh good heavens, YES! This book will do something to your insides. You will hate it at first, but it numbs to something beyond words. The way that you feel after a good cry. This book is a must-read.
1836790
Yes, it is long, and for many, including myself, in largely a different language.  However, the story is told to perfection.  Ghosh displays his talents in this novel, Ive read some of his other books but the way he writes this one is just magnificent. The notion of the germ and how it realtes to humanity and post colonialism and all the other aspects is fascinating, but above all its the story of these people - Alu, Zinda, Balaram etc.. - that really make it.  In the end I did in fact cry when I finished it, for the mere fact that it is a beautiful story.  I would suggest this book to anyone who enjoys reading, it will really take you to your own place and youll find yourself not putting it down.  Great book, very well written, absolutley worth your time and effort. Beautiful book.
281278
A little slow in the beginning but unable to put down towards middle/end. A story that stays with you long after you've finished reading.
1808462
A wonderful story that will stick with for long after you read it. Goldeline is truly delightful. The story comes to life right off of the pages. 10/10 would read again
1462025
Once I started to read this lovely story, I could not stop. The author offers the reader his innermost feelings in a way that every one will be able to identify. If you've ever had a companion that has been by your side and made a lasting impression, this story will touch your heart and you'll understand the emotion.
Author, J.E. Rogers
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4003142
The story is burdensome and long, but it has a lot to teach and it's well worth the effort.  The writing is a joy to read.  The composition is beautiful and artfully arranged.  You really live this book and live with all if its characters as you read it.  I rarely review a book but I can't resist this one.  I'm thinking about reading the sequel.  Well Done.