A fabulous read - highly recommended
588031
Having read the previous book (The Chronicles of the $700 Pony) I was rapt to hear of the continuing adventures of the pony in Ellen's latest book. It is equally amusing, touching and for those of you who aren't into the horse world it really gives you an insight into just how much work/effort is involved not with just maintaining equines but also with the training. You will be in stitches as you read about the family's life on the farm and the development of the $700 pony and friends. As Ellen says about the story "It's a reality that happens mostly in the real world, with an occasional digression into the fantastical world inside my head." A great read for any age.
1907817
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Engaging, exciting and brilliantly paced. The author skilfully included an almost subliminal message of personal and planetary growth, without being moralistic, judgmental or patronizing.

With elegance and simplicity she told a fabulous story which is engaging and utterly readable whilst also educating through modelling and example.

Best of all theres a lovely plot twist at the end.

I shall be waiting with baited breath for the next in the series
2732431
I thoroughly enjoyed this book- what a great discovery!
3456005
A great read which I highly recommend as you step into another time and place but still makes you think about our social, governmental and environmental issues today.  The characters come to life instantly as does the action.  The plot and the development of the story are so well written that its hard to believe this is The author's first novel.  I couldn't put the book down and i enjoyed thinking about the issues when I wasn't reading it.  I found the title to be so appropriate.  I would love to read the next book by this author and I can totally see it as a hit motion picture.  Great book and I highly recommend it to all!
3673942
An outstanding read!  This book just offers so much, with great writing and a plot which demonstrates wonderful imagination and creativity. Highly recommended does not say enough - one of the best books I have read in years!
1323842
Walli Leff's new book is a beautifully written, well paced, immediately absorbing story of multiple themes
artfully woven together, integrated through the voice of the central character: environmental issues,
alternative energy, music, art, family relationships,mystery of the psychology of the mind and buried
memories. A great read--I strongly recommend this novel-I couldn't put it down.
2658860
I was fortunate enough to snag an advance copy of this wonderful novel. Willig is truly a gifted writer, masterfully weaving her own historical expertise into a gripping and romantic storyline that will appeal to anyone craving adventure. This is a fabulously entertaining read, and one of the most delightful novels I have come across in some time.
2650862
One of the best books I've read in a long time - it pulls you in from the first page!
2499351
This is one of the best books I have read in recent years.  The spanning of human emotions - political conflicts, struggle of friendship decisions between right and wrong combined with social class roadblocks - all flow with ease in the writing of this novel.  There is an incredible maturation of character in the narrartor throughout the book.  I adored the intensity and subject matter.

This was another required read by a book club I am involved in.  For once we all agreed - this is a book not to be missed.
2445408
I was well-warned by a friend from my book club that she picked this up and couldn't stop reading it.  I did the same, including getting three hours of sleep to finish it.  This is an incredibly well-written book - I know a little of many of the things Tori writes about but have vociferously recommended this book to four coworkers since this morning, all because different aspects of it would appeal to them.  This isn't a book strictly for endurance athletes, rowers, women who did something different with their careers, the well-educated, those who have fallen in love or for those who grew up in challenging circumstances although the author eloquently covers each of these.  She also talks about fear, helplessness, bravery, pain, inspiration and the quest for something that most can't understand.  It is an incredible tale and well-worth the read.
3146677
I loved reading "What Many Men Desire." The writing is beautiful; the story is compelling; I loved the details - from fashion to Art Deco design to turbine mechanisms to fittings for life boats and more; the characters are fascinating and richly drawn; and Audrey is a wonderful heroine. There's an interesting backdrop of race, gender and class issues that add substance to the story and emerge simply and smoothly through the characters and the plot. I highly recommend the book but be careful; once you pick it up it's hard to put down.  I'm looking forward to the sequel.
818463
I adored this book. With so many glowing reviews already here there's little left for me to say; I just want to add my voice to the chorus of appreciation.

_Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell_ is a complete delight from beginning to end: vivid characters and a rich alternate 19th-century setting are wrapped up in smooth, confident prose. There are definite shades of Austen in the narrative voice - arch, witty, clever, self-aware - but it's much more than just an intelligent pastiche. It's a tightly-controlled novel with an absorbing plot that simultaneously manages to evoke interesting themes from both its historical (social hierarchy and its discontents, rationality vs. spirituality) and its fantasy (the morality of magic-use) aspects. 'Real-life' characters turn up, but are used carefully and sparingly - and, in the case of Byron, hilariously.

Those who like their books rapid-fire and dare I say a little more obvious may rail against its apparent lack of 'action' - but to do so is to miss the point. This is a book about rather more than just plot (although, frankly, it has plenty of that, too...). It is a character-study and a period-piece, and any dissimilarities with contemporary fiction in terms of pacing are entirely in keeping with the style and form the author intends. You're unlikely to find a more elegant, amusing and intelligent fantasy novel this year. Highly recommended!
4467561
This was an incredibly wonderful book, with complex characters of great depth, and a great plot. At first, it would seem that these two characters would never find common ground, much less romantic interest.  But, when their personalities begin to mesh, there's no way to stop the process.  Slowly, and the reader is certainly hooked on every advance or retreat. Their feeligs start changing, and it's a great surprise, even to them.  The two kids are delightful and do much to advance the story and the romance. You end up rooting for these guys to get together, and as you progress through the book you get so emotionally attached to them that they feel very real.  The supporting characters are finely drawn and do much to add to the enjoyment of the story.  The background of the plight of the indigenous people gives great scope to the book and lifts it high above your usual readings.  I like best, the books that tell a great story, but also give the reader some new and intersting imformation.  Obviously well researched, this one does both superlatively.  I like this story so much, that as soon as I finish this review, I'm going to order another one by this terrific author.  My advice: do youself a favor and buy this book!!
1969750
I have just finished reading this fabulous book in just over a week, which is a record for me.
The story is amazing and completely draws you in from page one. As you start reading the book you find yourself completely immersed into each chapter as it introduces each character. At this point my fingers were glued to the book and turning page after page as I eagerly tried to work out how the characters were linked. The essence of the story is profound and many truth and insights are found along the way. Having said that there is also a lot of humour and you'll find yourself smiling and/or laughing out loud.
This is a book which requires reading more than once to really grasp the message in it. Absolutely love it!
447917
Extremely well-written, Hair Club Burning is one of the best books I've read in a long time.

Wry, witty observations of society, be it racial stereotyping, marital discord, the tragic/comedic elements of long-term and newfound love, I found myself completely immersed in these fully-fleshed out characters, rooting for main protagonists Mary Ann and Jay, as well as the secondary (and hilariously whip-smart and lively) cast, all who came to life so well, I've already cast most of them in my mind for movie that's sure to follow.

There are so many layers to this book: not only the obvious black and white, but the diametrically opposite stories of the lives people lead. What's beautiful is how these lives can mesh, creating a harmony most people judge out of ignorance and fear. Mary Ann and Jay represent what's possible, via the skilled hands of Wareham and Davis.

Terrific. I highly recommend this book!
4034839
This was one of the best books I've read in years. I was guessing til the end what was going on and what was going to happen next. The book was so unpredictable and kept me eagerly reading, trying to find out what happened next. The attention to detail in the setting and plot is astounding. Eric Olsen packed the book with expert knowledge, perfectly described. I could so easily picture the scenes and characters, as well as exactly what they were doing. I loved that the plot points were so well thought out by the author. The plot was really believable. It felt so realistic which really made me get into the characters' worlds and connect to them. Speaking of the characters, they were fantastic. They were really well-rounded and behaved like real human beings. Their interactions were sometimes heart-breaking, then uplifting, and oftentimes hilarious. The humor style present throughout the book is great and makes the book a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend Tenbatsu. You won't regret it!
4767701
I loved everything about this book! The style of writing is so engaging - sensitive, laugh-out-loud funny, and exciting - plus the author is subtle. He lets you realize the connections for yourself without having to hit you over the head with them. The story itself is fascinating, and the characters are so real.  It made me really think about history, politics, personality, happiness, friendship, and love.  I'm already on my second read.