A suprising balanced read
581507
So many times, I have read books about the American Revolution which are either heavily biased towards America, or demonize the British.
This book does not. It presents a good read of the 1776 campaign with a very small it on Trenton in January of 1777.
I bought this book in Tokyo, Japan, and have passed it on to my father as we are both American Revolution reenactors and history buffs.
Enjoy.
1695482
Like many Americans, I've seen the reports and sporadic coverage about both Aung San Suu and Benazir Bhutto. Both of these women have always been a bit of an enigma to me as they seem to both define yet defy the era into which they were born. Define it for many American women yet defy it within their own home nations. However, I also must admit that my knowledge about Aung San Suu was minimal. I had no idea how she had come to be the public figure we are now familiar with much less the personal sacrifices she had made. Yes, like many others I had heard her exile was partially self imposed but little understood the true nature of her story until this book.

And what a book this is! The author does a wonderful job of making this story come alive in a balanced yet objective way. Some of the surrounding criticism is included and spoken to; for example, her failure to go to the bedside of her dying husband...an act that is difficult to understand without a complete "picture" of the entire situation. Frankly, what may have been a point of criticism becomes clearly an act of tremendous self sacrifice once viewed in a different perspective.

The fact that she was already in her 40's before taking such a high profile, public position on politics was also shocking; frankly, I had always assumed she was much younger given her youthful appearance.

An amazing story that fills in so many gaps in my knowledge of both this impressive political figure as well as the nation for which she has sacrificed so much. I'm somewhat ashamed to admit how very little I understood about the entire nature of the conflict, the history of the nation, why she in particular was such a critical figure and even the ongoing nature of the situation today. While it may be argued that this book presents a highly favorable profile, overall I felt it took pains to give a balanced view and fill in many details that someone such as myself may not be aware of both in the personal life and political nature of the problems encountered by the entire nation.

Exceptional book!
3848938
I am positively stunned that I enjoyed this book.

First, for the record, I am agnostic. However, I have always had a fascination with things greater than myself, religions included. So when I came across this book, I had to give it a shot. I've often had problems with the literal interpretations of the Bible, & I feel hypocritical thinking that some of its lessons or rules are valid, while others aren't.

I've read the Bible. Probably not as thoroughly or as deeply as I should, but, my brain has processed its words. But this book helped me remember just how elite or absurd or what have you the good book is. I've often wondered if I could live by its literal law.

And now I know- no. I couldn't. I feel part of something that transcends my life, but in my own humble opinion, I am not disciplined enough. I'm not that devoted to following so many rules all at once. Bad? Maybe. But that's my own issue.

Another thing that this made me realize, is that if Bible is literal law- I am a horrible person. I sin more times a day than I could possibly count. But, so does he. So it's something that's learned, I suppose.

Overall, I found this book easy to follow but not easy to swallow. He kept me entertained with little jokes & stories. Unlike some reviewers who claim this to be boring, I wasn't expecting a book full of Michael Bay explosions & car chases, so I had no issues there.

This edition that I have IS however an old ARC copy, so there were some spelling errors & grammar issues. But those weren't too common.

I think that anyone with an interest in religion, no matter what path, should at least give this a try.
657438
I actually bought this book expecting it to be something else!

I was at the airport generally wasting time when I got the impulse to buy a book for my flight.  I was looking for something interesting, not really heavy, but nevertheless a mystery and something that would take my mind off my work for the eight hour flight.  This book really met all of my expectations.

The characters were well developed and realistic and the author intergrated them well into the plot of the book.

The plot was totally believeable, especially for me being a baby boomer brought up in a time when the second world war was still a strong memory for most of my family.  The Nazi hunter subplot was interesting, intriguing and I undertand it was adapted from historical events.  The twists and turns were punctuated by the occasional hint of romance and the potential for a steamy liaison between the two main characters Tom and Rebecca.

At times the plot and the rememberances of the jewish holocost pulled on my emotional heart strings.  This balanced the excitement of the mystery.  The final outcome was a twist and again quite believeable.

This book fully satisfied my desire for an interesting and intriguing story.  I was not disapointed - It had more twists and loose ends than a bowl of my mother's spagetti.

Rob Collins
Author of "Safety Management without the Mumbo Jumbo".
3649011
I loved this book.  It was a surprise.  It's a positive read, with characters that jump off the page.  When you pick it up you'll expect it to be about something else but as you read you'll see it's spot on.
3313760
This novel pleased and surprised me in many unexpected ways. A novel that deals with a gay couple who "inherits" a flamboyant child can easily drift into caricature, or cloying cuteness, and "Breakfast with Scot" does neither. That is to Mr. Downing's credit.
There is some beautiful prose in this novel, and some wonderful moments where Mr. Downing, through his narrator Ed, makes some profound sentiments about life and love. The novel creeps up on you, and you find things don't turn out as expected, and gosh, isn't life just like that also? There are no big climatic moments, or profound momentous occasions, the characters just find that they and their circumstances have changed. The crux of the novel is how they choose to deal with those changes in circumstance. That is such stuff as life is made of. This text captures quite well that difficult to express aspect of our daily rituals. In fact, the book's narrator sums it up nicely when he says, "That's why people invent rituals-to express the ineffable." It is also why good authors writer great books.
There are moments where this text is laugh out loud funny, and Downing does a great job in creating a believable character in Scot. He is a whip smart eleven year old, and I have met enough of them to know that Downing has captured the spirit of such kids in this text. The title character is one of the strengths of this book.
Some readers have complained about Downing's style, and it is somewhat complicated. It does not bode well for the casual reader. But if you stay involved in the story and text, this quick read (it is only 194 pages) will flow seamlessly.
497323
Rarely does a book bring tears to my eyes at the end. If you enjoy a book with a surprising, completely unpredicted twist at the end, you'll love this one. Best of all it's not bogged down with lengthy descriptions, which makes it a quick, fast and light read, while nonetheless packed with substance. At the end you will surely be stunned and you might never look at people in your own family and circle of loved ones the same.

The book includes vivid descriptions of India which I can vouch for, having been there a few times myself. It's also packed with some surprising facts about India, Hinduism and the British rule of India. The story weaves in elements of prophetic dreams, astral projection, visions and more.

The book is concise, well written, and contains story elements that everyone can relate to--mainly, that suffering sometimes seems unavoidable, as if predestined. The big lesson is that karma doesn't always work the way you think it does--but I won't spoil it for you by saying any more.

Susan Schenck, author of The Live Food Factor: The Comprehensive Guide to the Ultimate Diet for Body, Mind, Spirit & Planet
and
Beyond Broccoli, Creating a Biologically Balanced Diet When a Vegetarian Diet Doesn't Work
2124958
I was underwhelmed with Leblanc's 'A House Divided' and didn't have very high hopes going into 'Water Witch.' I was surprised and actually glad to have underestimated the experience I would have with this book. I picked it up yesterday and just a few short hours later, I was closing the back cover and recommending it to my husband. It had an interesting premise with unique elements that aren't overdone and haven't been seen a dozen times before. There are certain core concepts and elements of alchemy, dowsing, magic, and energy that are repeated from one story to another, but the author found a way to incorporate a few small details that changed the story enough to hold my interest and wonder how the ending would unfold. The characters were developed to an above average level, and I could picture the characters easily. This is a good, quick read for anyone looking for a short escape, lovers of magic, suspense, and those with an appreciation for character development.
2014328
I am happily surprised with how much I enjoyed this book and how I ripped through it once I got started. Initially, I hesitated to pick this one up because I'd seen it billed as a suspense or detective story mixed with romance. When I hear "romance" I think of the classic cliches of the genre and this usually doesn't appeal to me. However, with "Enemies and Playmates", Helle has engineered a world bereft of the usual cliches and instead crafted it with all the pacing and movement of the best novels in these genres. I won't ruin it for anyone by spilling plot details but I will recommend this book for readers who like to have their heart rate tested. And if you like fiction that also draws you into truly caring about characters as they navigate through their struggles, then you'll enjoy this one. A fine balancing act!
285867
This book certainly surprised me when I read it. The idea was so out there, I didn't think there was any way it could be good. The book is well-written with only a few errors in formatting and tense, and it is extremely well-paced. It takes time to develop the environment and the characters, which is pretty much all that can be asked for. The plot also isn't predictable. It has some genuine twists in there. Nothing to crazy, but enough so that you don't know everything that's going to happen just by reading. It's a good read.
1470544
The theme covers the two characters apparently un associated paths of a troubled ex soldier, and a muslims shattered life.  Ill openly admit I didn't expect the story I read to unfold as it did.

Brought up by an extremist Cleric, a balance insight is offered into jihadist teaching/indoctrination not so that you feel sorry for the character Tariq, but gain an understanding of his motive and the intention,

Rory the ex-soliders life hasn't fared that well, isolating himself from his lifes events, becoming an oil rig worker. The two characters lives are brought back together in a path that continues the plot well.

The book doesnt glorify nor condone the characters and their actions, but covers a sensitive collection of current affair subjects war, religious differences and terrorism all very  objectively.

I was recommended that I read this, and glad I did, will be looking forward to reading other novels by this author.
3499045
The easy to read format helped to balance the thought provoking material. Many things I had absolutely no knowledge of, prior to this read. Things like the funding of charities and underfunding I was quite aware of & the political controls. I had never thought of it from the standpoint of power- just large CEO salaries all in the name of a "good war". It took me 3.5 hours of pretty straight reading, what was at times "dense" political material. Shouldn't take most readers more than 5. I wish I'd read it prior to this election to be a more informed voter.
1920751
An ex-priest, ex-public defender is hired to defend his best friend in a double homocide of 2 high ranking employees of a high powered law firm on the verge of bankruptcy. That he is recently fired and the district  attorney he opposes was also a one-time employee of the firm makes them  familiar with the idiosyncratic personalities of the main characters of the  firm and provides them with a special incentive. Without giving away too  much of the story let me just say that there are surprises that cause an  "Oh my God ! " either aloud or to yourself. The surprises are  special circumstances that justify what happens. Confused? Intrigued?  Curious? I hope so. This story is very well done and holds interest  throughout. The trial follows a logical sequence that builds to a crescendo  in which I was actually physically and emotionally effected by the reading  of the verdict and the subsequent events and information. This book was a  pleasant surprise and a pleasure to read. I eagerly anticipate Mr. Siegel's  next novel.
2575200
I was pleasantly surprised by this book.  Not because of the subject matter, that was rather dark and heavy, but because I really had no idea what to expect.  I heard about this book through BookRooster.com, and although I wasn't able to get a review copy, I read the Kindle sample and liked what I read.  And because it was only $.99, I went ahead and purchased it.  I'm glad I did!

This is the story of what comes from poor decisions made by two best friends: one drunken party, risque photos changing hands at the speed of the internet, and the fall out.

I enjoyed the style of writing that the author used (first-person, present tense) and was impressed that she was able to keep it so consistent throughout the whole book.  Although the style, which is told from Beckett's point of view, seemed kind of choppy, it worked well for the subject matter, and it was well written.

The subject matter itself is very realistic, and very heavy.  These poor girls went through the whole school year dealing with the fallout of that one night with no relief, and I have to admit that at one point it seemed to almost be too much.  And I guess that works too, because from Beckett's point of view, it WAS too much.

I thought Beckett and Chloe were well-developed characters, although the other characters (family members and other friends) seemed rather flat.  Of course, because we see the world through one set of eyes, and those eyes are very self-absorbed in their own drama, it all makes sense.  I also like the addition of the Troll, the "modern art" sculpture at the base of the bridge.  It's almost a whole additional character.  Of course, there is another character, a homeless man who lives at the base of the bridge, and he interacts with the girls several times throughout the story.  He ends up playing a critical role, adding heart where it was needed.

The climax of the book came with a couple of surprises that really added suspense and excitement in an otherwise almost monotonous pace.  I knew Chloe was eventually going to self-destruct, but the author added some real depth to her pain with the addition of the help of the homeless man.  The nicest surprise for me came at the end when Beckett went back to the bridge one last time, and what she found out really lifted the entire story for me.  It gave me hope that things really would eventually work out for the girls, and that we are never really alone in our troubles.
4433125
To be honest having not seen any of Bears TV shows I was not sure what to expect from this book but given the reviews I thought I would give it a shot and I am pleased I did.

An inspiring book that gives a balanced amount of space to the different stages of Bear growing up, SAS selection, the Everest climb but also was balanced in terms of not all macho but also explained the emotional aspects as well.  Some resonating quotes and on reflection one sums up well the core attitude and grit that is now missing in the majority of the UK; "life is what you make of it.  And with that there comes responsibility.  No one will do it all for you.  That is left to each of us: to go out, to grab life and to make it our own...work hard, play hard; be modest; do your job to your utmost, laugh at yourself and sometimes, if you have to, cuff it."

To have the mental strength to survive the SAS selection but then recover from the despair of that back injury from skydiving only to then climb Everest is what shone through more than the physical effort required.  Without a doubt though, a big helping of luck on several occasions.  Perhaps was a cat in a former life and still had the nine lives!

If you are a person who treasures and craves for experiences in life rather than a world solely of material goods then you should enjoy this book.
1391252
I took a chance on this book when I saw it in the library - the premise of a murdered paralegal was intriguing. Surprisingly, I couldn't put it down. The pacing was excellent and the writing superb.

The characters are well-rounded: although many are sympathetic, all are flawed. Even the villains have their vulnerabilities and readers will no doubt make judgments about the victim. The author brings us into their worlds and their neighborhoods.

It is important to realize that the book isn't a typical mystery; we know almost immediately who committed the crime and why. The book traces the efforts of the police as they dig into the details of the crime and uncover the true murderer.

Some parts of the book were on the border of plausibility, possibly because I'm not familiar with these worlds. I don't know how plausible the murderer's motives are and how likely a murder will take place under these conditions. I was a little surprised that the police dug deeper into the case once they seemed to have a solution and a suspect. In real life, we hear horror stories of how police simply go for a fast solution and stop. I'd have expected the prosecutor to be involved at an earlier stage and prosecutors also like fast solutions.

Mostly I was surprised that the falsely accused suspect (no spoiler here  - you'll know right away who's the real killer) didn't ask for a lawyer; his mother worked for a law firm and she didn't press the point either. If she were such a long-time, valuable employee, I'd have thought someone would have gotten her son some representation.

So it will be interesting to hear from reviewers who are familiar with the worlds of politics, law, justice and prisons. Regardless, it's such a good read that I didn't think about any of this till the book was finished and I wondered who else had read it. I was astounded to see no other reviews and a low Amazon ranking. This book deserves more. A LOT more.
539382
I read this book expecting it to be predictable, and at times it was indeed what I expected; however, I was drawn into the storyline by believable, evolving characters.  Catastrophic events do often lead to positive change, and that is certainly true in this book.  Though the plot could have been heavy and dark, secondary characters lighten the mood and provide humor and wisdom at the same time.  I thoroughly enjoyed the book.