The title drew me in...and I stayed
581521
The ship is in!  Anyone living in the area surrounding Clearwater and Flag knows that means Sea Orgs are running around like hamsters on a circular mill....going round and round while getting nowhere.  Scientologist are all over downtown Clearwater and infiltrated into every facet of the community so its not far fetched when the church calls upon members to report on those deemed enemies.

This book will not disappoint those curious about this cult of Scientology while developing a great story around it. The book is set in the surrounding towns of Clearwater and are described to perfection, but youd do well visiting the restaurants and bars in the book if visiting or living there. Descriptions of characters are fleshed out so you know a backstory as well as the current actions of them.

Though called a police procedural novel, it is not tedious and boring but woven into the fabric of the story.
4638976
I'm not certain what possessed me to read this, but I did; and I found myself captivated all the way to the ending.
1515247
I found this to be an engrossing and enjoyable read.
608186
Every once in a while a book comes along that grabs me and won't let go. I have to admit I was intrigued by the title. Play on words is a character flaw I nurture, but it's only enough to carry me through the first pages. With this book there was something else lurking beneath the paper and ink that captured my attention without my being aware of it. To be honest, I neither know nor care what this was. It could have been the integrity and simplicity of this discussion of a troubling subject, or the touching personal stories, but I don't want to over-think this. When I put it down, I knew I had been deeply touched. I also knew it was worth a five-star rating.
4424292
However, the title and book cover caught my attention.  As I dove into the book, I found myself connecting to the main character, David.  As I read a few chapters each night, I wanted to get to the next chapter that involved David.  As the plot thickened, I was very intrigued by the Nazis connection.

The more I read, the more I realized enjoyed three primary elements of the story.  One, the Nazis connection.  I've always liked WWII history.  Second, David and his relationship with his father.  Last, the romance that was building with David and lady as the plot thickened.

In summary, I enjoyed the escape this book allowed.  (I usually read self help books)  For a few chapters a night, my mind was somewhere it didn't have to think about improving myself!  My mind was on David and how he was going to survive and prevent a tragedy that would effect the whole world!
1403384
I do not generally read a LOT of auto-biographies. I'm more apt to read biographies of people from history. But something about Craig's blurb racheted my attention level up to "intrigued and curious."
Very few books can compel me to remain seated and inhale them in basically in sitting.
This one did.
Effortlessly.

I'm trying to grasp what sucked me in so thoroughly. The prose was great-- I loved his innate story-telling ability while weaving in these thoughtful, profound lines here and there. Truly beautiful. It made me wish I was reading the paperback version, so I could dogear those pages and go back and reread those portions. (yeah, someday I'll figure out how to do that on this silly Kindle...)

I think a goodly portion of my intrigue was from the sheer foreign feel to his life. Like watching a somewhat disturbing film play out before you-- where you can't believe what's happening, what continues to happen, and why you want to keep watching.
But there's something there ... something in the protagonist's flawed and messy life and circumstances which speak to you. Resonates with you on some similar, if not identical, level.
1512864
The title turned me off but I read it anyway & I'm glad I did. Funny, suspenseful, charming & well written. I was happy I read this!
3981909
To begin I must explain myself for a moment. I've never been the person who "stays in bed all day reading a good book". I actually often tell of how reading is difficult for me and I can't seem to make myself do it even though I think books are wonderful. I have had a distinct disconnect with reading since fourth grade. I maybe read one book a year, or get a chapter or so in and give up... So, when I say that I sat up all night enthralled by a book to the point of words blurring before finally going to sleep at 8 am only to wake hours later hungering to finish my read, you can now understand the meaning of those words. I had known about this book for years and a hard copy had been perched on my desk staring at me for a about a year. It was a book I wanted badly to read, but, as foretold above, you can see my dilemma. One night I decided I would force myself to push past my disconnect with reading and delve into the pages I wanted so badly to experience. This was not hard as I became entranced. The story unwinding before me captured my attention and spoke softly to my heart as the life of Esther unwound. As I was reading I was filled with a peace that only comes from God and I don't have the ability to describe. Chana's heart - the Father's heart - is evident and unmistakable. I am so thankful for this piece of encouragement and love in the midst of decisions and circumstance facing me. Peace in the midst of a storm.
4339855
At first I was unsure if I would like the book, but a few chapters in and I was hooked!
4016550
Of course ,I was drawn to the cover. I came across the book while I was looking for something short to read. I read the book in one setting, not just because it was short,it was actually good.
3194479
The title and small part I read caught my eye. I was on the edge of my seat , and had a. Difficult time putting it down.
320327
I ummed and aahhed about picking up this title a number of times; friends of mine had given To All The Boys Ive Loved Before commendable reviews, however something about the blurb wasn't enticing me but I finally gave into the torture and read the book in one sitting.

I expected a little more Mean Girls bitchiness (and pleasantly gratified there wasnt) but overall Id describe this book as cute. Our main protagonist, Lara Jean, added a unique perspective with a mixed race background and self-confidence. Although that confidence felt a little too trite at times, like when Laura Jean was dolled up for a date and knew how fantastic she looked, compared to her insecurities about facing the boys from her past after they had received her carefrontation letters. I felt it would have added Lara more depth if wed had her a little more humble about her looks. Its not a strong tone throughout this novel, but it was something that stood out to me.

This novel distinctively shows Lara Jeans growth by the end of the book - if you measure her reactions to bad news with those at the start. Its subtle, but I felt realistic, if not gracious. I love a good character development story!

I loved the family dynamics, especially between sisters  I did not have the benefit of female siblings growing up, and am always fascinated at how they are represented in books, and Jenny Han nailed it.

Im uncertain about my feelings on Lara Jeans little sister, Kitty. There was a mix of childishness and maturity about her I did not quite understand. Her behaviour at the beginning is typical of any child of her age, but near the end, I was questioning if she was beginning to feel a little too grown up. It may have been in reaction to her circumstances, or a slip by the author. Whether intentional or not, I loved the spoiled stubborn brat and felt it added tension to the story.

For a contemporary romance, To All The Boys Ive Loved Before had a surprising amount of other content around school, friends, family and identity which kept my attention. If it had been too mushy, Id probably have abandoned it. With a clear concise narrative and age appropriate voice it is a great and quick read. It not only fills the romance quota, but is empowering at the same time - polite feel within its style that is refreshing.

Throw a touch of irony and comedy into the mix and To All The Boys Ive Loved Before is a great way to while away the afternoon.
2554987
Was slow in places, but I stayed with it and it was interesting.
2437422
I read this book looking for something "different" to try. After trying the sample on my kindle, and how it starts with an execution, I thought "Well, this is different".

Getting into the book however, it's really not that different from other mystery books I've read. It's still a mystery, it's just set in a different time, which I suppose in itself is different. While it wasn't "out there" as much as I thought, it was still a good read. If anything, it was interesting having a peek at what life in the mid 1600s was like.

It's title is a bit deceiving as it's not really about the Hangman or his daughter, but how the two work together with a doctor to find the real culprit of the crimes. The title doesn't say much or really match but I felt the description of the book was right on with the story so I didn't feel deceived.

While I wasn't on the edge of my seat, I did find myself looking forward to my next reading time in my schedule. And I was happy with how the story was written, flowed and ended. And I'd recommend it as a decent reading. Maybe it was different enough.
499351
NOW  THIS REALLY LIVED UP TO ITS TITLE OF  FICTION/SUSPENCE. BOY I  JUST FELT  LIKE  I WAS RIGHT  THERE. IN ALL SERIOUSNESS

IT GAVE ME IDEAS FOR MY OWN  WRITING. IT WAS WELL WORTH THE 244 PAGES.  HE APPARENTLY IS A VERY

MODEST PERSON .I EVEN  ENJOYED IT WHEN THEY WENT ON THEIR  DRINKING BINGE  AT  THE END.
288444
The title grabbed my attention and I so glad it did! Somewhere in the early middle it started to get boring; but it sucked me back in and the ending was totally unexpected.
4323805
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book from the title, but I certainly wasn't disappointed. The main character Piddy, is beautifully and realistically portrayed and her narrative reflects the genuine struggles teens face on a daily basis. I can still remember the complete bewilderment I felt as a teen in some of these situations. Why does this person not like me? Does he/she even know who I am? What can I do about it? My parents wouldn't understand--they'd just make it worse.
Piddy's situation is compounded by her quest to learn about her absent father, her working single-mom's long work hours and stoic approach to life, and her move to a new school where she's targeted by a bully immediately. With the help of her mom's best friend, some unlikely allies at her new school, a boy from her old apartment and her own sheer resolve, Piddy navigates through her new life at her new school with some surprising results.
I loved the characters, and how real they seemed.