The book had me thinking about the story even when I wasn't reading
597987
While I'm pretty sure I'm not into a lot of this BDSM, this was an interesting story, and much better than Fifty Shades of Grey for sure.  The things in the story that happen are some that seemed pretty realistic.  When Kate's friend tells her she has to stop seeing Drake because of the contract that she finds, and then even threatens to ruin his career, it was really intense.  This was a situation where you totally agreed with the person telling the other to stay away to save that person.  Then, when Kate has problems with the whole situation, and has to walk away, well that made a lot of sense as well.  I definitely thought the part with Kate's family was different and unique.  One question, I wasn't sure if Drake was a lot older than Kate, or just a little bit.  That bugged me a bit at times.  Other than that, the book had me thinking about it when I wasn't reading, and to me, that is a well-written book.
1127955
I enjoyed this story, and the story within a story and the story within a story within a story. It was a bit of work but it made me think, and in a good way. The story twisted around revealing the truth a bit at a time. Took me back to my childhood and made me look at myself. It was a thoughtful elaborate tale. A worthy read if you like something a bit quirky.
4260297
Very engaging story , also makes you contemplate life, death and life decisions
1485454
I got this book with my Audible free trial. I'm on my second run through. To say I'm a huge fan of this book is an understatement. The story wasn't something I thought I would be into but I was very wrong.

The story renewed a few interests in ne that I had previously let go dormant. I've started coding and playing video games again. It's also helped remind me that things aren't so bad.

It's crazy how a fictional book can act as therapy for the reader. That's exactly what happened here. This book helped me pick up some hobbies that previously brought me joy and relieve stress. It also helps me remember to look at the world in a way that, with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we sometimes forget exists.

I'm still looking for my big adventure. Maybe I'll find it. Maybe I won't. What I do know is this book will fill that gap for a while.
1047671
The author is able to place you in the setting with a good visual insight. This book  keeps me thinking about it days after I have read it.
4544189
What I loved about this book was that I was so pulled in that I felt like I was experiencing what Davy was experiencing.  The fear, the desperation, the tension between her and Caden, it was all very real.  I also liked that it didn't follow the typical story formula and seemed much more realistic because of it.  Davy was separated from her friends which made it her story and not a band of brothers kind of story.

This was one of those books that I couldn't stop thinking about when I wasn't reading it and really made me question myself and my own beliefs.  I feel like that is the sign of a truly remarkable story.
2778111
A summary of the book is written elsewhere so I won't repeat it.  I read this on my Kindle, so it didn't really register how long it was until I read others' comments about it.  It was worth whatever length it was.  I am still kind of in the daze having just finished it.

I started a bit of it, got very busy and had to put it away, then picked it up again from the beginning when I went on vacation.  Possibly partially as a result of that I had little confusion about the characters.  They were so well written though, each came alive to me, so I'm not sure that mattered.  It frequently takes a bit of time for me to get comfortable reading an unusual book, and that was the case here.  Even when I got more comfortable, I didn't race through it (and probably couldn't have with some of the uncommon terms), but read a little every day or two over maybe a week and a half.  I felt like I was savoring it because I didn't want it to end too soon.  It is a splendid story splendidly told.  I hope I will pick it up someday to enjoy again.
1513426
I couldn't stop thinking about the book.  I can't wait to give it to someone I know so we can talk about it.  The book really made me think about fate or coincidence because the number of factors that were in place  for Josh to be killed was amazing.  Amy & Isabelle is a comparable,  though quieter tale you would enjoy.
1719828
I haven't read much lately, and when this appeared, I looked through the first few pages and ordered it.  When it arrived, the story really stuck with me whenever I had to put it down.  It was a quick read, not a urgent page-turner, but one that moved right along - I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I found it particularly interesting that as the story was being told from the narrator's view of her experiences, in my point of view as the reader I developed insights and conclusions that were sometimes ahead of hers, and sometimes totally incorrect.
1069160
In short, I loved this book. I wanted to write a short review after I had taken time to collect my thoughts which had been left in disarray upon completion of the story.
I thought that discussing it with others that had read it and reading other people's reviews would help me clarify how I felt, but it has only served to confuse me more. The very things that people disliked about Gentlemen's Game are the very things that make is such a great read to my mind.
Just because one does not like what happens,(and I really, really, didn't) doesn't mean that the story is not good. I didn't agree with what happened in the story, the decisions that the MC's made but I feel that is what makes the story so interesting and complex. It is not predictable, not meant to soothe us or give us warm fuzzy feelings, it is a story that has been presented to us as the author felt it. It invokes strong feelings from us, it makes us think deeply and I believe that is the intention.
As a matter of fact, this story was probably closer to real life than a vast percentage of the books I have read in this genre and for that, I am thankful. Thank you Lichen, for dragging me out of my sugar coated reverie and giving me a good dose of brain starter.
2244367
the  story is so intriging that it is taking me a while to get through it biut what i have read so fare i would recamend that people read it
2084749
The characters came to life on the page.  Even though I knew the story I  could not put the book down
24886
I found the characters intriguing and each time I put it down I was left pondering the story long after I closed the cover. This is a great book for anybody who wants a different perspective on the fight with cancer; I walked away with a renewed appreciation for the little things. His description of watching his kids board the bus hit home and I strongly recommend that anybody looking for the meaning of life read this book. I am looking forward to the release of the audiobook, which I hear is slated for late 2016.
4741270
I ran across this book by accident looking for literary works that would support my culturalpatinal work. The art work on the cover intrigued me so I ordered it. When I received the book, the first thing that got my attention was the incredible feeling of the cover. I had been worried about some vitally important task at the time, and once this feeling hit me, all I could think about was getting started on the book, and the concerns I had immediately disappeared. Three days later, after neglecting all of my work and chores for my wife, I finished the story and had tears in my eyes more than once during the course of it. C Bailey's ability to weave such an interesting story with the host of complex characters in multiple locations really kept my attention and I could not put the book down until I fell asleep. At the end of the book, there was a short note on the background of C Bailey and I could sense that part of the story was about her growing up in the Colorado Rockies. It is written for the youngest reader as well as the oldest of us, and I plan on re gifting it to my 12 year old grandson this coming Christmas. A really great read to bring you back to what is really important.
4301586
There was a lot about The Day the Angels Fell by Shawn Smucker that I appreciated. The narrative voice was refreshing and simple. There was a lot of interesting descriptions with a great attention detail, which made the story live. The characters were relatable. I felt that I knew the small town of Deen: the farms, the carnival, the reclusive old man, the friendship of Abra and her family, the stories. It felt familiar and lived-in. Sams grief over his mother was well-written, exploring how desperate we can be to hold on to life. It revealed an important glimpse into loss, something that isn't often depicted well or with the knowledge that everybody grieve differently.

The story line of searching for the Tree of Life and the steps it took to bring the Tree of Life into existence was compelling. At first, I kind of ho-hummed my way through the book, but at some point, I realized I was invested. I needed to know what Sam would do, if he would bring the Tree of Life into existence and what that would mean for his mother, for the town of Deen, and for the world. The legend about the angels was intriguing as well. The book kept me wondering as I read, not revealing everything all.

There were a few things I wasn't as keen on. The narration of old man Sam was a bit jarring every time it switched back to present day. As someone who reads a lot of YA and has been reading YA since before middle school, Im not sure those passages would interest a younger teen. I think they would connect with 12 year-old Sam and Abra, though. That being said, I think the passages about older Sam were important, especially with the way the book ended. In addition, while I was invested in the story and interested in continuing, for me, the story wasn't as memorable as I was hoping. I also feel the title was a little misleading because it was about much more than just the angels falling, which also could have been explored further (and maybe it will be at some point). There were a few plot twists I saw something or something Sam wondered about that I knew was true. However, I don't think any of these aspects take away from the overall story and the discussion of life and death the story brings up.

I appreciate what The Day the Angels Fell did as a story. Its a good story for someone looking for a clean, Christian-based read, similar to the Dreamhouse Kings series by Robert Liparulo or the Solitary books by Travis Thrasher. Overall, its a decent story and shouldnt be looked over. It has a lot of truths hidden between the pages.
1743021
Iscariot by Tosca Lee did the same thing to me Havah (the story of Eve) did. It made me think, re-read the biblical event, and ponder all the possibilities. I didn't want to read a book that made me take a second look at the crucifixion bad guy  Judas Iscariot. I certainly didn't want to read a book that would make me feel compassion for him. Not him. Never him. And then I did. Achingly so.

Iscariot is a courageous, raw, emotional, risky, and poetic look at who this man might have been and the role he played in the life and death of Jesus.

I cant read Ms. Lees books quickly, nor do I dive in. I step into them carefully knowing that by the end of page one, even though I know whats coming, and that I cant change it, I will be challenged.

Remember: Iscariot by Tosca Lee is a work of fiction  the author takes liberties with the biblical records that will cause some to shudder. I stumbled in the story a couple of times, reminded myself I was reading a novel, and kept reading. Im glad I did. Because no matter who Judas really was, no matter what truly drove him to take those 30 pieces of silver, there is more to him than any of us know. Who was Judas really? Only Jesus knows for sure and thats enough for me. Within the pages of this book, for the first time, I considered him.
3402256
I read this book earlier in the year, but I promised myself, along with my Good Reads challenge this year, I would try my best to review every book I read as a little extra to the challenge. Though it's been months ago, and I listened to this book while I was learning to crochet, it has stuck with me.

This is the first book I've read by Dot Hutchison, but I definitely plan to read the second book in this series when I have the time. The story of Maya (I don't  remember her real name, because I did read this months ago.) shook me to my core. It was beautifully written with a strong voice for both narrative and imagery that really stole both my heart and my breath. It took me a week to listen to this book (I listened while crocheting) and it held my interest all the way through. I'm fairy new to audio books, because of the slower pace. I tend to read a large book in a single day if I get really into it. But enjoy listening to them while I crochet. I was surprised at just how much this book held my attention. At times lost to the story I had to undo rows and redo them, because I missed a stitch. lol

This story is heart-wrenching, but still told with a lot of taste and imagination. The writer didn't hold back in telling it to its fullest potential, but it's still a classy read. By the end of the book I felt like I knew all of the characters - both good and bad to a satisfying extent. It's plot is full of twists and turns that kept me wanting to know more and guessing what might happen next.