One of the Best Stories I've Ever Read
591386
Oh my gosh, I just can't express how utterly amazing this book is. It was so hauntingly beautiful with the vivid descriptions of the world and the beautiful connection between Levi and Evie. I have never read a story where the protagonist is blind and after this I can't imagine that anyone else could do it better. I laughed, I cried, and I was just so moved by this story. I recently went to New Orleans and explored the bayou for the first time and just reading the description of its beauty and the way it affected Evie took me right back. Throughout the story Evie speaks about the hardest thing about being blind is not her own disability, but the way people react to her and don't know how to deal with it. I have to admit that I normally would not have read this type of story because I wasn't sure I would know how to deal with it. I thought it would be too angsty and sad. But the truth is, although there was angst, there was such poignant beauty and acceptance from Evie, and Levi, and Cherelyn that you couldn't help but be touched by the story. The twist was shocking, although the closer it came to being revealed, the more I realized that it might have been a possibility. Levi was a dream and his utter acceptance of Evie and seeing him fall in love with her and finally come alive for the first time was so moving. Evie was possibly one of the strongest character's I've ever read about. And her ability to paint and see and feel the colors was inspiring. I even clicked the link to see the artist who inspired Ms. Leighton to create Evie.

Everything about this book was just perfect. It was so well written and so descriptive and just so...wonderful. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a touchingly beautiful romance. Bravo Ms. Leighton. Bravo.
2619072
This is one of the best researched and most interesting stories I have ever read. I absolutely have no clue as to why I hadn't read it before. The story is filled with personal tragedy, emotions of the deepest kind and a conclusion worth waiting for.  Reese is a hide out doctor with secrets he would rather not have anyone uncover. But here comes Annie who is instrumental in unravelling it all. She's just a child but her need places him in a no choice type of situation. Oh yeah, did I mention Emma?  Once you've read it you will agree that Charles Martin has outdone himself once again.
3499456
Definitely one of the best stories ever!!  The character development of the main character in the story is nothing short of amazing and inspirational.  Cupcake Brown's brutal honesty and ability to explain the pathology behind the events that take place in this book makes the reader feel as though you know her personally.  As a result, you are cheering for her and celebrating with her by the end of the book as you would for a good friend or family member.  Very few books have changed me as a person and this is one of those rare occasions.  A must read.
3996646
I wish everyone would read this book. I'm almost 30 years old and it's the exact book I needed to read at this exact point in my life. It's truly one of the most beautiful stories I've ever read.

For me, it was one of those books that I'm constantly hoping for -- the kind where you can't stop thinking about it, you read it super fast because it's so good, and it reaches you in a way you need to be reached in that moment. Then you kind of wish it wasn't over and you go and read all the other books by that author, hoping to find in those the same feeling this one gave you.

I honestly felt like this book was written for me. Like eerily exactly for me. I recently went through (and am still healing from) a relatively traumatic experience. I've had a really hard time with it emotionally and it hit me pretty hard spiritually (in a good way). I've had these moments of clarity unlike anything I've ever felt before, but always wished I had -- that assurance of being where I'm supposed to be, on the path I'm supposed to be on. That's how I feel after reading this book, more than ever.

Again, I wish everyone would read this book. Because this book wasn't actually written exactly for me -- it was written for all of us. Every single one of us because every single one of us is dealing with SOMETHING and no matter how big or small that something is, the thing that helps the most is knowing that you're not alone. You won't regret reading this book. Promise.
808726
One of the best books I've ever read.  Great story and so well written.  The inclusion of facts about nature was also special to me.
1654094
Where can I even start reviewing this book. It was such a fascinating and incredible story; I don't know where to start.

Let me talk about the amazingness of this story.

First, I just have to say that the writing was marvelous. Jonathan has such a great way of giving a message, he knows how to choose his words; it's downright poetic. The best part is how, even when he has such a beautiful style of writing, it doesn't interfere with dialogue. Every character has their own way of speaking and it's never lost. I loved how the way every character spoke gave them a unique personality; you could feel how these characters were. I'm not sure how to explain it; it just felt like these people were way too real. (Which is actually amazing.)

The characters were simply marvelous. As you read, you can tell how each and every one of them was so carefully crafted; everything was measured and well thought. I'm pretty sure that if you gave Jonathan a completely random scenario he would be able to tell you what each character would be doing and it would fit perfectly with their personalities. As you read, you can feel as if these characters were real. (Or at least I felt it.)

The plot was so incredibly sad but so lovely at the same time. It's amazing how the story manages to get good things put of bad situations. Because, let's face it, being lonely for 100 years and then [*spoiler alert*] falling in love with a boy you can't even touch is a pretty sad thing; but yet, the way everything happens makes you feel like everything is about the little things that make one happy, it cherishes the positive things in the worst case scenarios. And that, to me, is a great lesson (that maybe wasn't intentional, maybe it was, who knows, I just know I really appreciated it).

Those plot twists though! I really wasn't expecting some things that happened and that just made the story all the better. Last night I said "just one more chapter, Alex" but then PLOT TWIST and I couldn't put the book down until I reached the epilogue and then I honestly passed out because I was exhausted and it was like 3am.

Long story short: Go buy and read this book as soon as you can because it's definitely worth it. You're going to laugh, cry, be in pain, get angry as hell, laugh some more; all of the above and more. Just buckle up and enjoy the ride, you won't regret it.
541056
I couldn't possible do this book justice with a review.  All I can really say is that it's one of the best I've ever read.  It's got it all, superb character development, almost tangible atmosphere, and a hell of a story.
4527920
Sometimes the power of a story takes over and you lose all sense of enjoying the style of writing. This mother is a gifted writer. As a Choice Book distributor I have had many opportunities to read stories about testimonies of going to heaven and back. This by far is one of the best I've ever read. I'm excited to see how this book will do on display.  Stan Bednarz, author of Miracle on Snowbird Lake.
2822302
I was hesitant at first because I don't like horror type stories, but this was so beautifully written, and the characters were so well developed, that I immediately fell in love with the story. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Marcus Sakey is a phenomenal storyteller.
2263463
One of the best stories I've ever read! The many battle scenes depicted in this book were absolutely awesome and extremely entertaining! A very impressive ending! One minor note: The author should have had someone proof read his brilliant work, as quite a few of the words were missing their last letter. Also on one important occasion: One of the main characters was given the wrong name. It was confusing at first, until I read a few pages more of this exciting adventure.
3103492
Great story, something I've never read before.
1555124
This is the best story! I've read it twice and I know I'll read it again in the years to come.  You can't put this book down and it will have you in tears at the end. Buy it!
323875
I can't say enough good things about this book. I'm so happy it's finally been reprinted, and in such a grand format.  The tag team of Gaiman & McKean has brought us much over the years, from Violent Cases to their various children's books to the multitude of covers they've worked together on.

This book holds a special place in my heart because it was one of a few books lent to me in the late nineties that got me back into comics.  It's incredibly moving.  (I could also add that the adapted play by the both of them is also FANTASTIC)

The story delves into the fragile nature of life, the sad happening of coming across the bitter knowledge of your own last days, due to your own body turning against you. The man is a creator, a story teller, and he deals with the information by writing his last great story, even just in his own mind. Maybe as a way to keep the story from being robbed of it's own life.

I won't go into the deeper elements of the story as some of the other reviews have explained them well but it changed the way I viewed how a story could be told in this format.

It's really something else, a work of art.  It stands to all the invigorating stories that have been told since and then some.
804895
one of the best stories I've read. love book 1
as well. can't wait to keep reading the Arrangement..Avery and Sean.
4958188
Don't miss a chance to read the story of Corrie ten Boom. One of the best books I've ever read.
2787789
One of THE BEST stories I've read. You can't put it down! Well, you CAN, but then you'd have to leave this lovely world of dances, and manners, and wicked step mothers she's created. The Fairytale retelling was so subtle that you caught it, but you still didn't know exactly how it was going to play out and when. Except the 'Happily Ever After' part, THAT you can count on.
589277
This was one of the best stories I have ever read.  It was wonderfully told by Harry Bernstein, who has a great memory for details.  I am not Jewish, but I have always had an affection for the dedicated life they lead.  This personal story gave me much insight into that dedicated life and how it is viewed from the eyes of a child who had to live the good parts as well as the bad parts of being Jewish.  This story has kept me thinking of Harry and his family for a long time.  One may have heard that some books are hard to put down but this one is also hard to get out of your head.  I look forward to another story by Harry.