but the author is undeniably brilliant and creative
596934
A book club section. Weird, but the author is undeniably brilliant and creative.
3342792
What a great idea for a bedtime book by Peter Collier! It's not just a great story; it's also amazingly innovative. There's plenty of happening, even though it's a foggy, dark, dull grey town. The imagination of this author is astounding. Start with nothing and end up with a creative and imaginative book that's well worth reading.
4291112
An exciting and unique read. "Chocolate Lenin" by Graham Diamond, is a smart book filled with satire, history, thought provoking situations and drama. It is both a crazy and brilliant work that is quite daring. I'm quite impressed with this creative author. Highly recommended. Five stars
673862
This book is absolutely flooring. It is difficult to choose my favorite element of this book. Ty Burdin, our protagonist, is amazingly crafted as a multi-faceted, troubled anti-hero, who just so happens to have serious demon hunting abilities (and some equally serious drinking issues). The demons of the book (who aren't always played as antagonists) are all each incredibly defined and each have distinct characteristics, some likable, others deplorable (Mephisto the bartender is a personal favorite). The scenarios are described with intensive clarity, yet the pacing remains brisk. Nader's writing style is immediately immersive and unforgettable. This book is a must-own, and a testament to the brilliance and vivacity of the book publishing underground today.
632003
This book is impossible to put down despite the fact that the reader is almost constantly horrified. It's a new and creative twist on the serial killer theme, but it's also full of well-developed characters, complex emotions, and this persistent, almost awestruck respect for the strength of the human spirit, and the depth of our capacity to be compassionate and to be brave.
2761832
Dawn Tripp brilliantly captures the spirit of O'Keeffe's life and work in a completely unique way that has inspired me to view her art in a whole new light. This book was simply "unputdownable" for me and leaves me yearning for more O'Keeffe. Because of this work I plan to visit this summer's O'Keeffe show at the Tate. Tripp's work is pure genius and I can't wait to hear what she is working on for her next novel!
3141952
To be perfectly honest, I was prompted to purchase this book because Chris is a friend, and I had never read any of his work before. Nevertheless, within 20 pages, I was absolutely hooked and found myself too caught up in the story to remember that I knew its author; it never dawned on me again until I had finished the entire work. I consider that an undeniable testament to his talent as a writer. This story is exceptionally well crafted!

I'd recommend this to anyone between the ages of 13 and 113.
1983090
I bought this book to prepare for a discussion group.  I had never heard of Neil Gaiman before, and I am so happy to know this writer's work!  This book is a total delight.  Original ideas are scarce as hen's teeth, but Gaiman has one here.  It is one of the most innovative books I've yet come across.

It helps to have some working knowledge of pagan gods so you can get the many subtle jokes woven into the story, but that's really not necessary.  It just adds another layer of joy to the experience.

Gaiman is one of a kind and is surely one of the best fantasy writers I have read in a fairly long lifetime.
1483196
As others have summarized the book, I won't do likewise.  I'm an avid reader and I've probably read over a thousand books in my time, but I don't think I''v ever run accross such beautifullly drawn and uniquely individual characters.  Both Rufus and Michael are quirkily human, wih all their faults, and misunderstandings, balanced by thier kindness of heart and empathy. I was totally charmed by them, and only hope the may appear in a future story by this very gifted author.  Her style and way with words is so engaging, when I looked up at the end of the book and saw it was daylight, I was completely surprised.  I'd been on the Isle of Wight with no thought of my true surroudnings. That's how vivd her writing is. The strong supportng characters are all fully three dimensional, with decided ideas about life and love, and givng advice and comfot at stressful moments. We should all be so lucky to have friends like that.  If you like a great and unusual plot, characters of great individuality and whtty and erudite dialogue, this is the book for you. Rooting for these two characters in their fumbling attempts toward becoming a couple will have you enmeshed in the book in no time.  All in all a marvelous read, thanks to a really great weaver of stories. This book is so involving I would hate to see anyone miss it.  Books like this don't come along very often, and when one does, my adivce is - buy it, buy it, buy it!
758146
Dang.
This book has got to be one of the most imaginative things I've  ever read. It is exciting, funny, scary, romantic--everything you need for  a good read.
The story is about a teenage boy named Eddie Fanta who is  going through some troubles. He can't get over his grandfather's death or  his parents' divorce, he's unpopular, he couldn't get a girl if his life  depended on it. Most of all, he's doubting God. But then he meets Louis, a  crippled recluse who also happens to be an inventor. Eddie gets his hands  on some spectacular inventions, and his life is completely changed.
While  extremely entertaining, "Eddie Fantastic" makes you think. God is  easily recognized as the Master Scientist, but what can copying His  inventions bring about? I am strongly reminded of the scriptures  "precept upon precept, line upon line." We could be given the  most wonderful gifts imaginable... but are we ready for them?
Exciting  and thought-provoking, this book lives up to its name: Fantastic.
749691
Michael has a unique style that is both literary and engrossing. He has the ability to draw the reader in with beautiful words and then keep them interested with quirky, original and entertaining stories. It's easy to see the hand of a university trained writer at work, but his words are so real and personal, it's as if you're sitting with an old friend listening to him tell you a tale.

And his newest book, Mr. Storm, is another example of his brilliant wordsmithing. I live in a small Appalachian town, and I can see people I know in this book. He's a great observer of people and that translates into well-rounded, believable characters. The storyline of Mr. Storm is very unique, though. It's quirky, dark at times, even eery, but I couldn't stop reading. I got drawn into the town, the people, the otherworldly elements. I can't help comparing it to "Something Wicked This Way Comes"... not the storyline, but the feel, the threatening but somehow comfortable 'storm' that is brewed up. Well-researched, sincere, and honest. It's a wonderful book!
509525
Highly imaginative; beautifully conceived and written.
4488909
I don't think there is any author out there that writes kids characters as well as Gennifer Choldenko.  With the Tompkins kids, she has created a family of siblings that are portrayed so realistically that when all the crazy things start happening to them, the reader is just sucked right along for what turns out to be a very crazy ride.

India is 14 and totally self obsessed, much like any young teenage girl.  Look a little deeper and you will see her insecurity and overwhelming desire to be loved and appreciated.  Finn is 12 and the worrier of the family.  He wants to make everything right for everybody.  Perhaps my favorite character is Mouse, the six year old genius.  She's only in kindergarten but does fifth grade math and asks questions about everything.  Her brain travels a hundred miles per hour and the author does a fantastic job with her dialogue.  Named Mouse because she squeaks so much, she is a character of marvelous depth and charm.

All of these characters are dealing with some harsh realities.  Their mom has just told them that the bank is foreclosing on their house and they have to move to Colorado to stay with an uncle that none of them have ever met.  For India it means leaving her friends, for Finn it means leaving his basketball dreams, and for Mouse, it means leaving their mother who has to stay behind and finish out the school year.

This has all the makings of a realistic story about an increasingly common circumstance, but when the plane the kids are traveling on makes an early landing, the story shifts dramatically into the fantasy realm.  It's quite a shock, but the author handles it seamlessly and before you know it you are traveling down the highway in a pink taxi with feathers.  I can't really speak to much more of the plot without giving too much away, except to say that the kids go on an adventure that will test their mettle and help them come to some realizations about their own strengths and how much they love each other.  The story turns into something that is highly original, very clever, and completely well imagined.

As an adult reader, I really loved this story.  It will be a challenging read for any kid age 10 and up.  Some elements can initially be confusing, but any reader who enjoys solving puzzles, or just figuring things out will get a big kick out of this one.  The author doesn't just lay the story out for you, you have to do a bit of thinking and pay close attention to detail.  Those that do will be rewarded with not only a grand story of adventure, but also a tale of some unexpected depth.  There is quite a bit of humor, and also some deep felt emotions.  This is an enthusiastic recommend, especially for middle schoolers on up.
3959410
Nothing about this book or the author is average. This is not a cookie cutter book following the same beaten to death story line. You know you want something different. And this is it!! It's so different you almost don't want to love it. It makes you pause, it makes you think. It's so unconventional. And it's utterly brilliant. Grab it, but it now, read it immediately. You won't regret it.
2559816
This book is a tour de force. Mark Duncan brilliantly tells the story of Mike, an ingratiating prodigy, with a second chance at life, love, and happiness. What's more, the book offers an intellectual sophistication that is captivating and unmatched among typical fictional books. The reader will learn so much about so many different topics, thanks to the author's encyclopedic and profoundly deep knowledge. Appealing to all ages, this book is one not to be missed!
3397064
This damn book had me hooked from the start and stopped me from doing important work. If you have time, read this book. It is brilliantly conceived and executed. It's full of humour, emotion, and surprises small and large.
3039995
As an English teacher, I read at least 100 novels a year. The Book Thief ranks among the top ten I have read in the past ten years.  The prose style is marvelously creative, so completely captivating that word by word, moment by moment, the story is nearly impossible to stop reading.  Each and every character becomes real, but most memorable may be the father, Hans, whose kindness and courage are inseparable.  The voice of Death, the narrator, is different from any other voice that I have heard speaking of the horrors of WWII. In the midst of tragedy, compassion remains, even in the most unexpected places.  The publisher should be marketing The Book Thief as fiction for general readers (rather than "young adults")because it deserves the widest possible audience.