Simply a fantastic book.
584352
With humor, a bit of wit, and a conversational style, Andy shares some of his story, but more of the story of the church he leads and why they have become so effect.  An excellent read all around.
4610966
This is simply one of the best books I have ever read. Very well written, clever ,funny and sometimes heartwrenching.
3916988
I am pretty sure that everyone is aware by now that this is a fantastic book.  I would say much better than the fantastic TV series that is out.  A must read.
520914
Wow! What a fantastic book this is. True the subject matter is enduringly fascinating, but this brings the stories to life in a totally gripping and encompassing way. It's a sumptuous Bront-fest.

The Bronts' first biographer was, of course, a novelist, and in the wake of Mrs Gaskell - who confessed, as a writer of fiction, to finding it hard to stick to the facts - their story has been adapted, ad infinitum, for stage and screen as well as in books. The Taste of Sorrow is a very welcome addition to that genre and, unlike Mrs Gaskell, Jude Morgan comfortably takes the route of fiction, albeit using vast amounts of what is known to be historical fact. The result is to really bring this remarkable family to life - and indeed to death as early death was a feature both of the times and their upbringing. The novel starts off with the death of their mother, including a suggestion that may raise some hackles that she may have made a pact with the devil for her daughters' future.

The rich style of writing may not be to all modern tastes, but I loved it. I was instantly taken back 150 years - staggering to think that it really was not that long ago - to Haworth and the newly industrialising villages, together with the restrictions on the opportunities for young girls and the horrors of their limited education.

I came to this book with a fair degree of familiarity with the story - but absolutely none is needed. Indeed, you don't even need to know the novels of the Bronts to enjoy this book, although some knowledge undoubtedly helps you to pick up on some of Morgan's themes which were to re-appear in the girls' books (for example, there are several references to madness and attics in Charlotte's musings - which feature heavily in Jane Eyre, Emily stumbles on a dead bird that will feature in Wuthering Hieghts etc). Picking up on these will undoubtedly deepen your enjoyment, but it's absolutely not necessary - this story stands on its own perfectly well.

And don't expect too much to soon about the actual writing of the books - which was eventful in itself given that they felt the need to write under assumed (male) names. Their tentative steps into publishing don't feature until quite late on in the book.

Each sister is clearly defined - as is the relationship between each of them and their brother Branwell. Emily has always been my favourite - but then Wuthering Heights is one of my favourite books! - and this book did nothing to trample on that image. Neither does Morgan take liberties or trample on the facts - as often happens in some historical fiction - but rather he enlivens the facts and brings the story alive.

Great stuff.
1664815
This book is quite simply one of the finest software development books ever written.  The style, the length, the scope, and the structure are all absolutely perfect.  The balance creates a reading experience that seemingly opens a channel to your brain and feeds the information in.

Flanagan is a master author of technical books, especially languages.  His JavaScript book is equally well done.  Matsumoto's unique technical mastery here leaves no stone unturned.  And even the artwork by "why the lucky stiff" added a fun element that just rounded out the book as the best in its class.

If I could forget the whole thing, just so I could read it again, I would.  It is that good.
1977412
All of Graeme Base's books are wonderful, and this is no exception.  It is visually spectacular (what else would you expect with such a topic!) and the narrative keeps you entertained as well.
This is a book which has universal appeal.  It is fantastic enough to appeal to younger readers, and has enough impact as an "art" book to appeal to people who like great visual books on their coffee tables.
It is a lovely, witty and frivolous book.  Just what everyone needs!
871110
This was just a fantastic book. I have had it on my nightstand since I bought it and read a few principles before bed every evening. The writing is clear and concise, the book design is clean and well laid-out (go figure) and the chapters are fascinating.

I come to this book with a background in psychology and a strong amateur interest in design. This book fit the bill perfectly.

Get it, it's a keeper!
2185694
I just love this book. Its beautiful, moving and illuminating in every one of its 900 pages. Its simply un-put-down-able. I haven't read such an engaging book for a long long time.

I loved looking at Bombay through his eyes. The little things he notices and sees deeply is fantastic! Also, he is so compassionate and kind in his writings.

Its the first favorite book of mine now. :)
762600
This book is simply outstanding.  Definitely for a more older person (college or higher), but still fantastic.
3750650
I loved the book from the first page on. The characters were  alive and well defined, and their complex stories and lives were imbued with real humanity.  A fantastic read ... and special book.
3211042
Well written, well researched, simply an excellent book.
2471442
This book has been popular for years, and the reason is that its simply a wonderful story. Yes, it's a little simplistic in some ways, and some of the characters just don't have the depth of characters in other stories, but that's because it's meant to be fanciful. It's a quick read and a total delight from beginning to end.

I read this book before assigning it to my oldest sons, ages 10 and 8, to read as a part of our homeschooling. I made one of them read it slowly, a chapter at a time, and he was always begging on Mondays to read another chapter. The other I let read it at the speed he desired on a sick day when he was too sick to get out of bed. He finished it that day.

Several of the author's other books are better written with more complex character development and plots. This one is short and quick. A child as young as 6 or 7 would probably enjoy hearing it read aloud.
4677661
Fantastic Book.  Highly recommended, and great for gifts.
4683218
Ah. No mere words can describe this book. It's, umm, amazing.
614531
Absolutely fantastic book I could not put it down.
3073993
A great book - thoroughly enjoy from start to finish.
221093
This is a simply splendid book, for readers of any age.  I have always bought it for everybody I like.  Among other awards it won a Newbery Prize.  Buying another copy for one of my students has reminded me that it is a little while since I last read it, so I am about to read it again and I warmly suggest that you should, too.