Question: Is the novel written by tracey chevalier have any new idea?

I will never claim myself to be good with science fiction.  Although this novel is said to be an easy sell to those of us who are hesitant with the genre, I will admit to still struggling a bit.  In some respects, it could be that the deep sense of morality that the alien "Wanderer" or "Wanda" had just seemed strange to me at first.  Yes she was an alien, but her thoughts and ideas seemed so human-like as to make it difficult to see her as such a leech.  On the flip side, we knew immediately that Melanie was a feisty soul, since she continued to fight for her presence in her own body.  I loved Melanie and wanted her to have her life back, so the complication of having a moral and kind alien taking up space in her body really complicated the entire situation.The first hundred pages or so really are a bit slow.  I have to warn reluctant readers that for me, at least, it was difficult to get through all of the set up for the society and hosting by human bodies that goes on in this future time.  The relationships in the book are well established though, with characters that are complicated and easy to care about.  Meyer does a nice job of complicating our expected beliefs that Wanda is the bad guy in the story and should be eliminated.  Yes, she has taken over Melanie's body, but could it be that Wanda is as much a victim in this story as her human host?The different ideas about the value of life and relationships were interesting, and although I struggle with my own suspension of belief, I thought it was a good story.  It's not always my cup of tea to read survivalist tales or about alien life forms.  Who knew I was such a hard sell?  While not the top of my list of favorite reads, it was an interesting new one.  Oh, and I can also say that after putting it down the first time, that I've read it!

Answer: reluctant readers that for me, at least, it was difficult to get through all of the set up for the society and hosting by human bodies that goes on in this future time.  The relationships in the book are well established though, with characters that are complicated and easy to care about.  Meyer does a nice job of complicating our expected beliefs that Wanda is the bad guy in the story and should be eliminated.  Yes, she has taken over Melanie's body, but could it be that Wanda is as much a victim in this story as her human host?The different ideas about the value of life and relationships were interesting, and although I struggle with my own suspension of belief, I thought it was a good story.  It's not always my cup of tea to read survivalist tales or about alien life forms.  Who knew I was such a hard sell?  While not the top of my list of favorite reads, it was an interesting new one.  Oh, and I can also say that after putting it down the first time, that I've read it!

I will never claim myself to be good with science fiction. Although this novel is said to be an easy sell to those of us who are hesitant with the genre, I will admit to still struggling a bit. In some respects, it could be that the deep sense of morality that the alien "Wanderer" or "Wanda" had just seemed strange to me at first. Yes she was an alien, but her thoughts and ideas seemed so human-like as to make it difficult to see her as such a leech. On the flip side, we knew immediately that Melanie was a feisty soul, since she continued to fight for her presence in her own body. I loved Melanie and wanted her to have her life back, so the complication of having a moral and kind alien taking up space in her body really complicated the entire situation. The first hundred pages or so really are a bit slow. <hl> I have to warn reluctant readers that for me, at least, it was difficult to get through all of the set up for the society and hosting by human bodies that goes on in this future time. The relationships in the book are well established though, with characters that are complicated and easy to care about. Meyer does a nice job of complicating our expected beliefs that Wanda is the bad guy in the story and should be eliminated. Yes, she has taken over Melanie's body, but could it be that Wanda is as much a victim in this story as her human host?The different ideas about the value of life and relationships were interesting, and although I struggle with my own suspension of belief, I thought it was a good story. It's not always my cup of tea to read survivalist tales or about alien life forms. Who knew I was such a hard sell? While not the top of my list of favorite reads, it was an interesting new one. Oh, and I can also say that after putting it down the first time, that I've read it! <hl>

I will never claim myself to be good with science fiction. Although this novel is said to be an easy sell to those of us who are hesitant with the genre, I will admit to still struggling a bit. In some respects, it could be that the deep sense of morality that the alien "Wanderer" or "Wanda" had just seemed strange to me at first. Yes she was an alien, but her thoughts and ideas seemed so human-like as to make it difficult to see her as such a leech. On the flip side, we knew immediately that Melanie was a feisty soul, since she continued to fight for her presence in her own body. I loved Melanie and wanted her to have her life back, so the complication of having a moral and kind alien taking up space in her body really complicated the entire situation.The first hundred pages or so really are a bit slow. I have to warn <hl> reluctant readers that for me, at least, it was difficult to get through all of the set up for the society and hosting by human bodies that goes on in this future time. The relationships in the book are well established though, with characters that are complicated and easy to care about. Meyer does a nice job of complicating our expected beliefs that Wanda is the bad guy in the story and should be eliminated. Yes, she has taken over Melanie's body, but could it be that Wanda is as much a victim in this story as her human host?The different ideas about the value of life and relationships were interesting, and although I struggle with my own suspension of belief, I thought it was a good story. It's not always my cup of tea to read survivalist tales or about alien life forms. Who knew I was such a hard sell? While not the top of my list of favorite reads, it was an interesting new one. Oh, and I can also say that after putting it down the first time, that I've read it! <hl>


Question: What do you think about book?

Im probably the last one out there who hadn't read this series, so when I was getting ready for a three week vacation, I decided to bring these books along. I agree with many of the negative reviews, this book was poorly written, and by the end of the third book I was tired of reading about Christian and Ana's sex. But the story, the love, the passion, was highly addictive. I needed to read all three. Is this book going to show up on a classics list in 25 years time, I hope not. But it was a good summer beach read.

Answer: , this book was poorly written, and by the end of the third book I was tired of reading about

Im probably the last one out there who hadn't read this series, so when I was getting ready for a three week vacation, I decided to bring these books along. <hl> I agree with many of the negative reviews , this book was poorly written, and by the end of the third book I was tired of reading about Christian and Ana's sex. <hl> But the story, the love, the passion, was highly addictive. I needed to read all three. Is this book going to show up on a classics list in 25 years time, I hope not. But it was a good summer beach read.

Im probably the last one out there who hadn't read this series, so when I was getting ready for a three week vacation, I decided to bring these books along. I agree with many of the negative reviews<hl> , this book was poorly written, and by the end of the third book I was tired of reading about <hl> Christian and Ana's sex. But the story, the love, the passion, was highly addictive. I needed to read all three. Is this book going to show up on a classics list in 25 years time, I hope not. But it was a good summer beach read.

I agree with many of the negative reviews <hl> , this book was poorly written, and by the end of the third book I was tired of reading about <hl> Christian and Ana's sex.


Question: What does your dialogue say?

Where do I begin? There are so many wonderful, warm, witty components to this book that it's hard to figure out where to begin, but I'll start with the characters. These characters are well-developed, intelligent, misguided, courageous and humorous. They stand alone just fine but it's the interaction between them that sends sparks through this book. The dialogue/banter is witty and quick if not also somewhat dark, but it all comes together in an enlightening story about life, love and loss that will leave you feeling sympathetic yet joyful.

Answer: The dialogue/banter is witty and quick if not also somewhat dark

Where do I begin? There are so many wonderful, warm, witty components to this book that it's hard to figure out where to begin, but I'll start with the characters. These characters are well-developed, intelligent, misguided, courageous and humorous. They stand alone just fine but it's the interaction between them that sends sparks through this book. <hl> The dialogue/banter is witty and quick if not also somewhat dark , but it all comes together in an enlightening story about life, love and loss that will leave you feeling sympathetic yet joyful. <hl>

Where do I begin? There are so many wonderful, warm, witty components to this book that it's hard to figure out where to begin, but I'll start with the characters. These characters are well-developed, intelligent, misguided, courageous and humorous. They stand alone just fine but it's the interaction between them that sends sparks through this book. <hl> The dialogue/banter is witty and quick if not also somewhat dark <hl>, but it all comes together in an enlightening story about life, love and loss that will leave you feeling sympathetic yet joyful.

<hl> The dialogue/banter is witty and quick if not also somewhat dark <hl> , but it all comes together in an enlightening story about life, love and loss that will leave you feeling sympathetic yet joyful.


Question: What is the book about?

I was fascinated by Bill O'Reilly's book on Jesus's life and death.  Part 'straight from the Bible' and part 'straight from the history books', this rendition of Jesus's life and the convoluted and trumped up explanations for that brutal death (and yes, this book pulls no punches about exactly how brutal and horrifying the crucifixion he suffered was) is not for those looking for an easy read.  I won't say I "loved" this book, because that would dilute its power and honesty.  I will say it's one of the most memorable and visceral renditions of Jesus's life and death that I have ever read. However, the reader must be aware of exactly what kind of old world 'justice' this is about.  Do I recommend it?  Oh yes!  But know what you're getting into.

Answer: rendition of Jesus's life

I was fascinated by Bill O'Reilly's book on Jesus's life and death. <hl> Part 'straight from the Bible' and part 'straight from the history books', this rendition of Jesus's life and the convoluted and trumped up explanations for that brutal death (and yes, this book pulls no punches about exactly how brutal and horrifying the crucifixion he suffered was) is not for those looking for an easy read. <hl> I won't say I "loved" this book, because that would dilute its power and honesty. I will say it's one of the most memorable and visceral renditions of Jesus's life and death that I have ever read. However, the reader must be aware of exactly what kind of old world 'justice' this is about. Do I recommend it? Oh yes! But know what you're getting into.

I was fascinated by Bill O'Reilly's book on Jesus's life and death. Part 'straight from the Bible' and part 'straight from the history books', this <hl> rendition of Jesus's life <hl> and the convoluted and trumped up explanations for that brutal death (and yes, this book pulls no punches about exactly how brutal and horrifying the crucifixion he suffered was) is not for those looking for an easy read. I won't say I "loved" this book, because that would dilute its power and honesty. I will say it's one of the most memorable and visceral renditions of Jesus's life and death that I have ever read. However, the reader must be aware of exactly what kind of old world 'justice' this is about. Do I recommend it? Oh yes! But know what you're getting into.


Question: Do you know anything about sex?

After reading the 50 Shades trilogy I started hearing about this book.  Finally had a chance to read it this weekend and I have to say, I think I liked it better! Although the books are a LOT alike, at least to me, and the characters are VERY similar, I think I would take Gideon over Christian.  I wasn't disappointed with this book and I'm looking forward to the next one!

Answer: Although the books are a LOT alike

After reading the 50 Shades trilogy I started hearing about this book. <hl> Finally had a chance to read it this weekend and I have to say, I think I liked it better! Although the books are a LOT alike , at least to me, and the characters are VERY similar, I think I would take Gideon over Christian. <hl> I wasn't disappointed with this book and I'm looking forward to the next one!

After reading the 50 Shades trilogy I started hearing about this book. Finally had a chance to read it this weekend and I have to say, I think I liked it better! <hl> Although the books are a LOT alike <hl>, at least to me, and the characters are VERY similar, I think I would take Gideon over Christian. I wasn't disappointed with this book and I'm looking forward to the next one!

Finally had a chance to read it this weekend and I have to say, I think I liked it better! <hl> Although the books are a LOT alike <hl> , at least to me, and the characters are VERY similar, I think I would take Gideon over Christian.


Question: How is the book?

Night Owl by M. PierceMatthew (Night.Owl) & Hannah (Little.Bird)****Possible Spoilers****HOLY FREAKING HELL!!!!  I was bowled over!!!  From the very first conversation to the last words uttered in this book, my life will never be the same!  I'm making a "list" of ways this book has changed me. LOL!  I've never read a book like this before and I'm pretty sure I NEVER will again!  M. Pierce whoever you are, whatever you are, you're a freaking genius and should be given a damn Pulitzer!I still honestly can't believe I'm putting this into words because my brain still feels all mushy and scrambled!  BUT... here it goes.  I was intrigued from the first line of this tale.  Hook, line, and sinker!  I ate up every word and devoured it with reckless abandonment!  I felt like with every word, every sentence, and every turn of the page I was digging my own grave and I didn't care.  I wanted to get deeper and more absorbed into the lives of these two completely diverse people!  The need, the loneliness, the angst, the sex, the love, the humor, the dread, and most importantly the acceptance.Matthew a.k.a. Night.Owl is so unlike any other leading male character I've read before.  He has so much power and knows how to use it, but throughout this tale he seems to lose it and it wounded me to see him suffer even though he was in the wrong.  His "ass***ery"<<-- (sorry Amazon won't let me swear) was very refreshing and for some reason my mind wanted, no needed that to make me feel the complete chaos that he was.  It's like he wanted to know so many things about Hannah, but he knew wanting those things were wrong on so many levels, but he couldn't stop himself.  He made me want so many things for him and he made me make sure my B.O.B. had new batteries!!!  From his dirty blonde hair to his beautiful green eyes, he made my heart skip a beat with that dynamite smile of his.  How was it you describe his smile M. Pierce?  "Matt's smirks came in flavors- two parts kindness, one part wicked amusement, a little lust in the mix.  Oh, and one hundred percent smug bastard."This beautiful, free spirited, hard working, and loveable "Little.Bird" Hannah had me at "hello."  She was so agreeable to just about everything that was asked of her, but seriously, she didn't really have anything else and nothing to lose, so why not!  Hannah was that girl that would bend over backwards for her friends and family and be fierce to those who tried to hurt any of her loved ones.  I was almost frightened for her at times, but it seemed what I thought might be terrifying or fearful, turned out to be vibrant and alive.  Funny how things can come full circle and after pushing through some shadows, you finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.  Hannah was my light!  She pulled me through this ordeal with her courage and her sturdiness.  "Always, Matt, always speaking to me from any mouth but your own.  Don't you know that I love you?  I see you under all your lies, and I always find you."  That line right there solidified my love for that smart Little.Bird!The build up and tension leading to the climax was exhilarating and rewarding.  It doesn't end the way I expected it to and I'm not sure if I could say it's a cliffhanger or not!  You'll just have to pick up your own copy and be the judge.  I, myself will be a forever "fan-girl" of this remarkable author and will bite my nails till the next installment comes out.  Please God, make it come out soon!!!  Pretty please with tons of sugar, honey, and whipped cream on top!!!  After 233 (Kindle version) pages of this messed up, wonderful story, I'm here to say, GO BUY IT - LIKE RIGHT EFFING NOW!!!!5 MUTHA EFFIN' STARS!!!!!

Answer: book has changed me

Night Owl by M. PierceMatthew (Night. Owl) & Hannah (Little. Bird)****Possible Spoilers****HOLY FREAKING HELL!!!! I was bowled over!!! From the very first conversation to the last words uttered in this book, my life will never be the same! <hl> I'm making a "list" of ways this book has changed me . <hl> LOL! I've never read a book like this before and I'm pretty sure I NEVER will again! M. Pierce whoever you are, whatever you are, you're a freaking genius and should be given a damn Pulitzer!I still honestly can't believe I'm putting this into words because my brain still feels all mushy and scrambled! BUT... here it goes. I was intrigued from the first line of this tale. Hook, line, and sinker! I ate up every word and devoured it with reckless abandonment! I felt like with every word, every sentence, and every turn of the page I was digging my own grave and I didn't care. I wanted to get deeper and more absorbed into the lives of these two completely diverse people! The need, the loneliness, the angst, the sex, the love, the humor, the dread, and most importantly the acceptance. Matthew a.k.a. Night. Owl is so unlike any other leading male character I've read before. He has so much power and knows how to use it, but throughout this tale he seems to lose it and it wounded me to see him suffer even though he was in the wrong. His "ass***ery"<<-- (sorry Amazon won't let me swear) was very refreshing and for some reason my mind wanted, no needed that to make me feel the complete chaos that he was. It's like he wanted to know so many things about Hannah, but he knew wanting those things were wrong on so many levels, but he couldn't stop himself. He made me want so many things for him and he made me make sure my B.O.B. had new batteries!!! From his dirty blonde hair to his beautiful green eyes, he made my heart skip a beat with that dynamite smile of his. How was it you describe his smile M. Pierce? "Matt's smirks came in flavors- two parts kindness, one part wicked amusement, a little lust in the mix. Oh, and one hundred percent smug bastard."This beautiful, free spirited, hard working, and loveable "Little. Bird" Hannah had me at "hello." She was so agreeable to just about everything that was asked of her, but seriously, she didn't really have anything else and nothing to lose, so why not! Hannah was that girl that would bend over backwards for her friends and family and be fierce to those who tried to hurt any of her loved ones. I was almost frightened for her at times, but it seemed what I thought might be terrifying or fearful, turned out to be vibrant and alive. Funny how things can come full circle and after pushing through some shadows, you finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. Hannah was my light! She pulled me through this ordeal with her courage and her sturdiness. "Always, Matt, always speaking to me from any mouth but your own. Don't you know that I love you? I see you under all your lies, and I always find you." That line right there solidified my love for that smart Little. Bird!The build up and tension leading to the climax was exhilarating and rewarding. It doesn't end the way I expected it to and I'm not sure if I could say it's a cliffhanger or not! You'll just have to pick up your own copy and be the judge. I, myself will be a forever "fan-girl" of this remarkable author and will bite my nails till the next installment comes out. Please God, make it come out soon!!! Pretty please with tons of sugar, honey, and whipped cream on top!!! After 233 (Kindle version) pages of this messed up, wonderful story, I'm here to say, GO BUY IT - LIKE RIGHT EFFING NOW!!!!5 MUTHA EFFIN' STARS!!!!!

Night Owl by M. PierceMatthew (Night.Owl) & Hannah (Little.Bird)****Possible Spoilers****HOLY FREAKING HELL!!!! I was bowled over!!! From the very first conversation to the last words uttered in this book, my life will never be the same! I'm making a "list" of ways this <hl> book has changed me <hl>. LOL! I've never read a book like this before and I'm pretty sure I NEVER will again! M. Pierce whoever you are, whatever you are, you're a freaking genius and should be given a damn Pulitzer!I still honestly can't believe I'm putting this into words because my brain still feels all mushy and scrambled! BUT... here it goes. I was intrigued from the first line of this tale. Hook, line, and sinker! I ate up every word and devoured it with reckless abandonment! I felt like with every word, every sentence, and every turn of the page I was digging my own grave and I didn't care. I wanted to get deeper and more absorbed into the lives of these two completely diverse people! The need, the loneliness, the angst, the sex, the love, the humor, the dread, and most importantly the acceptance.Matthew a.k.a. Night.Owl is so unlike any other leading male character I've read before. He has so much power and knows how to use it, but throughout this tale he seems to lose it and it wounded me to see him suffer even though he was in the wrong. His "ass***ery"<<-- (sorry Amazon won't let me swear) was very refreshing and for some reason my mind wanted, no needed that to make me feel the complete chaos that he was. It's like he wanted to know so many things about Hannah, but he knew wanting those things were wrong on so many levels, but he couldn't stop himself. He made me want so many things for him and he made me make sure my B.O.B. had new batteries!!! From his dirty blonde hair to his beautiful green eyes, he made my heart skip a beat with that dynamite smile of his. How was it you describe his smile M. Pierce? "Matt's smirks came in flavors- two parts kindness, one part wicked amusement, a little lust in the mix. Oh, and one hundred percent smug bastard."This beautiful, free spirited, hard working, and loveable "Little.Bird" Hannah had me at "hello." She was so agreeable to just about everything that was asked of her, but seriously, she didn't really have anything else and nothing to lose, so why not! Hannah was that girl that would bend over backwards for her friends and family and be fierce to those who tried to hurt any of her loved ones. I was almost frightened for her at times, but it seemed what I thought might be terrifying or fearful, turned out to be vibrant and alive. Funny how things can come full circle and after pushing through some shadows, you finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. Hannah was my light! She pulled me through this ordeal with her courage and her sturdiness. "Always, Matt, always speaking to me from any mouth but your own. Don't you know that I love you? I see you under all your lies, and I always find you." That line right there solidified my love for that smart Little.Bird!The build up and tension leading to the climax was exhilarating and rewarding. It doesn't end the way I expected it to and I'm not sure if I could say it's a cliffhanger or not! You'll just have to pick up your own copy and be the judge. I, myself will be a forever "fan-girl" of this remarkable author and will bite my nails till the next installment comes out. Please God, make it come out soon!!! Pretty please with tons of sugar, honey, and whipped cream on top!!! After 233 (Kindle version) pages of this messed up, wonderful story, I'm here to say, GO BUY IT - LIKE RIGHT EFFING NOW!!!!5 MUTHA EFFIN' STARS!!!!!

I'm making a "list" of ways this <hl> book has changed me <hl> .


Question: Do you like his role?

ONE GOOD EARL DESERVES A LOVER is the second book of Sarah MacLean’s Rules of Scoundrels series.I will make a confession before I begin the review of ONE GOOD EARL DESERVES A LOVER.  I read this book for the first time four months ago and I’ve read it at least 6 times since then.  It is already one of my favorite romance books of all time.  The book makes me laugh and makes me cry.  I absolutely love the characters and while I understand the complaints that some have about the plot or the motivations of the characters, I don’t agree.To me the romance between Lady Philippa (Pippa) Marbury and Jasper Arlesey, Earl Harlow aka Cross is magnificent.  I love how Cross is just baffled by Pippa.  She is a unique character and he is enthralled and bemused by her.  Their first meeting, Pippa arrives at Cross’ office while he is asleep and she proceeds to inspect his books and criticize his calculations is so amusing.  Pippa is “odd” and Cross is simultaneously fascinated and horrified by her.Cross is a wonderfully tortured hero.  He is a man who was a second son who was happy living dissipated life; a young man who did not take anything seriously.  He is tortured because his older responsible brother is killed in a carriage accident while traveling to an event that Cross at first promised and then reneged on attending.  Cross then gains his brother’s title.  Cross, however, believes that he should have died instead of his brother and thus refuses to take up that life because he does not feel worthy of it.Pippa is amazing.  She is clever and strong and quirky.  She is a scientist and looks at the world in a curious manner.  She is engaged to marry an earl (who is nice enough but no match for Pippa’s intellect) because she is settling because she believes that no one could really want her because of her odd nature.I love this book.  The dialogue is the best part.  The conversations are so fascinating that I could just continue to read them again and again.  Cross and Pippa are both intellectuals and they discuss things in such an unusual manner.  I am both fascinated and amused by their conversations.  I especially like the fact that Cross is so bemused in Pippa’s presence.  He is a man who has denied his passions and yet has such incredible passion inside him.MacLean always has such vivid characters, but I find Pippa and Cross to be incredible examples of her expertise.  They are unusual people and I understand their motivations because MacLean does such a great job of bringing the reader into their minds.  I know that Cross’ actions are the subject of some confusion and criticism by some readers.  I feel, however, that Cross has made a life for himself of denying himself.  He refuses to be happy because he feels unworthy.  Eventually, he concludes that he is not worthy but that he is enough of a scoundrel to take what he wants anyway.  Thus, the HEA.  It doesn’t bother me when characters make swift changes in decisions because I find that realistic in that Cross is so used to denying himself happiness that he does so by habit until he is shaken from his routine.I also really enjoy all the secondary characters.  Chase and Temple have important roles in the story and I enjoy the interaction between the partners.  My only small complaint is that Penelope and Bourne only have a small role here.  I would have liked to have seen what their reaction to Pippa and Cross was, and I missed that payoff.While you don’t have to read A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME first, the story certainly gains from having the background from that story – plus, any reader of ONE GOOD EARL DESERVES A LOVER must read the Epilogue of A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME where Pippa and Cross meet.  While their meeting is summarized in the first chapter of this book, the Epilogue is so amazing that for me I always read that before I start to read ONE GOOD EARL DESERVES A LOVER.I recommend this book highly!

Answer: I would have liked to have seen what their reaction to Pippa and Cross was

ONE GOOD EARL DESERVES A LOVER is the second book of Sarah MacLean’s Rules of Scoundrels series. I will make a confession before I begin the review of ONE GOOD EARL DESERVES A LOVER. I read this book for the first time four months ago and I’ve read it at least 6 times since then. It is already one of my favorite romance books of all time. The book makes me laugh and makes me cry. I absolutely love the characters and while I understand the complaints that some have about the plot or the motivations of the characters, I don’t agree. To me the romance between Lady Philippa (Pippa) Marbury and Jasper Arlesey, Earl Harlow aka Cross is magnificent. I love how Cross is just baffled by Pippa. She is a unique character and he is enthralled and bemused by her. Their first meeting, Pippa arrives at Cross’ office while he is asleep and she proceeds to inspect his books and criticize his calculations is so amusing. Pippa is “odd” and Cross is simultaneously fascinated and horrified by her. Cross is a wonderfully tortured hero. He is a man who was a second son who was happy living dissipated life; a young man who did not take anything seriously. He is tortured because his older responsible brother is killed in a carriage accident while traveling to an event that Cross at first promised and then reneged on attending. Cross then gains his brother’s title. Cross, however, believes that he should have died instead of his brother and thus refuses to take up that life because he does not feel worthy of it. Pippa is amazing. She is clever and strong and quirky. She is a scientist and looks at the world in a curious manner. She is engaged to marry an earl (who is nice enough but no match for Pippa’s intellect) because she is settling because she believes that no one could really want her because of her odd nature. I love this book. The dialogue is the best part. The conversations are so fascinating that I could just continue to read them again and again. Cross and Pippa are both intellectuals and they discuss things in such an unusual manner. I am both fascinated and amused by their conversations. I especially like the fact that Cross is so bemused in Pippa’s presence. He is a man who has denied his passions and yet has such incredible passion inside him. MacLean always has such vivid characters, but I find Pippa and Cross to be incredible examples of her expertise. They are unusual people and I understand their motivations because MacLean does such a great job of bringing the reader into their minds. I know that Cross’ actions are the subject of some confusion and criticism by some readers. I feel, however, that Cross has made a life for himself of denying himself. He refuses to be happy because he feels unworthy. Eventually, he concludes that he is not worthy but that he is enough of a scoundrel to take what he wants anyway. Thus, the HEA. It doesn’t bother me when characters make swift changes in decisions because I find that realistic in that Cross is so used to denying himself happiness that he does so by habit until he is shaken from his routine. I also really enjoy all the secondary characters. Chase and Temple have important roles in the story and I enjoy the interaction between the partners. My only small complaint is that Penelope and Bourne only have a small role here. <hl> I would have liked to have seen what their reaction to Pippa and Cross was , and I missed that payoff. <hl> While you don’t have to read A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME first, the story certainly gains from having the background from that story – plus, any reader of ONE GOOD EARL DESERVES A LOVER must read the Epilogue of A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME where Pippa and Cross meet. While their meeting is summarized in the first chapter of this book, the Epilogue is so amazing that for me I always read that before I start to read ONE GOOD EARL DESERVES A LOVER.I recommend this book highly!

ONE GOOD EARL DESERVES A LOVER is the second book of Sarah MacLean’s Rules of Scoundrels series.I will make a confession before I begin the review of ONE GOOD EARL DESERVES A LOVER. I read this book for the first time four months ago and I’ve read it at least 6 times since then. It is already one of my favorite romance books of all time. The book makes me laugh and makes me cry. I absolutely love the characters and while I understand the complaints that some have about the plot or the motivations of the characters, I don’t agree.To me the romance between Lady Philippa (Pippa) Marbury and Jasper Arlesey, Earl Harlow aka Cross is magnificent. I love how Cross is just baffled by Pippa. She is a unique character and he is enthralled and bemused by her. Their first meeting, Pippa arrives at Cross’ office while he is asleep and she proceeds to inspect his books and criticize his calculations is so amusing. Pippa is “odd” and Cross is simultaneously fascinated and horrified by her.Cross is a wonderfully tortured hero. He is a man who was a second son who was happy living dissipated life; a young man who did not take anything seriously. He is tortured because his older responsible brother is killed in a carriage accident while traveling to an event that Cross at first promised and then reneged on attending. Cross then gains his brother’s title. Cross, however, believes that he should have died instead of his brother and thus refuses to take up that life because he does not feel worthy of it.Pippa is amazing. She is clever and strong and quirky. She is a scientist and looks at the world in a curious manner. She is engaged to marry an earl (who is nice enough but no match for Pippa’s intellect) because she is settling because she believes that no one could really want her because of her odd nature.I love this book. The dialogue is the best part. The conversations are so fascinating that I could just continue to read them again and again. Cross and Pippa are both intellectuals and they discuss things in such an unusual manner. I am both fascinated and amused by their conversations. I especially like the fact that Cross is so bemused in Pippa’s presence. He is a man who has denied his passions and yet has such incredible passion inside him.MacLean always has such vivid characters, but I find Pippa and Cross to be incredible examples of her expertise. They are unusual people and I understand their motivations because MacLean does such a great job of bringing the reader into their minds. I know that Cross’ actions are the subject of some confusion and criticism by some readers. I feel, however, that Cross has made a life for himself of denying himself. He refuses to be happy because he feels unworthy. Eventually, he concludes that he is not worthy but that he is enough of a scoundrel to take what he wants anyway. Thus, the HEA. It doesn’t bother me when characters make swift changes in decisions because I find that realistic in that Cross is so used to denying himself happiness that he does so by habit until he is shaken from his routine.I also really enjoy all the secondary characters. Chase and Temple have important roles in the story and I enjoy the interaction between the partners. My only small complaint is that Penelope and Bourne only have a small role here. <hl> I would have liked to have seen what their reaction to Pippa and Cross was <hl>, and I missed that payoff.While you don’t have to read A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME first, the story certainly gains from having the background from that story – plus, any reader of ONE GOOD EARL DESERVES A LOVER must read the Epilogue of A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME where Pippa and Cross meet. While their meeting is summarized in the first chapter of this book, the Epilogue is so amazing that for me I always read that before I start to read ONE GOOD EARL DESERVES A LOVER.I recommend this book highly!

<hl> I would have liked to have seen what their reaction to Pippa and Cross was <hl> , and I missed that payoff.


Question: Is there any interesting thing in this book?

This book is a good review of what happened in the world in the last 15 years or so. It tells us that the world is flat, and it explains why the world went flat. For the free thinkers, that is nothing new and we don't really need to be told, because we noticed that long time ago. Still, it's interesting to read (free thinkers like to read, don't they?). For the ones who have a harder time getting things, this is a great book that will open their eyes.There are good things and bad things about the book. In general, the sources of information of Friedman are good and first-hand (friends of him who are CEO's at so many hot spots!), and he gives us many examples so we get the point. Bad thing about it is that the book is supposed to be a "brief" history of the 21st Century, and sometimes it takes forever to get to the point, with many examples that are not necessary because we get the point right away. I mean, 496 pages are too much. The book would be enough with 200. And better. Shortes is always better! (It's like that quote that says "I'm sorry I could not write you a shorter letter, I didn't have time!).Another thing that is good is the list of the ten forces that flattenered the wolrd. It is well explained with lots of examples (sometimes too many!). Then what it's bad is the way the book is outlined. It's not balanced, and the conclusion is not a good one. It doesn't summarize the whole book, and adds more material when this is not something that is supposed to do in a conclusion. I liked very much the analisys of the Arab-Muslim world. It's full of true things out of stereotypes.Anyway, in conclusion, I give this book a 4 stars rating, because it is a good book that tells us very interesting stuff about the world we live today, and I recommend it to anyone, free thinker or not.

Answer: This book is a good review of what happened in the world in the last 15 years

<hl> This book is a good review of what happened in the world in the last 15 years or so. <hl> It tells us that the world is flat, and it explains why the world went flat. For the free thinkers, that is nothing new and we don't really need to be told, because we noticed that long time ago. Still, it's interesting to read (free thinkers like to read, don't they?). For the ones who have a harder time getting things, this is a great book that will open their eyes. There are good things and bad things about the book. In general, the sources of information of Friedman are good and first-hand (friends of him who are CEO's at so many hot spots!), and he gives us many examples so we get the point. Bad thing about it is that the book is supposed to be a "brief" history of the 21st Century, and sometimes it takes forever to get to the point, with many examples that are not necessary because we get the point right away. I mean, 496 pages are too much. The book would be enough with 200. And better. Shortes is always better! (It's like that quote that says "I'm sorry I could not write you a shorter letter, I didn't have time!).Another thing that is good is the list of the ten forces that flattenered the wolrd. It is well explained with lots of examples (sometimes too many!). Then what it's bad is the way the book is outlined. It's not balanced, and the conclusion is not a good one. It doesn't summarize the whole book, and adds more material when this is not something that is supposed to do in a conclusion. I liked very much the analisys of the Arab-Muslim world. It's full of true things out of stereotypes. Anyway, in conclusion, I give this book a 4 stars rating, because it is a good book that tells us very interesting stuff about the world we live today, and I recommend it to anyone, free thinker or not.

<hl> This book is a good review of what happened in the world in the last 15 years <hl> or so. It tells us that the world is flat, and it explains why the world went flat. For the free thinkers, that is nothing new and we don't really need to be told, because we noticed that long time ago. Still, it's interesting to read (free thinkers like to read, don't they?). For the ones who have a harder time getting things, this is a great book that will open their eyes.There are good things and bad things about the book. In general, the sources of information of Friedman are good and first-hand (friends of him who are CEO's at so many hot spots!), and he gives us many examples so we get the point. Bad thing about it is that the book is supposed to be a "brief" history of the 21st Century, and sometimes it takes forever to get to the point, with many examples that are not necessary because we get the point right away. I mean, 496 pages are too much. The book would be enough with 200. And better. Shortes is always better! (It's like that quote that says "I'm sorry I could not write you a shorter letter, I didn't have time!).Another thing that is good is the list of the ten forces that flattenered the wolrd. It is well explained with lots of examples (sometimes too many!). Then what it's bad is the way the book is outlined. It's not balanced, and the conclusion is not a good one. It doesn't summarize the whole book, and adds more material when this is not something that is supposed to do in a conclusion. I liked very much the analisys of the Arab-Muslim world. It's full of true things out of stereotypes.Anyway, in conclusion, I give this book a 4 stars rating, because it is a good book that tells us very interesting stuff about the world we live today, and I recommend it to anyone, free thinker or not.


Question: How was the quality?

I basically had two separate lives growing up. My main life involved my nurse mother, my pharmacist (legal) father, and two of my three sisters, all living a suburban life just outside of Charlotte, NC. My secondary life involved my biological father and his entire family which was (they’ve since departed) headquartered in Bon Aqua (pronounced “ACK-qua”), TN. Bon Aqua, thusly named for the water that locals lineup in their pickup-trucks to collect, with their empty milk jugs, flowing out of a rusted pipe in the ground. True story.I think that’s one of the reasons I like Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series so much—b/c I can relate. I grew up hearing people say things like, “Sure enough, some sumbitch, scuse me, was sneaking around the house,” which is what Bubba (and by “Bubba” I mean ELVIS) said after he scared away the creeper from Sookie’s house. And I am intimately acquainted with the small-minded prejudices that seem to thrive in small towns. My family, for the most part, isn’t like that, but you can’t grow up in that kind of place without hearing some very politically incorrect terms and phrases tossed around. The kind of place where if you take issue with said politically incorrect terms and phrases, you’re either “uppity” if you’re a woman, or a “woman” if you’re a man.So it’s nice to see someone like Sookie—a college degree-less, “barmaid” who has been whispered and gossiped about her entire life b/c of her “disability”, come out ahead of her “betters.”Better than nice. I bloody LOVE it.No, Sookie didn’t go to college. Kind of hard to continue her education when she’s a telepath who can’t keep everyone else’s thoughts out of her head without extreme effort. So much effort that she has nothing left to devote to things like paying attention in class. And yes, Sookie is a SERVER (fortheloveofgod). I was too when I was in school. But Sookie is not an idiot, and though she does admittedly have her less-than-stellar moments, Harris ultimately creates a highly capable woman in her.So for the three (or so) of you that haven’t read the books or watched True Blood yet, Dead Until Dark takes place in a world just like ours. With one exception—the Japanese have created and patented synthetic blood, ending blood shortages for medical facilities, AND prompting vampires to come out of the coffin, so to speak.*snickers*The vampires took this action b/c they felt they would be well-received now that humans no longer had to fear for their lives (in regards to vampires). Vampires could subsist on the manufactured blood, protecting humans from their thirst.Things are rarely so simple.Incidentally, the vampires’ party-line is that they are the victims of a virus that gives them the appearance of being dead for three(ish) days, after which they rise with allergies to things like garlic and sunlight, silver and . . . holy water . . .*snorts*They are received with equal parts fear and awe.So Sookie is thrilled when a vampire walks into Merlotte’s, the bar where she works, and sits in her section. And when she realizes that she can’t hear the vampire’s thoughts she is shocked and delighted. But just b/c she can’t hear the vampire’s thoughts, doesn’t mean she can’t hear the thoughts of two bar patrons intent on draining the vampire for his blood. When she follows the three of them out to the parking lot and rescues Bill (the vampire), she begins the series of events that lead to her romantic involvement a vampire.And the timing couldn’t be worse b/c someone is strangling women in Bon Temps (where Sookie lives) who are known to associate with vampires . . .The Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris was one of the first Urban Fantasy series I ever read, and no matter how disappointed I was with how it ended last year, I don’t think I’ll ever stop loving Sookie. Dead Until Dark was the beginning of that love, and up until book 10 or 11 that love only grew (and 10 or 11 out of 13 ain’t bad). This series is one that every lover of Urban Fantasy should have under their belt, so if you haven’t already, what are you waiting for? You’ve got nearly a dozen books before you need to be worried about anything, and if you simply can’t accept the ending, I’m sure you can find a fanfic somewhere that will do your dreams justice. Don’t miss out on Sookie altogether just b/c she doesn’t live HEA with the crowd favorite.

Answer: isn’t

I basically had two separate lives growing up. My main life involved my nurse mother, my pharmacist (legal) father, and two of my three sisters, all living a suburban life just outside of Charlotte, NC. My secondary life involved my biological father and his entire family which was (they’ve since departed) headquartered in Bon Aqua (pronounced “ACK-qua”), TN. Bon Aqua, thusly named for the water that locals lineup in their pickup-trucks to collect, with their empty milk jugs, flowing out of a rusted pipe in the ground. True story. I think that’s one of the reasons I like Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series so much—b/c I can relate. I grew up hearing people say things like, “Sure enough, some sumbitch, scuse me, was sneaking around the house,” which is what Bubba (and by “Bubba” I mean ELVIS) said after he scared away the creeper from Sookie’s house. And I am intimately acquainted with the small-minded prejudices that seem to thrive in small towns. <hl> My family, for the most part, isn’t like that, but you can’t grow up in that kind of place without hearing some very politically incorrect terms and phrases tossed around. <hl> The kind of place where if you take issue with said politically incorrect terms and phrases, you’re either “uppity” if you’re a woman, or a “woman” if you’re a man. So it’s nice to see someone like Sookie—a college degree-less, “barmaid” who has been whispered and gossiped about her entire life b/c of her “disability”, come out ahead of her “betters.”Better than nice. I bloody LOVE it. No, Sookie didn’t go to college. Kind of hard to continue her education when she’s a telepath who can’t keep everyone else’s thoughts out of her head without extreme effort. So much effort that she has nothing left to devote to things like paying attention in class. And yes, Sookie is a SERVER (fortheloveofgod). I was too when I was in school. But Sookie is not an idiot, and though she does admittedly have her less-than-stellar moments, Harris ultimately creates a highly capable woman in her. So for the three (or so) of you that haven’t read the books or watched True Blood yet, Dead Until Dark takes place in a world just like ours. With one exception—the Japanese have created and patented synthetic blood, ending blood shortages for medical facilities, AND prompting vampires to come out of the coffin, so to speak.*snickers*The vampires took this action b/c they felt they would be well-received now that humans no longer had to fear for their lives (in regards to vampires). Vampires could subsist on the manufactured blood, protecting humans from their thirst. Things are rarely so simple. Incidentally, the vampires’ party-line is that they are the victims of a virus that gives them the appearance of being dead for three(ish) days, after which they rise with allergies to things like garlic and sunlight, silver and . . . holy water . . .*snorts*They are received with equal parts fear and awe. So Sookie is thrilled when a vampire walks into Merlotte’s, the bar where she works, and sits in her section. And when she realizes that she can’t hear the vampire’s thoughts she is shocked and delighted. But just b/c she can’t hear the vampire’s thoughts, doesn’t mean she can’t hear the thoughts of two bar patrons intent on draining the vampire for his blood. When she follows the three of them out to the parking lot and rescues Bill (the vampire), she begins the series of events that lead to her romantic involvement a vampire. And the timing couldn’t be worse b/c someone is strangling women in Bon Temps (where Sookie lives) who are known to associate with vampires . . .The Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris was one of the first Urban Fantasy series I ever read, and no matter how disappointed I was with how it ended last year, I don’t think I’ll ever stop loving Sookie. Dead Until Dark was the beginning of that love, and up until book 10 or 11 that love only grew (and 10 or 11 out of 13 ain’t bad). This series is one that every lover of Urban Fantasy should have under their belt, so if you haven’t already, what are you waiting for? You’ve got nearly a dozen books before you need to be worried about anything, and if you simply can’t accept the ending, I’m sure you can find a fanfic somewhere that will do your dreams justice. Don’t miss out on Sookie altogether just b/c she doesn’t live HEA with the crowd favorite.

I basically had two separate lives growing up. My main life involved my nurse mother, my pharmacist (legal) father, and two of my three sisters, all living a suburban life just outside of Charlotte, NC. My secondary life involved my biological father and his entire family which was (they’ve since departed) headquartered in Bon Aqua (pronounced “ACK-qua”), TN. Bon Aqua, thusly named for the water that locals lineup in their pickup-trucks to collect, with their empty milk jugs, flowing out of a rusted pipe in the ground. True story.I think that’s one of the reasons I like Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series so much—b/c I can relate. I grew up hearing people say things like, “Sure enough, some sumbitch, scuse me, was sneaking around the house,” which is what Bubba (and by “Bubba” I mean ELVIS) said after he scared away the creeper from Sookie’s house. And I am intimately acquainted with the small-minded prejudices that seem to thrive in small towns. My family, for the most part, <hl> isn’t <hl> like that, but you can’t grow up in that kind of place without hearing some very politically incorrect terms and phrases tossed around. The kind of place where if you take issue with said politically incorrect terms and phrases, you’re either “uppity” if you’re a woman, or a “woman” if you’re a man.So it’s nice to see someone like Sookie—a college degree-less, “barmaid” who has been whispered and gossiped about her entire life b/c of her “disability”, come out ahead of her “betters.”Better than nice. I bloody LOVE it.No, Sookie didn’t go to college. Kind of hard to continue her education when she’s a telepath who can’t keep everyone else’s thoughts out of her head without extreme effort. So much effort that she has nothing left to devote to things like paying attention in class. And yes, Sookie is a SERVER (fortheloveofgod). I was too when I was in school. But Sookie is not an idiot, and though she does admittedly have her less-than-stellar moments, Harris ultimately creates a highly capable woman in her.So for the three (or so) of you that haven’t read the books or watched True Blood yet, Dead Until Dark takes place in a world just like ours. With one exception—the Japanese have created and patented synthetic blood, ending blood shortages for medical facilities, AND prompting vampires to come out of the coffin, so to speak.*snickers*The vampires took this action b/c they felt they would be well-received now that humans no longer had to fear for their lives (in regards to vampires). Vampires could subsist on the manufactured blood, protecting humans from their thirst.Things are rarely so simple.Incidentally, the vampires’ party-line is that they are the victims of a virus that gives them the appearance of being dead for three(ish) days, after which they rise with allergies to things like garlic and sunlight, silver and . . . holy water . . .*snorts*They are received with equal parts fear and awe.So Sookie is thrilled when a vampire walks into Merlotte’s, the bar where she works, and sits in her section. And when she realizes that she can’t hear the vampire’s thoughts she is shocked and delighted. But just b/c she can’t hear the vampire’s thoughts, doesn’t mean she can’t hear the thoughts of two bar patrons intent on draining the vampire for his blood. When she follows the three of them out to the parking lot and rescues Bill (the vampire), she begins the series of events that lead to her romantic involvement a vampire.And the timing couldn’t be worse b/c someone is strangling women in Bon Temps (where Sookie lives) who are known to associate with vampires . . .The Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris was one of the first Urban Fantasy series I ever read, and no matter how disappointed I was with how it ended last year, I don’t think I’ll ever stop loving Sookie. Dead Until Dark was the beginning of that love, and up until book 10 or 11 that love only grew (and 10 or 11 out of 13 ain’t bad). This series is one that every lover of Urban Fantasy should have under their belt, so if you haven’t already, what are you waiting for? You’ve got nearly a dozen books before you need to be worried about anything, and if you simply can’t accept the ending, I’m sure you can find a fanfic somewhere that will do your dreams justice. Don’t miss out on Sookie altogether just b/c she doesn’t live HEA with the crowd favorite.


Question: How do you like reading the pages?

There is a vast amount of trail literature, a type of writing that is uniquely American.  I am not aware of any other book in this genre, however, that has received the public acclaim accorded to Wild, Cheryl Strayed's recent memoir of her life on and before her hike along the Pacific Crest Trail.  Wild is one of the top selling books of the year and will become a classic of trail literature in the future.But why is Wild so successful?  It helps, of course, that Strayed is already a critically acclaimed author. A grant from the Oregon Arts commission to write the book certainly improved the text.  Unlike many trail memoirs, this is a polished affair and clearly not composed as an afterthought to the day's work.  But the main reason this book is so successful is the story of redemption it tells.  Strayed's life fell apart when her mother died while she was in her early 20s.  Unable to deal with the grief, she first cheated on then divorced her husband (I was unable to stop feeling bad for Paul throughout the book), took heroin, and went through some gut wrenching events while slowly trying to self destruct.  But when she began to hike, her life began to change.  She forced all her material concerns out of her life, helped in part by two overaged boy scouts who removed many items from her pack, and focused on the immediate activities that allowed her to survive in harsh conditions.  And conditions were tough in 1995.  My wife and I began hiking the trail together that same year and like Strayed, we made the decision to avoid certain sections.  But Strayed perserved and by the end of the trail was a changed, more confident person.  She went on to start writing, got married and had children.People like redemption stories, and this book will remain popular for a long time to come because of how well this one is told.  But I worry that this book's very popularity will prevent people from seeing the bigger picture.  As one prominent long distance hiker noted to me, most hikers are not messed up when they begin a trail, nor fully healed when they end.  But hiking itself, especially for long distances, does profoundly shift one's perspective on life.  Almost everyone who writes about the experience feels the need to say how they are changed by the trail experience, and yet in almost every case, including this one, words do not seem adequate to describe what has happened.  Strayed herself has changed, but after 250 pages of reflection on how miserable her life was before the trail, a few pages on how nice forgiveness (of oneself) and settling down in life after the trail seem almost like magic.  Strayed has substituted listing the differences in her pre and post trail life for explaining them.But it is not magic.  Trail life is a form of modern mystical discipline.  Hikers do not have words to adequately express how their lives are transformed because our society, with its focus on material wealth and abundance, lacks the language necessary to convey the experience.  Nevertheless, mysticism is a common, albeit minority experience in the human condition.  It changes perspective and leads to balance and peace.  Strayed's book details how dramatic the change was to her life, but truly, this sort of experience is available to anyone.  You don't need to divorce your husband, shoot heroin, or try to self destruct first.  All you need to do is lace up your boots and go.

Answer: the public acclaim accorded to Wild

There is a vast amount of trail literature, a type of writing that is uniquely American. <hl> I am not aware of any other book in this genre, however, that has received the public acclaim accorded to Wild , Cheryl Strayed's recent memoir of her life on and before her hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. <hl> Wild is one of the top selling books of the year and will become a classic of trail literature in the future. But why is Wild so successful? It helps, of course, that Strayed is already a critically acclaimed author. A grant from the Oregon Arts commission to write the book certainly improved the text. Unlike many trail memoirs, this is a polished affair and clearly not composed as an afterthought to the day's work. But the main reason this book is so successful is the story of redemption it tells. Strayed's life fell apart when her mother died while she was in her early 20s. Unable to deal with the grief, she first cheated on then divorced her husband (I was unable to stop feeling bad for Paul throughout the book), took heroin, and went through some gut wrenching events while slowly trying to self destruct. But when she began to hike, her life began to change. She forced all her material concerns out of her life, helped in part by two overaged boy scouts who removed many items from her pack, and focused on the immediate activities that allowed her to survive in harsh conditions. And conditions were tough in 1995. My wife and I began hiking the trail together that same year and like Strayed, we made the decision to avoid certain sections. But Strayed perserved and by the end of the trail was a changed, more confident person. She went on to start writing, got married and had children. People like redemption stories, and this book will remain popular for a long time to come because of how well this one is told. But I worry that this book's very popularity will prevent people from seeing the bigger picture. As one prominent long distance hiker noted to me, most hikers are not messed up when they begin a trail, nor fully healed when they end. But hiking itself, especially for long distances, does profoundly shift one's perspective on life. Almost everyone who writes about the experience feels the need to say how they are changed by the trail experience, and yet in almost every case, including this one, words do not seem adequate to describe what has happened. Strayed herself has changed, but after 250 pages of reflection on how miserable her life was before the trail, a few pages on how nice forgiveness (of oneself) and settling down in life after the trail seem almost like magic. Strayed has substituted listing the differences in her pre and post trail life for explaining them. But it is not magic. Trail life is a form of modern mystical discipline. Hikers do not have words to adequately express how their lives are transformed because our society, with its focus on material wealth and abundance, lacks the language necessary to convey the experience. Nevertheless, mysticism is a common, albeit minority experience in the human condition. It changes perspective and leads to balance and peace. Strayed's book details how dramatic the change was to her life, but truly, this sort of experience is available to anyone. You don't need to divorce your husband, shoot heroin, or try to self destruct first. All you need to do is lace up your boots and go.

There is a vast amount of trail literature, a type of writing that is uniquely American. I am not aware of any other book in this genre, however, that has received <hl> the public acclaim accorded to Wild <hl>, Cheryl Strayed's recent memoir of her life on and before her hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. Wild is one of the top selling books of the year and will become a classic of trail literature in the future.But why is Wild so successful? It helps, of course, that Strayed is already a critically acclaimed author. A grant from the Oregon Arts commission to write the book certainly improved the text. Unlike many trail memoirs, this is a polished affair and clearly not composed as an afterthought to the day's work. But the main reason this book is so successful is the story of redemption it tells. Strayed's life fell apart when her mother died while she was in her early 20s. Unable to deal with the grief, she first cheated on then divorced her husband (I was unable to stop feeling bad for Paul throughout the book), took heroin, and went through some gut wrenching events while slowly trying to self destruct. But when she began to hike, her life began to change. She forced all her material concerns out of her life, helped in part by two overaged boy scouts who removed many items from her pack, and focused on the immediate activities that allowed her to survive in harsh conditions. And conditions were tough in 1995. My wife and I began hiking the trail together that same year and like Strayed, we made the decision to avoid certain sections. But Strayed perserved and by the end of the trail was a changed, more confident person. She went on to start writing, got married and had children.People like redemption stories, and this book will remain popular for a long time to come because of how well this one is told. But I worry that this book's very popularity will prevent people from seeing the bigger picture. As one prominent long distance hiker noted to me, most hikers are not messed up when they begin a trail, nor fully healed when they end. But hiking itself, especially for long distances, does profoundly shift one's perspective on life. Almost everyone who writes about the experience feels the need to say how they are changed by the trail experience, and yet in almost every case, including this one, words do not seem adequate to describe what has happened. Strayed herself has changed, but after 250 pages of reflection on how miserable her life was before the trail, a few pages on how nice forgiveness (of oneself) and settling down in life after the trail seem almost like magic. Strayed has substituted listing the differences in her pre and post trail life for explaining them.But it is not magic. Trail life is a form of modern mystical discipline. Hikers do not have words to adequately express how their lives are transformed because our society, with its focus on material wealth and abundance, lacks the language necessary to convey the experience. Nevertheless, mysticism is a common, albeit minority experience in the human condition. It changes perspective and leads to balance and peace. Strayed's book details how dramatic the change was to her life, but truly, this sort of experience is available to anyone. You don't need to divorce your husband, shoot heroin, or try to self destruct first. All you need to do is lace up your boots and go.

I am not aware of any other book in this genre, however, that has received <hl> the public acclaim accorded to Wild <hl> , Cheryl Strayed's recent memoir of her life on and before her hike along the Pacific Crest Trail.


Question: How rewarding is the story?

SummaryGerman, Liesel Meminger is left with foster parents Rosa and Hans Hubermann in a town called Molching on a cold winter night; her brother is dead, having died on the train, and her mother, unable to feed and care for her children anymore, is gone.Liesel settles in with the Hubermanns, grows accustomed to Rosa's sharp tongue and Hans' gentleness and understanding and discovers a best friend, Rudy Steiner.  Life in Hitler's Germany is tough even for non-Jewish Germans...their food is rationed, there are no extras of anything, there are strict rules to follow and family members may be taken away at any time to serve Hitler in whatever way he so chooses.The families do everything possible to keep life as normal as possible.Hans begins to read with Liesel each night when she wakens from her nightmares, first from A Gravediggers Handbook that Liesel, "The Book Thief," recovered after it was lost in the snow by an apprentice gravedigger at her brother's burial and then from books Liesel steals from the mayor's wife's library.  She later continues her reading and writing lessons in the basement with a Jew named Max (the son of an old friend of Hans) who shows up one night needing help.Life gets tougher on Himmel Street; the war begins spiraling out of control, Jews are marched down the street of Molching on their way to concentration camps, air raid sirens become part of normal life, Rosa loses many of her washing jobs bc of prejudice, and the family is frightened for their lives 24/7 if Max is found in their basement.Is it even possible for this story to have a happy ending?Should it?What I LikedDeath, the narrator - foreshadowing - I could almost hear music...you know the kind that comes on while you're watching a scary movie...the killer is around the corner...if only the heroine could hear the music, right??  That's when everybody starts screaming, "Don't you go in there, Girl!! Just don't do it!"  Even when you've seen the movie before, you still hope that she won't go in there...that's how this story felt to me.I knew how it would end.  We all do.Liesel - in the past when someone mentioned the name Liesel, I would think of the older sister in "The Sound of Music"...that won't happen anymore.  This Liesel is unforgettable.  Her strength, her soul, her ability to adjust to her surroundings, her ability to pick up and keep moving, her ability to love, her ability to see the world around her realistically...all of that and more...nevermind the fact that this child is only 9-13 years old throughout the story.Format - I'm sure there's a word for this type of structure, but I don't  know what it is...The narrator, Death, goes back and forth in time as he pleases and interrupts the flow with comments and/or bolded newsflashes of sort.  I would think the danger of this kind of format would be a chopped up feel, but there is none of that here.  Quite the contrary, the most effective flashes and context seem to be incorporated seamlessly this way.Death complaining about having too much on his plate - Most of us see Death as that hooded creature with the scythe...it's a Hollywood version that's become ingrained in our brains.  But, Death as the storyteller in The Book Thief doesn't seem to be a frightening thing at all...the way he gently scoops the victims up in his arms and takes them away, the way Death truly mourns over the lives of worthy humans, the way Death sees all that's happening in the world as a waste, but not something he can stop almost endears him to the reader.  I could go on and on about the symbolism here...how mankind hurts itself over and over, etc. but I'll let you experience that for yourself.The humor - both Death's sarcastic remarks and Liesel and Rudy's attempts to carry on conversations with adult words tickled me from time to time.  I appreciated the ability to have a rest every now and then from subject matter that weighed so heavily on my chest.  The German curse words were my favorites :)The History - once again there are things here that I never even knew about...scores of Jews escaped Germany while they were able and ended up in Australia...hence, Zusak's (an Australian) interest in the Jewish families who survived and the members/branches of those families who were left behind and essentially wiped off the face of the earth.Hans Hubermann - how the heck do you not like a man like Hans?What I Didn't LikeThere is literally nothing about this novel that I didn't like, except of course, the subject matter.  How in the world this part of our history exists completely baffles me.  And, then sometimes it doesn't; I can look around at the world we live in today and see some of the same mindset that guided the worst genocide in our nation's history, and I get scared.  Really.Hitler was one man.One of the statistics Death brings out in this novel is that at one point in history 90% of Germans backed Hitler.90%.Out of every 100 people, 90 of them believed what Hiltler proposed was right and/or believed that his strategies/actions had to happen in order to create a powerful German human race.Even as I type those words, it seems so stupid...like something we'd all snicker at and say the person needs psychiatric help.But, time and time again, things happen that we think never would.How did this happen?90%.It's called blind conformity.It's a disease, and...This book is a classic.Overall RecommendationEverybody needs to read this book.The End.

Answer: This book is a classic.Overall RecommendationEverybody needs to read this book

SummaryGerman, Liesel Meminger is left with foster parents Rosa and Hans Hubermann in a town called Molching on a cold winter night; her brother is dead, having died on the train, and her mother, unable to feed and care for her children anymore, is gone. Liesel settles in with the Hubermanns, grows accustomed to Rosa's sharp tongue and Hans' gentleness and understanding and discovers a best friend, Rudy Steiner. Life in Hitler's Germany is tough even for non-Jewish Germans...their food is rationed, there are no extras of anything, there are strict rules to follow and family members may be taken away at any time to serve Hitler in whatever way he so chooses. The families do everything possible to keep life as normal as possible. Hans begins to read with Liesel each night when she wakens from her nightmares, first from A Gravediggers Handbook that Liesel, "The Book Thief," recovered after it was lost in the snow by an apprentice gravedigger at her brother's burial and then from books Liesel steals from the mayor's wife's library. She later continues her reading and writing lessons in the basement with a Jew named Max (the son of an old friend of Hans) who shows up one night needing help. Life gets tougher on Himmel Street; the war begins spiraling out of control, Jews are marched down the street of Molching on their way to concentration camps, air raid sirens become part of normal life, Rosa loses many of her washing jobs bc of prejudice, and the family is frightened for their lives 24/7 if Max is found in their basement. Is it even possible for this story to have a happy ending?Should it?What I LikedDeath, the narrator - foreshadowing - I could almost hear music...you know the kind that comes on while you're watching a scary movie...the killer is around the corner...if only the heroine could hear the music, right?? That's when everybody starts screaming, "Don't you go in there, Girl!! Just don't do it!" Even when you've seen the movie before, you still hope that she won't go in there...that's how this story felt to me. I knew how it would end. We all do. Liesel - in the past when someone mentioned the name Liesel, I would think of the older sister in "The Sound of Music"...that won't happen anymore. This Liesel is unforgettable. Her strength, her soul, her ability to adjust to her surroundings, her ability to pick up and keep moving, her ability to love, her ability to see the world around her realistically...all of that and more...nevermind the fact that this child is only 9-13 years old throughout the story. Format - I'm sure there's a word for this type of structure, but I don't know what it is...The narrator, Death, goes back and forth in time as he pleases and interrupts the flow with comments and/or bolded newsflashes of sort. I would think the danger of this kind of format would be a chopped up feel, but there is none of that here. Quite the contrary, the most effective flashes and context seem to be incorporated seamlessly this way. Death complaining about having too much on his plate - Most of us see Death as that hooded creature with the scythe...it's a Hollywood version that's become ingrained in our brains. But, Death as the storyteller in The Book Thief doesn't seem to be a frightening thing at all...the way he gently scoops the victims up in his arms and takes them away, the way Death truly mourns over the lives of worthy humans, the way Death sees all that's happening in the world as a waste, but not something he can stop almost endears him to the reader. I could go on and on about the symbolism here... how mankind hurts itself over and over, etc. but I'll let you experience that for yourself. The humor - both Death's sarcastic remarks and Liesel and Rudy's attempts to carry on conversations with adult words tickled me from time to time. I appreciated the ability to have a rest every now and then from subject matter that weighed so heavily on my chest. The German curse words were my favorites :) The History - once again there are things here that I never even knew about...scores of Jews escaped Germany while they were able and ended up in Australia...hence, Zusak's (an Australian) interest in the Jewish families who survived and the members/branches of those families who were left behind and essentially wiped off the face of the earth. Hans Hubermann - how the heck do you not like a man like Hans?What I Didn't LikeThere is literally nothing about this novel that I didn't like, except of course, the subject matter. How in the world this part of our history exists completely baffles me. And, then sometimes it doesn't; I can look around at the world we live in today and see some of the same mindset that guided the worst genocide in our nation's history, and I get scared. Really. Hitler was one man. One of the statistics Death brings out in this novel is that at one point in history 90% of Germans backed Hitler.90%.Out of every 100 people, 90 of them believed what Hiltler proposed was right and/or believed that his strategies/actions had to happen in order to create a powerful German human race. Even as I type those words, it seems so stupid...like something we'd all snicker at and say the person needs psychiatric help. But, time and time again, things happen that we think never would. How did this happen?90%.It's called blind conformity. It's a disease, and... <hl> This book is a classic.Overall RecommendationEverybody needs to read this book .The End. <hl>

SummaryGerman, Liesel Meminger is left with foster parents Rosa and Hans Hubermann in a town called Molching on a cold winter night; her brother is dead, having died on the train, and her mother, unable to feed and care for her children anymore, is gone.Liesel settles in with the Hubermanns, grows accustomed to Rosa's sharp tongue and Hans' gentleness and understanding and discovers a best friend, Rudy Steiner. Life in Hitler's Germany is tough even for non-Jewish Germans...their food is rationed, there are no extras of anything, there are strict rules to follow and family members may be taken away at any time to serve Hitler in whatever way he so chooses.The families do everything possible to keep life as normal as possible.Hans begins to read with Liesel each night when she wakens from her nightmares, first from A Gravediggers Handbook that Liesel, "The Book Thief," recovered after it was lost in the snow by an apprentice gravedigger at her brother's burial and then from books Liesel steals from the mayor's wife's library. She later continues her reading and writing lessons in the basement with a Jew named Max (the son of an old friend of Hans) who shows up one night needing help.Life gets tougher on Himmel Street; the war begins spiraling out of control, Jews are marched down the street of Molching on their way to concentration camps, air raid sirens become part of normal life, Rosa loses many of her washing jobs bc of prejudice, and the family is frightened for their lives 24/7 if Max is found in their basement.Is it even possible for this story to have a happy ending?Should it?What I LikedDeath, the narrator - foreshadowing - I could almost hear music...you know the kind that comes on while you're watching a scary movie...the killer is around the corner...if only the heroine could hear the music, right?? That's when everybody starts screaming, "Don't you go in there, Girl!! Just don't do it!" Even when you've seen the movie before, you still hope that she won't go in there...that's how this story felt to me.I knew how it would end. We all do.Liesel - in the past when someone mentioned the name Liesel, I would think of the older sister in "The Sound of Music"...that won't happen anymore. This Liesel is unforgettable. Her strength, her soul, her ability to adjust to her surroundings, her ability to pick up and keep moving, her ability to love, her ability to see the world around her realistically...all of that and more...nevermind the fact that this child is only 9-13 years old throughout the story.Format - I'm sure there's a word for this type of structure, but I don't know what it is...The narrator, Death, goes back and forth in time as he pleases and interrupts the flow with comments and/or bolded newsflashes of sort. I would think the danger of this kind of format would be a chopped up feel, but there is none of that here. Quite the contrary, the most effective flashes and context seem to be incorporated seamlessly this way.Death complaining about having too much on his plate - Most of us see Death as that hooded creature with the scythe...it's a Hollywood version that's become ingrained in our brains. But, Death as the storyteller in The Book Thief doesn't seem to be a frightening thing at all...the way he gently scoops the victims up in his arms and takes them away, the way Death truly mourns over the lives of worthy humans, the way Death sees all that's happening in the world as a waste, but not something he can stop almost endears him to the reader. I could go on and on about the symbolism here...how mankind hurts itself over and over, etc. but I'll let you experience that for yourself.The humor - both Death's sarcastic remarks and Liesel and Rudy's attempts to carry on conversations with adult words tickled me from time to time. I appreciated the ability to have a rest every now and then from subject matter that weighed so heavily on my chest. The German curse words were my favorites :)The History - once again there are things here that I never even knew about...scores of Jews escaped Germany while they were able and ended up in Australia...hence, Zusak's (an Australian) interest in the Jewish families who survived and the members/branches of those families who were left behind and essentially wiped off the face of the earth.Hans Hubermann - how the heck do you not like a man like Hans?What I Didn't LikeThere is literally nothing about this novel that I didn't like, except of course, the subject matter. How in the world this part of our history exists completely baffles me. And, then sometimes it doesn't; I can look around at the world we live in today and see some of the same mindset that guided the worst genocide in our nation's history, and I get scared. Really.Hitler was one man.One of the statistics Death brings out in this novel is that at one point in history 90% of Germans backed Hitler.90%.Out of every 100 people, 90 of them believed what Hiltler proposed was right and/or believed that his strategies/actions had to happen in order to create a powerful German human race.Even as I type those words, it seems so stupid...like something we'd all snicker at and say the person needs psychiatric help.But, time and time again, things happen that we think never would.How did this happen?90%.It's called blind conformity.It's a disease, and...<hl> This book is a classic.Overall RecommendationEverybody needs to read this book <hl>.The End.

<hl> This book is a classic.Overall RecommendationEverybody needs to read this book <hl> .The End.


Question: How is none?

"'Nice to meet ya, shank,' the boy said. 'Welcome to the Glade.'"I enjoyed readingThe Maze Runner (Maze Runner Trilogy (Hardback))during a lazy Sunday.  It is a very easy read, recommended and fit for kids of all ages.  Dystopian novels are hit-or-miss for me, and The Maze Runner is a hit.  Not a homerun, but a hit nonetheless.  I've seen it compared to "The Hunger Games," but not having read the Suzanne Collins series I cannot validate the comparison for the time being.  Because the storyline captivated me enough to read it in one sitting, I gave it four stars instead of three.There were some "Lord of the Flies" undertones, although Dashner was obviously not as disillusioned with human nature as was Golding.  An underlying theme is the conflicting impulses between civilization and power struggle, rules and anarchy, peace and discord.  There were some hints of the infinite battle between conformity and individuality, between logical and emotional reactions, between morality and immorality, and how different people feel the influences of these.The book maintained a detailed and absorbing storyline that kept me interested.  Dashner's writing style is clear and uncomplicated.  The ideas and situations are unique and, at times, verge on magical simplicity (well, without the magic).A boy wakes up in the darkness, not knowing anything about himself except for his name, Thomas.  He is in some sort of metal lift, ascending slowly with no idea where it is going, except up.  When the lift stops and opens, Thomas is pulled up out of the metal box and into the Glade; a large square courtyard surrounded on all sides by extraordinarily high rock walls.  Also surrounding him are about fifty boys no more than 19 years of age.  Like Thomas, the gladers (as the boys refer to themselves) each came to the Glade in the very same manner.  They have no memory of their former lives, and they do not understand their purpose in this current one.What they know is that every 30 days, a new boy arrives in the Glade through the same lift.  They also know that every morning at sunrise the walls surrounding the Glade open onto an elaborate series of passages referred to as "the Maze", every night the walls close tight, and it is not a good idea to be stuck in the maze after the doors close.  Thomas quickly realizes that the Maze is a dangerous place, a haven for horrifying creatures called the Grievers.  Everyone has a role in the Glade hierarchy.  Everyone spends their days and nights fulfilling their roles in the confines of the Glade.  Everyone, except for an elite group of boys, the Maze Runners, who brave the perils outside the Glade and explore the Maze each day, running back before the walls close at night.Thomas learns that the boys have been living this life in the Glade for two years before his arrival.  They believe that "the Creators" have condemned them here, and that solving the Maze will lead to the way out.  Although the gladers had expected Thomas' arrival, what happens the very next day is unexpected in many levels:  the lift delivers another newbie, a girl, who is unconscious yet delivers an impending message of "change" and "doom".  The pace quickens, the Maze Runner is off and running, and we follow Thomas on his flight to figure out his past, his purpose in the Glade, and the way out of this place.

Answer: what happens

"'Nice to meet ya, shank,' the boy said. 'Welcome to the Glade.'"I enjoyed readingThe Maze Runner (Maze Runner Trilogy (Hardback))during a lazy Sunday. It is a very easy read, recommended and fit for kids of all ages. Dystopian novels are hit-or-miss for me, and The Maze Runner is a hit. Not a homerun, but a hit nonetheless. I've seen it compared to "The Hunger Games," but not having read the Suzanne Collins series I cannot validate the comparison for the time being. Because the storyline captivated me enough to read it in one sitting, I gave it four stars instead of three. There were some "Lord of the Flies" undertones, although Dashner was obviously not as disillusioned with human nature as was Golding. An underlying theme is the conflicting impulses between civilization and power struggle, rules and anarchy, peace and discord. There were some hints of the infinite battle between conformity and individuality, between logical and emotional reactions, between morality and immorality, and how different people feel the influences of these. The book maintained a detailed and absorbing storyline that kept me interested. Dashner's writing style is clear and uncomplicated. The ideas and situations are unique and, at times, verge on magical simplicity (well, without the magic).A boy wakes up in the darkness, not knowing anything about himself except for his name, Thomas. He is in some sort of metal lift, ascending slowly with no idea where it is going, except up. When the lift stops and opens, Thomas is pulled up out of the metal box and into the Glade; a large square courtyard surrounded on all sides by extraordinarily high rock walls. Also surrounding him are about fifty boys no more than 19 years of age. Like Thomas, the gladers (as the boys refer to themselves) each came to the Glade in the very same manner. They have no memory of their former lives, and they do not understand their purpose in this current one. What they know is that every 30 days, a new boy arrives in the Glade through the same lift. They also know that every morning at sunrise the walls surrounding the Glade open onto an elaborate series of passages referred to as "the Maze", every night the walls close tight, and it is not a good idea to be stuck in the maze after the doors close. Thomas quickly realizes that the Maze is a dangerous place, a haven for horrifying creatures called the Grievers. Everyone has a role in the Glade hierarchy. Everyone spends their days and nights fulfilling their roles in the confines of the Glade. Everyone, except for an elite group of boys, the Maze Runners, who brave the perils outside the Glade and explore the Maze each day, running back before the walls close at night. Thomas learns that the boys have been living this life in the Glade for two years before his arrival. They believe that "the Creators" have condemned them here, and that solving the Maze will lead to the way out. <hl> Although the gladers had expected Thomas' arrival, what happens the very next day is unexpected in many levels: the lift delivers another newbie, a girl, who is unconscious yet delivers an impending message of "change" and "doom". <hl> The pace quickens, the Maze Runner is off and running, and we follow Thomas on his flight to figure out his past, his purpose in the Glade, and the way out of this place.

"'Nice to meet ya, shank,' the boy said. 'Welcome to the Glade.'"I enjoyed readingThe Maze Runner (Maze Runner Trilogy (Hardback))during a lazy Sunday. It is a very easy read, recommended and fit for kids of all ages. Dystopian novels are hit-or-miss for me, and The Maze Runner is a hit. Not a homerun, but a hit nonetheless. I've seen it compared to "The Hunger Games," but not having read the Suzanne Collins series I cannot validate the comparison for the time being. Because the storyline captivated me enough to read it in one sitting, I gave it four stars instead of three.There were some "Lord of the Flies" undertones, although Dashner was obviously not as disillusioned with human nature as was Golding. An underlying theme is the conflicting impulses between civilization and power struggle, rules and anarchy, peace and discord. There were some hints of the infinite battle between conformity and individuality, between logical and emotional reactions, between morality and immorality, and how different people feel the influences of these.The book maintained a detailed and absorbing storyline that kept me interested. Dashner's writing style is clear and uncomplicated. The ideas and situations are unique and, at times, verge on magical simplicity (well, without the magic).A boy wakes up in the darkness, not knowing anything about himself except for his name, Thomas. He is in some sort of metal lift, ascending slowly with no idea where it is going, except up. When the lift stops and opens, Thomas is pulled up out of the metal box and into the Glade; a large square courtyard surrounded on all sides by extraordinarily high rock walls. Also surrounding him are about fifty boys no more than 19 years of age. Like Thomas, the gladers (as the boys refer to themselves) each came to the Glade in the very same manner. They have no memory of their former lives, and they do not understand their purpose in this current one.What they know is that every 30 days, a new boy arrives in the Glade through the same lift. They also know that every morning at sunrise the walls surrounding the Glade open onto an elaborate series of passages referred to as "the Maze", every night the walls close tight, and it is not a good idea to be stuck in the maze after the doors close. Thomas quickly realizes that the Maze is a dangerous place, a haven for horrifying creatures called the Grievers. Everyone has a role in the Glade hierarchy. Everyone spends their days and nights fulfilling their roles in the confines of the Glade. Everyone, except for an elite group of boys, the Maze Runners, who brave the perils outside the Glade and explore the Maze each day, running back before the walls close at night.Thomas learns that the boys have been living this life in the Glade for two years before his arrival. They believe that "the Creators" have condemned them here, and that solving the Maze will lead to the way out. Although the gladers had expected Thomas' arrival, <hl> what happens <hl> the very next day is unexpected in many levels: the lift delivers another newbie, a girl, who is unconscious yet delivers an impending message of "change" and "doom". The pace quickens, the Maze Runner is off and running, and we follow Thomas on his flight to figure out his past, his purpose in the Glade, and the way out of this place.