Question: What is the purpose to write this book?

Is there a point to reviewing this title? I mean really. It's almost like reviewing Lord of the Rings. Not to imply that Collins is the next Tolkien or anything. Far from it. My point it that as of penning this commentary there are more than seventy seven thousand reviews posted to Goodreads alone. Composing anything more doesn't serve much a purpose. Oh well, I review for my own amusement so let's get on with it, shall we?Collins can thank a good friend of mine for yet another five star review. Not literally of course. Having a blockbuster movie to her credit, I'm sure Collins is long past reading individual reviews. I should probably give Superman a shout out though. Without his recommendation I never would have bothered with the book in the first place. The Hunger Games first came to my attention via Goodreads and let's just say the tween hype surrounding the book was a major turn off. Much like Twilight, the book started showing up everywhere, relevant to the discussion at hand or not. I made a snap judgment and pretty much avoided the title like the plague. Then I received this recommendation. Ordinarily I would check out the blurb, debate if I was in the mood for the genre, probably browse a review or two, but I have a few friends with infallible taste in lit. They tell me I should read something and without a moment of hesitation, I track down a copy. As usual, his taste was spot on.Now I recently reviewed Susan Ee's Angelfall and I have to say, I enjoyed Katniss Everdeen for many of the same reasons I enjoyed Penryn Young. It is true, she has a certain aptitude for the bow but her talents are born out of a need to survive. She isn't perfection personified, the fantasy of every male comes in contact with or unusually gifted as say Bella Swan, Rory Deveaux, or Tessa Grey. Yes, I am that shallow. I pointed fingers and named names, but don't jump down my throat just yet. There isn't anything wrong with these heroines. I simply prefer the strength of character Collins features in Katniss as opposed to the inherent exceptional abilities of her counterparts.Moving on. For those who don't follow my reviews, I pretty much gave up on the Infernal Devices trilogy because I am sick to death of what has become a staple of young adult lit: the love triangle. Well, that and Clare's obvious obsession with Will's blue eyes but that is another story entirely. That in mind, Collins has me eating crow. I can hardly believe that in less than a month I am turning around and admitting I was wrong. Does this make me a hypocrite? Probably. Do I care? Not particularly. Why not? I'm so happy you asked.Gale and Peeta aren't engaged in a pissing match over a hopelessly smitten heroine who is all but begging to rip off her clothes. Collins, unlike some other authors, opts instead for a more conservative approach to teenage romance. Her heroine, Katniss, is conflicted but at this point in the game, she doesn't know how she feels about either boy. She has a relationship with Gale, but as yet, he has made no move to indicate a romantic interest and though she has no established relationship with Peeta prior to the Reaping, he declared his feelings quite plainly on live television. That's pretty much it. Now, I think it is obvious Collins intends to develop the idea in the following installments but she doesn't allow it to overshadow the rest of the piece and for that reason, and that reason I am willing to let the issue slide.So if The Hunger Games isn't mired is a sea of melodramatic drivel, what does Collins spend twenty nine chapters writing about? To be perfectly frank, she takes the road less traveled and offers up an honest to God, solidly constructed, fast-paced, hang on to your butts cause you wont believe what happens next, page turning piece of fiction. I wont go into the details. I'd end up spoiling something for the those few individuals who haven't yet jumped on The Hunger Games bandwagon. Suffice it to say that this is one of the few occasions I believe the author deserving of the royalties garnered through the film adaptation of their work.Generally speaking I like to add a note of criticism to my reviews, but in regards to The Hunger Games, I got nothing. Either I never identified an issue or I was so blown away by the story that I completely forgot I had one. Collins, I tip my hat to you.

Answer: deserving of the royalties garnered through the film adaptation of their work

Is there a point to reviewing this title? I mean really. It's almost like reviewing Lord of the Rings. Not to imply that Collins is the next Tolkien or anything. Far from it. My point it that as of penning this commentary there are more than seventy seven thousand reviews posted to Goodreads alone. Composing anything more doesn't serve much a purpose. Oh well, I review for my own amusement so let's get on with it, shall we?Collins can thank a good friend of mine for yet another five star review. Not literally of course. Having a blockbuster movie to her credit, I'm sure Collins is long past reading individual reviews. I should probably give Superman a shout out though. Without his recommendation I never would have bothered with the book in the first place. The Hunger Games first came to my attention via Goodreads and let's just say the tween hype surrounding the book was a major turn off. Much like Twilight, the book started showing up everywhere, relevant to the discussion at hand or not. I made a snap judgment and pretty much avoided the title like the plague. Then I received this recommendation. Ordinarily I would check out the blurb, debate if I was in the mood for the genre, probably browse a review or two, but I have a few friends with infallible taste in lit. They tell me I should read something and without a moment of hesitation, I track down a copy. As usual, his taste was spot on. Now I recently reviewed Susan Ee's Angelfall and I have to say, I enjoyed Katniss Everdeen for many of the same reasons I enjoyed Penryn Young. It is true, she has a certain aptitude for the bow but her talents are born out of a need to survive. She isn't perfection personified, the fantasy of every male comes in contact with or unusually gifted as say Bella Swan, Rory Deveaux, or Tessa Grey. Yes, I am that shallow. I pointed fingers and named names, but don't jump down my throat just yet. There isn't anything wrong with these heroines. I simply prefer the strength of character Collins features in Katniss as opposed to the inherent exceptional abilities of her counterparts. Moving on. For those who don't follow my reviews, I pretty much gave up on the Infernal Devices trilogy because I am sick to death of what has become a staple of young adult lit: the love triangle. Well, that and Clare's obvious obsession with Will's blue eyes but that is another story entirely. That in mind, Collins has me eating crow. I can hardly believe that in less than a month I am turning around and admitting I was wrong. Does this make me a hypocrite? Probably. Do I care? Not particularly. Why not? I'm so happy you asked. Gale and Peeta aren't engaged in a pissing match over a hopelessly smitten heroine who is all but begging to rip off her clothes. Collins, unlike some other authors, opts instead for a more conservative approach to teenage romance. Her heroine, Katniss, is conflicted but at this point in the game, she doesn't know how she feels about either boy. She has a relationship with Gale, but as yet, he has made no move to indicate a romantic interest and though she has no established relationship with Peeta prior to the Reaping, he declared his feelings quite plainly on live television. That's pretty much it. Now, I think it is obvious Collins intends to develop the idea in the following installments but she doesn't allow it to overshadow the rest of the piece and for that reason, and that reason I am willing to let the issue slide. So if The Hunger Games isn't mired is a sea of melodramatic drivel, what does Collins spend twenty nine chapters writing about? To be perfectly frank, she takes the road less traveled and offers up an honest to God, solidly constructed, fast-paced, hang on to your butts cause you wont believe what happens next, page turning piece of fiction. I wont go into the details. I'd end up spoiling something for the those few individuals who haven't yet jumped on The Hunger Games bandwagon. <hl> Suffice it to say that this is one of the few occasions I believe the author deserving of the royalties garnered through the film adaptation of their work .Generally speaking I like to add a note of criticism to my reviews, but in regards to The Hunger Games, I got nothing. <hl> Either I never identified an issue or I was so blown away by the story that I completely forgot I had one. Collins, I tip my hat to you.

Is there a point to reviewing this title? I mean really. It's almost like reviewing Lord of the Rings. Not to imply that Collins is the next Tolkien or anything. Far from it. My point it that as of penning this commentary there are more than seventy seven thousand reviews posted to Goodreads alone. Composing anything more doesn't serve much a purpose. Oh well, I review for my own amusement so let's get on with it, shall we?Collins can thank a good friend of mine for yet another five star review. Not literally of course. Having a blockbuster movie to her credit, I'm sure Collins is long past reading individual reviews. I should probably give Superman a shout out though. Without his recommendation I never would have bothered with the book in the first place. The Hunger Games first came to my attention via Goodreads and let's just say the tween hype surrounding the book was a major turn off. Much like Twilight, the book started showing up everywhere, relevant to the discussion at hand or not. I made a snap judgment and pretty much avoided the title like the plague. Then I received this recommendation. Ordinarily I would check out the blurb, debate if I was in the mood for the genre, probably browse a review or two, but I have a few friends with infallible taste in lit. They tell me I should read something and without a moment of hesitation, I track down a copy. As usual, his taste was spot on.Now I recently reviewed Susan Ee's Angelfall and I have to say, I enjoyed Katniss Everdeen for many of the same reasons I enjoyed Penryn Young. It is true, she has a certain aptitude for the bow but her talents are born out of a need to survive. She isn't perfection personified, the fantasy of every male comes in contact with or unusually gifted as say Bella Swan, Rory Deveaux, or Tessa Grey. Yes, I am that shallow. I pointed fingers and named names, but don't jump down my throat just yet. There isn't anything wrong with these heroines. I simply prefer the strength of character Collins features in Katniss as opposed to the inherent exceptional abilities of her counterparts.Moving on. For those who don't follow my reviews, I pretty much gave up on the Infernal Devices trilogy because I am sick to death of what has become a staple of young adult lit: the love triangle. Well, that and Clare's obvious obsession with Will's blue eyes but that is another story entirely. That in mind, Collins has me eating crow. I can hardly believe that in less than a month I am turning around and admitting I was wrong. Does this make me a hypocrite? Probably. Do I care? Not particularly. Why not? I'm so happy you asked.Gale and Peeta aren't engaged in a pissing match over a hopelessly smitten heroine who is all but begging to rip off her clothes. Collins, unlike some other authors, opts instead for a more conservative approach to teenage romance. Her heroine, Katniss, is conflicted but at this point in the game, she doesn't know how she feels about either boy. She has a relationship with Gale, but as yet, he has made no move to indicate a romantic interest and though she has no established relationship with Peeta prior to the Reaping, he declared his feelings quite plainly on live television. That's pretty much it. Now, I think it is obvious Collins intends to develop the idea in the following installments but she doesn't allow it to overshadow the rest of the piece and for that reason, and that reason I am willing to let the issue slide.So if The Hunger Games isn't mired is a sea of melodramatic drivel, what does Collins spend twenty nine chapters writing about? To be perfectly frank, she takes the road less traveled and offers up an honest to God, solidly constructed, fast-paced, hang on to your butts cause you wont believe what happens next, page turning piece of fiction. I wont go into the details. I'd end up spoiling something for the those few individuals who haven't yet jumped on The Hunger Games bandwagon. Suffice it to say that this is one of the few occasions I believe the author <hl> deserving of the royalties garnered through the film adaptation of their work <hl>.Generally speaking I like to add a note of criticism to my reviews, but in regards to The Hunger Games, I got nothing. Either I never identified an issue or I was so blown away by the story that I completely forgot I had one. Collins, I tip my hat to you.

Suffice it to say that this is one of the few occasions I believe the author <hl> deserving of the royalties garnered through the film adaptation of their work <hl> .Generally speaking I like to add a note of criticism to my reviews, but in regards to The Hunger Games, I got nothing.


Question: How is story?

The late Swedish writer Stieg Larsson's brilliant THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO was originally titled the equivalent of "Men Who Hate Women," and if the Swedish version was more prosaic, it better captured the overall theme of this superb mystery novel.  The story is highly suspenseful, sometimes complicated, and occasionally gruesome and disgusting.  In short, the author succeeded in creating an entertaining and intelligent novel that is also very, very blunt in its revulsion of misogyny.There are three threads to this first novel in Larsson's Millennium Trilogy.  The first two threads, which become tightly woven together but which never become a single strand, center on the two main characters, the star financial investigative journalist, Mikhael Blomkvist, and the brilliant if anti-social hacker and private investigator, Lisbeth Salander.  The Blomkvist thread, which, to mix a metaphor, serves as bookends to the novel, concerns Blomkvist's attempts to expose a corrupt industrialist named Hans-Erik Wennerström.  The Salander thread stitches together the recurring misogyny motif: unjustly declared insane as a child, Salander had lived in a psychiatric asylum until released as an adult under the legal supervision of a court-appointed guardian.  After her first, benign guardian passes away from a stroke, Salander is assigned to Nils Bjurman, a socially respectable but privately sadistic man who rapes her.  What guides her subsequent actions--and this is another repeating theme in the novel--is something that was taught to her by her first guardian, "that every action has its consequences."  The third thread, which makes up the greater part of the material of the novel, is a stunningly well executed murder mystery concerning a prominent family headed by the industrialist Henrik Vanger.To tackle misogyny, Larsson creates in Salander a kind of super-hero.  Most of the principal players in this story are realistically depicted (well, there's the matter of at-the-drop-of-a-hat sex, which we'll get to in a moment).  The character of Blomkvist, for instance, who might well be the journalist author's alter ego, is completely believable--he is naturally drawn.  You want to believe in Salander, too, but you do so like you want to believe in Superman: someone you can trust will bust the bad guys.  Salander knows how to hurt bad men so they don't hurt back.  But as fascinating as she is--her tattoos, piercings, and other emblems of an independent spirit endear you to her--she's almost too good to be true.  Salander's not invincible--she has her own Kryptonite vulnerabilities--but she's hyper-real.  It's to Larsson's credit that the reader buys into her all the same.Perhaps not surprising is that sex plays a prominent role in a book with a misogyny theme.  But it's not all or even predominantly in the context of violence against women.  Neither is it ever in the context of traditional relationships.  Both Blomkvist and Salander engage in numerous trysts, with each other and with others, but always with friends and acquaintances not with committed lovers, per se.  The sex doesn't seem particularly joyful.  What are these frequent sexual episodes?  Do they simply reflect Larsson's version of the world, or do they convey a deeper meaning?  Is it that the world is so painful or mortality so depressing that sex serves as a drug to forget the mundane?  It's not clear.  But with the contrast of sex in different contexts in this novel the question seems to hang in the air.THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO is a terrific novel.  The fact that it is currently a very popular book (the cover has been ubiquitous in Christmas advertisements) just goes to show that sometimes the public gets it right.  Assuming, of course, that people are reading it.(The audio book version works very well.  Simon Vance does a fine job narrating the story.  His vocalizations of the many Swedish characters are uneven; Dragan Armansky, Salander's boss at Milton Security, for instance, sounds like Count Dracula.  Actually, more like Count Chocula.  Anyway, you get my drift.  For most of the other Swedes Vance assumes various versions of a British or "European" English accent.  It's not too distracting, though.  Vance's craftsmanship overall is solid.)

Answer: The story is highly suspenseful, sometimes complicated, and occasionally gruesome and disgusting

The late Swedish writer Stieg Larsson's brilliant THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO was originally titled the equivalent of "Men Who Hate Women," and if the Swedish version was more prosaic, it better captured the overall theme of this superb mystery novel. <hl> The story is highly suspenseful, sometimes complicated, and occasionally gruesome and disgusting . <hl> In short, the author succeeded in creating an entertaining and intelligent novel that is also very, very blunt in its revulsion of misogyny. There are three threads to this first novel in Larsson's Millennium Trilogy. The first two threads, which become tightly woven together but which never become a single strand, center on the two main characters, the star financial investigative journalist, Mikhael Blomkvist, and the brilliant if anti-social hacker and private investigator, Lisbeth Salander. The Blomkvist thread, which, to mix a metaphor, serves as bookends to the novel, concerns Blomkvist's attempts to expose a corrupt industrialist named Hans-Erik Wennerström. The Salander thread stitches together the recurring misogyny motif: unjustly declared insane as a child, Salander had lived in a psychiatric asylum until released as an adult under the legal supervision of a court-appointed guardian. After her first, benign guardian passes away from a stroke, Salander is assigned to Nils Bjurman, a socially respectable but privately sadistic man who rapes her. What guides her subsequent actions--and this is another repeating theme in the novel--is something that was taught to her by her first guardian, "that every action has its consequences." The third thread, which makes up the greater part of the material of the novel, is a stunningly well executed murder mystery concerning a prominent family headed by the industrialist Henrik Vanger. To tackle misogyny, Larsson creates in Salander a kind of super-hero. Most of the principal players in this story are realistically depicted (well, there's the matter of at-the-drop-of-a-hat sex, which we'll get to in a moment). The character of Blomkvist, for instance, who might well be the journalist author's alter ego, is completely believable--he is naturally drawn. You want to believe in Salander, too, but you do so like you want to believe in Superman: someone you can trust will bust the bad guys. Salander knows how to hurt bad men so they don't hurt back. But as fascinating as she is--her tattoos, piercings, and other emblems of an independent spirit endear you to her--she's almost too good to be true. Salander's not invincible--she has her own Kryptonite vulnerabilities--but she's hyper-real. It's to Larsson's credit that the reader buys into her all the same. Perhaps not surprising is that sex plays a prominent role in a book with a misogyny theme. But it's not all or even predominantly in the context of violence against women. Neither is it ever in the context of traditional relationships. Both Blomkvist and Salander engage in numerous trysts, with each other and with others, but always with friends and acquaintances not with committed lovers, per se. The sex doesn't seem particularly joyful. What are these frequent sexual episodes? Do they simply reflect Larsson's version of the world, or do they convey a deeper meaning? Is it that the world is so painful or mortality so depressing that sex serves as a drug to forget the mundane? It's not clear. But with the contrast of sex in different contexts in this novel the question seems to hang in the air. THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO is a terrific novel. The fact that it is currently a very popular book (the cover has been ubiquitous in Christmas advertisements) just goes to show that sometimes the public gets it right. Assuming, of course, that people are reading it.(The audio book version works very well. Simon Vance does a fine job narrating the story. His vocalizations of the many Swedish characters are uneven; Dragan Armansky, Salander's boss at Milton Security, for instance, sounds like Count Dracula. Actually, more like Count Chocula. Anyway, you get my drift. For most of the other Swedes Vance assumes various versions of a British or "European" English accent. It's not too distracting, though. Vance's craftsmanship overall is solid.)

The late Swedish writer Stieg Larsson's brilliant THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO was originally titled the equivalent of "Men Who Hate Women," and if the Swedish version was more prosaic, it better captured the overall theme of this superb mystery novel. <hl> The story is highly suspenseful, sometimes complicated, and occasionally gruesome and disgusting <hl>. In short, the author succeeded in creating an entertaining and intelligent novel that is also very, very blunt in its revulsion of misogyny.There are three threads to this first novel in Larsson's Millennium Trilogy. The first two threads, which become tightly woven together but which never become a single strand, center on the two main characters, the star financial investigative journalist, Mikhael Blomkvist, and the brilliant if anti-social hacker and private investigator, Lisbeth Salander. The Blomkvist thread, which, to mix a metaphor, serves as bookends to the novel, concerns Blomkvist's attempts to expose a corrupt industrialist named Hans-Erik Wennerström. The Salander thread stitches together the recurring misogyny motif: unjustly declared insane as a child, Salander had lived in a psychiatric asylum until released as an adult under the legal supervision of a court-appointed guardian. After her first, benign guardian passes away from a stroke, Salander is assigned to Nils Bjurman, a socially respectable but privately sadistic man who rapes her. What guides her subsequent actions--and this is another repeating theme in the novel--is something that was taught to her by her first guardian, "that every action has its consequences." The third thread, which makes up the greater part of the material of the novel, is a stunningly well executed murder mystery concerning a prominent family headed by the industrialist Henrik Vanger.To tackle misogyny, Larsson creates in Salander a kind of super-hero. Most of the principal players in this story are realistically depicted (well, there's the matter of at-the-drop-of-a-hat sex, which we'll get to in a moment). The character of Blomkvist, for instance, who might well be the journalist author's alter ego, is completely believable--he is naturally drawn. You want to believe in Salander, too, but you do so like you want to believe in Superman: someone you can trust will bust the bad guys. Salander knows how to hurt bad men so they don't hurt back. But as fascinating as she is--her tattoos, piercings, and other emblems of an independent spirit endear you to her--she's almost too good to be true. Salander's not invincible--she has her own Kryptonite vulnerabilities--but she's hyper-real. It's to Larsson's credit that the reader buys into her all the same.Perhaps not surprising is that sex plays a prominent role in a book with a misogyny theme. But it's not all or even predominantly in the context of violence against women. Neither is it ever in the context of traditional relationships. Both Blomkvist and Salander engage in numerous trysts, with each other and with others, but always with friends and acquaintances not with committed lovers, per se. The sex doesn't seem particularly joyful. What are these frequent sexual episodes? Do they simply reflect Larsson's version of the world, or do they convey a deeper meaning? Is it that the world is so painful or mortality so depressing that sex serves as a drug to forget the mundane? It's not clear. But with the contrast of sex in different contexts in this novel the question seems to hang in the air.THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO is a terrific novel. The fact that it is currently a very popular book (the cover has been ubiquitous in Christmas advertisements) just goes to show that sometimes the public gets it right. Assuming, of course, that people are reading it.(The audio book version works very well. Simon Vance does a fine job narrating the story. His vocalizations of the many Swedish characters are uneven; Dragan Armansky, Salander's boss at Milton Security, for instance, sounds like Count Dracula. Actually, more like Count Chocula. Anyway, you get my drift. For most of the other Swedes Vance assumes various versions of a British or "European" English accent. It's not too distracting, though. Vance's craftsmanship overall is solid.)

<hl> The story is highly suspenseful, sometimes complicated, and occasionally gruesome and disgusting <hl> .


Question: How did you like the advice?

We had twins at the beginning of March 2014.  We would have been in serious trouble coping with our twins if we did not read this book before the twins were delivered.  The advice is very practical and accurate!You will keep your baby(ies) happy, keep your sanity and be able to enjoy and appreciate your baby by following the information and techniques in the book.The book is a quick read...In fact, I read it during the labor process before the babies were born.I would recommend getting the DVD/borrowing the DVD to see the techniques demonstrated before the babies arrive.  It will really make it much easier -- Swaddling is not the most obvious thing to do with a blanket and get it right.  But, you really need to do this well or your baby is not going to be happy or be able to sleep much.This would be a great baby shower gift!

Answer: The advice is very practical and accurate!You

We had twins at the beginning of March 2014. We would have been in serious trouble coping with our twins if we did not read this book before the twins were delivered. <hl> The advice is very practical and accurate!You will keep your baby(ies) happy, keep your sanity and be able to enjoy and appreciate your baby by following the information and techniques in the book. <hl> The book is a quick read... In fact, I read it during the labor process before the babies were born. I would recommend getting the DVD/borrowing the DVD to see the techniques demonstrated before the babies arrive. It will really make it much easier -- Swaddling is not the most obvious thing to do with a blanket and get it right. But, you really need to do this well or your baby is not going to be happy or be able to sleep much. This would be a great baby shower gift!

We had twins at the beginning of March 2014. We would have been in serious trouble coping with our twins if we did not read this book before the twins were delivered. <hl> The advice is very practical and accurate!You <hl> will keep your baby(ies) happy, keep your sanity and be able to enjoy and appreciate your baby by following the information and techniques in the book.The book is a quick read...In fact, I read it during the labor process before the babies were born.I would recommend getting the DVD/borrowing the DVD to see the techniques demonstrated before the babies arrive. It will really make it much easier -- Swaddling is not the most obvious thing to do with a blanket and get it right. But, you really need to do this well or your baby is not going to be happy or be able to sleep much.This would be a great baby shower gift!


Question: What inspires an author to write beautiful things?

I enjoyed the heck out of this book. The writing was lovely. The characters just grew on me. And by the end, I didn't want it to end.If you like ensemble casts with a little bit of a fantastical element thrown in against a realistic backdrop, then this book is for you.

Answer: The writing was lovely

The writing was lovely .

I enjoyed the heck out of this book. <hl> The writing was lovely . <hl> The characters just grew on me. And by the end, I didn't want it to end. If you like ensemble casts with a little bit of a fantastical element thrown in against a realistic backdrop, then this book is for you.

I enjoyed the heck out of this book. <hl> The writing was lovely <hl>. The characters just grew on me. And by the end, I didn't want it to end.If you like ensemble casts with a little bit of a fantastical element thrown in against a realistic backdrop, then this book is for you.


Question: What is this voice that we can hear in the background?

The challenge of this novel was to skip from character to character while making each of them believable. The author did that beautifully. Each character has a distinctive and authentic voice. Each one contributes a piece to the puzzle of what happened to the world.

Answer: Each character has a distinctive and authentic voice

The challenge of this novel was to skip from character to character while making each of them believable. The author did that beautifully. <hl> Each character has a distinctive and authentic voice . <hl> Each one contributes a piece to the puzzle of what happened to the world.

The challenge of this novel was to skip from character to character while making each of them believable. The author did that beautifully. <hl> Each character has a distinctive and authentic voice <hl>. Each one contributes a piece to the puzzle of what happened to the world.

<hl> Each character has a distinctive and authentic voice <hl> .


Question: How good it's the write?

Well done. This is like a cross between Orwell's 1984, Plato's Allegory of the Cave meets a post apocolyptic world. That might not have made sense, but this is a good read. I found the pace to be a bit slow, but exciting at the same time. There were no dull moments in this story.I rented this book through the Amazon Kindle Library and unfortunately for the author, didn't pay a dime for it. This is a long book however and I would have gladly paid the 5 bucks for it otherwise. There is a lot of politics, some mystery and some real thought on the survival of the human race through extremist action. Normally I would vote for more action, but the small amount involved in this book was just enough as to not distract from the true intentions of the plot. I absolutely reccommend this one.

Answer: Well done.

<hl> Well done. This is like a cross between Orwell's 1984, Plato's Allegory of the Cave meets a post apocolyptic world. <hl> That might not have made sense, but this is a good read. I found the pace to be a bit slow, but exciting at the same time. There were no dull moments in this story. I rented this book through the Amazon Kindle Library and unfortunately for the author, didn't pay a dime for it. This is a long book however and I would have gladly paid the 5 bucks for it otherwise. There is a lot of politics, some mystery and some real thought on the survival of the human race through extremist action. Normally I would vote for more action, but the small amount involved in this book was just enough as to not distract from the true intentions of the plot. I absolutely reccommend this one.

<hl> Well done. <hl> This is like a cross between Orwell's 1984, Plato's Allegory of the Cave meets a post apocolyptic world. That might not have made sense, but this is a good read. I found the pace to be a bit slow, but exciting at the same time. There were no dull moments in this story.I rented this book through the Amazon Kindle Library and unfortunately for the author, didn't pay a dime for it. This is a long book however and I would have gladly paid the 5 bucks for it otherwise. There is a lot of politics, some mystery and some real thought on the survival of the human race through extremist action. Normally I would vote for more action, but the small amount involved in this book was just enough as to not distract from the true intentions of the plot. I absolutely reccommend this one.


Question: How is the word?

The reason I do like this book is simple: the best economics is all about practical theory and applications, the original economists were trying to solve very simple problem such as how to keep people from abusing the common, is there enough food to go around, etc.But, there are several problems with his book:The writing style/prose editing suggest readers with a short attention span, every time I get started on a topic it switches to another topic (the chapters have several subtopics and points seamlessly intermixed). The author's self-awareness of their success from the 1st book is painfully aware in this one, the sequel. For those in the sciences it is well known that a thesis is only as good as the data collected; and much of the authors data is from small sample sizes they go on the claim as irrefutable law (most contentious is the abortion and the crime rate correlation from the 1st book), which makes their hypothesis always...questionable; and for those critical of the Freakonimics series is their main argument against them.In the end the book does what they probably intend, makes economics a philosophy relevant for the masses again. This book presents people with material for conversation and debate after dinner with friends and family. No longer something for government committees and corporations board of directors, economics is back to its practical roots. Bit these books are just that, not necessarily critical study but contrary based investigation of some interesting and important questions, insisting that dialogue and further inquiry of the selected subject matters occur.

Answer: the original economists were trying

<hl> The reason I do like this book is simple: the best economics is all about practical theory and applications, the original economists were trying to solve very simple problem such as how to keep people from abusing the common, is there enough food to go around, etc. <hl> But, there are several problems with his book:The writing style/prose editing suggest readers with a short attention span, every time I get started on a topic it switches to another topic (the chapters have several subtopics and points seamlessly intermixed). The author's self-awareness of their success from the 1st book is painfully aware in this one, the sequel. For those in the sciences it is well known that a thesis is only as good as the data collected; and much of the authors data is from small sample sizes they go on the claim as irrefutable law (most contentious is the abortion and the crime rate correlation from the 1st book), which makes their hypothesis always...questionable; and for those critical of the Freakonimics series is their main argument against them. In the end the book does what they probably intend, makes economics a philosophy relevant for the masses again. This book presents people with material for conversation and debate after dinner with friends and family. No longer something for government committees and corporations board of directors, economics is back to its practical roots. Bit these books are just that, not necessarily critical study but contrary based investigation of some interesting and important questions, insisting that dialogue and further inquiry of the selected subject matters occur.

The reason I do like this book is simple: the best economics is all about practical theory and applications, <hl> the original economists were trying <hl> to solve very simple problem such as how to keep people from abusing the common, is there enough food to go around, etc.But, there are several problems with his book:The writing style/prose editing suggest readers with a short attention span, every time I get started on a topic it switches to another topic (the chapters have several subtopics and points seamlessly intermixed). The author's self-awareness of their success from the 1st book is painfully aware in this one, the sequel. For those in the sciences it is well known that a thesis is only as good as the data collected; and much of the authors data is from small sample sizes they go on the claim as irrefutable law (most contentious is the abortion and the crime rate correlation from the 1st book), which makes their hypothesis always...questionable; and for those critical of the Freakonimics series is their main argument against them.In the end the book does what they probably intend, makes economics a philosophy relevant for the masses again. This book presents people with material for conversation and debate after dinner with friends and family. No longer something for government committees and corporations board of directors, economics is back to its practical roots. Bit these books are just that, not necessarily critical study but contrary based investigation of some interesting and important questions, insisting that dialogue and further inquiry of the selected subject matters occur.


Question: What is the dialogue of the mantel about?

As a francophile, I was automatically attracted to the cover and the title of the book.  However, I had resisted picking it up or even reading the sample I finally downloaded onto my Kindle because both the book cover and the title left me with the impression that this would be a fluffy read with Paris as the back-drop.  Boy, was I wrong.  After reading the sample, it was clear that the main character (Anna) was not only hilarious, but also had an intelligent and strong voice that rings true for someone who is 17.  Although you knew who the main love interest would be, Etienne St. Clair, it was clear that there were some real challenges that the characters needed to work through.  And, I also enjoyed the fact that they had a basis for a romance through their friendship that seemed to naturally evolve throughout the book.  I also liked that the friends that Anna surrounds herself with are interesting and not just one-dimensional.I won't summarize the book given the other reviews provided, but I will say that how the author builds this relationship makes the ending so much more rewarding.  And, of course, being a francophile who was reading this while I was in Paris just made me love the city even more.  If I get a chance to go back, I might just have to (re-)visit some of the places mentioned in the book!

Answer: the friends that Anna surrounds herself with are interesting and not just one-dimensional.

As a francophile, I was automatically attracted to the cover and the title of the book. However, I had resisted picking it up or even reading the sample I finally downloaded onto my Kindle because both the book cover and the title left me with the impression that this would be a fluffy read with Paris as the back-drop. Boy, was I wrong. After reading the sample, it was clear that the main character (Anna) was not only hilarious, but also had an intelligent and strong voice that rings true for someone who is 17. Although you knew who the main love interest would be, Etienne St. Clair, it was clear that there were some real challenges that the characters needed to work through. And, I also enjoyed the fact that they had a basis for a romance through their friendship that seemed to naturally evolve throughout the book. <hl> I also liked that the friends that Anna surrounds herself with are interesting and not just one-dimensional. I won't summarize the book given the other reviews provided, but I will say that how the author builds this relationship makes the ending so much more rewarding. <hl> And, of course, being a francophile who was reading this while I was in Paris just made me love the city even more. If I get a chance to go back, I might just have to (re-)visit some of the places mentioned in the book!

As a francophile, I was automatically attracted to the cover and the title of the book. However, I had resisted picking it up or even reading the sample I finally downloaded onto my Kindle because both the book cover and the title left me with the impression that this would be a fluffy read with Paris as the back-drop. Boy, was I wrong. After reading the sample, it was clear that the main character (Anna) was not only hilarious, but also had an intelligent and strong voice that rings true for someone who is 17. Although you knew who the main love interest would be, Etienne St. Clair, it was clear that there were some real challenges that the characters needed to work through. And, I also enjoyed the fact that they had a basis for a romance through their friendship that seemed to naturally evolve throughout the book. I also liked that <hl> the friends that Anna surrounds herself with are interesting and not just one-dimensional. <hl>I won't summarize the book given the other reviews provided, but I will say that how the author builds this relationship makes the ending so much more rewarding. And, of course, being a francophile who was reading this while I was in Paris just made me love the city even more. If I get a chance to go back, I might just have to (re-)visit some of the places mentioned in the book!

I also liked that <hl> the friends that Anna surrounds herself with are interesting and not just one-dimensional. <hl> I won't summarize the book given the other reviews provided, but I will say that how the author builds this relationship makes the ending so much more rewarding.


Question: What is the quality of the book?

When I first became aware of Quiet, I knew it was a book I had to read.  I've always been an introvert, content to curl up with a book for hours and wary of crowded places and loud parties.  Yet, even though I was aware of my introversion, I don't think I really understood it and what it meant.  I always saw it as a sort of flexible personality trait that I could change if I wanted to, and I always had the sense that there was something unhealthy about my particular personality type.  After reading the book, I feel I have a much better understanding not only of myself, but of how the way American society is structured tends to work against someone like me.Cain uses a blend of some of the latest neurological research and years of psychiatric studies to show why introverts and extroverts are so different, and to lay rest to the idea that there's something broken in people who don't meet the gregarious, outgoing American ideal.  The neuroscience she highlights in the book is easily understandable to the layperson, and shows how the brains of introverts and extroverts process stimuli differently.  Quite literally, extroverts' brains function in such a way that they are exhilarated and recharged by plenty of social stimulation while introverts need quiet and downtime in order to recharge.Using this research, Cain then shows why so many aspects of modern American life are doing few favors for introverts and, in fact, may be hindering creativity and innovation overall.  One of the topics she discusses is the seemingly ubiquitous open-plan workspace.  Having spent some years in offices, I could feel myself recoil as soon as she began touching on the topic.  The idea behind these plans is that an open atmosphere will create more interaction between employees, thus stimulating creativity and helping to further develop ideas.  This goes hand-in-hand with the corporate love of brainstorming sessions and leadership retreats, all of which I've had the misfortune of attending.  However, as Cain shows, all of these things actually hinder creativity.  People are at their most creative when they have quiet time alone in which to let their mind roam freely.  This is a topic of particular interest to me, and there are plenty of sources that support this conclusion.  Some companies are beginning to recognize this problem and are starting to design offices that provide spaces where people can retreat for some quiet thought and reflection.  This is a boon not only to the introverts, who really need these spaces, but to the extroverts as well because these more thoughtfully designed spaces offer all personality types the opportunity to seek out stimulation when they need it and to retreat into privacy when they need time for quiet thought.Another point that I found particularly interesting was Cain's examination of current educational philosophies.  I'm a former high/middle school teacher and the parent of an elementary-aged child, so I've had the chance to see this in action--not to mention the styles and philosophies with which I was presented during my teacher training.  There currently is a HUGE emphasis on group work, which I think can be attributed to the corporatization of education.  Despite that I am, myself, an introvert, as a teacher, I bought into the idea that kids need to be constantly interacting, but Cain points out the flaws in this idea.  Both my colleagues and myself were sometimes guilty of the "Johnny is a great student but so quiet--if only he'd talk more!" syndrome, and this book made me realize how harmful that can actually be.  While there is emphasis in modern education on learning styles--the visual learner versus the auditory learner, for example--there is next to no emphasis on how to appeal to various personality types.  I volunteer in my daughter's school, and every year the kids' desks are arranged in groupings, so that students spend a large amount of their time working with other students.  Still, there is a bright spot in that they are occasionally granted small stretches of time during which they're free to retreat to whatever part of their classroom or the outside pod area they like so they may complete an assignment.  Quiet really made me think about how important these opportunities are, and how they need to become a more integral part of the educational system.Most valuable of all, though, this book really made me think deeply about myself and those I love and to think of ways to better interact with them.  I have a better understand now of how what seemed pliable personality traits are actually inherent in me, and how I can work with them instead of against them so that I can alleviate stress and avoid feeling overwhelmed and burned out.  While the book is primarily about introverts, it also helped me to gain a better understanding about the extroverts in my life and how we can live more harmoniously with one another.  The sections of the book that deal with married couples was particularly interesting in this respect, because they showed how our own biases make us judge the reactions of others.  Since we tend to see the world through a certain lens, we sometimes have trouble understanding that not everyone thinks the way we do, and that we may be taking their reactions and misunderstanding them.  This is truly invaluable because I realize that by taking a more thoughtful approach to interactions with others, I can better understand not only my actions but theirs, which will hopefully lead to a better level of understanding between us.Quiet is a book I would recommend to anyone, regardless of whether you're an introvert or an extrovert.  I think that introverts like myself will feel better about our personalities and will see that the way we operate can be a strength rather than a social liability, as many of us have been conditioned to believe.  And I think that extroverts can learn that introverts aren't necessarily socially backwards or cold, but people who often feel awkward in our own skins because we see and admire the outgoing traits of extroverts but may have trouble emulating them.  This book simply works on so many levels: from the corporate world to the world of education and right on down to a personal level.

Answer: Quiet is a book I would recommend to anyone

When I first became aware of Quiet, I knew it was a book I had to read. I've always been an introvert, content to curl up with a book for hours and wary of crowded places and loud parties. Yet, even though I was aware of my introversion, I don't think I really understood it and what it meant. I always saw it as a sort of flexible personality trait that I could change if I wanted to, and I always had the sense that there was something unhealthy about my particular personality type. After reading the book, I feel I have a much better understanding not only of myself, but of how the way American society is structured tends to work against someone like me. Cain uses a blend of some of the latest neurological research and years of psychiatric studies to show why introverts and extroverts are so different, and to lay rest to the idea that there's something broken in people who don't meet the gregarious, outgoing American ideal. The neuroscience she highlights in the book is easily understandable to the layperson, and shows how the brains of introverts and extroverts process stimuli differently. Quite literally, extroverts' brains function in such a way that they are exhilarated and recharged by plenty of social stimulation while introverts need quiet and downtime in order to recharge. Using this research, Cain then shows why so many aspects of modern American life are doing few favors for introverts and, in fact, may be hindering creativity and innovation overall. One of the topics she discusses is the seemingly ubiquitous open-plan workspace. Having spent some years in offices, I could feel myself recoil as soon as she began touching on the topic. The idea behind these plans is that an open atmosphere will create more interaction between employees, thus stimulating creativity and helping to further develop ideas. This goes hand-in-hand with the corporate love of brainstorming sessions and leadership retreats, all of which I've had the misfortune of attending. However, as Cain shows, all of these things actually hinder creativity. People are at their most creative when they have quiet time alone in which to let their mind roam freely. This is a topic of particular interest to me, and there are plenty of sources that support this conclusion. Some companies are beginning to recognize this problem and are starting to design offices that provide spaces where people can retreat for some quiet thought and reflection. This is a boon not only to the introverts, who really need these spaces, but to the extroverts as well because these more thoughtfully designed spaces offer all personality types the opportunity to seek out stimulation when they need it and to retreat into privacy when they need time for quiet thought. Another point that I found particularly interesting was Cain's examination of current educational philosophies. I'm a former high/middle school teacher and the parent of an elementary-aged child, so I've had the chance to see this in action--not to mention the styles and philosophies with which I was presented during my teacher training. There currently is a HUGE emphasis on group work, which I think can be attributed to the corporatization of education. Despite that I am, myself, an introvert, as a teacher, I bought into the idea that kids need to be constantly interacting, but Cain points out the flaws in this idea. Both my colleagues and myself were sometimes guilty of the "Johnny is a great student but so quiet--if only he'd talk more!" syndrome, and this book made me realize how harmful that can actually be. While there is emphasis in modern education on learning styles--the visual learner versus the auditory learner, for example--there is next to no emphasis on how to appeal to various personality types. I volunteer in my daughter's school, and every year the kids' desks are arranged in groupings, so that students spend a large amount of their time working with other students. Still, there is a bright spot in that they are occasionally granted small stretches of time during which they're free to retreat to whatever part of their classroom or the outside pod area they like so they may complete an assignment. Quiet really made me think about how important these opportunities are, and how they need to become a more integral part of the educational system. Most valuable of all, though, this book really made me think deeply about myself and those I love and to think of ways to better interact with them. I have a better understand now of how what seemed pliable personality traits are actually inherent in me, and how I can work with them instead of against them so that I can alleviate stress and avoid feeling overwhelmed and burned out. While the book is primarily about introverts, it also helped me to gain a better understanding about the extroverts in my life and how we can live more harmoniously with one another. The sections of the book that deal with married couples was particularly interesting in this respect, because they showed how our own biases make us judge the reactions of others. Since we tend to see the world through a certain lens, we sometimes have trouble understanding that not everyone thinks the way we do, and that we may be taking their reactions and misunderstanding them. This is truly invaluable because I realize that by taking a more thoughtful approach to interactions with others, I can better understand not only my actions but theirs, which will hopefully lead to a better level of understanding between us. <hl> Quiet is a book I would recommend to anyone , regardless of whether you're an introvert or an extrovert. <hl> I think that introverts like myself will feel better about our personalities and will see that the way we operate can be a strength rather than a social liability, as many of us have been conditioned to believe. And I think that extroverts can learn that introverts aren't necessarily socially backwards or cold, but people who often feel awkward in our own skins because we see and admire the outgoing traits of extroverts but may have trouble emulating them. This book simply works on so many levels: from the corporate world to the world of education and right on down to a personal level.

When I first became aware of Quiet, I knew it was a book I had to read. I've always been an introvert, content to curl up with a book for hours and wary of crowded places and loud parties. Yet, even though I was aware of my introversion, I don't think I really understood it and what it meant. I always saw it as a sort of flexible personality trait that I could change if I wanted to, and I always had the sense that there was something unhealthy about my particular personality type. After reading the book, I feel I have a much better understanding not only of myself, but of how the way American society is structured tends to work against someone like me.Cain uses a blend of some of the latest neurological research and years of psychiatric studies to show why introverts and extroverts are so different, and to lay rest to the idea that there's something broken in people who don't meet the gregarious, outgoing American ideal. The neuroscience she highlights in the book is easily understandable to the layperson, and shows how the brains of introverts and extroverts process stimuli differently. Quite literally, extroverts' brains function in such a way that they are exhilarated and recharged by plenty of social stimulation while introverts need quiet and downtime in order to recharge.Using this research, Cain then shows why so many aspects of modern American life are doing few favors for introverts and, in fact, may be hindering creativity and innovation overall. One of the topics she discusses is the seemingly ubiquitous open-plan workspace. Having spent some years in offices, I could feel myself recoil as soon as she began touching on the topic. The idea behind these plans is that an open atmosphere will create more interaction between employees, thus stimulating creativity and helping to further develop ideas. This goes hand-in-hand with the corporate love of brainstorming sessions and leadership retreats, all of which I've had the misfortune of attending. However, as Cain shows, all of these things actually hinder creativity. People are at their most creative when they have quiet time alone in which to let their mind roam freely. This is a topic of particular interest to me, and there are plenty of sources that support this conclusion. Some companies are beginning to recognize this problem and are starting to design offices that provide spaces where people can retreat for some quiet thought and reflection. This is a boon not only to the introverts, who really need these spaces, but to the extroverts as well because these more thoughtfully designed spaces offer all personality types the opportunity to seek out stimulation when they need it and to retreat into privacy when they need time for quiet thought.Another point that I found particularly interesting was Cain's examination of current educational philosophies. I'm a former high/middle school teacher and the parent of an elementary-aged child, so I've had the chance to see this in action--not to mention the styles and philosophies with which I was presented during my teacher training. There currently is a HUGE emphasis on group work, which I think can be attributed to the corporatization of education. Despite that I am, myself, an introvert, as a teacher, I bought into the idea that kids need to be constantly interacting, but Cain points out the flaws in this idea. Both my colleagues and myself were sometimes guilty of the "Johnny is a great student but so quiet--if only he'd talk more!" syndrome, and this book made me realize how harmful that can actually be. While there is emphasis in modern education on learning styles--the visual learner versus the auditory learner, for example--there is next to no emphasis on how to appeal to various personality types. I volunteer in my daughter's school, and every year the kids' desks are arranged in groupings, so that students spend a large amount of their time working with other students. Still, there is a bright spot in that they are occasionally granted small stretches of time during which they're free to retreat to whatever part of their classroom or the outside pod area they like so they may complete an assignment. Quiet really made me think about how important these opportunities are, and how they need to become a more integral part of the educational system.Most valuable of all, though, this book really made me think deeply about myself and those I love and to think of ways to better interact with them. I have a better understand now of how what seemed pliable personality traits are actually inherent in me, and how I can work with them instead of against them so that I can alleviate stress and avoid feeling overwhelmed and burned out. While the book is primarily about introverts, it also helped me to gain a better understanding about the extroverts in my life and how we can live more harmoniously with one another. The sections of the book that deal with married couples was particularly interesting in this respect, because they showed how our own biases make us judge the reactions of others. Since we tend to see the world through a certain lens, we sometimes have trouble understanding that not everyone thinks the way we do, and that we may be taking their reactions and misunderstanding them. This is truly invaluable because I realize that by taking a more thoughtful approach to interactions with others, I can better understand not only my actions but theirs, which will hopefully lead to a better level of understanding between us.<hl> Quiet is a book I would recommend to anyone <hl>, regardless of whether you're an introvert or an extrovert. I think that introverts like myself will feel better about our personalities and will see that the way we operate can be a strength rather than a social liability, as many of us have been conditioned to believe. And I think that extroverts can learn that introverts aren't necessarily socially backwards or cold, but people who often feel awkward in our own skins because we see and admire the outgoing traits of extroverts but may have trouble emulating them. This book simply works on so many levels: from the corporate world to the world of education and right on down to a personal level.

<hl> Quiet is a book I would recommend to anyone <hl> , regardless of whether you're an introvert or an extrovert.


Question: How was the twist of the story?

This book was amazing from beginning  to end. I had a lump in my throat the entire way through and admit that I had to plug my kindle in and sit on the floor because I HAD TO finish it. Some things were predictable, but that does not make this book not worth reading.

Answer: Some things were predictable, but that does not make this book not worth reading

This book was amazing from beginning to end. I had a lump in my throat the entire way through and admit that I had to plug my kindle in and sit on the floor because I HAD TO finish it. <hl> Some things were predictable, but that does not make this book not worth reading . <hl>

This book was amazing from beginning to end. I had a lump in my throat the entire way through and admit that I had to plug my kindle in and sit on the floor because I HAD TO finish it. <hl> Some things were predictable, but that does not make this book not worth reading <hl>.

<hl> Some things were predictable, but that does not make this book not worth reading <hl> .


Question: What dou yu see about none?

While I enjoyed the plot of this book, it did kind of drag in places.  None of the characters were very likeable.

Answer: None of the characters were very likeable

While I enjoyed the plot of this book, it did kind of drag in places. <hl> None of the characters were very likeable . <hl>

While I enjoyed the plot of this book, it did kind of drag in places.<hl> None of the characters were very likeable <hl>.

<hl> None of the characters were very likeable <hl> .


Question: How do you like the story?

There are so many things that can be said about this book. It's funny, ridiculous, weird, confusing, and VERY much on drugs. I'm sorry... Did you just ask me to eat a mushroom? The many drug references, however, are extremely amusing, and add to the story very much.Alice is asleep and dreaming up a crazy world. The characters she meets are all eccentric, strange, and frightfully funny. Whether we're thinking of the Mad Hatter, the rabbit, or the Queen of Hearts herself, this book is truly a child's happy adventures through a completely ridiculous fictional land (unless you are firm in your belief that this book is completely about drugs, but even then it's still funny and ridiculous).Even though this book is known as a children's book, it is hilarious to all who read it. Enjoy! I just hope you remember to breathe while gasping with laughter.

Answer: it is hilarious to all who read it. Enjoy

There are so many things that can be said about this book. It's funny, ridiculous, weird, confusing, and VERY much on drugs. I'm sorry... Did you just ask me to eat a mushroom? The many drug references, however, are extremely amusing, and add to the story very much. Alice is asleep and dreaming up a crazy world. The characters she meets are all eccentric, strange, and frightfully funny. <hl> Whether we're thinking of the Mad Hatter, the rabbit, or the Queen of Hearts herself, this book is truly a child's happy adventures through a completely ridiculous fictional land (unless you are firm in your belief that this book is completely about drugs, but even then it's still funny and ridiculous).Even though this book is known as a children's book, it is hilarious to all who read it. Enjoy ! <hl> I just hope you remember to breathe while gasping with laughter.

There are so many things that can be said about this book. It's funny, ridiculous, weird, confusing, and VERY much on drugs. I'm sorry... Did you just ask me to eat a mushroom? The many drug references, however, are extremely amusing, and add to the story very much.Alice is asleep and dreaming up a crazy world. The characters she meets are all eccentric, strange, and frightfully funny. Whether we're thinking of the Mad Hatter, the rabbit, or the Queen of Hearts herself, this book is truly a child's happy adventures through a completely ridiculous fictional land (unless you are firm in your belief that this book is completely about drugs, but even then it's still funny and ridiculous).Even though this book is known as a children's book, <hl> it is hilarious to all who read it. Enjoy <hl>! I just hope you remember to breathe while gasping with laughter.

Whether we're thinking of the Mad Hatter, the rabbit, or the Queen of Hearts herself, this book is truly a child's happy adventures through a completely ridiculous fictional land (unless you are firm in your belief that this book is completely about drugs, but even then it's still funny and ridiculous).Even though this book is known as a children's book, <hl> it is hilarious to all who read it. Enjoy <hl> !


Question: Where is there an impact on the plot of the book?

This book, suitable for children from six to ten years, opens with happy pictures of a little boy playing in the cornfields with his sisters.  It features the stories of four boys, not one as the title suggests. They are Norman Borlaug, Henry Wallace, George Washington Carver and Moses Carver who respectively became Nobel laureate, Vice President, inventor and farmer. Their lives illustrate The Butterfly Effect by showing how each life is interwoven by the decisions made by other people."The Boy Who Changed the World" can be read as one story, or as four short stories. I found it choppy to read in one sitting as it jumped around in time. I think it would flow better and provide clearer understanding for children if it followed the chain of events chronologically.The illustrations are superb. Rich in color and detail, they are sure to appeal to children. Butterflies adorn most pages and the book closes with a cloud of these beautiful creatures.I recommend this book to adults to read and discuss with children--it's interesting and has a clear message that children's lives are important to God. Every action a child takes matters and makes a difference in the world.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the [...] <[...]> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <[...]> : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Answer: I found it choppy to read in one sitting as it jumped around in time

This book, suitable for children from six to ten years, opens with happy pictures of a little boy playing in the cornfields with his sisters. It features the stories of four boys, not one as the title suggests. They are Norman Borlaug, Henry Wallace, George Washington Carver and Moses Carver who respectively became Nobel laureate, Vice President, inventor and farmer. Their lives illustrate The Butterfly Effect by showing how each life is interwoven by the decisions made by other people. "The Boy Who Changed the World" can be read as one story, or as four short stories. <hl> I found it choppy to read in one sitting as it jumped around in time . <hl> I think it would flow better and provide clearer understanding for children if it followed the chain of events chronologically. The illustrations are superb. Rich in color and detail, they are sure to appeal to children. Butterflies adorn most pages and the book closes with a cloud of these beautiful creatures. I recommend this book to adults to read and discuss with children--it's interesting and has a clear message that children's lives are important to God. Every action a child takes matters and makes a difference in the world. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the [...] <[...]> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <[...]> : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

This book, suitable for children from six to ten years, opens with happy pictures of a little boy playing in the cornfields with his sisters. It features the stories of four boys, not one as the title suggests. They are Norman Borlaug, Henry Wallace, George Washington Carver and Moses Carver who respectively became Nobel laureate, Vice President, inventor and farmer. Their lives illustrate The Butterfly Effect by showing how each life is interwoven by the decisions made by other people."The Boy Who Changed the World" can be read as one story, or as four short stories. <hl> I found it choppy to read in one sitting as it jumped around in time <hl>. I think it would flow better and provide clearer understanding for children if it followed the chain of events chronologically.The illustrations are superb. Rich in color and detail, they are sure to appeal to children. Butterflies adorn most pages and the book closes with a cloud of these beautiful creatures.I recommend this book to adults to read and discuss with children--it's interesting and has a clear message that children's lives are important to God. Every action a child takes matters and makes a difference in the world.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the [...] <[...]> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <[...]> : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

<hl> I found it choppy to read in one sitting as it jumped around in time <hl> .


Question: What is the concept of family?

I wasn't sure if what was waiting insied this book is seductions or snack, but I know that I received the satisfaction of both after reading this book.  What a great read, dead on Halarious, I can't read pass one page with out laughing my head off.  This book is what you call a fun read, could not put it down.  The story line was so well develope, the characters were unbeleivable, funny as heck.  This book was funny, romantic, seductive, sweet and I just love how Tara Sivec capture my attention, I will definetly read more of her books when it's ready.  Thank you Tara for bringing one good day to me with this book.

Answer: I wasn't sure if what was

<hl> I wasn't sure if what was waiting insied this book is seductions or snack, but I know that I received the satisfaction of both after reading this book. <hl> What a great read, dead on Halarious, I can't read pass one page with out laughing my head off. This book is what you call a fun read, could not put it down. The story line was so well develope, the characters were unbeleivable, funny as heck. This book was funny, romantic, seductive, sweet and I just love how Tara Sivec capture my attention, I will definetly read more of her books when it's ready. Thank you Tara for bringing one good day to me with this book.

<hl> I wasn't sure if what was <hl> waiting insied this book is seductions or snack, but I know that I received the satisfaction of both after reading this book. What a great read, dead on Halarious, I can't read pass one page with out laughing my head off. This book is what you call a fun read, could not put it down. The story line was so well develope, the characters were unbeleivable, funny as heck. This book was funny, romantic, seductive, sweet and I just love how Tara Sivec capture my attention, I will definetly read more of her books when it's ready. Thank you Tara for bringing one good day to me with this book.


Question: How is a good development?

What The Night Knows starts right into the creepiness.  At the opening of the book much backstory has already occurred.  The details of the past will begin to become clear as the story progresses.  We are immediately introduced to our hero, a man with a deep foreboding brought on by recent events.  A terrible murder spree has just taken place with eerie similarities to a similar crime 20 years ago.  What could their connection be?  Koontz weaves a nightmare scenario that gets scarier and scarier.  Word by word, chapter by chapter, he turns the screws of our fight or flight instinct until it's too late to flee.  Having read almost every Koontz book this is certainly one of his best.  This one is genuinely scary.  The book has really stuck in my mind.  Scenes from throughout are very memorable.  This could easily be a story where the pacing lags but Koontz pours on the gas.  The villain here is awesomely frightening.  He has quickly become one of my favorite bad guys Koontz has created.  The book kept me flying through the chapters as the evil builds and encompasses our heros' lives.  I found the family's children fun and the characters well done.  This book is a darker novel than the more recent ones.  I agree with some reviewers that it has a darker atmosphere like Hideaway.  I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a creepy, scary read and people interested in an introduction to Koontz' supernatural thrillers.  I also highly recommend the novellaDarkness Under the Sun (Novella): A Tale of Suspense, available in Kindle version, which introduces the villain here in a separate storyline that won't ruin the story told here.  This one is excellent. and I am eagerly looking forward to the next Koontz.

Answer: years ago

What The Night Knows starts right into the creepiness. At the opening of the book much backstory has already occurred. The details of the past will begin to become clear as the story progresses. We are immediately introduced to our hero, a man with a deep foreboding brought on by recent events. <hl> A terrible murder spree has just taken place with eerie similarities to a similar crime 20 years ago . <hl> What could their connection be? Koontz weaves a nightmare scenario that gets scarier and scarier. Word by word, chapter by chapter, he turns the screws of our fight or flight instinct until it's too late to flee. Having read almost every Koontz book this is certainly one of his best. This one is genuinely scary. The book has really stuck in my mind. Scenes from throughout are very memorable. This could easily be a story where the pacing lags but Koontz pours on the gas. The villain here is awesomely frightening. He has quickly become one of my favorite bad guys Koontz has created. The book kept me flying through the chapters as the evil builds and encompasses our heros' lives. I found the family's children fun and the characters well done. This book is a darker novel than the more recent ones. I agree with some reviewers that it has a darker atmosphere like Hideaway. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a creepy, scary read and people interested in an introduction to Koontz' supernatural thrillers. I also highly recommend the novellaDarkness Under the Sun (Novella): A Tale of Suspense, available in Kindle version, which introduces the villain here in a separate storyline that won't ruin the story told here. This one is excellent. and I am eagerly looking forward to the next Koontz.

What The Night Knows starts right into the creepiness. At the opening of the book much backstory has already occurred. The details of the past will begin to become clear as the story progresses. We are immediately introduced to our hero, a man with a deep foreboding brought on by recent events. A terrible murder spree has just taken place with eerie similarities to a similar crime 20 <hl> years ago <hl>. What could their connection be? Koontz weaves a nightmare scenario that gets scarier and scarier. Word by word, chapter by chapter, he turns the screws of our fight or flight instinct until it's too late to flee. Having read almost every Koontz book this is certainly one of his best. This one is genuinely scary. The book has really stuck in my mind. Scenes from throughout are very memorable. This could easily be a story where the pacing lags but Koontz pours on the gas. The villain here is awesomely frightening. He has quickly become one of my favorite bad guys Koontz has created. The book kept me flying through the chapters as the evil builds and encompasses our heros' lives. I found the family's children fun and the characters well done. This book is a darker novel than the more recent ones. I agree with some reviewers that it has a darker atmosphere like Hideaway. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a creepy, scary read and people interested in an introduction to Koontz' supernatural thrillers. I also highly recommend the novellaDarkness Under the Sun (Novella): A Tale of Suspense, available in Kindle version, which introduces the villain here in a separate storyline that won't ruin the story told here. This one is excellent. and I am eagerly looking forward to the next Koontz.

A terrible murder spree has just taken place with eerie similarities to a similar crime 20 <hl> years ago <hl> .


Question: How is the matter?

Since the book has been out for almost a year, guess I'm a late bloomer on this one.  I'd have to say it's THE best book I've read in ages.The subject matter is fascinating and illuminating.  Brown did a tremendous job taking the topic and weaving a superb suspense novel.  It's classified as fiction, however, it certainly has some very valid points.  With the world situation as it is, it made this reader pause and think.I already have Angels & Demons sitting here ready to start.  A genius of an author with a unique twist on an old subject.  The story gripped me till the very end, as one twist after another was revealed.Well done!

Answer: The subject matter is fascinating

Since the book has been out for almost a year, guess I'm a late bloomer on this one. I'd have to say it's THE best book I've read in ages. <hl> The subject matter is fascinating and illuminating. <hl> Brown did a tremendous job taking the topic and weaving a superb suspense novel. It's classified as fiction, however, it certainly has some very valid points. With the world situation as it is, it made this reader pause and think. I already have Angels & Demons sitting here ready to start. A genius of an author with a unique twist on an old subject. The story gripped me till the very end, as one twist after another was revealed. Well done!

Since the book has been out for almost a year, guess I'm a late bloomer on this one. I'd have to say it's THE best book I've read in ages.<hl> The subject matter is fascinating <hl> and illuminating. Brown did a tremendous job taking the topic and weaving a superb suspense novel. It's classified as fiction, however, it certainly has some very valid points. With the world situation as it is, it made this reader pause and think.I already have Angels & Demons sitting here ready to start. A genius of an author with a unique twist on an old subject. The story gripped me till the very end, as one twist after another was revealed.Well done!


Question: How is the story line?

When I started the Song of Ice and Fire series a few years ago, I was blown away. The scale of the world and the depth of the characters  GRRM has created are unmatched by any fantasy series I've read, and yes, I have read Tolkien.POV chapters for this book are broken up between three different powerful families in the mythical land of Westeros; the Starks, the Lannisters, and the Targaryens. What makes this book so great is that we have sympathy for all of these families, or at least some of there individual members. Weaker writers build two-dimensional sum-of-all-evil characters for the heroes to fight, but not Martin. All the characters are complex and fully formed.And the plot of course is excellent. There's fighting, humor, horror, everything you could expect out a series. He avoids cliche's in favor of great twists and turns.Get this book. Now.

Answer: There's fighting, humor, horror, everything you could expect out a series

When I started the Song of Ice and Fire series a few years ago, I was blown away. The scale of the world and the depth of the characters GRRM has created are unmatched by any fantasy series I've read, and yes, I have read Tolkien. POV chapters for this book are broken up between three different powerful families in the mythical land of Westeros; the Starks, the Lannisters, and the Targaryens. What makes this book so great is that we have sympathy for all of these families, or at least some of there individual members. Weaker writers build two-dimensional sum-of-all-evil characters for the heroes to fight, but not Martin. All the characters are complex and fully formed. And the plot of course is excellent. <hl> There's fighting, humor, horror, everything you could expect out a series . <hl> He avoids cliche's in favor of great twists and turns. Get this book. Now.

When I started the Song of Ice and Fire series a few years ago, I was blown away. The scale of the world and the depth of the characters GRRM has created are unmatched by any fantasy series I've read, and yes, I have read Tolkien.POV chapters for this book are broken up between three different powerful families in the mythical land of Westeros; the Starks, the Lannisters, and the Targaryens. What makes this book so great is that we have sympathy for all of these families, or at least some of there individual members. Weaker writers build two-dimensional sum-of-all-evil characters for the heroes to fight, but not Martin. All the characters are complex and fully formed.And the plot of course is excellent. <hl> There's fighting, humor, horror, everything you could expect out a series <hl>. He avoids cliche's in favor of great twists and turns.Get this book. Now.

<hl> There's fighting, humor, horror, everything you could expect out a series <hl> .


Question: How is the book?

Katniss is sixteen, but she has yet to experience the slightest intimacy beyond a familial kiss. As the oldest child in the family, she is tasked with the unenviable job of providing for her mother and younger sister when her father perishes in a mining accident. Set in the near future, most residents of Pan-Am are forced to subsist through utter capitulation to the Capitol's whims. The only ways out are to break the law and hunt outside the district (which carries a capital sentence), or prove victorious in the annual Hunger Games.Being forced to live off the land for years, pairing her natural talent for archery with Gale's instinct for setting snares, they eke out a comfortable, if arduous, existence in District 12. Until Katniss' sister Prim is chosen for the Hunger Games, despite only having one slip with her name in the Reaping. I expect this "coincidence" to play a prominent role in the following two books.The bulk of the book is fast-paced, with occasional flashbacks to Katniss' past, and how she seems to be the only lady in the family without a talent or desire for treating the sick and injured. Although she has her father's talent for calling out to the Mockingjays, she chooses not to do so, preferring the practical and more immediate fruits of hunting and gathering.The Games themselves are never dull (particularly because the Game Masters can't afford to rely on nature and the killer instincts of the contestants to whittle down the numbers). Any tribute who gets complacent or is lucky enough to enjoy a cushy half-day or two is immediately beset by traps, lack of resources, or anything else that could lie in store for them (including genetically engineered killing machines). They know their lives are not held in high esteem by the Capitol, and the only way to increase one's chances of survival is to appeal to one's sponsors, a task that becomes exponentially more difficult the longer the Games continue, and the more delirious the betting becomes.The Hunger Games is excellently written and paced, and while Katniss' introspective analyses of her personality, her emotions and her life can get tedious at times, it doesn't adversely affect the experience overall. It soon becomes apparent that while Katniss is unfamiliar and uneasy with the concepts of romance and love, she still has a firm grasp on her humanity. Love has been abandoned, alone in her soul, but it is far from dead. A sense of duty, obligation and debt has replaced it, and she hates being in anyone's debt (although she soon learns that this is sometimes unavoidable, and some debts can never be repaid, at least not in the conventional sense).

Answer: The bulk of the book is fast

Katniss is sixteen, but she has yet to experience the slightest intimacy beyond a familial kiss. As the oldest child in the family, she is tasked with the unenviable job of providing for her mother and younger sister when her father perishes in a mining accident. Set in the near future, most residents of Pan-Am are forced to subsist through utter capitulation to the Capitol's whims. The only ways out are to break the law and hunt outside the district (which carries a capital sentence), or prove victorious in the annual Hunger Games. Being forced to live off the land for years, pairing her natural talent for archery with Gale's instinct for setting snares, they eke out a comfortable, if arduous, existence in District 12. Until Katniss' sister Prim is chosen for the Hunger Games, despite only having one slip with her name in the Reaping. I expect this "coincidence" to play a prominent role in the following two books. <hl> The bulk of the book is fast -paced, with occasional flashbacks to Katniss' past, and how she seems to be the only lady in the family without a talent or desire for treating the sick and injured. <hl> Although she has her father's talent for calling out to the Mockingjays, she chooses not to do so, preferring the practical and more immediate fruits of hunting and gathering. The Games themselves are never dull (particularly because the Game Masters can't afford to rely on nature and the killer instincts of the contestants to whittle down the numbers). Any tribute who gets complacent or is lucky enough to enjoy a cushy half-day or two is immediately beset by traps, lack of resources, or anything else that could lie in store for them (including genetically engineered killing machines). They know their lives are not held in high esteem by the Capitol, and the only way to increase one's chances of survival is to appeal to one's sponsors, a task that becomes exponentially more difficult the longer the Games continue, and the more delirious the betting becomes. The Hunger Games is excellently written and paced, and while Katniss' introspective analyses of her personality, her emotions and her life can get tedious at times, it doesn't adversely affect the experience overall. It soon becomes apparent that while Katniss is unfamiliar and uneasy with the concepts of romance and love, she still has a firm grasp on her humanity. Love has been abandoned, alone in her soul, but it is far from dead. A sense of duty, obligation and debt has replaced it, and she hates being in anyone's debt (although she soon learns that this is sometimes unavoidable, and some debts can never be repaid, at least not in the conventional sense).

Katniss is sixteen, but she has yet to experience the slightest intimacy beyond a familial kiss. As the oldest child in the family, she is tasked with the unenviable job of providing for her mother and younger sister when her father perishes in a mining accident. Set in the near future, most residents of Pan-Am are forced to subsist through utter capitulation to the Capitol's whims. The only ways out are to break the law and hunt outside the district (which carries a capital sentence), or prove victorious in the annual Hunger Games.Being forced to live off the land for years, pairing her natural talent for archery with Gale's instinct for setting snares, they eke out a comfortable, if arduous, existence in District 12. Until Katniss' sister Prim is chosen for the Hunger Games, despite only having one slip with her name in the Reaping. I expect this "coincidence" to play a prominent role in the following two books.<hl> The bulk of the book is fast <hl>-paced, with occasional flashbacks to Katniss' past, and how she seems to be the only lady in the family without a talent or desire for treating the sick and injured. Although she has her father's talent for calling out to the Mockingjays, she chooses not to do so, preferring the practical and more immediate fruits of hunting and gathering.The Games themselves are never dull (particularly because the Game Masters can't afford to rely on nature and the killer instincts of the contestants to whittle down the numbers). Any tribute who gets complacent or is lucky enough to enjoy a cushy half-day or two is immediately beset by traps, lack of resources, or anything else that could lie in store for them (including genetically engineered killing machines). They know their lives are not held in high esteem by the Capitol, and the only way to increase one's chances of survival is to appeal to one's sponsors, a task that becomes exponentially more difficult the longer the Games continue, and the more delirious the betting becomes.The Hunger Games is excellently written and paced, and while Katniss' introspective analyses of her personality, her emotions and her life can get tedious at times, it doesn't adversely affect the experience overall. It soon becomes apparent that while Katniss is unfamiliar and uneasy with the concepts of romance and love, she still has a firm grasp on her humanity. Love has been abandoned, alone in her soul, but it is far from dead. A sense of duty, obligation and debt has replaced it, and she hates being in anyone's debt (although she soon learns that this is sometimes unavoidable, and some debts can never be repaid, at least not in the conventional sense).

<hl> The bulk of the book is fast <hl> -paced, with occasional flashbacks to Katniss' past, and how she seems to be the only lady in the family without a talent or desire for treating the sick and injured.


Question: What words did the author use to describe this novel?

I want to recommend a book I just finished reading. The Book Thief is a very wonderfully written & touching story. It's not a new book (2006) but I just recently ran across it. I decided to read it because I've never seen a book that's been on the New York Times Bestseller List for over 230 weeks.From the write up on it you wouldn't think this is a beautifully written book ("Narrated by Death" - yikes!) but Zusak's writing style is quite lyrical and achingly beautiful in some passages... "At those times, in the enormous mileage of sleep, she had never felt so completely alone." ... `the enormous mileage of sleep'... I like that.I highly recommend this book!

Answer: writing style is quite lyrical and achingly beautiful

I want to recommend a book I just finished reading. The Book Thief is a very wonderfully written & touching story. It's not a new book (2006) but I just recently ran across it. I decided to read it because I've never seen a book that's been on the New York Times Bestseller List for over 230 weeks. From the write up on it you wouldn't think this is a beautifully written book ("Narrated by Death" - yikes!) but <hl> Zusak's writing style is quite lyrical and achingly beautiful in some passages... <hl> "At those times, in the enormous mileage of sleep, she had never felt so completely alone." ... `the enormous mileage of sleep'... I like that. I highly recommend this book!

I want to recommend a book I just finished reading. The Book Thief is a very wonderfully written & touching story. It's not a new book (2006) but I just recently ran across it. I decided to read it because I've never seen a book that's been on the New York Times Bestseller List for over 230 weeks.From the write up on it you wouldn't think this is a beautifully written book ("Narrated by Death" - yikes!) but Zusak's <hl> writing style is quite lyrical and achingly beautiful <hl> in some passages... "At those times, in the enormous mileage of sleep, she had never felt so completely alone." ... `the enormous mileage of sleep'... I like that.I highly recommend this book!


Question: What is your feeling about this book?

When I bought it, I wasn't aware that it was a book targeted at younger audiences (at least it seems to be).The main characters are 12-18 years old and while the plot is fairly interesting the characters are pretty black and white ... you know who's good and who's bad in the same way as in most Harry Potter books.  The characters are nowhere near as interesting or ambivalent as lets say in Game of Thrones, nor do the plot or the characters take any surprising twists or turns.I'd say it's popcorn fiction. The book does by no means come anywhere near R.R.Martin's books (Game of Thrones) or books written by William Gibson ... neither in complexity/atmosphere nor in their tendency to surprise.  But it is still fairly well written and an easy entertaining read and it has its good moments. Certainly suitable for most teenagers.  Essentially I'm sure, people who are fine with Harry Potter books, will like this one too.Also, if you saw the movie, there's still something for you in the book.  I saw the movie later and found many scenes in the movie which I would not have understood without the book. Naturally a few plot parts were missing from the movie too. So I imagine reading the book after the movie will still have some good moments.If you're still not sure if you should read it, click on the 1-star reviews and sort for most helpful first.  The one by "Alex" sums up the weak part nicely, although personally I think the overall rating is overly critical and harsh.

Answer: I wasn't aware that it was a book targeted at younger audiences

<hl> When I bought it, I wasn't aware that it was a book targeted at younger audiences (at least it seems to be).The main characters are 12-18 years old and while the plot is fairly interesting the characters are pretty black and white ... <hl> you know who's good and who's bad in the same way as in most Harry Potter books. The characters are nowhere near as interesting or ambivalent as lets say in Game of Thrones, nor do the plot or the characters take any surprising twists or turns. I'd say it's popcorn fiction. The book does by no means come anywhere near R.R.Martin's books (Game of Thrones) or books written by William Gibson ... neither in complexity/atmosphere nor in their tendency to surprise. But it is still fairly well written and an easy entertaining read and it has its good moments. Certainly suitable for most teenagers. Essentially I'm sure, people who are fine with Harry Potter books, will like this one too. Also, if you saw the movie, there's still something for you in the book. I saw the movie later and found many scenes in the movie which I would not have understood without the book. Naturally a few plot parts were missing from the movie too. So I imagine reading the book after the movie will still have some good moments. If you're still not sure if you should read it, click on the 1-star reviews and sort for most helpful first. The one by "Alex" sums up the weak part nicely, although personally I think the overall rating is overly critical and harsh.

When I bought it, <hl> I wasn't aware that it was a book targeted at younger audiences <hl> (at least it seems to be).The main characters are 12-18 years old and while the plot is fairly interesting the characters are pretty black and white ... you know who's good and who's bad in the same way as in most Harry Potter books. The characters are nowhere near as interesting or ambivalent as lets say in Game of Thrones, nor do the plot or the characters take any surprising twists or turns.I'd say it's popcorn fiction. The book does by no means come anywhere near R.R.Martin's books (Game of Thrones) or books written by William Gibson ... neither in complexity/atmosphere nor in their tendency to surprise. But it is still fairly well written and an easy entertaining read and it has its good moments. Certainly suitable for most teenagers. Essentially I'm sure, people who are fine with Harry Potter books, will like this one too.Also, if you saw the movie, there's still something for you in the book. I saw the movie later and found many scenes in the movie which I would not have understood without the book. Naturally a few plot parts were missing from the movie too. So I imagine reading the book after the movie will still have some good moments.If you're still not sure if you should read it, click on the 1-star reviews and sort for most helpful first. The one by "Alex" sums up the weak part nicely, although personally I think the overall rating is overly critical and harsh.