What made the craft of this book so noteworthy is the decision to tell the story in reverse chronological order and the entire book final chapter leaves you gasping for breath. The story of Mamah Borthwick is a stirring, horrifying account of that tragic incident and when depicted last makes everything that preceded it even more appalling.....

Is there any architect of the twentieth century more iconic than Frank Lloyd Wright, or any work of architecture more iconic than Taliesin, Wright's Wisconsin home? In THE WOMEN, author T.C. Boyle offers a unique view of the man, if not his work, by seeing him through the lens of his turbulent relationships with four different wives (legal and common law).....


Boyle divides the book into three sections corresponding to his last three marriages. He opens with Wright's last relationship with Olga Lazovich Hinzenburg, for whom he left the mercurial, morphone-addicted (Maude) Miriam Noel. Boyle tells Olgivanna's story in normal chronological sequence, but he forces us to look backward through Wright's life to imagine how he reached this point. The second section of the book traces the architect's tortured infatuation and tortured love affair with Miriam after the death of his second wife, Mamah Borthwick Cheney. The third and final section presents Wright's abandonment of his first wife Catherine (Kitty) Tobin, with whom he had six children, for the fiercely independent Mamah, culminiating with the tragic circuimstances that led to her death.....

The man who emerges is a seething bundle of contradictions, intensely loving but emotionally distant, consumed by the women in his life but ignoring them to non-existence when consumed by his work. In Boyle's rendition, Wright is the most self-certain of geniuses, never doubting that the world owed him obeisance and the perquisites that came with it. Rules, laws, and social mores applied to lesser humans. With his cult following of architect interns, he is the master of ceremonies and center of attention, pontificating endlessly on whatever crossed his mind and ruling his young subalterns' lives with an autocrat's iron fist. His relationship with the press is presented similarly, a self-contradictory desire for both private seclusion and public worship. The latter is best represented in Boyle's book by Wright's fascination with large, powerful automobiles painted in outrageously loud reds or yellows, affording him instant recognizability wherever he went. As a man ahead of his times, perhaps Wright was unconsciously or otherwise among the first to sense the male sexual connotations of oversized, powerful cars.....

Architecture in THE WOMEN is presented largely through Wright's Taliesin home; most of the rest of his work is mentioned or alluded to but never described. Thus, Taliesin serves the dual purposes of representing Wright's indisputable architectural genius while being the focal point of the relationships with the women in his life, primarily his mother to his wives. Just as his marital relations repeatedly go up in flames (with Wright himself invariably setting the fires), so does his beloved Taliesen suffer similar consequences on more than one occasion.

T.C. Boyle's fictional biographical approach in THE WOMEN works exceedingly well, portraying an artistic genius through his most human of relationships. Working backward through those marriages was a marvelous choice as well, providing a future context to each new, but earlier, love. One narrative choice, however, seems not only excessive but distracting: the use of one of Wright's interns, a young Japanese architect named Sato Tadashi. Sato is writing this story in 1979, much later in his own life, and ostensibly from memory. His voice presumably adds a Japanese perspective to Wright's life, which was itself heavily influenced by Asian art and cultural precepts. Regrettably, Tadashi offers little of use, and Boyle's use of footnotes to present Tadashi's stage-like asides are more annoying than complementary.....

.....
Outstanding Masterpiece of Literary Genius.....

This book gets off to a real slow start, taking about 200 pages to set the scene without much happening. But then out of nowhere, just when you're thinking this is going to be one of those quaint, boring, period pieces where it's all about describing the place and the era, Mahfouz drop a bomb on his readers. And just like that, the book takes off. So be patient if you're finding it a bit dull in the beginning

One word of caution - this is not a book for passionate feminists. The treatment of women in this book is absolutely appalling. The men are pigs and complete hypocrites, every single one of them. Women are confined to the house and punished severely for setting foot outside without their husbands' permission. They are treated like property when it comes to marrying them off. And when their husbands cheat on them, the wives are blamed. More than anything, this book is a brutal depiction of the horrific lives that women in traditional Muslim countries are forced to lead

Mahfouz is one of the best authors I've ever read. Mahfouz lays the groundwork for character development in the beginning, and we finally get to "one day"- the point in the story where things start to move. And things move so well, so beautifully, that it more than makes up for the slow start. There is rich description of Cairo life in the early 20th century, especially that of women in harem seclusion, and the resulting gulf of understanding between men and women. I have never read an author who so intimately merges the use of metaphorical description with direct telling of character emotions. We get to peer into the lives of characters, and into their minds, and see them as they truly are, and as they see themselves. It reminds me of myself, and real people around me, how we are, how we think we are- for Mahfouz writes people, not characters. We see the building up of identity, and how it can come crashing down- even when the character doesn't realize it


.....An Excellent Introduction to Egyptian Culture.....

The Old Man and The Sea is perhaps one of Ernest Hemingway's finest achievements. Here you will find the lean descriptive prose that made him one of the finest writer's of the twentieth century

The most fascinating aspect of Hemingway's "Old Man and the Sea" is that it is timeless. Yes, it can be read on the story level, but if you do only that you're missing the point. I truly believe that Hemingway meant this to be a sort of fable

The plot is nothing much: Santiago is an old fisherman who has had no luck recently. He is shunned by his village and even the small boy who is supposed to accompany him is taken away. He's completely alone when he decides to go out into the Gulf.

When he does land a fish, it is the struggle of his life. While he has the fish online we're privy to his inner thoughts, and most of all, his conflicts. He wants to catch the fish and puts up the fight of his life, but the fish is also fighting and part of Santiago respects this, and part of him wants the fish to win.

The story on a much deeper level is about two things in my mind: Man's struggle with his environment, and man's struggle with himself. The conflict of emotions within Santiago are in a way even more heartbreaking than those between himself and the village that has so shunned him, for the conflict within a person is all his--all that one person's problems.

Some have seen Santiago as a Christ-like figure, and I suppose this is possible, but if you want to take it to that level you're probably carrying it further than Hemingway meant, though we can't know that for sure.

I like Hemingway's books, but some of them seem colorless at times. This one, "The Old Man and the Sea" seems timeless and is the best thing he ever produced. It IS a classic in so many senses. I don't think anyone realized that this book would stand the test of time when it first appeared. Now it is everywhere and has been read by almost everyone.

A short easy read, there's more packed into this novel than most bestsellers today. I would suggest that anyone who hasn't read any Hemingway start with this book. His greatest work

When Harriet Beecher-Stowe published Uncle Tom's Cabin in 1852 it sold more copies than any book before, other than the Bible. It became a significant catalyst in the social movements of the time: abolition of slavery, and States' rights. It could be argued that her book was a major cause of the Civil War and Emancipation Proclamation. That's one powerful book--especially for fiction

A notorious anecdote about "Uncle Tom's Cabin" relates that Abraham Lincoln, upon greeting Harriet Beecher Stowe at a White House reception, jokingly referred to her as the lady who wrote the book that started the Civil War. Sardonic as it is, the implication does some basis; appearing in 1852, eleven years before the Emancipation Proclamation, this novel forcefully decrying the institution of slavery and helping to stir the nation towards abolition was probably the most incendiary of the century. That it is often crude and quaintly primitive compared to contemporaneous works by Hawthorne and Melville only seems to increase the sense of its mission, oddly enough

While the book was intended as an illustration of the evils of slavery, it ends up as more--specifically a study in racism with the conclusion that prejudice comes in infinite degrees. Even Harriet herself was prejudice. She occasionally takes the unorthodox approach of interrupting her narrative to preach to the reader, clearly stating her opinion that Blacks were a "degraded race," but still worthy of humane treatment. As she wends her way through the story and reveals her large and varied cast of characters, she exposes the many forms of discrimination, some more forgiving than her own.

She portrays her hero, the old slave, Uncle Tom, as a likeable, caring, Christian man deserving compassion and freedom. She unwittingly coined the Uncle Tom cliché, that of a complacent and passive black man resigned to his low station in life, kowtowing to white men. But she also delivers us the more savory George Harris, a hot-blooded and intelligent young slave willing to die for his freedom, a man with true "American" virtue. She introduces the reprehensible slave traders and run-away trackers, the brutal plantation owners, Southern apologists and sympathizers, Northern indignation and apathy, and the only color-blind people in her book, the helpful Quakers on the Underground Railway. Most important, she shows the tragic result of slave child ripped from mother, and husband from wife to be "sold down river." A century and a half later, it's hard to imagine how this could happen.

Uncle Tom's Cabin is a prime example of the power of the written word. It divided a nation and changed an institution. Its message remains relevant even today, and still manages to ignite passions. Beyond all that, it's actually one heck of an entertaining story. --Christopher Bonn Jonnes, author of Wake Up Dead

.....I think Uncle Tom's Cabin is one of the best books ever written. It's a shame that this book isn't as popular any more.....

.....Have you ever had something that other people want and will do any thing to get it? Then you're like the protagonist, Bilbo Bagins, in the story.....

First let me say that I have read "The Hobbit" six
times, the first time being thirty six years ago Each time I have read it I haven't tired of Tolkein's marvelous storytelling abilities and the depth and staying power that this tale has.

The biggest problem with this novel is perception. Tolkien wrote this story for children; to be more specific, this was written for HIS children. There were several stories like this, but it was this, The Hobbit, that was his master achievement in children's literature

Lets talk about the book

The Hobbit is a masterpiece of Fantasy literature. It combines elements of drama, comedy, suspense and adventure to bring your emotions to the surface. The book appeals to fans of the Fantasy genre of almost all ages. The grandfather-telling prose in which The Hobbit is written will appeal to adolescents while the sheer language, storyline and myths that Tolkien has created will surely entice the adult readers.

In the opinion of this reviewer, no Fantasy fiction author gives as vivid depictions of all aspects of environments, characters and story as well as Tolkien. So much, in fact, that many popular authors since have tried to parallel Tolkien's writing style. The Hobbit (and The Lord of the Rings) is the echelon of every Fantasy book written since and should belong in every Fantasy liturature reader's library.

In conclusion, please be sure to make it a point to read The Hobbit if you have not already done so. If you have had a chance to read it, you will have been rewarded with an incredible journey of the mind and will most likely want to read it again and again during the course of your lifetime, with each reading giving you a greater appreciation for Tolkien's talent

.....read The Hobbit if you have not already done so.....

Great book, but I will not be reading it again

This is one of those books where you find a little bit of yourself in each character, rather than finding one you can entirely associate with. It's imposible to completely like or completely hate any of the characters

Yes, it is a magnificent novel, an American classic. Filled with larger than life characters Gone with the Wind takes the reader to a chapter of American history not readily remembered (Southern Reconstruction) and to institutions we wish we could not remember. Slavery, racism, and the KKK

Lets talk about the novel. It is not a book for the faint of heart- my edition is over 700 pages. Yet, Margaret Mitchell has the gift to immerse you in a world that has long since passed. From the comfort of our armchairs it is difficult for us to imagine the sense of lostness the southern gentry must of felt during and after the war. They simply lost everything. Yet, there is something about the American character that does not want to give up, a stubbornness best personified by Scarlet O'Hara.

I first read Gone with The Wind in the early 80's, it left an indelible imprint on my mind. About a year ago as I was persuing my library, it caught my eye again. I pull it for the self, sat down in my wing back chair and began reading eagerly anticipating being drawn into Mitchell's south once again. This time, however, I could not finish the book. A few hundred pages into it, I gently closed the cover and put it back into my library. What was it that caused me not complete this book? It was the blatant racism that seemed to permeate every other page.

Yes, I realize that this book was written by a southerner reflecting a time and culture long since gone. Yes, racism is an appropriate subject to write about. Yes, one may write a novel that reflect the racism of the antebellum south- but this is one country preacher who will not read it again

Now, this book is not well know among the English speaking population, but trust me, it is a must read

It tells a story about a cunning, inteligent handsome man who durring the II WW worked as a spy for: French Inteligence, CIA, MI6, KGB, Nazis, am I forgeting anyone here? Interesting, eh? Well, the thing is, he worked for all of them- in the same time. Yes

I have read this book several time and have throughly enjoyed it each and every time. In my opinion, the original German version is the best as there seem to be a few tiny errors in the English translation, however, regardless of the language
,
this book will take you on a tour of fabulous adventures in Europe around the times of World War II. Thomas Lieven, a man with a passion for logical reason, good cooking and beautiful women is forced into the spy business due to no fault of his own. He navigates his way into and out of trouble with the assistance of his cooking expertise, while always seeking to make the world a better place.
The novel is based on a true story and an absolute pleasure to read. Every single person I have recommended this book to has loved it so odds are that you will too

.........this book will leave you hungry for more..........

I was in a book store and happened upon 'Watchers'. I had read it more than a decade ago. I had always treasured the book and had passed it on to many people. I thought I'd post a review just to praise Koontz and his ability to create two characters that are as memorable as any I have ever read.

This is by far Koontz's finest, a terrifying book that stands out almost as much for its humanity as for its scares. Unlike most horror novels, Watchers focuses a lot on characterization as its protagonists attempt to build new lives for themselves--while being stalked by a killer monster, of course.

Watchers tells the story of a loner outdoorsman and a loner young woman who are united by a strange dog they call Einstein. Einstein is so named because he is brilliant, easily as smart as a human. That's because Einstein was genetically engineered by the military, and escaped from imprisonment in a secret lab.

Unfortunately, Einstein wasn't the only thing to come out of that military lab. He is pursued by a monstrous creature known only as the Outsider. The only thing the Outsider hates more than its own hideous appearance is Einstein, and it is bound and determined to kill the dog--and anyone who gets in its way.

Following the Outsider--and Einstein--is an FBI team led by a strangely sympathetic character, considering that he represents the shady government. Altogether, the tale is an engrossing one, though it is not without flaws. For one, Koontz crams too much into the novel. There is also an insane hit man who also wants Einstein; it seems like he ought to have been cut out and saved for a possible sequel, for his involvement makes the story too cluttered, and the resolution to his conflict seems rushed. Also, Koontz sometimes forgets he is telling, at heart, a horror story; for a large section in the middle of the book, the Outsider is completely absent and the character interaction almost gets too in-depth, seriously hurting the pacing of the novel... though he makes up for it in the finish.

Despite its flaws, which are minor at worst, Watchers is possibly the best book Koontz has ever written, and definitely one of the scariest. I highly recommend it to any of his fans

As many reviewers have noted, it is a little difficult to accept 'Papillion' as being the True Story it's made out to be. At the very least, there's a fair amount of embellishment here, unless you believe that Charriere really was the strongest, bravest, smartest, toughest, most charming, most resourceful and most moral prisoner French Guiana ever saw. He's too perfect to be true, and the sheer number of unusual situations he gets into does make you wonder what's fact and what's fiction.

But so what? Truth or fabrication, one thing 'Papillion' establishes beyond all doubt is that Charriere is an outstanding storyteller. The narrative is well-paced and fast-moving, and the author is equally at home describing the wonders of nature, the motley crew of fellow convicts, and the brutality of the French penal system. Many professional writers can't construct narrative as exciting as this, and rather than speculate about how much Charriere made up, we should be praising the literary skill of this "amateur". The English translation does a great job of conveying Charriere's vitality, and also makes a reasonable fist of conveying the slang and language of the time and place.

After a short section dealing with his imprisonment and transportation, the first half of the book covers his initial escape from penal, which eventually spans several countries over the course of nearly a year. The second half covers the various attempts he makes to escape again, and the trials, misfortunes and punishments he suffers in doing so. It's interesting to compare how simple and effective the first break was, compared to the various detailed plans for a second break that come unstuck. Charriere is the sort of protagonist you just have to cheer for, and you'll find yourself actively willing every attempt to succeed, and sharing his devastation at failure. This emotional connection and tense anticipation means you'll make very quick work of its 500-odd pages.

Parts of the book also offer commentary on the French penal system, although not how you might expect. Instead of a long angry protest, Charriere adopts a very matter-of-fact style; beatings, confinements and even killings are discussed almost as afterthoughts. This is actually more effective than a forceful rant could have been, as it highlights the very casual attitude both the authorities and fellow prisoners have toward a convict's life and liberty. There are also more upbeat sections detailing the friendship and comaraderie between the prisoners, and even between prisoners and the authorities. Charriere seems to recognise that the warders' and governers' lives aren't much better than the prisoners, all of them being trapped in a remote tropical backwater with few comforts.

So sure, you can argue that not every word is strict literal truth. But you're kind of missing the point. 'Papillion' is an outstanding and well-written story that is entertaining while also conveying an important message or two. Highly recommended