Josh Krysak
This is a fantastic story of perseverance. The movie was such a wonderful adaptation that it left the book feeling a little anticlimactic by comparison, but it is the source material and is quite well written and such an amazing journey that it still garnered the 5-star rating.
Dear Mr. Richard Gere,
There is something about the characters that Matthew Quick populates his stories with that appeal to me. They are flawed and funny, raw and real. His writing has a unique humanity, which is something you can probably relate to, considering all your work on behalf of Tibet and your close relationship with the Dalai Lama.
This book was a pleasure throughout with quirky story lines, relatable characters and insightful reverence for the simple moments that make us who we are.
I loved Bartholomew and Father McNamee and even Max. It made me wonder what you might think of Max, but then I realized what is acting if not putting on a mask and going about your business. You do that every day. Richard, you are an expert at creating masks!
I can understand how some of Quick's repetition of certain phrases and expletives could put readers off, but he imbues too much care in the crafting of his characters in The Good Luck of Right Now to let it dissuade from the wonderful messages woven into the novel.
I hope that you enjoyed it as much as I did, Richard Gere, and I feel sure that you did. I know that we must see eye-to-eye on this, because of our connection. After all, I was you for some time.
Your admiring fan,
JK
Sci-fi adventure infused with heavier themes and concepts about belonging and being and about our world and reality. Thought-provoking and engaging. Looking forward to continuing the series.
Unfortunately, disappointed. Gore for gore's sake just never does it for me. Still, concept alone will bring me to try another Nick Cutter before abandoning him.
*3.5 stars. Perfectly pleasant popcorn novel with minimal character development and plenty of suspenseful and twisty moments. Pease hints at larger ambitions with a handful of passages that mined deeper into trauma, addiction, PTSD and depression, but ultimately settles for a trope-ey suspense novel that was a fast, mostly enjoyable read.
I am familiar with all of Poe's work and love much of his writing. This singular reading of one of his more famous short stories was done in preparation for a new novella based loosely on this tale, which I will be getting to in due course. Poe was a master and his command of the language and ability to bring beauty to the darkness is evident in Usher, as it is throughout his canon.
And travellers now within that valley,
Through the red-litten windows, see
Vast forms that move fantastically
To a discordant melody;
While, like a rapid ghastly river,
Through the pale door,
A hideous throng rush out forever,
And laugh –but smile no more.
I am devouring this series. Aix is beyond intoxicating. This would easily be a 4.5 or higher if one of the twists hadn't been so easily detected. Maybe I am being nitpicky. Regardless, the series continues to delight and I was ready for the next as soon as I closed the cover.
A second reading of this British mystery classic. Christie is forthright in her intentions to craft puzzled and intricate plots with an air of unease but, more so, with focus on the act of solving. The mother of the modern mystery novel knew that letting the reader work through the clues could be enough to carry a story all on its own.
Exceptional collection that deeply examines family relationships, specifically from a mother's perspective. Funny and moving, nearly every single story connected with me in some way.
*3.5 stars. What Haddon is able to do by bringing voice to Chris is remarkable and fascinating. However, this unique character and perspective is enveloped in a fairly weak story with an unlikable cast.
This is another exceptional standalone novel from my wife's favorite author. This Tender Land was moving and evocative and Ordinary Grace delivers on all of the same notes. Developed and nuanced characters for days and lots of heart. I loved it.
I ended up really enjoying this. I thought the characters were unique and well-drawn and I really rooted for Bernadette.
*4.5 stars. Beautiful and sparse. Such a vivid picture with so few words. Cisneros is truly gifted.
*4.5 stars. This is a great second installment of this series and I am enjoying the character development and the continued exploration of Aix. The mystery was a little tighter here, too, helping to further develop the series for me. On to book three, please!
Such an enjoyable coming-of-age and ghostly tale. I really like this book. Read so many times it is like visiting with an old friend.
Superb writing and packed with the trappings that have now underscored so many of my favorites in the horror-literature genre. A foundation-setting effort. Very good, indeed.
