Fiction Books

I pre-ordered this book for my boyfriend who is still in the middle of it, as he says that Eldest was better. When the book arrived, we opened the box and noticed that the jacket of the book didn't have the title printed on the front or the spine. The jacket cover only has the dragon on it, and no words. Did anyone else recieve a copy like this?
Thanks

I have been a fan of these books since the beginning, and I would classify this one as his best yet. Eragon was choppy and slow in parts while Eldest had moments of capturing the reader, but was more of a love story. Brisingr, however, finally marks where Paolini grows into a more mature writer with his action and story telling ability.

New welcome twists appear and we finally meet (through Murtagh) Galbatorix. Yes, it is a classic and somewhat predictable plot, but it was a fulfilling read. This series is not too outlandish or weird, and you can identify with the characters. I look forward to the next and final book.

I was introduced to Eragon by my little brother while I was my parents on vacation. I began reading it from lack of anything else to do and was hooked. When Eldest came out I devoured it in short order as well. I was disappointed when I got to the end of Eldest and found out I would have to wait. I still how ever found this book enthralling and didn't want to put it down the whole time I was reading it. I had to know what happened next. Many of these reviews slam this book pretty hard but you have to realize that these books fall under Juvenile fiction and therefore are not supposed to be overly complicated by heavy plots. While the book was filled with a lot of dialog that sometimes I did want to skip over I realized that it tied things together which were left rather open in the first two books and furthered the depths of each character. I also noticed the parallels between these books and those of Tolkien and McCaffery, but take in to consideration that these were his influences. Not to mention that there aren't to many original ideas out there any more as everything has been don at least once. Your best bet is to just lose your self in the pages and flow of ideas and images and just enjoy it for what it is a very good book.

Thsi book has suspense and action that will keep you reading for a while. The only thing is, even tjough Christopher gives you a synopsis of Eragon and Eldest, you really should read them. It makes it a lot more understandable. Havw fun.

Christopher Paolini has gone the way of other writers like Jane Auel and Clan of the Cave Bear. He took an initially good story and strayed so far off course that none but the most dedicated Eragon fans could endure the drivel. When I saw the back jacket and realized that this story was going to drag on I didn't even bother finishing the book.

This book is downright silly. I felt like I was reading a deleted scene from the matrix with never ending dialogue between Neo and the Oracle. Only without the cool action sequences.

I teach advanced Bible studies to intelligent, accomplished adults and am usually highly suspicious of books with Biblical themes, especially those built around fiction. But this reviewer is happy to qualify my five-star rating thus: This is outstanding reformed trinitarian theology. There are a few inconsequential unbiblical fillips tossed in here and there but they do not ruin the basics of Biblical truth, the important lessons therein.

True, God The Father is not a black woman named Papa. True, it is unbiblical to state that God is both male and female. True, the Holy Spirit isn't a female. One or two other asides do not destroy the biblical integrity of this fictional book any more than wearing a cross destroys the commandment not to make "graven images".

What you have here is a book for everyone who can think analytically. It is true some parts are easy to fathom, other parts are questions and problems that people have been wrestling with since people were created. But it's less the actual story that is so attractive as it is the deep, deep theology the participants analyze. The reader who enters these pages with the notion of cruising along without analyzing or thinking deeply will be either disappointed that it's not another simplistic "Dinner With The Perfect Stranger", or will be confused by what appears to be unanswerable questions about God, pain, suffering, creation, death, life, eternity and purpose.

This is no simple book. Bible studies and weekend Christian retreats are already being built around this book and for good reason: The book asks all the right questions and in some cases answers those questions by saying, "It is not for you to know just yet." In short, it's a book for the seeker as well as for the committed Christian. I imagine Fundamentalist Atheists will find it terrible, as might some who miss the greater messages in favor of finding fault with angels on pin heads.

Get this book for every seeker or Christian you know. As an ex-atheist who converted to Christianity late in life, I can tell you that this is a substantive book, unlike many pop-Christian books out there today by well-known writers and pastors. In fact, this book may be a tad too substantive for some; it scrapes your psyche and challenges your mind.

This fictional tale gives a new way of explaining theological issues. It is well written and does not condesend. The plot and the characters are interesting. It could be a good opener to Christianity for non-believers.

I would recommend this book to everyone.
You should order more than one book - you are going
to want to give it to friends to read.
Very thought provoking book.

I was hooked from the introduction of God to the very last words. Having been raised in the South, there is no more loving figure to me than "Papa". I could feel the emotions pulsating in the initial meeting between Papa and Mack. I have been there! I understood that feeling of being lost and unable to cope. However, as the journey began in earnest, I walked this path with Mack. I felt loved again! I will definitely read this again and again.
I ordered 15 copies for my book club and special friends. It is a message everyone should hear, over and over again.

I usually read Thriller/Romance Novels. Heard about this saga in my used book store and never dreamed I'd read this type of story but so glad I did. I absolutely loved it. Never have I finished a book in 2 days but its true I could not set it down. I carried it everywhere I went.
I was holding my breath at the end. Stephenie is an amazing writer. Can't wait to start the next one. By the way I'm 60.

Personally, I tried very hard to resist Twilight. I generally don't go for Young Adult Lit., and I generally don't go for fads. But, I gave in. And I am not ashamed to say, I loved it! I love all the books. What I don't get is why people cannot just take these books for what they are...stories. I highly doubt Stephanie Meyer was aiming at the Pulitzer Prize when writing this series. So, why does every pretentious wanna be book critic on here have to rip them apart for not being literary masterpieces? Why can't people just enjoy a good book because it is that...a good book? Maybe there are some crazies out there who feel like they can never fall in love with a real man now that they have met Edward Cullen. But so what? There are always going to be people who think fictional lives are better than their own lives. That doesn't take away from what these books are. GOOD STORIES; a good escape from the everyday boredom of life. Isn't that what books are supposed to be? If the only reason you read a book is because you are waiting to rip it apart, you should just quit reading. Reading is entertainment, and these books are highly entertaining. I think Meyer's should get her props and everyone should just shut up about the supposed lack of literary merit.

When I first heard of the book I wasn't sure if I wanted to read it. I'm an avid fan of Anne Rice and I was really apprehensive on reading this series. But when I got through the first book I could not wait to read the next one. I recommend this book to anyone that would like this kind of genre. It has its own glamour and suspense that captures you till the end. Its no where as good as Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles but it's still a must read.

I was never interested in vampires until I got into Twilight! I'm already on the 2nd book - New Moon & its great also! Can't wait to read the 3rd one!

Let me warn you. If you start reading this book, you will want to make sure that you have purchased the entire series of 4 books. This book is a slow read at the very beginning and was my least favorite of the 4, but once you start reading the Twilight books you just can't put them down. the second book is much better and the 3rd was my favorite, but I loved the series so much that I have recommended it to everyone I know.

I really liked this book. I was surprised, I am 44 and started reading the twilight series by chance just for something to do while my husband watched football. I became so engrossed in the books that I read all 4 in just 6 days. The amazing thing is I am not a reader. These were the first books I have read in more than 5 years.

I cannot reccommend these books by SM enough. They are so vividly discriptive and she teases you so well by writing almost what you want to happen and then pulling back at the right moment.

I thought that David Wroblewski's descriptions and use of words was just fantastic. He drew me into the story. I am not a dog lover. But now I have a better understanding of dogs, how they think and act and relate to humans. I will now look at dogs differently, not as animals to be feared. I kept hoping for a description of the dogs. I think I came up with something of a shepherd. They were so loving and faithful. I think I have missed out on knowing dogs all my life. Edgar was this special person who could relate to dogs. He had this innate ability to train and love the dogs. Something elusive to me. I wasn't satisfied with the ending. I wanted justice to be done. But I guess it was more realistic.

This book had such promise with beautifully written phrases,and story line, however, it became completely monotonous, and the author should
have deleted at least one half. Nevertheless I kept reading, compelled to
get to the conclusion. What could have been a totally heartwarming
and triumphant and hero-focused story totally disintegrated and left
me with several questions, one of which was, "Why did I waste my
time reading this when I could have been far more productive and
enlightened otherwise?"

Sorry Oprah and Dog Lovers-
I just dont get this book at all! I eagerly finished the book but closed the final page and have been pondering the ridiculus of it ever since. Am I alone?

There are few books that are so special I consider them to be a once-in-a-lifetime read. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is just such a book. It flows smoothly, carrying the reader effortlessly through Edgar's youth and into his teens as he grows, always learning more about the dogs and the family's dedication to the perfection of the breed. That perfection is not what the American Kennel Club wants, but rather perfection of temperament, of communication and of companionship.

The fact that Edgar cannot speak does not hinder him in his work with the dogs or with his parents. He becomes a trainer, learning everything from his mother. He is fascinated by the careful records his father keeps, of each dog in detail. These records go back to his grandfather when he started breeding these special dogs. Also at the center of the story is "the barn". We hear about the building of the barn in a fascinating back story. Mr.Wroblewski has a true gift of description. At all times the reader can clearly "see" where they are. Some of the best of these descriptions are of the barn.

Edgar communicates easily with all the dogs. They understand his signs; they began learning them in the whelping box. When Edgar's father dies and his uncle moves in and eventually marries his mother, the entire delicate balance of the family and the breeding business is overturned. Edgar believes his uncle killed his father, injecting him with some unknown substance. In a climactic scene, Edgar uses the dogs he has raised, his own litter, to perform a well-trained "ballet" he has secretly taught them involving some carrying syringes and others collapsing. The sequence ends with the final dog carrying a syringe to the uncle. A major argument ensues and circumstances drive Edgar to leave followed by three of his yearling pups who were out of their kennel when he ran.

Those dogs, all those amazing "Sawtelle dogs", are major characters in this book as well. Almondine, a dog that acted as spiritual mother to Edgar even narrates a few chapters.

The entire book is, in my mind, a perfect piece of fiction. I do admit that the ending is hard and a bit confusing but when I closed the book I sat and thought about what I'd just read. Not many books do that to me, not so immediately. I thought about it, mulled it over, looked back again and again at passages I'd read. I'm still not certain how I feel about it, but the important thing is that it made me think. It made me emotionally hold on to the story way beyond the norm. It is a masterfully written book. Every single page belongs there. And the ending is what it is. Be forewarned when reviewers reference Hamlet in regards to this book. The endings are, on some level, the same. But with The Story of Edgar Sawtelle there is a remaining hope. Look for it and you will find it in plain sight. Don't miss this incredible book!

The book started out well but the story bogged down so much I couldn't continue reading. Unless you're an avid dog lover I don't recommend this book. Since Oprah recommended the book, it's most likely very depressing.

I LOVED IT!!!! I don't understand what all the negative comments are about. IT IS A FANTASY. I am glad I didn't listen to any of them, because I would have missed a great book. I could not put it down. I kept wanting to go the end to look to see how it turned out. Loved the happy ending. I will read the series again.

I've got to say that, having NEVER rated a book here before, I just couldn't resist once I read those less than 'glowing' reviews of this book, and, basically of this Twilight Saga. Come on people! THESE ARE THE BEST! It's fiction! Didn't you just want to read it to enjoy being absorbed in a fantastic STORY of make believe? I think too many are over analyzing this series. I'm a voracious reader, and, at my teenaged daughter's promptings, decided to read this series of books. I've thanked her daily this past week as I devoured all four of them within 7 days! If you're a 'hopeless romantic' - which I'm NOT embarassed to say that I am - and someone who loves to read as a fun, entertaining escape from reality, then I couldn't recommend these books any more than I have. And believe me, I've been recommending them to everyone I've been speaking to this last week. I couldn't get enough of them, and know that the characters that Stephenie has created here will remain in my heart for YEARS to come. I don't care what anyone may think about me with my 'old-fashioned' morals and ideas, but I loved that she waited until AFTER she was married to engage in sex, that she loved being a mother, and that she adored Edward and her 'family'. I agree that she's now got forever to go to college and enjoy anything else her immortality can offer her. So, bottom line for me...it was a TERRIFIC BOOK, and, to quote the name of the last chapter, "The Happily Ever After" that I, personally, was wishing for on this AMAZING saga. WAY TO GO Stephenie!! Can't wait to see the movie!!

Best book in the series. I totally loved this story. Of all four books it is my favorite. It really pulls everything together and you find that you really can love all the characters. So many times in the other books I just wanted to slap Bella or Jacob but in the last book it all came together well. You have got to read this book!!

I have to admit that the final book was a bit of a departure from the rest of the series - more fantastic and less romantic - but I liked it.

I agree with the other reviewer... all the single star reviews ARE definitely killing my buzz. The book doesn't contain a powerful message for today's youth, it's just good (fun) fiction.

Breaking Dawn was the wonderful ending to a wonderful story. Bella develops into a mature adult and gets married, has a child that she gives up her human life for and Edward gets to be a dad which he thought was impossible. Even Jacob has his happy ending as he finds his soul mate in Bella's daughter. To me it was the fairytale ending to a fairytale story. It couldn't have ended any other way.

I think this is the best book in the Twilight Series. I literally could not put it down. I'm glad I bought the hard back copy because I will definiitely want to read it again and again.

Wow, what can I say. I really loved this book. I was surprised, I am 44 and started reading the twilight series by chance just for something to do while my husband watched football. I became so engrossed in the books that I read all 4 in just 6 days. The amazing thing is I am not a reader. These were the first books I have read in more than 5 years.

I cannot recommend these books by SM enough. They are so vividly discriptive and she teases you so well by writing almost what you want to happen and then pulling back at the right moment.

I am a Jacob Black fan. The way SM has written the series I am always pulling for him and I feel so much compassion for his character.

The sequel of the Twilight Saga did not disappoint.

I first read Stephanie Meyer's "Host" and loved it so much I couldn't wait to read more from her. I purchased the "Twilight Saga and read all four books. They were all great.

She writes from a first person prespective and you come to love the characters, especially the innerworld of the heroine. She begins as a teenager with all the self-consciousness, weaknesses, and foibles of a teen. She is the definition of a clutz.

Through each successive book you watch her grow and mature into a really wonderful adult heroine.

These books are full of monsters, many of which I came to love.

I can't wait to see what Stephanie Meyer comes up with next.

Edward/Bella/Jacob "love" triangle? Whatever... We finally got the backstories for Jasper and Rosalie! And we had wolfpeople (a wolfwoman too, that's right) and vampires working together! This is the stuff of good, cheesy Halloween movies.

A good book? Eh. It was kind of more of the same, which, for me, made it pretty forgettable. I only finished it less than 2 weeks ago, and I already have a hard time remembering what exactly happened in the book. Can't even remember it well enough to do my girl/boy/friend stuff from my New Moon review. Oh well... At least it's time for it all to come to an exciting conclusion in the final book... Right?

I am not an adolescent girl, and usually get impatient with the endless tension (usually born of bad communication skills or stupidity, or both) that is Romance. Somehow these books transcend my usual reading preferences. Though, unlike many readers, I thought the last book in the series was the best of the bunch. My reward for three books of somehow, against-my-will, engrossing angst.

Personally, I tried very hard to resist the Twilight series. I generally don't go for Young Adult Lit., and I generally don't go for fads. But, I gave in. And I am not ashamed to say, I loved it! I love all the books. What I don't get is why people cannot just take these books for what they are...stories. I highly doubt Stephanie Meyer was aiming at the Pulitzer Prize when writing this series. So, why does every pretentious wanna be book critic on here have to rip them apart for not being literary masterpieces? Why can't people just enjoy a good book because it is that...a good book? Maybe there are some crazies out there who feel like they can never fall in love with a real man now that they have met Edward Cullen. But so what? There are always going to be people who think fictional lives are better than their own lives. That doesn't take away from what these books are. GOOD STORIES; a good escape from the everyday boredom of life. Isn't that what books are supposed to be? If the only reason you read a book is because you are waiting to rip it apart, you should just quit reading. Reading is entertainment, and these books are highly entertaining. I think Meyer's should get her props and everyone should just shut up about the supposed lack of literary merit.

New Moon is a really great book! I'm waaay past "young adult" and still have enjoyed this series so far.

Bought book for gift and recipient was very happy with this gift. Book arrived quickly and in excellent condition. Would purchase again for reading or a gift. Keep up the good work.

The sequel to Twilight did not disappoint. When I read Host, I loved the book and couldn't wait to read more from this talented author. I purchased the four Twilight Saga books.

I've enjoyed them all. This author writes from a first person prespective and you come to love the characters, especially the teenage heroine who shares the self-consciousness of her co-horts and her weaknesses and foibles (she is the definition of clutz). Through each successive book you see her mature and develop into a wonderful adult heroine.

This series is alive with monsters, many of whom I came to love.

I can't wait to see what Stephanie Meyer has in store for us next.

The first book of the series, "Twilight", got me hooked immediately. The second book, "New Moon", has kept me hooked, and now I can't wait to read the third! This series has been a refreshing departure from the norm.

Bought this book on Friday and became so involved in the story and characters that I finished it in two days. It was a wonderful story, heart warming, great romance and left you believing in the possiblity that some things in life are destined to happen. I haven't read a book lately that left me thinking of the story and characters long after I finished the last page. Congratulations to Nicholas Sparks for creating another wonderful story...I'll look forward to seeing a movie made of this one...it would be terrific.

Nicholas Sparks has done it again!!! He has created another wonderful book with really terrific characters. Logan Thibault and Elizabeth Clayton are two rather lonely people when Logan shows up in her small NC town. He gets a job and befriends both Elizabeth and her son, Ben. There is actually a recognizable villain this time in Ben's dad and Elizabeth's ex, Keith. I won't say more but suffice it to say Keith is a real piece of work. I highly recommend this book. I got it one day and finished it the next. It transports you to small town America again and it's a pleasure to take the trip.

Great Story, Great Characters, what else can I say A++++. Thanks Sparks for another masterpiece!

This is a wonderful novel, told in a way that is fascinating and enjoyable. Nicolas Sparks knows how to tell a story. The characters are real and believable. I found myself caring about them early in the book. The author has the ability to make people come alive in just a few pages. Once I began to care about them, I was hooked. I couldn't put the book down until I was done. The Lucky One made for a few very enjoyable hours. That is what I want in a book: discovering people that I care about, and a good story to follow them through. It may not be great literature for the ages, but it suits me.

I don't usually read love stories, but I am glad that I found this one. After finishing this novel, I decided to look up the author's other books. I believe that he has written some other good stories that I will enjoy. I believe that you will too.

Sparks delivers again with another great story with another set of great characters, who's stories all get intertwined and weaved together somehow yet again. I have to admit Sparks has a way of really getting you emotionally involved in his stories, and it's hard to put the book down until you've read cover to cover.

I don't wanna give anything away, but I have to say I was really impressed how Sparks developed and told his story this time making me care for the characters very early one, and I was actually almost shocked to see a "villain" this time around as well. I will admit a few characters and events seemed a little forced here and there, but I find that in a lot of his stories, so it just kinda goes with the territory. Regardless, I was sucked into the story and I enjoyed til the bitter end.

I do have to say this book really makes you think of things such as fate and destiny and whether or not they exist for people. I personally think they do and this story helps solidify that. I also have to say I actually expected a different ending than what we got...the ending I was expecting would of worked and satisfied me, but the one Sparks delivered gave me a little surprise and also satisfied. So it was a win-win.

A strong 4/5 for me.

This is a great book about promoting peace through education. I highly recommend this book if you wish to be inspired about the caring and sacrificing one person can make.

Amazing story!! Has elements of surprise, suspense,

sacrifice, love, unrequited love,honor, friendship and

very entertaining.

Wish we had more people like Greg Mortenson in this world. I also hope it is mandatory reading for our current administration and presidential hopefuls.

Three Cups of Tea was one of the most moving books I've ever read. The need is so great, and we hope to help, as education IS an excellent way to let these children know we DO care about them. In this book, Mortenson briefly mentioned that the people he was visiting told a story of saving a United States soldier. That was a reference, I believe, to Marcus Luttrell. Luttrell wrote Lone Survivor, the story of the Navy Seals's mission; Luttrell was rescued by these wonderful people. Both books offer extended examples of the heroics these men went to in order to safely escort/save Mortenson and Luttrell.

Greg opens a window of light and hope in a sometimes bleak and dark part of the world. You will be inspired as you learn about an increasingly important Pakistan and Afghanistan, as seen up close and personal.
I've listened to this twice on CD. I've read it to my daughter in 5th grade. After she picked Greg for her 5th grade "hero" project her class was motivated to raise Pennies for Peace.
And if you come away wondering if there wasn't a good deal of "literary license" thrown in, I can assure you that after meeting Greg I'm convinced he is the real deal.

This is a really marvelous book. But before you read it, look at a map, and see where the Channel Islands are in relation to France (occupied by the Germans 1941 to 1945) and England. And then get into this book - just letters, diaries, journal entries, but still enthralling. A reviewer thought the second half weeker - absolutely not. With the absolutely most delightful proposal of marriage at the end. No, I don't read "women's books" or romances (not if I can help it), history & science & science fiction and fantasy is more my style, but this one was interesting from the start and more and more enthralling as it continued.

I really enjoyed this book. It's format was different - written entirely in letters to the characters of the book.
The plot was interesting - and the location - the Channel Islands are a place I've never read about.
The historical context was interesting. The character development was not as in depth as many books I've read, but, there was development through letters about and from each of the people in the book.
I have recommended this book to my daughter - it is definitely worth reading.

I mistakenly ordered two copies of this book and I am so glad I did, now there is an extra one to give to a dear friend. I got it one afternoon when I was looking for something good to read after some very heavy and depressing reading and was lucky to have it in the right place at the right time. It took me one afternoon: What a lovely afternoon it was!

Usualy books written in the epistolary style get dull and boged down, this book keep its pace and its fresh charm all along. The plot moved along and the twists and surprises all came at just the right time. The characters are well defined and identifiable all along the plot line.

I recomend it for the sheer pleasure of reading.

Rita Sasso

The jazzy title captures your attention and the book holds you til the end. And you feel good having read this story.

Each sitting, I looked forward to the letters between characters. For me, reading about WWII on a more "personal" level was fascinating. Great characters even though the plot was somewhat predictable. I felt completely envious and wanted to transport to Guernsey also.