On Jan 8 2011,
Fict said:
fict rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
Initially, I wasn't certain if I'd like this book, as I'm a bit put off by "medically" things. In the end, this book was a brilliant work by an extraordinary writer.
On Jul 19 2010,
Fict said:
fict rated this book 2 of 5 Stars.
I suppose it was a bit unfair to hope that Follett's "other" historical work would be of the magnificent caliber of Pillars of the Earth or World Without End. Not that this work was necessarily bad, but it was forgettable. Follett starts the novel off with enough gusto and seems to be building towards an epic, but then appears to lose interest in his subject about 2/3 through the book and cobbles together a quick, trite ending as if to wash his hands of it as quickly as possible.
On Feb 19 2009,
Fict said:
fict rated this book 3 of 5 Stars.
Rather entertaining story - interesting insight into state concerns as to how to handle terrorism. Not Le Carre's best, though.
On Feb 19 2009,
Fict said:
fict rated this book 2 of 5 Stars.
Mildly entertaining story, although the turbid view of the inside world of the Thai sex-trade might have been a little more graphic than I would have liked.
On Feb 19 2009,
Fict said:
fict rated this book 1 of 5 Stars.
Rex Stout's first book - and pretty bad in every respect. Ordinarily, I would've put it down, but plunged through the whole book out of reverence for Stout's later works - namely, the Nero Wolfe series.
On Mar 12 2008,
Fict said:
fict rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
In my opinion, this, Calvino's first novel, is his finest. A remarkable story.
On Mar 5 2008,
Fict said:
fict rated this book 4 of 5 Stars.
This was an enjoyable read. Had the author been any other than Colin Wilson, it would have been far less entertaining.
On Mar 5 2008,
Fict said:
fict rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
A wonderful, soulful, and candid book. Lamott's writing is a delightful blend of thoughtful emotions: wistful, joyful, biting and incisive - all at the same time.
On Feb 8 2008,
Fict said:
fict rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
An interesting read - good insight into the philosophy behind a great company.
On Jul 20 2007,
Fict said:
fict rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
Another sharp and insightful book by Miller, challenging basic assumptions and inspiring us to cut through the formulas of religion to focus on faith.
On Jul 7 2007,
Fict said:
fict rated this book 4 of 5 Stars.
A great book, but not McCarthy's best, by a long shot.
On May 15 2007,
Fict said:
fict rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
A breath of fresh air for those disenchanted and frustrated with the institutionalization of Christianity in America today.
On May 15 2007,
Fict said:
fict rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
One of the greatest modern books I've read. Enduring, timeless, and enchanting.
On May 15 2007,
Fict said:
fict rated this book 3 of 5 Stars.
Rather spartan on technical drawings, and photography is older and black and white, making it difficult to evaulate the pieces pictured.
On Feb 19 2007,
Fict said:
fict rated this book 1 of 5 Stars.
In a previous job, we were required to watch an insipid cartoon based on this book as part of an orientation. Its difficult to express how entirely demoralizing the implication is that you are merely a mouse trapped in a maze, for whom the sole goal in life is "cheese." Gives new meaning to the phrase "rat race." One person nearly lost their job on the spot for standing up in the Q&A session afterwards, and asking, "What if I don't like cheese? What if I like salad instead?"
On Jan 24 2007,
Fict said:
fict rated this book 4 of 5 Stars.
Good, but perhaps a little too prone to wander into surrealism for some.
by I. M. Richardson; Anna Black Beauty Sewell
On Jan 17 2007,
Fict said:
fict rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
I must disagree -- maybe for an adult its on the average side, but, for a child, say 7-10 years old - one of the pre-requisites to great literature.
On Jan 17 2007,
Fict said:
fict rated this book 3 of 5 Stars.
Riding a bit on the coat tails of the Da Vinci Code and awfully similar in theme, but at least much better written with something approaching real-life dialogue.
by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
On Jan 8 2007,
Fict said:
fict rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
Unforgettable and larger-than-life, this is magical realism at its zenith.
On Jan 4 2007,
Fict said:
fict rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
Both majestic and terrible, definitely one of the hallmark pieces of literature from the 20th century. You won't be disappointed!
