What a Wonderful Read!
The beautiful writing of Scott Spencer makes this book a very enjoyable read. The descriptions of the characters, relationships and events are superb. The ending, although not a surprise, leaves you thinking and feeling about the reading experience for a while. After finishing this book, I intend to read all of Scott Spencer's previous writings.
Rated of 5
by Lucy B. (Urbana, Ohio)
Paul's Undoing Man in the Woods had my attention from beginning to end. It just goes to prove that it only takes a moment for something to happen to you that changes your life, in this case not for the better. Including the dog in the story provided some heartbreaking but also some lighter, tender moments. I have not read any other books by Scott Spencer, but I definitely will be reading others.
Rated of 5
by Beatrice D. (Floral Park, New York)
Man in the Woods
This is a well written fast-paced page turner revealing one man's quandaries as he grows from being an independent teenager into a many-talented man. Along the way he is confronted with people he meets and decisions to make which will affect his entire future.
Spencer's writing takes us along on Paul's journey to selfhood as he seeks to find the true essence and purpose of his life.
A really good read from first to last page
Rated of 5
by Jeff M. (Morris Plains, NJ)
Man in the Woods
A crime occurs very early in "Man in the Woods", but this is not a police procedural. In fact, the investigative works occurs mainly in the background and is presented in relatively short chapters throughout the book.
What this book is all about are relationships -- man/woman, mother/daughter, brother/sister and the key one -- man/dog and how the crime and its aftermath, along with other life issues (including the highly anticipated Y2K -- the book takes place in late 1999) impacts those relationships. Scott Spencer has a tremendous ability for character development (I had not read his previous novel, "A Ship Made of Paper" in which two of the characters first appeared) and his literary descriptions around even a simple event, like a winter sunset, are exceptional and very visual. Yet one of the most interesting characters is the hapless dog, Shep, who plays a pivotal role throughout and is key to the ending, which will likely leave many a reader speechless. I strongly recommend.
Rated of 5
by Cathy R. (Scottsdale, AZ)
God or fate?
Man in the Woods is a well-written story involving God and/or fate - the characters are developed through their morality and their dialogue is at times inspiring or heartwarming but always deep and articulate. I loved the writing style of the author, his poetic descriptions and bits of humor. The story is thought provoking in the simplest of ways - how our lives change by the smallest decisions we make daily.
Rated of 5
by Nicole B. (New York, New York)
As a first-timer with this author I was thoroughly impressed...
This was my first foray into Scott Spencer and I was really impressed with the strength and finesse of the writing that was on display in each page of this novel. Amazingly nuanced characterizations, and the taut and suspenseful plot examining morality, anger, impulse decisions and faith kept me riveted throughout. Scot deftly examines the intricate decisions, responsibilities and compromises which comprise family life and the lengths to which people will go when comfort and security are threatened. The intense psychological suspense was hard to bear (in the best way!) and I read the book with the distractingly delicious feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Rated of 5
by Diane D. (Cape Elizabeth, ME)
A haunting story....
Scott Spencer's Man in the Woods is a haunting story about the choices we make and the ripple effect they have in those around us. His characters were different and yet familiar feeling. His story caught me in its web from the very beginning and it was an enjoyable, if not eerie, ride to the end.....
Stranger than fiction, blending tragedy and farce, How to Create the Perfect Wife is an engrossing tale of the radicalism, and deep contradictions, at the heart of the Enlightenment.
Z, the novel about the life of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald is at points charming and; like another reviewer, I kept thinking of the movie, "Midnight...
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Although heavy on the scientific details, which slowed down the story for me (OK, I admit, I was one of those liberal arts majors who skipped out on...
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Loved this book. Magical, quirky, enchanting I could go on. All books do not have to be literary fiction, sometimes it is just so comforting to read...
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U.S. ebook sales up in 2012, but rate of growth is slowing(May 16 2013) In 2012, trade book sales (i.e. non academic book sales) rose 6.9%, to $15.049 billion, and e-book sales continued to grow, although the rate of growth...
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by Trezeline B. (Columbia, MD)
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by Diane D. (Cape Elizabeth, ME)
