What did you make of the haikus strewn throughout the novel? Was there one poem in particular that stood out?

What did you make of the haikus strewn throughout the novel? Were you surprised by how moments of great joy and sorrow are captured so sparingly? How did this help put order and simplicity in Jonah's world, as he was coming of age during a time of such turmoil? What lessons did they instill?

Was there one poem in particular that stood out as especially inspirational or beautiful?

Haikus were an attention grabber. I enjoyed them, can't say a particular one stood out. I enjoyed all of them. Haikus added to the cultural element of the narrative and characters.

The haikus were very effective. I liked them all. They were so completely in sync with Mr. Yoshioka's persona and to the bond between Jonah and Mr. Yoshioka.

I absolutely loved the haikus. Art was such an important part of this story, and I loved how all different forms of art were brought up and respected and admired. Every main character is an art lover in one form or another. I loved all the haikus I read in this book. I'm not sure which one was my favorite. But this question makes me want to go back into the story and choose one!

The haikus were like a short respite from the rest of the story. They caused me to stop and appreciate them just as they were. Because the characters were so well fleshed out, I was able to hear how each of them would speak and that made it more personal.

They are the touches that bring the level of Koontz' writing higher

I agree that their addition added tremendously to the cultural tone of the novel. Can't say that one stood out among the others -- all were well placed.

The whole story was about creative brilliance and the beauty that we can find in our lives in spite of what is happening in the world at large. The Haikus gave us another facet of the world culture. They gave us a glimpse into Mr. Yokiosha's world and showed Jonah another form of art while conveying a loving and caring relationship between the two characters.

I didn't really enjoy the haikus.

I really liked the haikus. I remember being assigned to write some in school, although I don't remember what I wrote. They were kind of fun to write; certainly they were easier than some writing assignments!

The haikus were beautiful and Mr. Yoshioka used them to introduce bad news and give hope. Jonah learned haikus because the were important to his friend . It was one more bond between them.

The haiku sprinklings did not particularly do anything for me. In a way they seemed forced.