Rated of 5
by Michael F. (Providence, RI) A premise unrequited
There is an art to writing a short novel; every word and every character must matter. Unfortunately, the FACE THIEF is filled with characters that are undeveloped and with language that is inelegant, often clumsy. The protagonists do not inspire sympathy or empathy from the reader, and they often act or speak in ways that are just not believable. Most importantly, the promise of a first-rate mystery is never fulfilled. Instead, the story line merely feels disjointed, vague, and unprovocative. The novel reads like a first draft that, with a strong editorial hand, could have been developed into something more interesting.
Rated of 5
by Kathryn W. (Beaumont, TX) Nobody to Like
This book reads quickly due to a smooth writing style, but the structure is confusing and complicated. There is really no one in this book to like or with whom one might make a connection. And at the end of the book, I was unsure what had really happened. Maybe it is me, but deliberate obfuscation seems pointless.
Rated of 5
by Charla W. (biloxi, mS) Is being a fake somebody better than being a real nobody?
The way the people's lives in this book intertwine is fascinating. At first I found myself wandering what one person had to do with the other. But I kept reading, and shortly it all made sense. I realized that all of the people are linked together by one woman. A woman that is hell bent on destroying every man that she comes in contact with. The woman's name is Margot and she is definitely an interesting character. Maybe she has crossed the wrong person this time because she has had a bad accident that might not have been an accident at all!
Rated of 5
by Terrie J. (Eagan, MN) Interesting Characters
I enjoyed this book. Gottlieb built the characters well. The book begins with the main female character and then brings in the other 2 main male characters one at a time. As the book continues, the story connects the characters and keeps you wondering how the plot will play out. It keeps you guessing until the end.
Rated of 5
by Cynthia A. (Grand Rapids, MI) Intriguing, intense
Intriguing and intense! I could see this scenario actually happening. This book is a great read! The characters and the story line make this book one of my favorites.
Rated of 5
by Kristen H. (Lowell, MA) A bit confusing
I was a little bit confused at the beginning of the story but figured out how it tied in together towards the middle. It had some great characters and good storyline.
Fearless, gripping, at once darkly funny and tender, spanning three continents and numerous lives, Americanah is a richly told story set in today's globalized world.
The story of an American family, middle class in middle America, ordinary in every way but one. But that exception is the beating heart of this extraordinary novel.
The most mature work yet from an incomparable storyteller, TransAtlantic is a profound meditation on identity and history in a wide world that grows somehow smaller and more wondrous with...
From the first page, I was drawn in by the lyrical writing of the author and mesmerized as the narrator, eight year old Raami, remembered the years...
read more
Trite but true, all good things must come to an end. I so wanted to keep reading the wonderful prose, the settings that let one think they are part...
read more
A magical book, an enchanted house, a cast of characters who previously lived there but remain on the walls in photographs to be talked to whenever...
read more
Kenn Nesbitt is new Children's Poet Laureate(Jun 12 2013) Kenn Nesbitt has been named the new Children's Poet Laureate: Consultant in Children's Poetry to the Poetry Foundation, which noted that the two-year position...
Full Story