How would you describe Constellation to a friend?

Looking at the subject matter of A Constellation of Vital Phenomena I imagine that some readers might feel it's not for them. What would you say to a friend to encourage them to read this book?

Well . . . There certainly are enough "praises" on the first three pages and back cover to convince any friend of mine!

Basically I must say, that is why I don't like to read the remarks of authors, et al. on books. Just too much influence.

I guess I would say that while it is a difficult book to read because of the content, it is a book that one will remember. My friends that enjoy "entertainment " reading would most likely not care for it but those that like to read something with substance will like the book.

To the serious readers of my acquaintance I would tell them it is eye-opening informative, full of believable and unusual characters, unbelievably well written and the best book I have read in a long time.

To my friends who are avid readers I would classify this book as a "must read!" It is very difficult to convey such serious material in a readable, riveting and enjoyable manner. Not only will they leave the novel a little smarter than when they began it, but also they will be able to laugh, cry and sometimes cheer during the roller coaster ride of a book that this is. I was sorry when it ended.

Succinctly: Marra writes of ordinary people under extraordinary circumstances and makes them both believable and relatable.

The author writes about a difficult and horrible circumstance in an extraordinary way. Sometimes the author's prose was almost poetic.

A story of three dissimilar people coping to survive in a war infested land. A story not only about war but a story intersecting three characters together through various connections. The trials facing each is the foundation for this poignant story.

I read about 50 books a year and consider myself fortunate to find one or two a year that are as memorable and moving as Constellation. Any book that makes me think about it for weeks and months is a terrific read. This book is not for everyone, but I am recommending it to lovers of great fiction and universal moral dilemmas

As someone else stated, this is a book I will be thinking about for awhile. It has incredible depth.

This book is unforgettable. The characters and events will remain with you for a long time. This book enlightened me about history that I did not know much about.

I would describe it as an important book about a subject that is not well known. While most of my friends are avid readers, there are some who would not like the subject matter or the way the book is constructed in terms of time shifts, but I think it is important that we do go outside our "comfort" zone. I am going to recommend it to my Book Group just for that reason.

I have to agree with some of the other posts. It is a heavy, deep, story that stays with you. I finished it weeks ago but can't seem to get the story and characters out of my head. Am planning to pick it for my choice of read for my book club. I think the discussion will be wonderful.

Dark, brutal, strong, powerful; please read. Really.