Wonderful, smart writing - great story. One of my new fav writers.

I enjoyed the book. That is if one can enjoy a front row seat into another person's life. Perhaps it's better to say I was engaged by it. Neltje is a complex woman and her writing reflects this. The book reads slowly, almost tentatively, when she is recounting difficult, …more tragic times of her life.. It's ever with self-pity or even regret. A longing perhaps for what wasn't. When she's in love with life, her children, a man, her art, the story practically skips with lightness. The books reads like life. The sad taking it time to pass, the good moving at light speed.. An unusual book about a strong, sensitive and brilliant human being. Definitely worth the read, maybe a few times. As with her art, the book challenges it's reader to find how it fits into their own life. Bravo Neltje. Bravo. (less)

I found Lauren Owen's book, "The Quick" to be, from technical standpoint, well done. I enjoyed her writing style and admired her ambitious story line. I have a reading preference to be engaged with the characters - where I like them or despise them, they must engender …more emotion in me. Sadly, I found no connection with any of the characters.. I do need to add, I do not enjoy vampire genre. please note, I only read half of the book as it just didn't hold me. (less)