There was a lot of hype for this it seemed, and it didn't really pay off. It took a good half to two thirds of the book for the actual disappearance to occur - I almost quit reading before then. I then read straight through to the end, but wasn't exactly happy with the ending.

I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, but the ending didn't bring as much closure as I would have liked to the story.

I'm stumped as to what to say about this captivating, mysterious tale. It is definitely a coming of age story, taking place over the course of the narrator's sophomore in high school. It is certainly a mystery: the narrator's girlfriend Anna Cayne bafflingly disappears halfway through the year. It's also a penetrating glimpse into a dysfunctional family whose adult members seek refuge in silence, routine and solitude. Above all, it's a teenage tale of secrets, complete with codes, riddles and puzzles. A secret decoder ring would not have been out of place.

What does it all add up to? I really don't know, but I'm considering reading it again to see if I can better grasp its mysteries. One thing I do know for sure: neither Anna Cayne nor snow is simple.

I purchased this book as a gift for another person. I have not read the text and so cannot evaluate it. However, the person who read the text said it was excellent.

Apart from the fact that all parents of teenage children should read this book, this is in my opinion, a seminal work. In the tradition of "Catcher..." and my personal favorite, "Love For Lydia", Mr. Galloway has managed to make the easily forgotten, troublesome times of late adolescence tangible to the point of discomfort. As a parent, I cannot but cringe at the familiarity. How easy it is to succumb to the all emcompassing burden of child rearing - so much in fact, that we tend to lose touch with the reality of its essence! This is a wonderful book!

I could go on and on with lots of parentspeak and patronizing psyochabble but in the end it matters nought - Gregory Galloway hits the nail on the head. Hug your kids!!!!

This book was very different than my usual read, it had a 'dark' feeling and a hint of mystery. I felt that it started off very slow for the first ~125pgs. After that I couldnt put it down. I will say the ending could have been better and left alot of questions. I did particularly like the readers guide at the end, it helped me recollect alot of question and things I had forgotten.