Members with This Book
Most Helpful Reviews
see all reviews
Liked It “Dr. Joanne Lander is researching near death experiences and when a new doctor in the hospital recruiters her to help with his research, she doesn't realize how close to death it will bring her. Dr. Wright has found a way to make it appear as someone is having a near death experience and he feels...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “really dragged in the middle. Good writing. silly idea” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
see all reviews-
“I love all Connie Willis books! This one is getting interesting now. No review yet.”
Pamela B wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“frantic”
Beth B wrote this review Wednesday, November 18 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“really dragged in the middle. Good writing. silly idea”
Tenaya Jayne wrote this review Saturday, November 7 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Dr. Joanne Lander is researching near death experiences and when a new doctor in the hospital recruiters her to help with his research, she doesn't realize how close to death it will bring her. Dr. Wright has found a way to make it appear as someone is having a near death experience and he feels Dr. Lander is the perfect one to ask the question after someone's experience. Neither of them realize that they will be hounded the whole way by Dr. Mandrake, who believes near death experiences are gateways to the afterlife and contains the reason for life. Joanne things there is something more the bright lights and a heavenly host and is determined to prove Dr. Mandrake wrong. To do that, she might need to experience death itself.
WonderBunny wrote this review Thursday, September 10 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
This was a very enjoyable and well written novel but a wonderful author. I found the characters enjoyable and felt you came to care for them through the course of the novel. I also found the ending fast paced and it was a bit of a nail biter. I had problems with some of the slow bits throughout the middle. The middle is not all slow, but it got bogged down a little with details or important but slightly boring events. I will definitely be reading more of this author and found the “what is a near death experience really about” aspect to this novel a very good read (with a little humor). ”“Engrossing, moving, haunting. This is not a light read, but it's worth every bit of time and emotion. I get friends and family hooked on Connie Willis by giving them a copy of Passage and Doomsday Book. She is amazing. Can't wait for her next book.”
Melissa T wrote this review Friday, September 4 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Find my review at http://lyraroses.blogspot.com”
Lyra Rose wrote this review Friday, July 24 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Slightly disappointed. The first 500 pages were pretty good. Though there wasn't a lot happening plot wise, the predominance of dialogue kept it moving. Then you get the big twist, then you look and there's still 200 or so pages left and you wonder what's going on. Which would have been ok, except for at the very end of the book I asked myself.."that's it?"
Brandon C wrote this review Thursday, June 4 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
I love Connie Willis's books. "The Doomsday Book" is one of the best books I've ever read. This one just wasn't on par for me. The subject matter was interesting enough, but even in the part of the book I liked, Dr. Lander spends way too much time playing phone tag, avoiding Mr. Mandrake, and searching for that ever elusive meal. I was going to scream if I had to read one more time about the hospital cafeteria was never open.
The big plot twist itself was a nice head fake, and the author definitely weaves a lot of literary theory and hard core science in, which makes for an interesting read. Unfortunately, I thought the ending was rather lame. Maybe I just didn't "get the book."
All in all, I think it was a great idea that could have perhaps been executed a bit better. However, the worst thing Connie Willis ever writes will still be better than most of what's out there. If you're interested in NDEs at all, give this one a shot.”“Sad ending for Connie Willis, but a fun read still”
Tamar N wrote this review Wednesday, May 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“ Connie Willis has created a unique book dealing with the subject of death. The plot involves two researchers working on a near death experience study but unlike most books on the subject takes a purely scientific approach. The book follows a group of characters who stare death in the face everyday but remains witty and engaging throughout where most writers would have been overwhelmed by the weight of this subject matter. The plot, while more character driven then your average thriller, is filled with great and unexpected twists. The books only flaw is it's overlength and this becomes most wearing in the last two hundred pages where a resolution starts to become more obvious. Still, this is a great book that mixes science fiction and literary fiction neatly, seeming to embody both and neither at the same time. ”
Robephiles wrote this review Tuesday, May 5 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“One of the most outrageous plot designs I've ever seen”
Margaret F wrote this review Saturday, April 11 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
