raindog517

• Rated 3 stars

“I know it sounds worn out and trite to proclaim that a book is better than a movie...but sometimes, there really is truth behind stereotypes. This has that stereotype. It goes much deeper, has more emotion and is more bleak than the movie by far. It covers topics such as God, love, the arts and the social caste system.

I still love the movie, however, and think the two medium can safely co-exist. Incidentally, the movie is much better with the narration. The "Director's Cut" omits it. ”

raindog517 wrote this review Wednesday, June 10 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“I read this as a kid, and didn't really care for it. As an adult, I'm giving it a 2nd go-around and am truly enjoying myself. I really can't wait to see what happens next!! ”

raindog517 wrote this review Wednesday, June 10 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“I did enjoy this book and liked the cast of characters. However, I found myself resenting Lucy Lynch. The way he keeps himself confined to the town and NEVER leaving; the way he kept Sarah from bigger and better things. Also, I didn't like Big Lou either. Seemed very weak and the way he pathetically chases Mr. Marconi around hoping to forge a friendship. And am I supposed to even LIKE this Bobby Marconi/Noonan? All in all, I liked the story but just didn't like the characters. They don't seem to have any self-respect. ”

raindog517 wrote this review Monday, June 1 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 2 stars

“*SPOILERS*
I have always enjoyed his works but this one really didn't do it for me. Personally, I am a bit fed up with the goody-two shoes characters in all his books. I've also grown tired of his little messages about moral values and the fact that anyone in them who's not completely straight-edged may as well be Satan himself. Ryan's dad smokes weed and listens to the Dead and is therefore, Mephistopheles personified. Not to mention people in past books who drink or screw around wind up dying horrible deaths. I actually found myself detesting this Ryan Perry and Samantha. For crying out loud, they even transfer potato salad and cole slaw from the deli into ceramic bowls. Who the *%$# does that when eating deli??? Oh and *SPOILER ALERT* The only way for Ryan to find redemption was to give up all his money?? Come on, Mr. Koontz! I think you've been listening to too many sidewalk preachers. Give it a rest, will you?

I hope this book isn't a sneak peek at what's to come for the next few years. What a shame it would be for him to spiral into a bitter old man who hates everyone with a few minor vices and turn into Carrie White's mother. ”

raindog517 wrote this review Wednesday, April 1 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“I finished this book in just over 2 days and it really stunned me. Mr. Koontz scared the hell out of me without this being a horror/supernatural book. Edgler Vess is easily one of the most despicable, hated villains I've encountered in a book. In direct contrast, Chyna Foreman is truly beloved and I found myself rooting for her from the beginning. Great read! ”

raindog517 wrote this review Friday, March 20 2009. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“This was an excellent glimpse into the life of high school kids and even brought me back to some of the pain and isolation I'd felt as a teenager. Although my experience wasn't anywhere near as difficult as Peter's, I could easily identify.

I've only read one other work of hers (Sister's Keeper), but I notice Ms. Picoult has a talent for making us sympathize on some level with people who should be villains and having contempt for those who would otherwise be victims. A lesson that things are not always what they seem from a story in a newspaper or on television news.
I think this should be required reading for all high school students and even parents, especially in light of all the school violence that seems to be on the rise. ”

raindog517 wrote this review Sunday, September 21 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“I wasn't quite sure of what to make of this book at first. It's so different from his recent works. It has all the humor, but lacked a few elements that make John Irving...well, Johnn Irving. I'm not quite sure exactly what all of them were, but the lack of an older woman seducing a younger man (I like how he pokes fun of himself for that in Widow for 1 year) and the tragic death of a pet or a child. Bogus' deformed member fills in the need for the grotesque. Overall, I would recommend this book to any John Irving fan but don't use this for your first Irving read, or you may not want to read any more. ”

raindog517 wrote this review Friday, August 22 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 2 stars

“I'm enjoying it, but do NOT...I repeat do NOT..listen to the audio version. It's read by the author and she makes a strong case for hiring someone else to read the audio adaptations of your book. Otherwise, it's an interesting concept”

raindog517 wrote this review Sunday, August 10 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Once I publish my novel (or at least complete it,) I will give thanks to Ms. Hood for a great guidance tool.”

raindog517 wrote this review Sunday, July 20 2008. ( reply | permalink )

0 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 3 stars

“I enjoyed this book quite a bit and as an animal lover, I found it especially moving. I do like the way Mr. Koontz slowly unravels the story and reveals the histories of each character. The slight hint of the supernatural gave it that creepy feel I've come to know and love from his works.”

raindog517 wrote this review Thursday, July 10 2008. ( reply | permalink )