dr_rachelmcshane's reviews
428 reviews

This book was great. It reminded me of Dekker's older writings-it was a bit more like Thr3e. It revolves around two characters (Renee and Danny), and even though there are "bad guys" and antagonistic characters, the book doesn't revolve around the characters fighting an outside force. It focuses more on the battles inside of them-their emotions, their pain, their thoughts on justice, and their thoughts on how it should be carried out. Without spoiling the entire book for you, I can tell you that both characters have their own personal struggles, and both characters overcome them in their own ways. This book was exciting to read, and kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat, and left me going, "...WOW." As a huge Ted Dekker fan, I might be a bit biast, but I have to say it-Ted Dekker has did an incredible job with "The Preist's Graveyard".

This book was interesting. What I enjoyed most about it was the characters-Truman Capote has made them each unique and paints a clear picture of their emotions and struggles throughout the book. He makes them so real, that you begin to feel your own emotions for and about them. You can't help but feel compassion and a bit of pity for "Fred" (the narrator) and every other man who falls in love with Holly. Holly's character is frustratingly spontaneous and seemingly random at the beginning. But just like "Fred" says, you fall in love with her-just like everyone does. As you learn about her past and her thoughts on life, you begin to understand why she is the way she is. I read it before I watched the movie. Without spoiling either for you, I can tell you the movie and the book are completely different-from the characters being slightly different to the ending being completely changed. I'm not sure which would be better-to watch the movie or read the book first. Either way, I would say you should definitely read the book and watch the movie at some point in your life. :)

This book is incredible. George and Lenny's friendship is so touching-the way Lenny undoubtedly trusts George, and the way George would do anything for Lenny. This book is very well written, and is a short, easy read. Even someone who doesn't love classic literature could understand and enjoy this book. "Of Mice and Men" is amazingly emotional and will make you laugh on one page, and then cry until you have no tears left on the next one. It is a good read, and I suggest it for everyone to read at least once.

Believe it or not, I did not read this book in a literature class, but in my history class. My teacher had us read it as we studied Russia and the events leading up to the Russian Revolution. It was cool to be able to read the book side by side with the events it was portraying, and see who each character represented. Even though I didn't really enjoy the book much, and it wasn't my favorite, I am able to appreciate the allegory and symbolism Orwell used and how he expressed his opinion on communism in such a creative way.

This book is incredible, and one of my favorite Christie books I have read so far. It was the Christie book that got me hooked. Now I'm an Agatha Christie freak! ;) It's a great mystery. The plot will leaving you guessing the entire time, and in the end, you'll probably sit there with your mouth wide open in shock for awhile, and when you finally come to, your first words will be, "I NEVER SAW THAT COMING!" In a nutshell, the book is an absolute masterpiece.

This book was very good-a great sequel to The Priest's Graveyard. Without spoiling anything, I can say that although the plot is a little predictable, Dekker throws so many curveballs at you that you question yourself, and when you reach the end of the book, you're left saying, "Wow...I was right all along...but I never would have guessed THAT!" As a huge Dekker fan, I can say it isn't my favorite Dekker book, but it was still a fun book to read.

When I first watched "The Phantom of the Opera" musical, I knew I was "past the point of no return" (pun intended). I fell in love with the story of Christine and her complicated relationship with her Angel of Music/Phantom of the Opera. I knew I had to read the book.
That said, a word of warning to everyone who choses to do it in the same order as I did: dismiss everything you know. Forget about the entire plot you saw in the musical, and read the book as if you know nothing. Don't expect anything. Don't compare the musical to the book. You'll get lost and confused.
While I have an extreme love for Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, he does stray from the plot quite a bit. In the beginning, as I read, I tried to think about the movie and figure out what was going to happen next. I only succeeded in confusing myself. The plot in the musical is in a different order than the book, and, as "movie versions" usually do, it changes and/or leaves out many of the details. That said, take my advice-forget the musical, and read the book with a completely open mind, forgetting everything you think you know.
The novel is an incredible piece of literature though, and I would absolutely suggest that all fans of the Phantom read the book. It opens your eyes to the way Erik thinks and feels. You think of him as a monster, but cannot help but pity him. Your heart will break with his as you see his love for Christine, but realize it can never be. You see through the eyes of Christine, who cannot see that her Angel of Music is not what he seems until it is too late. Raoul shows am example of true love with his everlasting feelings and forgiveness towards Christine, and his willingness to do anything for her. The book will make you smile over innocent romance, gasp over magical and mysterious events, and cry over broken hearts. Gaston Leroux has written a real piece of art that was a true pleasure to read.