I loved this unusual novel. I thought I had already posted about it, but I guess not. Great setting--the Iberian coast, but a very "interior" novel. Kind of weird, in the best way.

I loved the idea of this novel as well as some of the intricate details of this believably imagined world. I had trouble with the story itself, however. By the end of the book I could only picture a bad SF movie.

Another wonderful Yates novel. This is one of my favorite subjects in fiction: sisters. Wonderfully done, accurately rendered. Have I told you all lately that I love Richard Yates?

Oh, I loved this book more than I ever thought I would. Yates was such a keen and wise observer of people in their times and troubles.

I am loving this book. I read just over half of it and took a break to read a couple of novels. But it's on my nightstand waiting. I have found myself looking ahead to certain dates in history (e.g., JFK's death, the date of my birth) to see what they're writing about at those times. I also have taken to looking up people in the index to see what they have to say about them. I loved the May Sarton entries; they were subtly snickery. There are countless little threads within these letters that I adore.

And I have to mention that I love the photograph on the cover. I look at it and I see the real Lois Lane and Clark Kent, my favorite fictional non-couple.

I adored this book. Beautiful, interesting, provocative, surprising stories that sometimes link together in moving and delightful ways. I know I'm using a lot of adjectives, but this might be my book of the year. And I don't usually like short stories. I am in love with this author.

I enjoyed this book greatly. Loved all the interesting bits about math, coffee, Central America, crime writers and their fans. I was less engaged in the mystery of it, but that works just fine for me.

A unique story. The details were relentlessly grotesque, and it got to me. A parade of severed body parts and corpses. I appreciated the writing, which kept me going, but it was not my thing.

Well, my enthusiasm for this book waned. I still liked it, but it got REALLY bogged down by extraneous chapters: historical documents, letters, speeches by Brigham Young. The beauty of the story got lost in all the hubbub.

I can't put this book down. Facinating, historical, trashy, well written. Definitely in contention for my "best of 2008."

I bailed at about 70 pp. It was going nowhere fast for me.

This is Powell's newest "Indiespensible" subscription book, and a special edition slipcased version is on it's way to me. I am greatly looking forward to it.

I started this one last night, and so far I'm liking it. I have high hopes.

I finished this very satisfying memoir. It has made me think, made me think about some things differently, and made it into my dreams two night in a row. Very highly recommended.

It was a so-so start on this one. but then--YOWZA. This woman has had an amazing life. She also smoothly illustrates some discomfiting things about privilege and judgment; who we are in our minds versus who we are as citizens if the world. Powerful, but not at all heavy-handed. Another best of the year.

I'm thrilled that you're enjoying it, Daniel. Smooth and soothing escapism is indeed the vibe here.

The NYTBR did an interesting page-one review of this memoir, which piqued my interest. The history of Liberia is fascinating, and I'm looking forward to reading about it from the perspective of a young woman from a privileged background.

This wonderful journey has unfortunately come to an end. I adored every minute of this book. Just a great story about Brazilian history, women, class, fashion, bandits, sisters, secrets, and sewing. It doesn't get much better than this.

It's now been four consecutive nights that I've stayed up til the wee hours reading this one. I'm sure it will make my 2008 best book list. Such a good, old-fashioned fascinating story. I can't wait til someone else here reads it and tells me I'm full of shit.