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It seems that a charismatic multi-billionaire is up to something. He's established a research facility in a remote area, staffed by scientists who share unlikely characteristics. No one who works there has living parents, spouses, or children, and none of them have any genetically passed on diseases. The same billionaire summons another batch of diverse experts, with, we can safely assume, similar attributes. Surely something big is afoot.

I had two problems with the excerpt. First, the initial tension in the story is entirely contrived. The pull is "What weird thing has Jan discovered?" Though the POV character is Jan herself, and she's obsessed with her latest discovery, it takes several pages and lots of meandering before the shared trait of deceased parents is revealed. Maintaining tension by refusing to reveal to the reader something which is well-known to the POV character is a cheap trick, and doesn't bode well for the rest of the plot.

Beyond that, the characters are thinly distinguished. The most distinct one is "Vandy" and that's only because of his resemblance to Abraham Lincoln. I couldn't say what his personality is like. The other characters are even more bland. This, despite plentiful details about each character's history. Their attributes read like biographical data. They don't come to life, though this may be more of a problem with the length of the excerpt. Perhaps they would be more individual later.

The writing was fine. I would certainly read more, but if I came across any more contrived, information-hiding plot tricks, I'd be very annoyed.

I started reading The Eden Proposition late one evening and could hardly put it down, finishing it two evenings later. Much like my previous favorite favorite novel, Angels and Demons by Dan Brown, I found myself completely drawn in to the book's startling premise. It is riveting, thought provoking, and unique. Mr Dahl has a vivid imagination, combined with some very sophisticated knowledge of a variety of pursuits including bio-engineering, computer technology, telecommunications, the CDC, politics, medicine, northwest US geography, and sailing. These are combined to create a work that asks an "absurd and frightening question" that is both chilling and believable. This is a novel that needs to be published.

If you're a business traveler, this is the perfect way to survive a delay. You'll be completely absorbed and free of the usual irritations of bad air, bad food, and bad seats. Then again, the possibility of the premise, might make you want to keep your sanitary wipes handy.

Can't wait for the sequel!

Anger, intrigue, loathing, fear and finally, hope are all part of The Eden Proposition emotional roller coaster. This is typically not the genre of book that I would read but I have to say that if I had not read it, I would have missed something extraordinary. The scenarios brought to life by Mr. Dahl are both horrific and fascinating. The Eden Proposition brings to life the moral question, I can but does that mean I should? A perfect book for pure reading enjoyment as well as lively and emotional discussion. I loved it and cannot wait for the sequel.

I have read The Eden Proposition, and rather than repeat the high praises of the other reviewers (with which I enthusiastically agree), I thought I'd comment on the Publishers Weekly (PW) review I just read.

The PW review reads (to me) like it could have been written in my own early English literature college major days when I definitely did not fully understand the concept of genre and when I probably hadn't read the entire assignment. In other words, the PW review seriously misses the mark. Mr. Dahl wrote a thinkingperson's thriller, a plot-driven medical page-turner in the mold of Michael Crichton. I don't think he had any intention of being the next Cormac McCarthy.

Yes, I do read all of the thriller writers, Follet, Clancy, Ludlum, Crichton, etc. I assert without reservation that Mr. Dahl's work is at least as good as any of them - even better in several new and refreshing ways. I just flat out reject the notion that the characters in The Eden Proposition are not well developed - they are, as most of the other reviewers already have emphasized.

To me, the idea that the PW reviewer(s) became confused by the plot could be a strong indication that they speed-read or skimmed rather than read the book. The plot is indeed intricate, and full of twists, but it is not confusing, not if one actually reads the book.

I would urge whomever judges this contest to pay close and careful attention to the other reviews to date (as of 1/25/08). I agree with all of them. They tell the true story. And, there is one way to prove this - read the book!

Trent's motivation to become a good agent is interesting. The father and son connection is a classic one, and a man trying to live up to his father's legacy has the potential to be a compelling character.

There is some nice description of the CTC office, and I liked Trent's surprise that it was nothing special, just another cube farm like that of any other major business.

I didn't like that twice after Trent entered the office he describes people talking but we don't get to hear their conversations. Obviously Trent was close enough to hear what McIlvaine was saying on the phone, and what Liz was saying as she entered the office, but all we get is a description of their body language and the fact that they were saying something, which presents to me the mental picture of a television on mute. If people are saying something and Trent is in the room, I want to know what they are saying, as their words could give me a better idea of these characters' personalities.

The description of the Himmel case was interesting and presents some good backstory of how this agency operates.

The interaction between Else and Juergen was also interesting, as was Juergen's idea for a plot against the Americans, although having Germans at the heart of a plot to detonate a nuclear bomb didn't make as much sense to me as if it had been members of a less stable nation.

This story was an easy read, with some characters who might end up being compelling once the story gets rolling. I'm not sure, thus far, if it has anything that makes it stand out from the scores of other similar spy novels already out there, though.

Finally. Having read some of Mr.Pendergrass' shorter works in Writers of the Future and Horror Library, I was hopeful for a full novel. While I've only seen the first 3 chapters, I am eager to read the rest. The settings read true in both Langley and Berlin. Likewise, the characters smell real.

The Kraus Rendition by T. Pendgrass opens with newly minted CIA agent, Trent Stark, grabbing a cuppa Joe at Starbucks. He's following in his father's footsteps, and is an overachiever (at a young age) with the hope of living up to his father's legacy.

The excerpt presents a variety of significant characters, as the foundation for the story is set.

Jim McIlvaine, CIA veteran, is Trent's boss. Liz Perkins is a petite, young (but appears five years older), thin associate to Trent. Priscilla (Cilla) Talbot, in her mid 50's, is Chief of Operations for the Counterterrorist center, with the personality of a New England school marm.

We also get an introduction to Else Kraus, cold blooded killer with the RSF and mother(?) along with Juergen, an grossly obese German politician. The 'bad guy' motive for the story is laid out: have Else and her crew cause a nuclear 'accident' on a US military base--killing thousands of Americans and Germans--so as to leave room to advance an ultra-nationalist, socialist political agenda.

That's where I was a little stumped.

While I enjoyed the general easy-read feel to this story, with all the basic elements for a good spy-suspense novel, I found the motives of the antagonists to be outdated for the period the story is set in. Not that there weren't folks out there trying to push this kind of agenda, but this motive is not likely to sync when readers think 2000.

If this was set in 1990, prehaps, it would be more believable. But even in 2000 there were more likely terrorist concerns than a resurgent communist era radical group.

Other reviewers pointed out a need for editing and I have to agree, though nothing major given the non-complicated feel to the story. Mostly there were issues of detail continuity. ~E.G. early on Trent crumples his paper cup, then three paragraphs later drinks from it. Little things.

Overall, the feel of the writing is very similar to that of other popular spy-suspense novelists. By this I mean this author is adept at producing a plausible and enjoyable story with relatively believable characters. The 'story', though, is definitely the star of the show.

As a little kid, Trent Stark knew he was going to work for the CIA like his father. He even learned to tell lies about his father's work.

He really didn't know what kind of man his father was, but he clearly has a legend's shoes to fill. He graduated top of his class, foregoing a social life to do so, and now he's on his first day of the job working counter-terrorism.

Meanwhile, in Germany, terrorists are planning on discrediting the US by detonating a nuclear weapon on a US Army base in Germany.

Oh, this is promising. We've got a young agent out to live up to his name and an old threat ready to put into effect the final gambit. Characters, place description, are all good. The writing's pro. If the excerpt is any indication, we have a spy thriller in the grand old tradition.

Congratulations to Tom Pendergrass on his ABNA Top 100 win on this excellent excerpt.

A taut beginning, to what is obviously a suspenseful thriller, is set in the dangerous world of Counterterrorism. The main character is Trent Stark, and he has just completed his training from the agency. Set to embark on his first assignment, the author leads the reader into the offices of his new superiors, and his first mission.

The author does a wonderful job setting up the sterile world of governmental agencies, and he begins the novel with a plot twist involving a terrorist that has disappeared right under their noses. A chance encounter with a fellow officer could develop into a romance later on, but early in the narrative, the author develops a suspenseful plot, and draws the reader in.

Reminiscent of popular contemporary thrillers, The Kraus Rendition is one of those novels that you feel like you can't put down for fear that something exciting will happen next and you will miss it! I found myself wanting to know more by the end of the excerpt and that is the mark of an excellent story.

Putting this squarely in my top ten, I found it to be both gripping and suspenseful. This author did an outstanding job setting up the characters, and the situation surrounding them. If this book were published, I would definitely buy it. It is one of those stories that grabs your attention and holds on, and would be a perfect read for a rainy night, or a day at the beach. Great job!

Seeing that I'm not an adolescent anymore, the brief introduction to the story didn't really leaving me yearning for more. I'm not sure what classifies this as a sci-fi/fantasy novel. The characters seemed very scripted, almost ridiculously. I am still wondering what the story is about, but I will not feel incomplete if I don't finish the novel.

This excerpt includes some great interaction between Mel and her mother in the first scene. I like seeing an adolescent who isn't so full of angst she can't be pleasant to her mom on the first day of school.

The dialog between Mel and Tucker is well written, getting across their easy friendship as well as some important details about their physical appearance and their family situations.

The descriptions of the dorm and its inhabitants were interesting and struck a good balance between painting a picture and not bogging down the story.

The mysterious voice that explains why Gina's eyes don't match her smile might be interesting, although it's a bit abrupt and Mel is far too quick to accept it. If I heard a strange voice speaking to me while the world around me remained frozen, I'd be pretty freaked out.

I'm not sure how much I believe Gina's prissy attitude. Hasn't she had roommates in the past at this school? Would she still be so set in her ways, especially about sitting on the bed, after living with someone else for the last year, and maybe more?

This story has an interesting plot so far and is filled with interesting characters, but there are just those couple of things, Mel's acceptance of her strange voice and Gina's uptight attitude, that strike me as strange.

At last an interesting book which deals with real social skills and real feelings of the young adolescent. Ms Clark has created a fun story while modeling excellent writing skills and appropriate language for these readers. Cheers. This is a book parents and grandparents can buy for their kids with pleasure. I can't wait to see "the rest of the story."

You had me at Tangerine! I appreciate the mental stimulation the reader obtains through clever and creative wording to promote a truly vivid world. The characters are well developed and the personalities are very intriguing; I am able to "picture" each character in detail.

Writing a good novel about teenagers is harder than writing just about anything else. There are heavy expectations of a "coming of age" saga and all too many authors think that by saying the character is thirteen and adding a little magic they've created a competitor for Harry or for Holden. I sighed when I saw this was set at a boarding school but the author has hooked me with her characters. I can see each one clearly in my mind's eye: the leggy Mel, her sidekick Tucker, her reserved roommate Gina. My own school had its born politician like Patsy Plaidy (and I laughed hard at this point) and all of us have had a Tiffani Boomshot inflicted upon us at some point (and I groaned in memory).

The author's sure touch and deft humor has me hooked and the material she uses is this: a girl arrives at school, drops in to her new dorm room and meets her new roommate before going to dinner. And I'm riveted just by this! Here is a writer who doesn't have to orphan her character to create a little sympathy or to resort to criminal gangs or violence to create tension. Mel's fingers tingle on occasion and she's heard a mysterious voice. Now I'm concerned...what's behind this? I have to know more!

I greatly enjoyed the start of what can surely only be a great novel. It is a story that many will relate to.

It doesn't take long for you to empathize with Sara. Campisi's descriptions of Sara's world, both physical and psychological, brings her to life. After reading glimpses into Sara's past and present you are left wanting to know about her future. Teenage years are difficult for many reasons and Campisi captures those trials and tribulations. I look forward to more PRETENDING NORMAL.

This story not only gave each and every character a face and a personality, it put you in their time and place. Whether it was Sara taking comfort from the roses her mother once tended, or evading the embarassment of buying personal products for her sister, it put you, the reader, inside their heads, feeling their viewpoints.

What a strong, sturdy, smart little girl. How sad it was she is locked into the life she leads.

I would love to read the rest and discover the challenges that lie ahead for Sara and how she deals with them.

As usual, Mary Campisi writes with flair and grace, creating a story that will hold your interest. I can only echo the very positive things the others say and urge you to read these pages, then read all the Mary Campis novels you can get your hands on!!

I like this one. One of the odd things about capturing a young narrative voice with some authenticity is that, well, there's always a sort of wink at the audience that, hey, you the reader know some things my narrator doesn't know, because you're grown up and she's not. In most examples of this situation, what can be dampened is the soulfulness, the cry of the spirit that, when it is heard forcefully (like that Hemingway quote admonishing young writers to write with blood) it makes for that human connection which is among the powers almost unique to the intimate form of fiction. In this case, we get the nod and the wink and even the laughs but we get the cry as well. Hopefully this is structured to deliver a much louder and more resonant cry as the piece goes on, but the first notes are definitely here. To the writer: good luck! Oh, but then, why not a 5? Because, while you have both tones here, they are still showing the seams little, not really fused to be two sides of the same coin.

This book is spell binding, excellently written and so full of history that it makes you want to reach out for more info.

A true story for our time and one that needs to be shared. If you want to know more about the Coast Guard and what it's like to be at sea, this is the book to read. I'm having trouble putting it down.

"Sailing into the Abyss" by William R. Benedetto is to the Merchant fleet what the "Perfect Storm" was to the sword-fishing fleet.

The book gives "arm-chair" sailors like me, uncontrollable shakes and chattering teeth even...with a hot cup of coffee in hand! Benedetto's writing abilities plunges the reader directly into the cold sea next to the unfortunate struggling seaman who has just abandoned his sinking ship.

This is the riveting story of the Merchant vessel "S.S. Badger State" that was taking its deadly cargo of bombs and munitions to Da Nang to help support our troops and the war effort in Vietnam. Shortly before Christmas of 1969, the "S. S. Badger State" runs into two gargantuan storms that seem to converge directly into the men and cargo of the "S.S. Badger State." The bombs break loose in their cargo holds, and then...
you must read the book!

The author is really a superb writer and nautical historian. However, he sometimes gives too many historical examples of similar events to intensify the fate of this particular ship and incident. His examples are extremely interesting but...often too long. These constant historical vignettes only serve to take the readers focus away from the main events at hand. Much of that ancillary information could easily be put into another book on historical ship wrecks.

William Benedetto deserves the highest praises for sharing his expertise and love for those who suffer peril upon the seas.

A truly good book and one that all sailors, past and present should read.

Aye--Aye Captain!

This book is superbly written. The amazing story of the SS Badger State is magnetic, and even more fascinating because it's true! I will recommend this book every chance I get, and I will keep my copy as a prized possession.

I recently sailed with a person who was a crewmember on the S.S. Badger State when this tragic incident occurred. Your book brought the story full circle, thanks for writing such an illuminating account.

Paul J. Gunis

Very few people are likely to have heard of the loss of the American merchant ship Badger State at Christmas of 1969. She was carrying a load of bombs to resupply the Air Force in Vietnam, and a chain of unfortunate events--poor stowage of the explosives, carrying an insufficient amount of cargo so that the ship rode high, bad weather--combined to lead almost inevitably to tragedy.

Benedetto, in very simple and unadorned prose that is not bogged down by a great deal of nautical jargon, provides a workmanlike rendition of the last days of the ship and crew. He draws heavily upon the documented testimony of survivors before a Board of Inquiry and received very significant input from Charles Wilson, the captain of the late vessel.

He also throws in a great deal of material (which at times verges on simple padding) about the tragic experiences of many other ships of the U.S. Merchant Marine over the last two hundred years, particularly about their destruction by, or, in some cases, escape from, Axis forces in WWII.

A small number of black and white photos are included. The diagrams of the ship and of the bomb pallets would have been better placed at the beginning of the book for easier reference.

This is not a lyrical and haunting masterpiece of man's struggle against the hostility of nature, but it's a serviceable enough rendering of an otherwise forgotten disaster and a nice primer about the sacrifices of the merchant marine.

This is the first (and only) cookbook we've ever had which is as much fun to read as a fast-paced, well-written novel...plus, it has great, color photos! If you're a fan of public radio's "The Splendid Table", you will love this cookbook. If you've never had the pleasure of listening to Lynne Rosetto Kasper spin culinary gold from the straw of everyday ingredients, "How to Eat Supper" will probably get you to tune in to your local NPR station and enjoy the show. We have made quite a few of the dishes from this cookbook already, and each one was an unqualified success. The recipes are clear and easy-to-follow. Many, if not most, feature alternatives where, with the change of a few ingredients, you can re-invent the dish for a new taste experience. The tips scattered throughout the book are excellent and useful for cooks of all levels. I can't think of one way to improve upon this cookbook...unless it is to receive it as a gift rather than buy it. "How to Eat Supper" is a must for anyone who likes to cook...or eat.

I love this cookbook. I make something from it almost every week and every recipe has been so delicious. Very easy, quick recipes that are healthy and interesting. I love the Splendid Table and this book is just as good.

I recently bought this book and have already made several of the recipes. They are simple, but soo yummy. I like the extra comments and hints that are added.

This cookbook is better than it sounded on the radio. The recipes are imaginative and quick, the food tips are informative and off-beat and the style is personal and breezy. I've enjoyed this new cookbook enough to buy extra copies for gifts.

As a huge fan of the Public Radio show I was delighted when this book came out. Rossetto-Kasper is a practical enough cook to know that supper is often a hurried affair, often involving a bag of Fritos. The recipes are easy to prepare and easy to upgrade. My most-used recipe is the cheater's version of homemade broth, which starts with canned chicken or vegetable broth to which you add white wine, herbs and spices and aromatics. This versatile broth is used in any number of dishes to good advantage. I also enjoy the taste tests including canned tomatoes, canned chicken broth, etc. This has become a staple of my collection in under two weeks.

Reading this excerpt from Leah Fortson's "Take Two" was like meeting a very witty friend for coffee; I found myself smiling, nodding my head, and losing track of time.

There are many funny lines in this excerpt, but the story is not jokey or shallow. Early on, you realize that the humor and the breezy tone of "Take Two," are anchored by real insight and intelligence.

Meet Wygenia Iriving, a woman just shy of 30 who is thinking that it may be time to panic. By outside standards, "Wy" has got it all (the condo, the BMW, the high-salary job, and the handsome boyfriend) but she feels that she's not living up to her life's purpose. It would be easy if Wy knew what was missing and then spent the rest of the novel looking for it. The problem is, she doesn't know what's lacking. Fortson summarizes her bind:

"But I couldn't just up and quit my job to go 'find myself.' Life's little ironies: I was doing too well to go do what I wanted. Whatever that might be. I just wished I could shake the feeling that, somewhere along the way, I let a decision happen to me."

A good heroine--and Wy is just that--is one on a quest. If Wy's own growing dissatisfaction with her life is not enough to launch that quest, she has the added goad of a doting and demanding mother. Nothing like having your biggest champion and your biggest critic be the same person. In fact, the novel opens on the simmering comic tension between Wy and Dorothy Johnson Irving. Dorothy's presence in her daughter's affairs guarantees that Wy's life of quiet desperation will, at the very least, not be quiet for long.

In Chapter 2, we get a brief introduction to Didi Stein, a character who is also desperately trying to escape her comfortable life. Although Didi and Wy are both well-drawn and sympathetic, one gets the sense that Fortson launched the novel with her "A" character and Didi is her respectable "B."

Many people in their early 30's are trapped in the same prisons of routine that Wy and Didi find themselves in. It seems there would be a large audience for a book that describes how two smart, educated, ambitious women try to get their lives out of Neutral. I'm surprised that "Take Two" hasn't already been published.

Miss Fortson has created a well written, humorous "Coming of Almost Middle Age" story. Although her leading ladies have very similar issues, they have very specific voices. Take Two is a relevant, entertaining read that most people, of a certain age, can relate to.
This story seems to capture a basic element that many like it have missed, honesty.

Leah Fortson's TAKE TWO is funny from the very first line to the last. Her comedic excellence is matched by credible dialogue. I recommend this sophisticated work to readers who enjoy a good read and a good laugh.

Izzy Heller

Ms. Fortson has created a gem of a story - from the little bit that we get to read. Funny, witty, and oh-so-familiar to many of us. The infamous relationship with one's mother, boyfriend, job....The perennial question: what am I doing with my life? I particularly enjoyed how Ms. Fortson uses a style of writing that is so descriptive and detailed that you feel like you're in the scene, watching it unfold, smelling the perfume, serving the guests, etc. This is a book that I can imagine sitting down and reading cover to cover because I already want to know what unfolds and how it ends. I can't wait to read more. This one is certainly a keeper!

I was instantly immersed in the characters' lives. I can't wait to read more. Write on!

Norbert's obsession in the first part of this excerpt with the tilted angle of his psychiatrist's tie is a great introduction to this character, as it allows us to see that he is not quite a normal guy.

The second bit of information about this character, that he can't tolerate the thought of being outside in the daylight, is equally interesting. I like the way Norbert's imagination runs away with him as he imagines stepping onto his driveway at high noon and the things that could happen.

I also liked the guided visualization, the way that Norbert's mind keeps wanting to add distressing things to his peaceful walk, and Norbert's and his psychiatrist's attempts to overcome this urge.

Floyd's irritation with his ex-girlfriend and with the conference call he is connected to from home is clear and interesting, but I had no idea during the call how this character's life had anything to do with Norbert's life, so I wasn't sure how much Floyd's story mattered until the first scene of him had passed.

Norbert's paranoia after leaving Dr. Z's office and smoking up in his car is well written and vivid. One thing that bothered me--if Norbert is so socially phobic that he can't leave the house until it's dark and is horrified at the thought of a message on his answering machine, how does he get all of the marijuana he smokes?

I liked Norbert's character; I thought he was strange and amusing, and I'd like to follow his progress, or lack thereof, as he continues therapy and perhaps starts to participate more in life.

and I knew this was going to be good. At the point where Norbert is imagining his walk and describing it to the doctor, I didn't stop laughing. The author's voice was felt in the honest humor, and I was pleasantly surprised at the things he imagined. This was quick-paced fun and I really look forward to reading the whole thing.

Unloading Norbert by S. Freele opens with a therapy session between Norbert and Dr. Z (Zolnay). Norbert is trying his hand at visualizing a pleasant evening walk, but it keeps getting interrupted by Japanese tourists, cops looking for his weed, a witch on a broom, jelly donuts and a dependable bulldozer.

This scene is thick with subdued humor while at the same time demonstrates just how oppressing agoraphobia can be, even in the 'safe' confines of one's mind.

We next meet Floyd, Norbert's brother, a Personnel Director who has just found out, due to a merger, he'll have to reapply to his job or take a severance package. While his actions during this scene give a sense that he is far more normal than Norbert, one can also see that he has some unusual tendencies as well. Again, the comedy was nicely integrated without being overbearing or unnatural.

From beginning to end, this excerpt is well written and well constructed. Norbert is the picture perfect agoraphobe, recluse. However, his tendency to smoke a lot of weed seems a little counterintuitive for someone already suffering from anxiety issues. I hope this is fleshed out more.

I look forward to seeing the relationship between brothers, as well as Norbert's continued (and pleasantly comical) endeavor to overcome or better cope with his disorder.

I really couldn't find much wrong with this excerpt. It grabbed my interest from the beginning, and held it throughout. Norbert and Floyd are almost charicatures of someone we all might know, making them likeable and interesting, and compelling us to want to know more about them.

The writer does a good job explaining Norbert's anxiety without mucking up the story and dialogue with too many crazy distractions.

The writing is crisp and clean and the storyline seems well thought out. I really enjoyed reading about Norbert. I hope I can read the rest soon.

Poor Norbert--all he wants to do is stay home, hang out with his cat....But, he's got to do something to keep the drugs and the catfood coming in. When his employer gives him the ultimatum, he's gone outside to the shrink's office.

His brother's got a problem, too. Looks like "Catbert's" in charge of his HR Department. Floyd's got to re-apply for his job in HR. The stress of that might get him a spot next to Norbert on Dr. Z's couch.

If you have a twisted sense of humor, this is probably going to be another excerpt you are going to love. Dr. Z's 'reflective' questioning got to me in places, but "Norbert's" still good and guaranteed for a chuckle or four.

Congrats to Stephanie Freele on her ABNA Top 100 position and best of luck to her with Norbert's story.

I do not want to discourage this very fine writer. There is much to be admired here, from the well-drawn central character to the interesting predicaments and desires of the homeless. However, this excerpt has many basic problems. Look at this passage: "She had jaundiced, bloodshot eyes, skin that shone like maple had been poured down over it. From cap to bell-bottom corduroys, she was clad all in beige. If her shoes were another color, you couldn't tell. They were hidden beneath the bell bottoms." The "skin that shone like maple" is wonderful, but "jaundiced, bloodshot eyes" does not reach the same level of close looking. The third sentence of the passage is unnecessary, and there is quite a bit of this type of excess. With plenty of work, this novel could go somewhere.

This is a gorgeous opening chapter, honest writing with real characters. I'm drawn in right away, and although I want to keep rereading this chapter, I'm anxious to learn what's next, in store for Brina and her family. I'm a fan of Darlin's work, have read more of this book and it's stunning throughout.

The first thing that's obvious about Darlin Neal's writing is that she knows exactly what she's doing. She is the god of this creation and she is not only an interested god, but she is fierce and protective of every star and atom of her universe. A novel about a family down on its luck, homeless and wondering in search of both past and future, is not a world that can be created convincingly without a lifetime of authorial light. There are thousands of books about family sagas that are gathering dust and mold in libraries across the world. So what is it about this book that turns lightning bugs into lightning bolts? Character, of course. The reader has to believe, has to give over their imagination, surrender their will to the author's and take the journey into the souls of this motherless brood: the woeful dad and the stepmother, Edie, the children Ben, the baby, Ariel, and the center of the circle, Brina, the daughter whose moods understandably teeter between hope and despair.

In creating such convincing characters (and this is true of setting, as well), the author is responsible for keeping the precarious balance. Too much detail at once is stultifying; too little is elliptical. Darlin Neal has the deft touch that a master painter should in creating character, setting, and conflict: a dab here, a stroke there, a slash, a dot, whatever is needed to complete a portrait that offers her unique view of the world peopled by her imagination. Another element the author has to balance is objectivity. Authorial intrusion, where the reader becomes too aware of a subjective bias, is anathema to verisimilitude.It is as if the author has jumped on one end of the teeter-totter they are trying to balance, and in the process spilling all on board, including the readers' suspension of disbelief. While I have only this excerpt to judge, it is obvious to me that the balance will be maintained in this novel. I suspect Blessed Are will not only be published, but will garner accolades from both literati and the casual reader.

This author zooms us into Brina's world in the first sentence, a world of uncertainty and fear and love. The family stays together no matter what, and the obstacles are huge. Their desperation is clear in the details. In brief glimpses of Brina and Ben, we see children who have the clear voices of their age, but the actions of adults to protect each other in their world of nothing. Ben offers his nine year old shoulder to his sister while they wait at the hospital. Brina expresses her fear of the worst about the baby's condition as if she's the mother. This excerpt was vivid and made the family's situation crystal in few words. I was disappointed to run out of story.

What is immediately clear from the outset of "Blessed Are" is that the protagonist, Brina a young, homeless girl on the road with her family, is going break your heart. With deft descriptions of the down and out this story of a ramshackle family searching for normalcy, will break your heart, but it will also uplift--because you will know that against all odds, Brina will survive. I applaud the author for showing the part of America rarely seen these days--the reality of the poor. In reading this excerpt you realize that even though decades have passed since "Yonnodio" and "The Grapes of Wrath"--for the American underclass life is still the same struggle. This is a story that must be told and I would definitely read on.

This book has beautiful illustrations. My son is 7 months old and he reaches out to grab at the pages. The illustrations are so colorful and bright. It has a cute story as well.

I gave this as a gift a few years ago and the kids still love it and count it as a favorite. I recently gave it to another child as a gift, but will have to wait to find out how they like it as they are not yet born.

I first discovered this book at the library. I liked it so much that I've checked it out multiple times and have now purchased it.

Kate Banks' writing is a parent telling a story to a child. The words are soothing, but become more poetic with each reading.
Georg Hallenleben's art fills the page and takes you into the imagination of the writer.

I am a new mom and have received lots of books as gifts. I buy books used or on clearance as I see them. This is the first book I have purchased for my son at full price - I love it and would recommend as my top choice to anyone. I like it for naps.

This book is one of my daughter's favorite bedtimes stories and mine. The little tiger is adorable and I love how all the illustrations complement the storyline. I absolutely LOVE this book and recommend it highly.

The beautiful illustrations and words of comfort help our two children, ages 2 and 4, at bedtime. The baby tiger expresses his fears of bedtime while mommy tiger provides words to calm and soothe.