Nevada Books

At first I didn't know if I was going to like this book, but all of the sudden I was just sucked into it. This book does not end like a normal book you would read, it isn't one of those books that you know how it is going to end, it kept me sucked in until the very end. And it still seems like it should have another sequel.

"Grizzly" is one of those books-- if it's hot you sweat, and if it is cold you need a blanket. It makes you feel like you are there. The only thing I didn't like about this book was the way the characters talked. The thing that made it difficult to read was the slang.

Will Reed was the reason this book was so good. Will fought for what he believed in. Sometimes he fought the Americans and sometimes he fought the Mexicans, but no matter what side he was fighting for, Will fought for the rights of everyone's freedom.

When I read this book I just couldn't put it down! I don't like frontier books but this one was just amazing. It teaches you a very valuable lesson and will have you hanging on every last page. The ending is to die for! Everyone should read this book!

This was the first Stephen King book that I ever read. I saw it at a 2nd hand store and figured for $5 I couldn't go wrong. Well I have to say when I opened it that night after work I could not put it down! This book was amazing! The intese details paint a perfect picture. Definately a good read.

Once again a novel about the classic battle of good vs. evil, but King (as usual) does a good job of coming up with original material. This keeps the reader involved, as the suspense comes from trying to figure out just what/what the bad guy is and what he wants.

That said, even when writing a horror book about the unreal, it is not justifiable to throw all logic out the window, and sadly King forgets logic in both the details and the overall plot.

For instance, in one scene a main character is looking at a WALLET-sized photograph and is able to clearly identify not only three men, and the baseball cap that one of them is wearing, but also the name of the club on a sign behind them. If this isn't bad enough, it should be mentioned that the photograph is 30 years old. (I guess they don't make photos like they used to.)

Flaws in the plot are also clumsy: in another scene hero David makes another one of the main characters empty his pockets to make sure that the guy isn't carrying any "evil rocks". But when does he do this? Not after another lady is found with evil rocks, when it would be logical. Instead, the pockets are emptied in fact much later: RIGHT AFTER David declares that this guy has had a "change of heart" and is now certainly on the good side.

Most embarrassing is the overall theme. All through the book, the main characters all determine that "God must be cruel" to let so many people die in the town. But on the last page of the book, it is once and for all decided that "God is love". What happened during this time for the main characters to change their minds? The evil guy decides to let the main characters escape, but God commands them to destroy the evil guy, which leads to the death of 2 of the main characters in the process.

Flaws aside, overall the book is entertaining. However, in between the action, King for some reason has some of the narrative recounted by hero David (who tells the background story after seeing it in a vision) rather than just having flashbacks in the story. This leads to a book that would be equivalent to a fast-paced action movie that is inexplicably interupted up by 10-minute sequences of dialogue.

Above all, the book is poorly written. The plot is formulaic and forgettable. The author's attempt to be suspenseful and scary fell flat. I'm not a Stephen King reader but I was sorely disappointed by this book.

This was King at one of his best. I loved the book and think anyone who likes Stephen King will love this book. As my title states, if you don't like this book then your are simple not a Stephen King fan...

This book wasn't too scary, but it was wonderfully suspenseful. Gory, gruesome and yet beautifully spiritual - a weird mix and yet it worked so good. I read the last page and felt satisfied, like after Thanksgiving dinner.

There is a lot of discussion regarding the veracity of this book which if important to you should be a consideration. I cannot comment on how accurate any of the writing is as my only knowledge of this subject comes from this book.

What this book does offer is a short and easy to read storyline regarding the lives of MIT students who took many casinos, most prominently in Las Vegas, for considerable money with a team effort card counting system for Blackjack. This book does not go into significant depth on card counting and jumps around slightly regarding the narration from the protagonist's point of view to chapters on the author's actual research.

The book as a whole is interesting and will be an enjoyable read for anyone looking for an interesting storyline without any of the expectations of noteworthy insider secrets of gambling and card counting. The writing style, while not the most articulate, provides effortless reading as I expect the author's intent was to provide a book for the masses.

If you are looking to get a little insight into how the big money card counters make their money and the lifestyle and potential dangers they encounter, you will find this book is both worthwhile and enjoyable.

the book was naturally a lot more detailed than the movie. they changed a lot about the characters in the movie. if you read the book and then watch the movie afterwords, you will probably be disappointed.

Winning gambling strategies, including counting cards, are mostly a tedious grind, so making it fast-paced and glamorous takes an art. The book is hard to put down as you keep waiting for these students to make a mistake and get caught.

The one question I kept asking myself as I was reading the book was if any of these MIT mathematical whiz kids would have lived to tell this story if organized crime was still operating the casinos instead of big corporations.

Brilliant book about an almost brilliant idea.

I read this book for my monthly book club. This book was a fast read and the characters and plot was an interesting development. I still can't believe that this is a true story!

I'm definitely looking forward to the movie to see if it lives up to the expectations that the book has already set.

You know the phrase that cheating doesn't really amount to anything except in this case when the card counting teams from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) organize, rehearse, and prepare to take money from casinos whether Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or the casino boat in Chicago, Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods in Connecticut. Sadly, the book is really for people who enjoy gambling at the casinos like myself. I'm not a high roller. In fact, I'm so far down on the todem pole of rollers that I barely qualify for comps at all. Anyway, the book is a lot more interesting than I thought it would be only because I am fond of playing card games. I just think that the whole idea of card counting and these teams ruin and take away the fun of the sport. Unlike Poker, blackjack can be beatable if you know the system. Then again, it still takes away the fun of playing. Yes, you lose money but you have to be prepared to lose when you walk in the door. Gambling is chance and randomness rolled into one. The house or casino takes their cut and they are going to always have a heads up. When I read about how the kids began to live double lives, I felt sorry for them. I felt sorry for Mickey Rosa, the MIT genius who brought the teams together and trained them. They decide to go without him and if I was on the team, I would have left at that point. Enough was never enough for the players, they wanted more. They got off the adrenaline and high of beating the house at times. The players were more like actors than players. When I go to a casino, I don't expect anything but to break even or lose some money. I don't expect to get it back but that's the fun. If this book has a lesson, it's enjoy the game and stop worrying about cheating and card counting. The house managers know better and they have security, pit bosses, and cameras everywhere. They follow the high rollers for a reason especially if the house is losing. By following the high rollers, they know what they like and if they are going to gamble thousands at a time, they are profitable to the house. Everybody uses everybody in gambling and casino industry. Gambling like prostitution has been around since the beginning of time. If you can control your gambling habit, you are better off. Don't spend a lot of money or worry too much about the cards. You are there to enjoy the game and pray for the chance to win some money. Don't bet your life savings, your house, your car, your children's college fund, your savings, or your plane tickets because you won't see it again. The house doesn't care if you go broke as long as you do it there.

to please. Everyone LOVES Harry Bosch and we can NEVER get enough of him and his adventures. This takes us away from Harry and the result is just as pleasing. Cassie Black is an ex-con trying to go straight. She is lured back into a final caper and things go very bad. Character development is good and the plot gets your blood pumping. We will all have more Harry soon enough. Great Summer Read!!

I've read about 8 or 10 Connelly books and have liked them. For me, Michael Connelly is someone I can grab off a shelf and be sure I'll enjoy it. Not this one, though. After 120 pages of very detailed writing of a woman getting back into her criminal ways - how to set up the scam she will commit - I gave up on this one. The beginning shows how bored she is while trying to live the straight and narrow and the writing is, well, boring. I guess that was the point, but come on!
I won't give up on his books because this one wasn't to my liking.

Having read all the Harry Bosh novels to date, I was pleasently surpirsed with VOID MOON. Connely should write more non-Bosch novels!

The author writes this one with a real sense of urgency as far as the characters are concerned and to use the old cliche 'page turner' is very appropriate.

I'm a B I G fan of Matt Helm and Travis McGee, and have always thought that Harry Bosch came in a VERY distant third. Connelly shows that he has the stuff of a great mystery writer with VOID MOON.

"Void Moon" is Michael Connelly's ninth book, and was first published in 2000. It's only his third book not to feature Harry Bosch, giving a starring role to Cassie Black instead. However, Cassie is a little different to Connelly's other heroes - instead of a cop, a lawyer, a retired fed or a journalist operating on the 'right side' of the law, Cassie is an ex-con currently on parole.

When we meet her, Cassie is working in a car dealership on LA's Sunset Boulevard. Although she spent time in prison in Nevada, she managed to have her parole transferred to LA and knows she was lucky to get the job. She suspects it's because the boss - Ray Morales - hopes their relationship will move beyond the professional. Her parole is due to run for two years and, although she's on minimun supervision and she has a very likeable parole officer in Thelma Kibble, Cassie is starting to get a little twitchy.

Cassie's past is only given away gradually : exactly what she was convicted for, who Max was and what happened to him and why a five year old girl called Jodie Shaw is so important. Cassie has been keeping a close eye on the Shaw family, and it's their proposed move to Paris that (apparently) causes Cassie's twitchiness. She's maybe a little too honest with Thelma in a parole meeting, even (foolishly) asking about the possibility if seeing out her parole in France. When it's made clear that isn't going to happen, her decision is made : one last job, with a big enough dividend to disappear on. She's barely out of her meeting with Thelma before she's on the phone to her old contact DH Reilly. DH (as in Dog House) is actually the Leo Renfro's alias and is someone she had worked closely with in the past. He had also practically raised his step-brother, Max. Roughly two weeks after Cassie makes contact with Leo, he gets back in touch with her : he's managed a identify a job that matches her requirements. Unfortunately, it sees her return to a place she'd never have wanted to see again : Las Vegas. Her problems with Vegas aren't limited to personal, however - her new assignment throws up quite a few professional difficulties also.

A very enjoyable book, and - with both Cassie and Thelma Kibble - two very likeable characters. (In fact, both have been given very small cameos in subsequent Harry Bosch books). Cassie presents two mysteries, in a way - her current job and her past life...in particular, why the Shaw family is so important to her. Connelly has been one of the best mystery writers of recent years, and "Void Moon" is no disappointment - very much recommended.

Wow. I've been slowly catching up on Connelly's older novels as I was "late" to the dance and only discovered him around 2002 or so. This guy can certainly spin a yarn. Here he has us taking sides with one crook over another. Talk about a departure from the Harry Bosch police procedural stereotype! Wonderful novel. My review is actually for the unabrided audiobook on cassette tape but Amazon doesn't list the title so I'm writing it here. Great performance by LJ Ganser. He did good with the female inflection and later in the audio performance he did great with the little girl's voice inflection. These little things made the audio performance really shine in the world of audiobooks. Fantastic! I'm a fan of the Harry Bosch series but some of my very favorite Connelly novels are departures FROM the series. Like this one, for example. Oh yeah, and Blood Work too. Gravy for the brain!

Coming from a person who dabbled in ultra marathons a decade ago, Dean has motivated me to make the jump from the mundane marathon to the longer races again. This book would not let me put it down, and I ended up reading it in one long session (and I'm not a fast reader). I have a fear of jumping from the 100K to the 100 mile race due to running at night and Dean told the story of how difficult it is to achieve the 100 mile limit and beyond. I'm amazed that you can make money doing what you love and admire him for doing it. Now there is a role model (not your role of the mill).

This book is life changing and is a must read for everyone. The Ultramarathon Man took me from 195lbs and having high Cholesterol to 165lbs and low Cholersterol. I went from couch potatoe to running Marathons and Ultra marathons all in a 2 year period. This book was the most inspiring and life changing thing that has ever happened to me. Please read it so you can see what I'm talking about.

Very familiar with Karnazes' resume from Outside mag and others, but never picked up this book because it seemed to be fluffy redux of other material. I was incredibly wrong. Written in plain style, the content is inspiring and downright belivable. No superhuman motivational stuff, just lots of get-down-to-business material about taking on challenges and having a fighting spirit. I was very surprised how much I liked this book and look forward to more like this.

I found this book to be inspiring.
The writing is not necessarily professional caliber, but I did not find it bad.... better than many other athlete written books.

And to address a criticism from other reviews-- the book is autobiographical. Of course it is about Dean, and what Dean has done. The book would be a failure if it were about ultramarathons as a separate entity... if you wanted that, why turn to an autobiographical book by a specific ultramarathon runner?

Dean may not be the BEST ultramarathoner, but he has brought much more attention to the sport and found a way to make a living doing what he loves. You have to admire that!

I couldn't put this book down! I found myself staying up way too late because I didn't want to stop reading this book. It's an easy read, and for anyone that runs or has ever thought about running Dean's stories are inspirational.

*The Innocent* is a fast-paced thriller that'll make you read through fast and before you know it, you're done.

Matt Hunter has paid for his crime, which was really an accident. A young college man was killed during their brawl. With trying to move on, he has a new life with his pregnant wife and a good secure job.

However, before he knows it, he receives a picture, on his cell, of his wife, who is currently out of town, in a compromising situation with a man. While trying to reach his wife, he soons finds himself on the run from two childhood friends, both of them in law enforcement. At the same time, a nun has been contacted Matt's sister-in-law.

Just who is the man in the picture? And why would his wife jeopardize their marriage? Why are his 2 childhood friends after him? Who is this nun that contacted his sister-in-law? How are they all connected? Thanks to his stint in prison, he's able to block out his emotions, rely on his survival skills and get to the bottom of this mess.

Definitely a nail-biting thriller. I liked all aspects of this thriller except one character, whom I felt was wasteful. Matt visits this particular character in secrecy. When Matt feels trapped, he goes to this character for help but is turned away. So, this particular character is really useless in the storyline. Other than that, it's still a good thriller.

This was the first of Harlan Coben's books that I read. I truly enjoyed reading the book from beginning to end. This is one of those books that I wish didn't end.

This book follows the typical Coben formula, a regular guy who gets falsly accused of a crime and his fight to save his family and clear himself. As usual, this is a complicated novel with many twists. I listened to this one on CD, and I recommend reading most of Coben's books so that it can sink in a little better. I found myself getting lost listening to it on CD. Coben's books are so complex and intricate that you really need to pay attention to every detail. I almost feel like taking notes so that I dont miss anything! Overall, another satisfying triller from the master.

Harlan Coben never lets me down. Everything I've read from this author so far has really kept me guessing and turning those pages. That is the sign of a truly great writer of fiction.

I've read some not so favourable reviews of Harlan Coben novels, some stating that his books are too unbelievable and contrived. But that's the nature of the genre and fiction in general. "Fiction" means 'not real'. It also equates to stories being larger than life and rather neatly panned out. If they were too like real life, many stories would probably be rather dull and boring. Fiction books are like movies. They are the same thing, only in written form rather than visuals and sound.

It's all about entertainment and Harlan Coben delivers this, without fail, every single time.

How To Keep Your Man: And Keep Him For Good

Real Life Dramas - Volume One

Darren G. Burton

This paperback was designed for comfortable reading, which it was with it's larger print. With my aging eyes, I really liked that. The story itself was far from comfortable. Matt Hunter has been out of prison for a few years now; long enough to fall in love, get married, his wife is pregnant, and he is a well paid paralegal with a law degree. Then it all starts to fall apart when he gets a call from his wife's cell phone with a video of her in a motel room with another man. Then a nun who was just murdered had placed a 6 minuete phone call to his sister-in-law's house.

You'll have to decide if Matt deserved to go to prison in the first place for the event that changed his life forever. I was not able to tie it all together until the very end; Coben did a great job with this murder mystery. You will not believe the twists and turns in this one as it crosses state lines from Nevada to New Jersey.

This was a good, fast, and nail biting read. In the end only you can decide who is "The Innocent" and probably someone you know who reads this story will not agree with you.

Yes, this is a more gruesome and difficult book to read than any thus far in the Irene Kelly series. But, it was one that I found myself compelled to read. The level of intensity never let up. Oh maybe there would be a short lull where the intensity went from 10 (out of 10) to 8, but then its right back up there again. And never, til the very end of the book, did I feel completely secure that all would end well enough.

Its a brutal read, there's no questioning that, IMO. But its so very well-written and the new characters (and several we've come to love) are so interesting. The storyline requires the reader to pay attention at all times. This is not a lazy read. It's an intelligent, sometimes painful, but definitely compelling and entertaining book. There was a sense of accomplishment (and some relief) when I finished it.

Much like a roller-coaster ride, its can be horrifying, but strangely exhilarating, too. Read it and find out for yourself.

Don't miss one of Jan Burke's Irene Kelly stories. They are wonderfully crafted and hard to put down.

[***** = breathtaking, **** = excellent, *** = good, ** = flawed, * = bad]

... heroine is stranded in the wilderness with the serial killer. Longer review at ImpatientReader-dot-com.

In 2002, my brother gave me a gift certificate to Amazon.com. I decided to shop for some books and stumbled on Bones by an author I had never heard of before. The premise of the book sounded good and I decided to take the plunge and buy it.

This started a love affair with Jan Burke and everything she has written that lasts to this day. What an amazing storyteller. I have read them all, loved them all and of the hundreds of books I have read, hers are some of my treasured few that I keep to reread again and again.

Bones is still my favorite of hers and can stand alone as a great book even though her character Irene Kelly stars in books before this one. The plot was really good, the character development amazing - I really came to know these people and care about them - and suspense was terrific. Overall, the book was really fantastic and a truly great read.

I read this book on the strength of its Edgar Award, and while I thought it was a very good book, I would not say that it was "not put down-able" since it took me a solid two weeks to read...meaning that I put it down a lot.

Here is the basic premise, longtime Jan Burke protagonist Irene Kelly and a notorious serial killer are included on an expedition bound for the burial grounds of one of his victims. The serial killer is actually allowed out of prison to lead this expedition. The expedition includes a dozen (plus) forensic experts, forest rangers, and sheriffs/guards. Enough of a security force that one would assume they'd all be safe. Bad assumption, the whole expedition heads south rather quickly and that's what the rest of the book is about.

Jan Burke has a real knack for turning out memorable phrases and she has the requisite plot twists that maintain a good interest level.

Recommended for all mystery lovers. I certainly enjoyed the book and based on that, will go back and read some of the books that came before Bones.

I'm sorry, I just found this book just a bit short of silly. And I am a western fan. The character development was shallow and the story line predictible while at the same time unrealistic. If you want a book on philosophy there are ones that are much better.

The inhabitants of a ranching community get up a posse to go after a band of rustlers who are thought to have stolen cattle and committed a murder. The small number of men who try to act reasonably and thoughtfully are easily swept aside by those who are ruled by their passions, leading to disastrous results.

Walter Van Tilburg Clark is a wonderful writer who has produced a powerful novel that succeeds in every way. His simple, evocative language brings the Old West to life. His characters speak with distinctive, authentic voices. Most importantly, the novel is very astute about mob psychology as it depicts the ebb and flow of the men's passions through the final tragedy in the pitiless morning sunlight to the aftermath of guilt and regret. This classic story still has much of value to say about the danger of retribution unchecked by law.

This classic western takes a raw and realistic look at frontier justice and mob mentality. Author Walter Van Tilburg Clark (1909-1971) shows how easy it is to be caught up in the mentality of a howling mob with its inherent peer pressure, not to mention the difficulty and often danger of trying to reason with or stand up to such a mob. The OX-BOW INCIDENT involves of group of westerners in 1885 that turn to vigilantism after hearing that their friend has been killed by cattle rustlers. The men form a posse and ride out of town determined to avenge this despicable crime. The posse soon comes across three men that may be the perpetrators, but the evidence is far from certain. At this point the vengeful posse becomes a kangaroo court - despite some dissent - disdaining judges and the court system, not to mention the idea of taking their captives back to town to stand trial. Instead the mob simply hangs their captives from the nearest trees. Sometime after this rash act this vigilante group discovers that they've indeed done wrong.

I gave this solid 1940 novel just four stars because it drags a bit in places, but it carries a very valuable message. The OX-BOW INCIDENT was soon adapted into a very good 1943 movie with Henry Fonda, Dana Andrews and Anthony Quinn.

THE OX-BOW INCIDENT is a classic tale. It also is a classic Western, and because the Western is so central to American culture, THE OX-BOW INCIDENT surely is more important -- more "classic", if you will -- for Americans than for others. To be sure, at times the writing is somewhat dated, but that "flaw" is negligible. The cast of characters (at least 20) is very finely drawn, with only one (the uncouth town drunk Monty Smith) tending overly towards a stock portrayal. By and large, the psychology underlying the characters is astute. And there is some very fine writing of scenes, especially the one a quarter into the novel of the weather changing and the storm coming on. But the reason to read the novel, even if you have seen the movie, is for the story. It was powerfully presented in the movie, but is even more powerfully presented in the book.

My one and only complaint or reservation has to do with the last chapter. It is superfluous. I suppose that the two additional deaths contained in that chapter and Davies' "confession" tend to make the book more of a Greek tragedy, but that's not really necessary: this is a quintessential American tragedy, and it doesn't need any retribution or retrospective moralizing.

An aside on the subject of lynching, which is at the dramatic center of the book. Like the Western, lynching is a peculiarly American phenomenon. It is a blot on our history, but one we should remember, not repress. The best book documenting the horrors of lynching in America -- a book that should be much more widely known and circulated -- is "Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America."

Off hand I can only think of a few Western novels that have transcended their genre to become classics, and share with the world what all great art does; that being a universality of it's story and relevance no matter when or where. Shane, The Searchers, The Lonesome Dove books and certainly much of Frank Norris and Cormac McCarthy's work. I know there is more than these, but I am not a constant Western reader.
Having said this, The Ox-Bow Incident joins that bunch, as a compelling novel of hysteria, aggression, moral confusion, the Outlaw spirit, American masculine relationships and the folly of vengeance and vigilantism.
While other reviews may describe the story, I'd rather point out that it is a fairly simple one, simply presented and concluded. What stands out though is the characters and the depth to which Clark creates them. Sure there are standard cowboys, tough and grim-faced, but most of the characters suffer, whether in confusion, drunkeness, cold, moral despair, aimlessness, boredom or even arrogance, bullishness and myopia; territory I don't associate with Western lore/myth.
The lesson of The Ox-Bow Incident is timeless, and most important today, whether it be on a schoolyard, in gang territories, our criminal justice system itself or geo-politcs.

another great read from hopking... i have loved everything she has writen. stories that are good and could be real..very realistic hitting on real life issues

I started reading this book last night and I just finished it 90 minutes ago...I could not put it down...I instantly fell in love with the characters (well not all). It may not leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, but it's a great read.

Ellen Hopkins has yet again created another masterpiece that is both touching and thrilling. This book creates images of a story that people can relate to and see happening in our every day lives. It takes place in a Mormon family where a woman's only role is to have as many children as she can (mostly boys), take care of them and please her husband - even if it means getting beaten!

In Pattyn's (the main characters)world, she has never known true freedom until her father catches her with a boy (that isn't Mormon) and after a series of dilemas, is sent to live with her Aunt J whom has never gotten along with her brother, Pattyn's father.

The story continues at Pattyn's finds love, hatred, pain, and the harsh sides of her own reality and the one person she truly loves... This heart warming story will live you in tears or close to them. Enjoy!

I bought Burned and didn't expect much to come out of the book, man was i wrong!!! I got a few pages into the book and was hooked, i loved this book and finished it in 2 days. It's a wonderful book and i suggest that everyone read it.

This was possibly the greatest book I have ever read. Dispite my useraname I am a boy of 14 and i cried like a baby at the end. Being jewish I think this book really opened my eyes to the life of mormon families ( not all of course). In a nutshell, amazing storyline, grat writing, depressing ending. YAY

This book is pornographic, plain and simple. We feel that now is the time for all books to be rated so that readers, parents and educators can be made aware of the age-appropriateness and the content that each book contains. Let the writers write what the wish, but don't taylor such garbage as this to a pre-teen. This material is very unsuitable for anyone less than 18 years of age. It not only contains profane laguage describing genitalia, but it describes sex acts such as intercouse, oral stimulation and acts of self gratification. KEEP THIS BOOK OUT OF THE HANDS OF OUR CHILDREN!!!!

Diamond Dog by Alan Watt was an attention-grabbing book. The book is about a young boy named Neil Garvin who kills another young boy named Ian Curtis. Neil panics after killing Ian and throws him into the trunk of his father's car who is the town's sheriff. The book takes a real spin from there. FBI agents are called in to investigate the disappearance of Ian Curtis, father son turmoil stirs, and a son is wondering about the disappearance of his mother from years back.
Neil is forced to confront his dad about the disappearance of his mother and Ian's body. When he confronts his dad, all of his feelings change and Neil sees the world in a different way.
I thought that this book was alright. It could have been better. The author would do flash backs when flash backs were not needed and confused me if it was from the past or present. The book was also a little graphic. If this book was a movie it would get the rating of "R" for sexual content and use of language. If you want a book to read for your leisure time I would suggest it but I would not suggest it as a family reading.

What can I say about this book? Its one of those things. Not only does the author take us through a journey, but he inhabits the conflict of the characters miraculously. The main character is young, belligerent at some party and has plenty to hide, but when his father gets involved, it really turns into something special. Who didn't have some kind of conflict with their own father? The story speaks to the human condition, but also gives us the heart of an unusual family. One where nothing is quite what it seems. There are surprises throughout the book that are wonderful and sad. I really recommend Diamond Dogs, it was a pleasure to read and I learned something about who I am while reading it.

Diamond Dogs is a small masterpiece that, like Crime and Punishment, operates perfectly as both a crime thriller and a universal tale of redemption. As a crime thriller it is impossible to put down. As a tale of redemption it is unforgettable for its insight and compassion. I heartily recommend it to any serious reader. It also makes a wonderful gift for teenager readers looking something that does not speak down to them. A distinctly American story told by a master craftsman.

A friend of our family's has a daughter in middle school. She happened across this book one day in her school's library in order to read it for Accelerated Reader. When I saw just the first few pages I was so disgusted it almost made me sick. For this book to be in a library where children can read it is totally irresponsible, neglectful, and downright innaprpriate! I gave this book only one star because it would'nt let me give. We REALLY need some sort of a rating system for literature just as we do movies or video games. That way I could teach my child that they could only get books that were appropriate to their age and maturity. It saddens me that this is what we are putting in our children's hands. As if the world isn't scary enough now, we have to make reading a sex ed lesson. Reading is supposed to be an adventure that can relax and teach young readers to enjoy reading. I'm not sure I want my child to learn ANYTHING from this book! Therefore if your reading this trying to decide whether to buy this book for your child i implore you PLEASE PLEASE reconsider or at least get it and read it yourself first.Then if you still think it's ok, then buy it. Thank you