Sarah

Started and finished this book in 5 1/2 hours - couldn't put it down! I was incredibly fascinated by the world the author creates in this novel. It's one that is so far in the future and yet starkly more primitive than that of today, where the privileged and poor are pitted against one another in order for the government to remain powerful and unchecked. Katniss Everdeen is unlike any 16 year old female character I've encountered. The scenarios faced by Katniss and the other main characters are frankly horrific at times, especially considering it's all for sport and as a reminder of the government's power (read the book to find out more). The ending definitely left me ready for the next book to see where the story leads next.

Honest and convicting read truly exuding Chan's love for the Lord and for people to know and love the Lord in a genuine way. This would be a great read for any believer wanting to think more deeply through what it means to live out having a crazy love for God. I appreciated Chan's exhortations to avoid complacency and blunt challenges to live a life that actually serves to glorify the Lord and point others to Christ. Some of the theology seemed shaky, which is the only caveat I would give anyone reading this book; however, this book is still a worthy read giving me much to continue thinking through even after finishing it.

Incredibly practical. Borrowed this book from the library but will definitely be buying to have as a reference. This book will serve as a great resource as our almost two year old son gets older. My husband started reading the book and kept saying all throughout how he wanted to take time to do the exercises himself, and I felt the same way. Will be recommending this book to other boy moms!

Lemony Snicket can do no wrong. As depressing and gloomy as the story lines may be, Snicket has an entertaining and dry (humor) style that makes for an interesting read. I read most of the books in this series in middle school and still enjoy them as a 23-year-old graduate student. In this book, in particular, I love the elements of absurdity incorporated into the Baudelaire's “prism of experience” at the boarding school. Sunny, a baby, is forced to serve as secretary to the vice-principal. The three children are provided with abysmal housing in the form of the orphan shack, infested with tan fungus and toe-biting crabs. Onto #6!

I did enjoy this book but felt like I had no clue what was going on for a lot of the book. People would ask me what the book is about, and I found myself unsure of what to say really. It is an interesting and easy read, but I don't think I would want to read this book again. Perhaps I need to check out other books by him to get a better feel for his novels overall.