This novel follows the storyline in "Guards! Guards!" and "Men at Arms". I use 'storyline' loosely, because each novel is a stand-alone volume in quirky, highly sarcastic humor.

References range from the classic (Plato's allegory of the cave), to the modern (downsizing).

As a Pratchett fan who has been disappointed with the Discworld volumes from the last 5 years or so (U.S. release dates), the storyline is very satisfying. We continue to see the humanness in the characters, with very modern problems we face (well, perhaps not all of us have a vampire toying around with our life, but I'm starting to suspect...).

The story centers on new-character Dorfl, an old golem. I won't give any spoilers away, but he reminds me of Brutha, tackling themes of religion, the purpose of life, and basically, what makes us human - Even if a lump of baked clay isn't strictly human.

All I have to say is, I alternated between audible chuckles, to satisfying smiles (my favorite), to ohoh, are those tears in my eyes. It's a feel-good book, but lest that turn you off, it's not simplistic Hollywood-style sappy.

If you have never read Pratchett before, here's my recommended list:

The Colour of Magic.
Guards! Guards! -> Men At Arms -> Feet of Clay.
and my personal favorite..
Small Gods.

Imagine a book that is so sinister and gloomy it is disturbingly creepy to read. Imagine a book that has so many deep,hidden themes that you'll be thinking about it for weeks to come. Imagine a book that is so controversial you'll begin to question everything and everyone around you. Now think of the exact opposite and you get Feet of Clay, one of the books in Terry Pratchett's great Discworld series.

This book is simply a great, fun read. It's packed full of good humor and lively characters. Reading this book is actually fun. Where and when better to base a funny book than in the city of Ankh-Morpork in the medieval/fantasy era we all know and love. The book has it all-goblins,dwarfs, dragons and lots more are all brilliantly protrayed and are so brimming with character you can nearly shake their hands (or paws or tentacles....).

Most of the book revolves around the Ankh-Morpork City Watch (police). While Commander Vimes,head of the watch, is trying to unravel the mystery of who's poisoning Lord Vetinari, Corporal Nobbs, a simple officer,has found out he is the Earl of Ankh-Morpork and Cheery Littlebottom, the watches dwarfish alchemist, is starting to show her feminine side. All these and many more plots weave together excellently to form a gripping climax.

However, it's not all fun and games.Like most books there are a few hidden meanings and themes. Most of the themes are religious issues and things like "what defines something as living" and " sould man have the power of life over others". I must point out that this book isn't meant to be full of moral issues and if you're looking for a deep and meaningful book you should look elsewhere.

Pratchett writes in a very 'bouncy'way, it's very lively and i find it very pleasant and refreshing. The speech in Feet of Clay way very natural and not always important to the plot. Lots of the humor in the book is in reading the characters chat( about things like dwarfish table- dancers and paying gargoyles in pigeons).

One thing I noticed is that the book has no chapters. I'm not sure if this is a good thing but it does make the book hard to put down because ther's not definite place to stop.

This is a must read for all fantasy lovers and anyone who wants something to tickle their funny bone. I will definitely read the rest fo the Discworld series now. Feet of Clay is an enthralling, fun novel that will grab you by the eyeballs and wont let go till you're finished it.

Once again Terry Pratchett has written a master work. This story is a dual story. First: The antics of the city watch which consists of zany characters. Think of abbot and Costello meets Frankenstien. Two: the story of what happens when man tries to play god. The city watch must find a killer that is not part of the assasin's guild. This is not good for business allowing non-union members to freelance. Pratchett does a remarkeable job of exploring the Frankenstien myth with a bunch of loose screws. This is a very serious subject that is cut with biting humor. How bad things happen with the best of intentions. Commander Vimes has become one of my favorite characters in the discworld series. Any book he is the main character is on the more serious side in nature, but there is still plenty of humor. Well worth the read.

In "The Fifth Elephant", Terry Pratchett returns to his "Guards of Ankh-Morpork" storyline, last seen in "Feet of Clay", "Men at Arms" and "Guards, Guards". This time, Sam Vimes--Commander of the Watch and the Duke of Ankh-Morpork--is off to neighboring Uberwald to attend the coronation of the Low King. Uberwald, as fans will remember from "Carpe Jugulum", is inhabited by vampires and werewolves. Of course, nothing goes as planned. The Scone of Stone--the traditional "throne" of the Low King--has been stolen, the dwarves are divided over the choice of Low King, and the Watch is on strike.

One of Pratchett's strengths is to make you laugh even as he makes you think. This has been evident in his last several books, especially "Small Gods", and I'm glad he's keeping up the good work. In this book, the questions are many: how do you deal with a werewolf who won't take stop trying to kill you? Should people from different worlds pursue a relationship? Mr. Pratchett even touches on traditional male-female roles (or the lack thereof among dwarves) and the power of faith. Humor is good, but humor that waxes lightly philosophical is even better.

Once an author is turning out a novel a year in a growing series he can be forgiven for getting rather stale. That isn't really a problem with Terry Pratchett: his output can be a bit uneven but overall the Discworld fantasies just seem to be getting better, and "The Fifth Elephant" is one of the best.
The wonderful Sam Vimes - clever, upwardly mobile but basically honest and down-to-earth chief of police of Ankh-Morpork - is sent with his aristocratic wife on a diplomatic mission to troubled realm of Uberwald. Why did the city's ruler Lord Vetinari, a man who could give Machiavelli lessons in deviousness, chose Vimes of all people for this delicate task? What exactly is going on in Uberwald, where the uneasy balance of power between dwarves, werewolves, and vampires seems to be breaking down? All is revealed in a book that is both dark and humorous, engrossing and highly entertaining.
Many of the usual characters we have come to know from the Discworld novels are here, and trying to make the best of an unfamiliar and threatening place and understand the peoples and their politics.
Once again Pratchett is the master not only of plot and character but also of the little aside, the fascinating but not overdone individual, the sly and amusing reference. We learn, for instance, that it is a social blunder to use the word "bath" to an upper-class werewolf when he is in human form, it makes him uncomfortable. We are introduced to a vampire equivalent of AA where members help each other keep off the human blood and get through "vun night at a time". We discover that the Low King of the Dwarves must be crowned sitting on a large, hard item called the great Scone of Stone - a clever one this, referring not only to the durability and lethal solidity of dwarfish bread as explained in previous novels but also to the Stone of Scone (pronounced "Skoon") on which for centuries the kings of Scotland were crowned. And much more...
If you know the characters you will enjoy the book even more, but Pratchett newbies could find a worse place to start than this one.

The Fifth Elephant is the 24th Discworld novel.

In Ankh-Morpork, the Scone of Stone, the Dwarfs' sacred relic, has been stolen, and the director of the rubber factory has just been murdered.

As Sam Vimes is sent on a diplomatic mission to Uberwald for the coronation of the new King of the Dwarfs, and Captain Carrot has gone in search of missing Angua, Lord Vetinari reluctanctly promotes Fred Colon as Captain of the Watch...

Although presented as a novel of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, the action is principally centered on Sam Vimes and his struggle with the not-so-nice werewolves of Uberwald.

With its numerous winks to our own world, as well as the guest appearence of dear characters such as DEATH or Gaspode the Wonder Dog, the Fifth Elephant turns out as funny as I expected a Pratchett novel to be. Definitely a very good read!

This novel was a joy to read. The protagonist and her seven children were likable, the descriptions of Dublin in the 60's were vivid and I especially enjoyed it when Agnes whacked her daughter's schoolteacher, Sister Magdalene, in the face with a cucumber for cutting her daughter's "fringe" (bangs) off. Even better, the judge who hears the assault charges takes Agnes's side, presumably because he could relate to Cathy's dilemma with the nuns.

While I enjoyed the story for what it was, I couldn't help but think of another Irish writer, Roddy Doyle. "The Mammy" had likable enough characters, but they lacked the depth of the characters created by Roddy Doyle. O'Carroll created so many children in the Browne family, but the only ones the reader really got to know were Mark and Cathy. Perhaps if the novel had been a bit longer, we could have followed some of their escapades as well.

All in all, though, the story is a good one. Agnes is tough, loveable, and humorously naive in the ways of the world. She does just fine on her own after her no-good husband, Redser, gets hit my a delivery truck. I will definitely pick up the Chisellers and the Granny to follow the Browne family as they grow up.

I picked up this book when I was looking for something different to read and based solely on the cover blurbs, and was NOT disappointed! This was one of the funniest, sweetest, most charming books I've read in YEARS!!

I began the book on a NYC subway, where I do all my best reading, and was laughing out loud within the first few pages. Now, for those of you not familiar with NYC, the subway is NOT a place where one wants to draw attention to ones self. A woman finally tapped me on the shoulder and asked what book I was reading, she HAD to get it if it was that funny (I hope she did and I hope she's enjoyed it as much as I). By the end of the book I was totally in love with Agnes Browne and her family.

Brendan O'Carroll has a gift for telling a story and he's told a wonderful one in "The Mammy". He weaves sights, sounds, people, and places into an enjoyable tale of a young, widowed mother of seven very different, but all loving, children. He also has something a lot of male writers don't have, a strong feel for women. The conversations between Agnes and Marion are believable, there are things best friends talk about with eachother that they'd NEVER discuss with anyone else. Especially in 1967 Ireland. And O'Carroll has captured it here.

Be warned though...The Mammy is not all laughs. As in real life there are some tears to be shed and you've a cold heart if you don't shed a few for Agnes and her family and friends. But it's the tears that make it all the more real.

I've recommended this book to dozens of people I know (and bought copies for my closest friends) and not a one has been disappointed and they've all thanked me for introducing them to Agnes Browne and her family. Though a few may have grumbled about staying up all night reading it all, because they just HAD to see what was going to happen next!

Do yourself a favor, BUY this book...And if you don't fall in love with Agnes and her brood, then hurry make an appointment with the doctor, because you've obviously misplaced your heart.

How can you laugh at a widow with seven children? When the widow is Agnes Browne, you can! Dublin is the home for Agnes Browne and her family. The cards have fallen and Agnes has so much going against her- her husband's recent death, being a single mother to her seven children, and working long hours selling produce in her stall on Moore Street. But when Agnes finds herself at the bottom of the barrel, she shows her never disputable strength.

When Agnes' best friend, Marion, is faced with tragedy, Agnes is there right by her side.
Agnes takes on her daughter's teacher, when her mothering feathers have been ruffled. No one, not even Sister Magdalen will get away with mistreating one of her children! Agnes is a bit rough around the edges when she is the target for the attention and affection from the French owner of the local pizza parlor. Not surprisingly, Agnes manages to win his affection on her own terms.

Brendan O'Carroll has created characters I will not forget. Any mother who has survived her son going through puberty, must read this book. I laughed so hard I ached! I am looking forward to the next book in this series

I struggled through this aggravating yet breathtaking book, but I don't think very many people can say they've read it and not struggled through it for Faulkner is still experimenting with style, and in this novel, considered by many to be his masterpiece, he does this by writing confusing page-long sentences for which he became famous (or should I say infamous) - this overall effect, combined with Faulkner's overuse of SAT vocabulary, makes the book a hard but worthwhile read; some read it and love every word of it, some read the first fifty pages and say it's "unreadable" - I happened to really enjoy it, but then again, I am a big Faulkner fan, and these sentences I'm writing are written in the same style Faulkner uses in Absalom, Absalom! - so if you think this style is annoying, don't even pick up this book! The story itself is told from a twisted angle: Quentin Compson (yes, the same Quentin Compson from The Sound and the Fury) hears the story of Thomas Sutpen's life and of his desire to forge a dynasty in Jefferson, Missisippi, a desire which failed due to the actions of Sutpen's children and of Sutpen himself - this story is told to Quentin from various different members of the Jefferson community (each account is slightly twisted or bias, and the reader, along with Quentin, is left to patch the "true" story together from the myriad accounts) in an attempt by Faulkner to show how a community tells and twists a story as it passes through the town - Faulkner masterfully succeeds at this, but in doing so, he only gives the reader enough information to just keep the story going, and things happen later in the book that explain the mysteries in the beginning. I recommend this book if you DON'T read for quick, coherent plot development, but rather, if you like hearing stories told in unique ways, if you like figuring out what's happening on your own instead of having everything being told to you up front, if you can stand mile-long, ungrammatically correct sentences, and if you like Faulkner (warning, this is NOT a suitable introduction for a reader who is new to Faulkner), otherwise I recommend you stay away from this book, and if you really want to read Faulkner, start with something easier, like Light in August, or even As I LayDying, then perhaps move on to The Sound and the Fury and finally, when you think you can handle it, challenge yourself and move onto the confusing but rewarding world of Faulkner's most twisted work, Absalom, Absalom!

Absalom, Absalom! is Faulkner's great novel of the rise and fall of the Sutpen dynasty and a great allegory of the rise and fall of the Old South. It should be noted that first of all this is probably Faulkner's greatest and most difficult work.

The book told through three interconnected narratives tells the life story of Thomas Sutpen. The story parallels the rise of the Old South. The narratives are not straight forward and present a constant challenge to the reader. But if the reader does not close the book in despair the rewards are great indeed.

The mood of the storytelling alone is worth the price of admission here. The long flowing sentences are marvels and testaments to Faulker's skill as a writer. The narrative drive makes reading the book almost like reading Greek tragedy. We gets views of Sutpens life from several townspeople and also across generations.

This is the first book that I've read in a long time that made me feel like I had accomplished something when I finished it. You don't so much read this novel as you become lost in it. Jump in get your feet wet and prepare for some of the most intense Southern gothic that you are ever likely to read.

This is Faulkner at his best (and, some would say, least comprehensible). The book integrates Quentin and Shreve (The Sound and the Fury) with Sutpen, the main character, beautifully. If you loved the gloriously neurotic Quentin Compson, this is a must-read book, as well as a beautiful portrait of what Faulkner sees about the American South.

However, what sold me on this book, and what made the entire journey through Faulkner's labyrinth of parentheses more than worthwhile, was one line--the final line. The ending of Absalom, Absalom! absolutely blew me away and left me speechless. It was the perfect closing if I have ever read a perfect closing to any book.

This is one Faulkner novel a fan should not go without reading, but it's not the one to start with; As I Lay Dying and The Sound and the Fury should be read first (in that order). In addition, it will enhance the reader's enjoyment if s/he first familiarizes him/herself with the Biblical story of Absalom (it's short and it'll help, trust me).

This is a book I will keep for the rest of my life.

Of all the series-within-a-series that the Discworld books include (Death, Rincewind, Granny Weatherwax, etc.), my favorite has to be the tales of Captain Vimes and the Ankh-Morpork Watch. "Jingo" continues their tales with an adventure that begins with a lost island arising from the sea. This, naturally, edges the city of Ankh-Morpork to the brink of war with Klatch for no apparent reason.

One of the things that made this book stand out, even from the other Watch books, is how Pratchett got to shine a spotlight on some lesser-used characters. Corporal Nobbs ("Nobby") gets a great, brilliantly funny subplot that starts with him wanting to find a nice girl and concludes someplace so wonderfully absurd I refuse to spoil it for you. Vimes is the level-headed leader of men we've come to expect. Even Lord Vetinari gets a chance to shine in this book like he hasn't in the earlier volumes. My personal favorite character, Captain Carrot, is pushed a bit to the background this time out, but he gets so much development in the other books it's hard to complain. Even here there are a few moments that show exactly how superhumanly rational Carrot is, rounding him out quite nicely.

Pratchett can blend satire, comedy and adventure in a way no one else can. If the day ever comes where I tire of the Discworld, you'll have to roll me away under a tarp.

This was the novel that got me hooked on the Discworld and the Ankh-Morpork City Watch. It's very very funny and also wickedly intelligent. Someone here pointed out that Terry Pratchett is actually a philosopher masquerading as a funny man. Perhaps the reason why some people don't like "Jingo" is that the philosophy is a bit more overt here than in other Discworld offerings.

Those of us who were around when Maggie (excuse me, Baroness Thatcher) launched her little homage to the 19th century in the Falklands/Malvinas will probably enjoy "Jingo" a little more than others I suspect, but the book itself rings true on so many different levels that it transcends such a particular interpretation. This is Pratchett on the subject of nationalism, militarism and racism with Sam Vimes as usual cast in the role of ironic observer and moral center.

I actually liked seeing Vetinari out and about more, and it's clear that this novel marks the beginning of a more three-D presence in the Discworld universe for both Sergeant Colon and the ambiguously human Corporal Nobbs. Leonard of Quirm needs more work though. Once you got the initial conceit, he became tiresome quite quickly.

Captain Carrot, Sergeant Angua and Corporal Detritus do their usual sterling service. I had hoped for more from Constable Visit-the-Infidel-With-Explanatory-Pamphlets given that the conflict between Klatch and Ankh-Morpork was partly a religious one, but you can't have everything.

Perhaps my favorite things in the novel were the face-off between the city nobles and Vimes, the Demon Pocket Organizer, and Vimes' precise and beautifully-articulated exposition of the differences between soldiers and policemen. Vimes, I suspect is an old-fashioned copper who believes in justice, rather than merely protecting and serving the law. Too bad the LAPD doesn't read Terry Pratchett.

What can I say? I finished reading this book about a year ago and still pick it up again to read it. I absolutely adore this book. The character development is fantastic and we finally get to see Lord Vetinari on a much more *human* level. In some rather funny circumstances, as well.
Vimes is a pleasure to read about, as well. I love all AMCW (Ankh-Morpork City Watch, for the uneducated) books and am a huge fan of Mr. Pratchett.
I've read over the other reviews and am frankly rather surprised that people thought it was weaker than 'Feet of Clay.' I thought this was funnier and more attention-grabbing than 'Feet of Clay.' Overall, a good read and well worth the money.

If you love Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, then you'll enjoy King's first book in her series featuring Mary Russell, a newly-invented partner for Holmes. Though, you may wince a little at some wayward departures from Conan Doyle's original vision, like King's portrayal of Watson as stupid. (Conan Doyle's Watson isn't stupid, he's of average intelligence. He is simply a 486 PU in comparison to Holmes' Pentium.) Reading The Beekeeper's Apprentice, you get the feeling that King didn't actually read Conan Doyle, but rather watched Basil Rathbone movies. King's use of language and her evocation of the Edwardian psyche aren't bad and are somewhat reminiscent of Conan Doyle, although far from a perfect emulation. Nonetheless, her overall characterization of Holmes is good enough that Conan Doyle's fans will be more than satisfied. Afterall, it's been a few decades since someone wrote a Sherlock Holmes story of this calibre. I think there's an added bonus if you're a female reader, or a liberated male, or I suppose, just a male turned on by a girl-Sherlock.

If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan, or just love a good mystery, this book is for you! Laurie King has breathed life anew into Doyle's consulting detective. Holmes takes on an apprentice when young Mary Russell stumbles across him on Sussex downs, where he has retired to keep bees and write his magnum opus on detecting. All of the wonderful Doyle characers are on hand, including Mrs. Hudson, Dr. Watson and Mycroft Holmes. This delightful book has already inspired a loyal following and its own internet newsletter, The Beekeeper's Holmes Page, and its own weekly internet email digest, RUSS-L. I read this book in one sitting and then immediately read it again. Then I bought the second book in the series, A Monstrous Regiment of Women, and read it in one sitting, too. Buy this wonderful book now, but don't start it just before bedtime!

Laurie King is not your average mystery author. Not only does she spin a carefully-crafted plot, she develops delicious characters and relationships, and does it all with a delightful sense of humor, page-turning momentum, and literary grace. In short: a rare combination of real writing talent, and great fun!

This book is the perfect kick-off. Once you read it, you're hooked! Her other books in the series are just as good; although there's something about the 15 year-old Mary Russel that has drawn me back to this particular book more than once. I especially love her first encounter with Holmes!

WARNING: I've seen NUMEROUS reviews, and even comments on the back cover of her books, that spoil a major plot point in the second book of the series! I recommend not indulging in any more reviews, or even reading small quotes about the series, if you can help it...just buy it, and read it. Trust me, the payoff is worth it! You'll thank me when you relish the last few pages of her second book--which may very well be the most satisfying ending of any book I've read, and one of the best surprises.

Enjoy!

Critical Review: The Bourne Identity
In my opinion, after reading this book, I feel that Robert Ludlum is the proverbial father of suspense, holding his own with such writers as Alfred Hitchcock and Stephen King. The book, the first of a trilogy is written magnificently leaving endless opportunities to expand on future sequels. Ludlum has an uncanny way of grabbing the reader's attention and keeping him eager to continue. The plot thickens early, wasting no time to express deep thought. The author leaves much to decipher, not spoon-feeding information; done commonly in less quality works of literature, boring the reader to exhaustion.
Jason Bourne the protagonist has a very disguised role in the novel. Although struck with amnesia, Bourne has a very smooth and calm way of executing his actions. Bourne's ability to stay mild mannered is a perfect counter balance to all the far-fetched and extravagant plots that arise throughout the course of the novel.
Throughout the novel uncertainty keeps the reader intrigued. Bourne is constantly fighting a battle; not always physically with other characters, rather mentally against himself. The never-ending dilemma between good and evil is a major factor in this book. Slowly learning more about his past, Bourne is realizing the life he led is not the one he wants to lead. From this point on in the book, Bourne is fighting to get out of the line of work that made him into what he is. "Jason Bourne had been paid to kill, and the police in several countries had sent funds through Interpol to convert reluctant informers, to broaden the base of his capture (Ludlum, 94)." With the help of Marie St. Jacques Bourne starts his transformation. In reality, The Bourne Identity is an incredible suspense thriller, but if you take a closer look, its really just your basic stereotypical love story with many obstacles and twists, boy meets a girl, boy has four million dollars, boy asks girl to drive him to Paris, and they fall in love.
Bourne, right off the bat, is portrayed as a superhero, almost immortal, having the ability to endure the icy wrath of the ocean and the lead that is temporarily residing in his head. "The boat rolled violently leeward and the and the man whose skull was ripped open plugged over the over the side into the madness of the darkness below (Ludlum, 1)." Bourne's flawless execution is a little overdone at times and casts a shadow of artificiality on the storyline. The novel is quite unrealistic at times though, for example, Bourne's amnesia was in a sense limited, his name, age, identity were all lost in his accident, but his ability to combat was in tact as well as his illusive clever nature. "Jason dropped to a crouch, spun to his left and lunged out of the aisle between two adjacent cars, breaking his fall with the palms of his hands, the maneuver made in silence (Ludlum, 426)."
To conclude, The Bourne Identity is a literary masterpiece, setting a mold for all future suspense thrillers to come. The book is directed towards more of an intellectual audience, with gaps in the story that only your imagination can fill. Each person will take his or her own individual thoughts and opinions from this book. I stand strong behind this book, and would recommend it to all readers with interest in deep thought and suspense.

Ludlum is one of the best at creating the super spy and writing action sequences. Sometimes he can create a spy story to back them up. This one is pretty good throughout. He isn't that good with the emotional development of his characters or writing love stories (but he isn't nearly as bad as Tom Clancey in these areas). The hero agonizing over what his identity might be gets to be tedious and the love story is awkward as in all of his books. But, mostly the book moved at a good enough pace to make me want to read more.

This is the first book in a three part series. I didn't know that when I read the book, and was frustrated and disappointed as I neared the end of the book and realized the story wouldn't be concluded. The second book in the series (Bourne Supremacy) is pretty bad and doesn't really build on the first book. It isn't necessary to read it before jumping on to the third book (Bourne Ultimatum) and the conclusion of the story. The third book isn't as good as the first, but is worth reading for the conclusion.

This is the only book by Robert Ludlum that I've read, largely because of the Bourne Identity movie that has just been released. Let me first say that I loved both of them, though they are really two completely separate stories. The first 5 minutes of the movie is faithful to the book and then literally nothing else is, which does not invalidate the movie. It was an excellent story in its own right. However, the plot isn't even the same, except that it does involve a government worker who loses his memory and is being hunted by groups of assassins.

The book tells the story of Jason Bourne who is a supposed international assassin whose skills rival that of Carlos the Jackal, the primary assassin in the world. Carlos is a shadowy figure who is sending out his armies of killers to deal with Jason, who he views as competition. At the same time, the government is trying to get to Bourne, though we don't know whether their intentions are good or bad. His love interest, Maria, is an academic scholar from Canada with many connections who Bourne first kidnaps and terrorizes, and then ultimately saves from rape and murder, thus creating their relationship which later turns to love. Maria helps Bourne make his way through the narrow streets of Europe and New York, as well as the unremembered corridors of his missing past. All along the way, people continue to try and kill them, thus causing Jason to use his combat and stealth skills to survive. He doesn't know where these skills come from, but he's working to find out. The end of this story is not something that you expect. It's very complex, but also extremely engrossing. I couldn't put it down. I'm not sure why the Carlos character was taken out of the movie (it would have made it even better, in my opinion), but perhaps it was to make the story more streamlined and easier to follow.

Whichever the case, both the book and the movie are very good. The book gets a bit higher rating because it's ther original and has ultimately the more intelligent storyline. But if you've seen the movie and you're one of those people who don't like to read a book after you've seen the movie, don't worry in this case. I promise you they are absolutely different. You can safely pick up this book and not know the ending or the plot. You can enjoy this book just like anyone else who hasn't seen the movie.

As he tells us in the introduction (which is, by the way, the best introduction I've ever read), this is the book Card intended to write when he began the ever-popular Ender series. Ender's Game was simply a prologue -- originally a short story.

There are so many good things about this book. Card has a talent for writing deep, real characters that I've never seen in sci-fi and seldom in any modern literature. He is a master storyteller, and this book is wonderfully paced -- you will continually be twisting your brain trying to uncover what is up with the pequeninos before the scientists do.

But most of all, this book is a eloquent manifesto of humanism. As Speaker for the Dead, it is our hero Ender's lifelong task to understand people and tell the truth about them -- a truth that will reveal their good, bad, and ugly, but most importantly, their inherent worth and um, goodness. This truth-seeking carries from the individual to the entire races, as Card (and Ender) examine how we relate to those we don't understand, even those we can't understand.

So what is it? It's a page-turner, crazy idea-filled(as all sci-fi should be) thrilling, thoughtful, powerful, funny, poignant novel. It is an excellent piece of writing that I would love to see taught in high school classrooms.

My only problems with it are that terrible cover(who designed these covers? They have nothing to do with the story -- not even the tone of the story) and the sometimes indecipherable use of portuguese. But those are both minor.

An excerpt:

"We know you now. That makes all the difference, doesn't it? Even Quim doesn't hate you now. When you really know somebody, you can't hate them." "Or maybe it's just that you can't really know them until you stop hating them." "Is that a circular paradox? Dom Cristao says that most truth can be only expressed in circular paradoxes." "I don't think it has anything to do with truth, Olhado. It's just cause and effect. We can never sort them out. Science refuses to admit any cause except first cause-- knock down one domino, the one next to it also falls. But when it comes to human beings, the only type of cause that matters is final cause, the purpose. What a person had in mind. Once you understand what people really want, you can't hate them anymore. You can fear them, but you can't hate them, because you can always find the same desires in your own heart."

If you'd like to discuss this novel, e-mail me at krischwe@whitman.edu

A thrilling follow up to Ender's game. Once again, humanity meets an alien race and is forced to either understand the other or destroy it. Again, Ender Wiggin is thrust into the center of the conflict when, after a brutal murder, he is called upon in his role as speaker of the dead.

I really enjoyed this book. I could not put it down after the first paragraph. Not only was the plot fascinating, but the characters were believable. Flawed enough to be human but hopeful enough to be inspiring they really suck you into the story lending a credability that is lacking in many other science fiction stories. However, there is more to this book then a great story. Like in Ender's game the author is exploring a facet of humanity through his work.

In Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card explored the confusing and often contradictory world of children. In Speaker for the Dead he explores a question no less deep: "What is faith really?" Unlike many of his fellow science fiction authors, he does not dismiss Christianity out of hand, but rather shows how the Church might have to deal with other life in the universe.

This book only confirmed the suspicion which began to form in my mind after reading Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card is a great writer. He can deal with heavy overarching issues without losing track of his story or characters. He made this book a great read, which I have no problem recomending to anyone.

As a teacher, I have insisted that my high school freshmen all read Ender's Game. The fast pace and excellent character development engage the students and lead them toward discussion of serious issues, like how we treat those who are "different" and the ultimate goals and purposes of education. Speaker for the Dead has a different focus, and perhaps a different audience. Although many of my students have read it because they so loved Ender's Game, not many were ready for its sophistication. Speaker for the Dead works for me in its treatment of two major issues. The first of these, expressed through the interaction (and its disastrous results) between the piggies and the humans, has to do with cultural relationships and the arrogant assumptions often made by the dominant culture. The humans function at a level of cultural blindness hard to understand through most of the novel, and that blindness has tragic consequences. The second issue I love in this book is the concept of the Speaker for the Dead, the role that Ender Wiggin has taken on in his adulthood. A Speaker's job consists of traveling to places he is called to "speak" the life of someone who has died. These itinerant Speakers come to the person's life completely objectively, and thus they are able to speak the truth about that person--good and bad. The speaker helps the community deal with the person's death by allowing them to see that person completely; all the person's facets, foibles, and fortes are displayed. I found myself thinking that if mopre people read this book, we might have a whole new funereal ritual to deal with. In short, while of a completely different tone than Ender's Game, Speaker for the Dead brings up some important issues, and it is well worth the time spent in reading it. Invest several days in this book; it deserves them. --Prudence Plunkett (Prudence_Plunkett@breadnet.middlebury.edu)

Book two in the Hitchhiker's trilogy--"The Restaurant at the End of the Universe" is a very good follow up to "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." Very funny in its own right, it still fails to achieve the brilliance yet to come in Books three and four.

That said, I'll take not-yet-quite-absolutely brilliant writing by Douglas Adams any day over most of the writers out there.

Marvin is the big scene stealer of book two...he comes darn close to hijacking the whole story. His conversation with the tank-like robot from Frogstar is a piece of comedic writing for the ages. Were it not for the insanity of Zaphod, the brilliance of Adams' depressed robot might stolen the whole show.

But oh--the mighty creation that is Zaphod Beeblebrox. Literature rarely produces such maniacal, unforgettable characters. His disdain for Arthur, his asides to Ford, his complete ineptitude in dealing with Trillian, and most of all--his strained relations with his ancestors. No, Marvin steals some scenes here...but this is Zaphod's book.

The range of Adams' satiric gifts never fails to astound me. The scene in Milliways speaks more effectively to the human condition than many sets of other volumes ever could. We all sit at the edge of oblivion every day. Are we to be mere spectators? Or will we work to create something more?

I give "The Restaurant at the End of the Universe" my heartfelt recommendation.

Synopsis: The second book in the Hitchhiker series. More zany antics as Arthur, Ford, Zaphod and Trillian dine at the Restaurant at the End of the Universe. Zaphod sets off to complete his mission to find the man who rules the Universe. Arthur and Ford hitch a ride on another ship. The ending has a nice twist. Maybe I didn't get the joke, but 6 by 9 is not 42.

Writing: 3 stars. The writing has improved since the first book. Sometimes he tries a little too hard to be funny or absurd and it's just stupid. But for the most part it was pretty funny. The way he writes dialog though is hard to follow at times.

Characters: 5 stars. Characters are well developed and interesting. Each character has their own personality and funny quirks.

Plot: 4 stars. The plot is a lot better than the first book. It doesn't seem to jump around as much and makes a lot more sense. Not as many loose ends as the first book, which ended quite abruptly.

Dialogue: 5 stars. Dialog is funny and witty. I would say it's the strength of this book and the series in general.

Setting: 4 stars. The settings are nicely developed and sometimes hysterical. I had no problems visualizing the surroundings although sometimes they are silly.

Overall: Add 'em up, you get 4.2... What's the probability of that happening? Round down to 4 because it wasn't good enough for a 5.

After the destruction of Earth, and beginning their search for the answer to "Everything", Arthur Dent and Co. decide to take a little break from their quest and stop by at the Restaurant at the End of the Universe where the food is as odd as it can get.

"The Restaurant at the End of the Universe" is the second book to the trilogy "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams. Book one, first of all, should be read first since most of the background information is in there. This sequel is again also a must read for anyone who enjoys humor and science fiction. The best part of this book I think is that the author has the most craziet ideas impanted into the storyline. Also as a definite positive in this book is that the characters and storyline are very well built. Even though character attributes are not given direct and clear, their actions and speech can give you the idea of unique characters who can be easily distinguished from each other. The storyline, after reading the book, you will be able to tell that it has everything needed for a well built story, especially the exploation of the author's own special world.

Even though thay are from the same trilogy, I think that the first and second book has different purpose to it. Both books are extremely funny, but book one was to explain the basic points and create the scene for the story to flow in, while "The Restaurant at the End of the Universe" is more packed with adventure and discovery. Anyways, before this sounds like a analization, I would recommend this book not for just people who like humor and science fiction like I said above, but to everyone. This book isn't very long, so it'a very readable. There are almost no slow parts in the story so it's not monotone. So if you got a few minutes each day, find this book and start reading!