Rating: 
Summary: An excellent book. You WILL finish it.
Review: I had never heard of Donna Tartt before and was nt sure about the subject matter. From the title and the picture I was expecting long winded classical settings. However, it turned out to be one of the best thrillers I have ever read. The characters are realistic and I found myself thinking about what would happen next during my day. It is very well written, an excellent book that you should buy and read.
Rating:
Summary: No other book kept me sleepless for almost a week...
Review: I am not a fond reader of books. With my undergrad years fizzlying (sp.?) away, I have gone back to my old habit of buying new and old books from authors I know little of and perhaps gain something from the experience. In the past month I have bought 4, of which the first (somehow included in Oprah's reading list) dissappointed me. The 2nd, A Secret History, is EXACTLY the type of drama/ Lord of the Flies (one of my all time favs) I can't get enough of. I totally disagree with the editorial by Kirkus (sp.). I, however, agree that it is a pleasure to know that there is something beyond Sheldon, Grisham, King, and Cricton out there. This is an intelligent, well written novel that kept me sleepless for days, with dark circles under my eyes because I can't stop from reading it. (All this from one who can't sit for 20 minutes reading any book!) Hey Donna, where's the next one! You are our Julian! And I could certainly relate to the main character, (beyond the name), since I grew up in the same (booming?) suburbs of California. (final rating: best book I ever read...)
Rating:
Summary: Ignore the fool from KIRKUS REVIEW and get yourself a copy.
Review: Whatever axe this fellow has to grind has nothing to do with Donna Tartt's wonderful, and wonderfully written book. How can he neglect such beautiful, graceful, seemingly effortless prose streaming from the pen of a first-time novelist? I'm not sure, though I am glad that I am not as blind as he. Make sure that you are not, either.
Rating:
Summary: Gripping!
Review: I picked this book up on vacation in my hotels'library simply for lack of something else to read. I am not of the "Private School" world, amd was not sure if I could like this book. I found myself curious about this small click of oddities, and needing to know more about them. I wanted to hate them, but found I could not. Indeed I wound up reading the book for a second time just a week ago, and would have loved another 100 pgs. I would welcome a book exploring just Bunny, or the twins, or even Henry!. It was an intelligen read which is one thing I so long for in a mystery book.
Rating:
Summary: A Dark Page Turner
Review: I find it ironic that this book which was so inpired by the classics was the one to make me cast away my copies of Milton, Chaucer and even Balzac for more contemporary fiction. In a world taken over by Mary Higgins Clark and Danielle Steele, it is nice to know that there is something else out there. In contrast to many of the reviews I have read, I didn't feel that the characters were unlikeable. I admired Henry for his intelligence and discipline, I was surprised by his supposed sacrifice for Charles' sake which did give his character more depth. From the moment I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I found that I was able to identify with all of these characters, Richard for his insecurities with his former life, Bunny for his tendency to say the wrong thing without realizing or caring, Francis for so badly desiring something he could not have, Charles for his all consuming jealousy, Henry for his stubborness and Camilla for her imagined fears. It was my ability to identify with all of the characters that made me so interested in the story. So few books are able to capture my interest for 500+ pages. "The Secret History" was beautifully written. Tartt was able to accuratly put into words the picture of a small New England town. It is true that she often added details, not quite subplots, to the story that didn't have much to do with the main plot, but that is part of the beauty of her writing. It makes for a more realistic story with these added details. Life is generally random, unrelated events all woven together contributing to some greater purpose, though not always directly. Stories that can be wrapped up nicely under a big red bow, with every part contributing to the last page may be easier to read,and they may be shorter, but not that realistic, or even that interesting.
Rating:
Summary: Looking for another one!
Review: I read this book several years ago and remember its power to make me go to bed early so that I could read. Not a lot can do that. Some have maligned the book claiming it's not Dostoevsky but I would have to say it's the closest I've come since reading Crime and Punishment. It's not fast-paced terror nor is it Stephen King. What it is is a study of characters, their actions, the potential consequences of their acts, and how that potential affects them.
Rating:
Summary: This is an unforgettable story!
Review: I choose my books carefully -- my general rule is not to read something I don't think will be in print five years from now! "The Secret History" is a book I've recommended for years without hesitation. I own two copies: one to keep and one to lend to those I think will appreciate this beautifully written, impressive novel. The writing is muscular, graceful, very assured. The characters are compelling, and the story is riveting. I recommend it without reservation. Once you begin, be ready to turn down invitations so you can stay home to read! Those who think this is nothing more than a murder mystery are missing the point: this book is in a category by itself.
Rating: 
Summary: Not Dostoevsky, True, But What Is?
Review: To the below review that states that this novel is not a Dostoevsky, I respond: what (written withing the past 75 years) IS? Nada. I consider myself a serious (if slightly young) reader, and I can tell you that this is in fact a good book. The characters are fascinating. Maybe I have a biased opinion because the characters were exactly my age, but I hope not. I respected the book's hypnotic style and complex, flesh-and-blood characterizations. I've never read a 500-page book so quickly, and even though this book would probably not make my top ten list, it would definitely make my top twenty. I don't think The Secret History petends to be something it's not, either. It is a psychological mystery. And I thought it was fascinating, and very, very touching.
Rating: 
Summary: Dostoevsky it is not
Review: It could have done with some editing - what was the point of that long long passage where the hero is living in the unheated warehouse? I enjoyed the book but disliked the way the author overtly invited us to compare it with Crime and Punishment (sorry Donna, you just aren't in the same league). I thought it was more comparable to The Beach - particularly in the moral ambivalence of the narrator. A good read but not great literature.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: When will D Tart publish another book. This was definitely one of the best books I ever read. If you have yet to read it - you are in for a treat
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