Rating: 
Summary: 5 WELL EARNED STARS
Review: A fascinating page-turner brilliantly woven with exciting twists, intense relationships and devestating "coming-of-age" passages. As a first time novelist, Christopher Rice proves himself with this complex and deep story. Any negative review can only be based on an unrealistic expectation that this first novel must exhibit the experience of a more seasoned author, such as Anne Rice. As a first time novelist Christopher Rice stands on his own, out of anyone's shadow, with a fantastic Book and I personally can not wait for the next offering from this brilliant writer.D.G. STODDARD
Rating:
Summary: A Destiny of Souls
Review: This book is the best i've read in years...it takes a book that really grabs my attention to read it, and i just couldnt put this one down! I feel that Chris Rice has executed this novel with awesome flair...definately worth reading more than once.
Rating:
Summary: A glimpse into a youth not chosen
Review: I read this book during a road trip through the unfamiliar Iowa countryside. I was immersed in the world that Mr. Rice created for his readers: a world that I was all too familiar with. In my youth this world of thoughts and emotions was left unspoken, Mr. Rice gave me the opportunity to delve into memories long thought forgotten. Yes, as a first novel, the polish of a seasoned writer may not be complete, but it shows a mastery of the language and story telling well beyond his age. Congratulations on a great novel, and will look forward to more of his works.
Rating:
Summary: a novel that hits home
Review: Wow! This novel really strikes at the heart. For the first time, I have read a work with which I could actually identify. The plot might be fiction, but the struggle of growing up gay surrounded by southern tradition and all the homophobia that entails really hits home. Stephen's story needed to be told. Thank you, Christopher, I feel a little less lonely in this world.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully Captivating
Review: This book was the first to capture my attention in years. Simple to read and understand the thoughts and words flowed like water through my mind. It is a great story without all the mundain hype that so many people find nessasary in novels today. It was obviously writen from the heart. The story line caries you through the life stugles of some more or less typical youth of today. Dramatised only for effect the author paints a picture of the life stugles that go on in so many of us who grew up Gay in a society of unexceptance. This book held my attention from the first word to the last. Shocking at every twist and turn of the plot right down to the very last paragraph. This book will not be put on my self until I have read it so many times that it begins to fall apart. I am eagerly waiting for his next book to reach the stores.
Rating: 
Summary: a density of cliches
Review: I have read reviews of this book that say things like, "nonsensical passages but still a stunning debut." I'm not sure what made reviewers back off from "Density" while they have no qualms going for the jugular with novels by writers like Anita Shreve, but I can guess.I could have excused "Density's" flaws, had I found at least one of the characters likable. I felt for several, but I didn't like them. The narrator, on who presumably the most time was spent creating, was more of a Christ figure than an actual unhappy gay male. His three friends were even more narrowly drawn. Even after high school, they seemed locked into their hatred, unable to realize that they had the option of moving on with their lives. I hesitate to draw comparisions, but perhaps that was the author's main problem as well.
Rating: 
Summary: Compelling First Attempt
Review: I finished "A Density of Souls" last evening. I have the same complaints as many folks - it could have stood additional proofreading/editing, the plot was sometimes convoluted and/or overwought, etc. However, not one of these faults (which may likely cure themselves through the author's growth and maturity as a writer) pevented "Souls" from being one of the more interesting and enjoyable books I've read this year. Some of the circumstances encountered in the book border on the fantastic (Mrs. Charbonets' gunfight comes to mind), but what is fiction for if not to occasionally introduce us to the fantastic? I enjoyed the characters enough that I hope there's a sequel since there are, at least to me, a few loose ends. It is, bottom line, a good story. Most important: There is no point in comparing his work to that of his more famous, more experienced mom. They operate in two distinctly different styles. My hope, however, is that the extra attention paid to "A Density of Souls" (due in some part to his mom's fame) does not make him lazy. Again, "A Density of Souls" is an ususally good terrific first go at the craft but, as our teachers used to say: "there is much room for improvment." I caution the author against stopping here in the development of his writer's voice because of such favorable (and abundant) press. I think we're all lucky to be in on Mr. Rice's first attempt...it will make his growth as a writer that much more fun to watch! Highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: You've GOT to be kidding .....
Review: I wanted to like this book ... I really did! It was chosen to be the first book for a book club I started, which meets this week for the first time. Two members suggested it, so that's what we chose. What a waste of time! I believe that if the author had not been the son of Anne Rice, no publisher would have touched this dreadful novel. I don't want to give anything away, so won't discuss plot except to ask this: is it plausible to believe that someone who has just found out about a tragedy befalling a loved one can forget that they are standing naked in front of their mother? and then to be hugged by their mother while still naked??? I don't think so ... This book contains scene after scene like this, as if Rice is writing the screenplay for a schlocky B movie. The language is stilted, the situations absurd, the characters not to be believed .... and I'm sorry, but people don't just suddenly switch sexual orientations in mid-stream (I'm gay, so please don't assume that this is "gay-bashing" by any means). Another tidbit: did an editor actually read the manuscript? My copy was filled with typographical errors.
Rating:
Summary: The best book I've read in a long time
Review: This is an amazing and captivating book. I read it in one night. I could not put it down. The characters and the plot kept me wondering the entire book, and even on the last page there is a revelation. I look forward to reading more of Christopher Rice.
Rating:
Summary: Perceptive understanding
Review: An excellent example of the complicated experiences young people must integrate into their lives. And a good story too!
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