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Summary: a young writer with a bright future...
Review: Maybe there is hope for Generation Y...Chris Rice has written a great novel, a far cry from the supernatural, gothic nature of Anne Rice's work. Ever since reading Tolkien I haven't been able to read much of anything "fantasy" or "supernatural" without feeling let down. I was drawn into this novel for reasons far different than "Anne Rice's son." I have never been a big Anne Rice reader. But this novel is not Anne Rice, and anybody expecting the son to bear that mantle should not make this purchase. Rather, the book is a superb, insightful, wise beyond the years look at the darker nature of growing up in America "different." And in saying this, I do not refer to the gay character alone. Every character is "different", from parents, to teens, to elder siblings. And they all "grow" throughout the telling of the story and the tragedies that interconnect their lives and community. Chris Rice is a brave writer. At 21 he tackles subjects that America still struggles with and, more importantly, creates adult characters of substance that are not the typical targets of teen angst. The writing style keeps the reader engaged. I hope readers are not turned away by the "gay" sections of the book. I'm straight, and I feel all the better for this experience. I trust whatever reservoir of passion and anger that Chris tapped for this novel is not run dry. He'll earn his readership, just like Martin Amis had to do growing up in the shadow of Kingsley, and he has a bright future.
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Summary: Spellbinding and well written, this book is great!
Review: Going into reading this anmazingly well written book with igh expectations could have caused a mediocre book to be a disappointment, but this novel was not at all. Written with such a style that you feel inside the characters, and can't let go, the book is riveting and simply captivates you. With deep characterizations, a shocking glimpse into New Orleans and even the struggles of a homosexual growing up in a sheltered community. The book is a must for all audiences, it's a mystery as well as an emotionally driven masterpiece.
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Summary: Souls , read it now
Review: Well, Just where do i start. Christopher Rice has a wonderful haunting novel on his hands. A den of secrets and school friends make this tale hard to put down. Set in New Orlens, this novel draws you in from the 1st page , and never lets you go. Chris waiting for you next book , great job.
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Summary: A surreal vision of adolescence cum adulthood
Review: While the theme of this book is ultimately gay, I would hope that the reader begins without any expectations and with an open mind.Though very complicated in its' plot the book focuses on the intense soul of childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. I'm certain that many people both straight and gay will relate to the content. Some will find it disturbingly accurate, however, I'm certain that most gay readers particularly young gay readers will find it interesting and supportive. The sexual situations are handled with such delicacy that this book is NOT pornographic nor will the reader find it objectionable unless of course it hits too close to home. A fine and quick read. Captivating and a great first effort by this young and talented writer.
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Summary: Talent runs in the family
Review: Remember how you felt the first time you read "Interview With The Vampire"? Remember how you were torn between staying up all night to finish it, or savoring it slowly so you would have those wonderful characters and images in your head for as long as possible? That's what I remember reading Anne Rice's book for the first time all those years ago. There have been few books since then that have drawn me in so completely, and how wonderful that the latest one to do that was written by Anne's son, Christopher. "Unsuspecting" customers will see the gothic cover and the huge RICE name on the jacket and think they are getting a supernatural thriller along the lines of Mama Rice. At first, it seems like that is the case--and there are touches of it in the novel--but these bits of otherworldly business are just some of the many New Orleans touches that make THE CITY as much a character as the four lead characters. Stephen, Brandon, Meredith and Greg are a close group of friends until a shared incident occurs just prior to them entering high school. While the other three become popular, Stephen is hounded and is made miserable simply because he is, in the teenage world, something worse than vampire, witch or werewolf: a homosexual. Oh, but Mr. Rice doesn't stop there--a huge supporting cast of well-drawn characters all play vital roles. For once, the parents also have juicy history and scenes. Everyone gets resolution or retribution. While he may not have his mother's knack for swoony prose (maybe NOT such a bad thing), he has a style all his own, and he certainly inherited her ability of lending a cinematic feel to his words. It's quite appropriate that this book was published by Miramax. I wouldn't be surprised if the movie rights haven't already been secured. I'm casting my vote right now for Kim Basinger and Ryan Phillipe for the plum roles of the mother and son team of Monica and Stephen! I do wonder if the current crop of young actors would be willing to play the gay sex scenes...and there are a LOT of them! It seems Christopher inherited his mother's talent for writing erotica too....But don't read the book for JUST that. It's the story that reels you in. Some of the action moves at such a heady pace, I felt my head swoon and had to re-read passages. And some I had to re-read just for the sheer beauty of the prose. I highly recommend this book. I hope he he is working on his next story! (Oh in case you are wondering--I was greedy; I finished in one night!)
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Summary: a must-read for all
Review: I originally picked up this book because I am an Avid reader of Anne Rice, but I found that I could not put this book down. The rich charachters and twisting plot made this an exciting read. The main characters and their families are flawed to begin with, but Christopher Rice brought in death, mental illness, all-consuming grief, and homophobia (complete with the anti-gay group Army of God). All of the above elements put in the rich backdrop of New Orleans made this a book I couldn't put down.
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Summary: Great start...
Review: Christopher Rice has created a book all on his own. He didn't need his mother's help at all. It shows in his writing style, that is so uncanny, and it will luxuriate into new books! I was so shocked everytime something new came popping out of the book into my mind of dreams. At first his new writing taken me while to understand where it was leading to me, then after I got used to his new bold writing style. I got into the story, and it is worth reading his new book. Keep in mind, it was on his own. If he didn't come from his family, and still would have created this book to be a great hit of the year.
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Summary: EVEN BETTER THAN EXPECTED!
Review: DENSITY OF SOULS is probably the best novel I have read this year. It was purchased because I love his mother's novels but I quickly discovered that Christopher is a very accomplished novelist in his own right. I read this novel in less than 10 hours and was sad when it ended because I wanted it to go forever. The charachters, especially Stephen, really came alive for me. I look forward to reading anything he has published and hope he will be a very prolific writter. I Highly recommend this novel!
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Summary: Bravo Christopher!
Review: Christopher Rice has entered a world with this book that will touch many people and he knows it. He delves into high school society and reveals the bones that rot inside of it. Exposing teenage love and longing. Cruelty at it's worst. Everything that comes with the territory of looking a certain way and not being able to fit in because of it. That is what he was able to grasp and descibe perfectly. His characters, all to human in there mistakes are fragile. Unable to free themselves from the cracks of high school society. Landscapes and emotions run hand in hand in this novel. You cannot feel one or the other without thinking they are connected and working simultaneously. Bringing you to the grounded and letting you roam free with the thoughts this novel provokes. I highly recommend Christopher Rices' first novel. It was love at first read!
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Summary: Spellbinding!
Review: Christopher Rice's debut novel, 'A Density of Souls', was excellent. Unlike other books, as soon as you think you know what's going on, it all spins out of control again. His writing is quite different than his mothers, which is great to know! The emotions poured into the lines are real. This book is to be savored. I can hardly wait until his next novel comes out.
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