Rating: 
Summary: Mrs. Johnson's Charmer
Review: This book is absolutely amazing. It is the second book I have read by Demille, and is by far one of the stories I will most recommend to my friends. It is a fantastic page-turner that truly captures the heart and soul of the Russian people and the differences between their perspectives and American attitudes toward life. All of the characters are amazingly believable; the plot also comes across as being extensively researched. Demille's world of espionage and foreign service comes to life in a manner tha most authors cannot match: this was our world during the Cold War. Mrs. Ivanova's Charm School did not exist that we know of, but the reality of national security policies are exemplified in this fictional account. After my own experiences in Russia, I highly recommend that you read this book even if your interests only slightly bend in this direction. It is a novel you will want to display on your own shelves to be discussed with friends and family!
Rating:
Summary: Very Disturbing Book
Review: You have to give Nelson Demille credit. He has written another outstanding book. I have read two of his books and have recently bought two more because he has proven to be an outstanding author. The subject matter of "Charm School" will really make you wonder if a plot of this magnitude could have really been pulled off with the Russians and the Vietnamese working hand in hand.This book will certainly make you think. Once again Nelson Demille has written a spellbinding book.
Rating: 
Summary: Nyet This Time
Review: Althouh many of DeMille's works have left me wanting more, "The Charm School", was utterly verbose. Thankfully, his later works were edited down to better capture the essence of the plot. I did get the same feelings as portrayed in this book when I visited Yalta and Odessa back in 1991. Alot of sad people always under their Government's thumb. Try "Spencerville", "Plumb Island" and "The Gold Coast" for better reads.
Rating:
Summary: You have to read this
Review: This is my third Nelson Demille novel, and each time I start a new one, I think that it cannot be better than the last. Wrong. With every novel, I have more of an appreciation for Demille. The Charm School is one of the best books that I have ever read. Demille gives the reader an indepth look into the world, people, and psyche of Cold War Russia, the inner workings of KGB, CIA, and our government. The characters are superbly develpoed, you really feel as though you know their thoughts and understand why they react the way that they do. The stlye in which Demille conveys his story is unparalleled, you can't help but tear through the pages to find out what happens next. One of the aspects of Demille's novels that I really appreciate is the fact that everything that happens is believable. The protagonists are very human and make mistakes, the antagonists are equally as human and to some degree are compassionant. Nothing is "over-the-top". Very believable situations and outcomes. This is a must read for anyone. Another great job Mr. Demille. I only wish I had read it sooner.
Rating:
Summary: Best novel I have ever encountered
Review: Several years ago, someone gave me a copy of The Charm School as a gift. I have since had to replace it several times, as it is one of those books that gets re-read several times a year. This novel is the most riveting story ever. While Nelson DeMille is in my mind one of the greatest authors who has ever lived, he outdoes himself in the Charm School. There is no other author that is capable of capturing the readers attention on page 1, and never relinquishing the energy and excitement until the last word of the last page. I would recommend that everyone read this book. My daughter read it for the first time last summer, and has since become as entranced as I am by this wonderful fine author. Mr. DeMille - you are the absolute best!
Rating:
Summary: It was Ok
Review: I love Nelson Demille. He is by far my favorite novelist. However, I have never been crazy about the Charm School. The plot is cool and there are some really cool parts...especially the opening. However, I just never go into it. Fortunately, I stuck with Demille and read everyone of his books before and after. So, I am glad I read the book...it turned me onto Demille. However, I feel his others are better.
Rating:
Summary: Charm School
Review: This was one of those books where my wife became jealous because I was glued to the book with the exclusion of everything else. It is really the ultimate thriller that keeps you on edge from page to page. International intrigue, KGB Vs. CIA, who are the good guys and who are the bad, all make for a great attention getter. My congratulations to DeMille, a fellow Long Islander, for another great book. Sorry I didn't read it sooner.
Rating:
Summary: A Real Page Turner
Review: This book was a real page turner I think I read this book in a week time. It also seems very real and you can acually see the characters. There was not a boring part in the book at all.
Rating:
Summary: What A Story!
Review: This was my 3rd. DeMille book! Plum Island and The General's Daughter were very good, but The Charm School was one of the best thriller's I've ever read. I love the way Demille depicts Moscow and explains the KGB and embassy life. So I'm on to The Lion's Game and EVERY DeMille book I've missed.
Rating:
Summary: Mind Blowing!
Review: I do not like spy novels, murder mysteries, espoinage thrillers, but I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN! I just finished the book after reading it to and from work on the subway every day, and it is now 3:30 AM. I want there to be a sequel, stateside. 630 pages is nothing in this case. It flew by, and I actually had adrenaline rushes during Sam and Lisa's daring adventures. Read this book, then read it again!
| 
