The Black Cat

Rating:
Summary: The Black Cat
Review: A very readable story with vivid characters which manages to be both disturbing and entertaining in a quirky way. What I liked about it was the psychological complexity- people have both good and bad qualities in them ( even the protagonists) and nothing is as black or white as it seems. I was very touched by the description of the persecution of a young Wiccan woman by a town of basically good people who just don't understand- this subject is *real* and I personally know people who have been there. Very few authors ( Richard Grant is the only other one I can think of in his "Land of Winter" ) have been willing to tackle this controversial subject. The young Wiccan girl is a *person* rather than a "comic book character" like many Wiccans in books, a human being with both faults and good qualities, not a misunderstood angel or a veiled demon. As a Wiccan teacher and Elder who has been in the position of screening potential students, I have seen some of the issues ( abuse, for example ) that sometimes push people onto Our Path ( though many abused people become Born Again Christians, too- ). Mr. Poe does an excellent job with both the persecution issues and the complexities and motivations that make up even "simple small town people", who are often portrayed as one dimensional, cookie cutter characters, especially Southerners. Though it can not be described as a "Wicca positive" book, it is not negitive either- is a realistic look at some of the more wounded people who find themselves on our Path, and the abominable way they can be treated by "good folks" who need to grow and learn a little compassion and tolerance. I would recommend it to any Wiccan who plans to go into teaching- you'll eventually meet someone like Julie.
A very good effort at a difficult subject, and a great story too!

Rating:
Summary: Theo's treasures
Review: I wish I could meet Mr. Poe. He sounds really hot, and I like his book. I wonder if he has a cat. Is it black? Maybe it's name is Theo just like me! I have some similar characteristics like Poe's witch in the Black Cat. I like to dance around naked too! Mr Poe, I wanna meet you.

Rating:
Summary: A modern day thriller
Review: This book, although based upon a fairly old story, is exciting even now. I'm not easily disturbed, but this book had me on the edge. I had to read it through a couple of times to get the full effect, because after the first time so many things near the beginning of the story made sense. I would reccomend this book to anyone that likes thrillers and definately to a Poe fan.