Rating: 
Summary: Relaxing read
Review: Part legal thriller, part humor, and even a bit spiritual, "The Many Aspects..." is a very smooth and relaxing read.Circuit court judge Evers Wheeling finds himself, his pot smoking, heavy drinking brother and friends on a cross-country journey from N.C. to Utah to retrieve a hidden treasure. The treasure comes by the way of a mystical woman who cries pearly tears, Ruth Esther English. She promises a part of the fortune to Evers if he will drop her brother's case when he appears in court before him. Prompted by a sense of the wealth and a sense of adventure, Evers agrees. As the group sets off to retrieve the treasure they are joined by Ruth Esther's almost militant-like, black lawyer Pauletta. Some of the books funniest moments occur when the conservative, southern-bred Evers and Pauletta trade barbs. The treasure, stolen drug money, is also found to include a mysterious letter that Ruth Esther goes to any length necessary to keep to herself. Curious about the content of the letter and the mysterious tears that Ruth Esther produces (which they believe are wish-bearing and build a shrine for) the group sets out to find the truth behind it all. In doing so and as their wishes come true, they reveal hidden and truths and feelings about themselves that they didn't even know existed. It may seem weird, but while reading this book I was taken in by a sense of tranquility. Clark has a very calm and soothing way of writing. Instead of the sudden and abrupt plot twists and turns associated with thrillers, the "go with the flow", almost melting-like writing is like a breath of fresh air. Although containing no real edge-of-your-seat, nail biting theatrics, there is plenty of suspense and intrique to keep the reader thouroughly engrossed.
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Summary: The Book for the Summer
Review: The Winston-Salem Journal said that this book was THE book for the summmer and called it one of the most creative works to come along in years. The New York Times loved it. Now there's a rare combination. I read it and loved it, especially Pascal and Pauletta. The book has a real sense of place whether it's in Utah or North Carolina, it's funny, it's moving, and it's got a plot that won't quit. My one quibble is that Clarke--like a lot of good writers-- does like to show off occasionally and this gets in the way of the story. Still, this is a brilliant book, unique and fun.
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Summary: Wild and wacky!
Review: This is a wild and wacky crime novel, that features trailer-park characters who have more humanity than most fictonal characters. The story is strange, and leads the characters halfway across the country, meeting even stranger people, getting involved in strange situations, and the book is at times a laugh riot. This book would make a great movie, with the right actors. It's paced like a movie, yet has far more profundity than most crime novels. This is one author to keep an eye on.
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Summary: The book is as good as the title.
Review: Comparing this judge's writing with John Grisham's (I've seen it on these very pages) is like saying hummingbirds and ostriches are both birds. Alright, if you insist on pigeon-holing let me say a wry blend of distilled Another Roadside Attraction and The Crying of Lot 49, but that's just me. This book is an original and so is the marvelous writer. The odyssey to the "religious or spiritual or something" takes many an odd twist and turn including some of the best writing I've ever encountered on getting stoned and having hangovers as well as losing it for a while. The only comparison to Confederacy of Dunces, a book I also love, is that both make you laugh out loud. Here let the book speak for itself: "How did this happen?" Evers wondered. Two weeks ago, on his way to work, he had seen Ruth Esther English for the first time, a hazy, dim hungover day of entropy that started in another bathroom amd ended when he...(read it)" pp64-65. This book has renewed my faith in living to become beatific. It is a first-rate cosmic journey.
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Summary: What an Ending
Review: I bought this book a few weeks ago when I noticed that it was one of Amazon's "Penzler's picks" for April, and I got around to reading it this week after the great New York Times review on Sunday. Amazon and The Times are right--this is a suberb, wonderful read. The character development is as good as I have encountered, and the writing is sharp, funny, and moving. Finally, though, it's the incredible, unexpected ending that left me amazed. The plot is beautifully wound up, a message about faith is delivered, and the reader is left completely satisfied. This is literature at its best; thanks to Amazon for spotting it.
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Summary: Impressive!
Review: I read this book on a dare from an acquaintance and I'm glad I did. It would not have been my normal choice for literature but I loved it!!! Clark's vivid assortment of characters pulled me in for a wild heartfelt journey. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read his future works.
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Summary: Not Just A Cult Fav
Review: Many Aspects has ben passed around my office and from friend to frind and it is laugh out loud funny, kind of strange, subversive and very entertaining. The major characters are Evers, a judge, Pascal his brother, Ruth Esther a car saleswoman who cries tears that are white, and Pauletta, a take no prisioners African-American lawyer. They become involvd in a murder, a divorce case and a hunt for a mysterious letter that takes them across the county. Lots of drinking, pot, llfe meditations and non-stop plot follow. This book is somewhat off the wall and different but keeps you guessing and interested until the last page. Five Stars
Rating: 
Summary: A beach read, at best
Review: Maybe it's because I'm not from the South. Or perhaps it's a genre that I'm not up to. I labored through all 341 pages, hoping each time I turned the page I'd become engaged with this story. I had three main problems with this book; the characters, the dialogue and the plot. The characters are completely unsympathetic and there was never any reason I wanted to know more or care more about them. Without going into detail, one wonders how Evers ever got to be a Judge. But having done so one wonders how he kept his job given his low-life style. The dialogue was clumsy in many places, so much so that there were substantial inconsistencies between the dialogue and following or preceding narrative. In many cases I found myself thinking, "Huh?" Since this was supposed to be a mystery one might assume that these shortcomings would be redeemed by a compelling plot. But if you're looking for a compelling plot you should read Angels & Demons. You won't find a compelling one on any of the 341 pages of this one.
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Summary: Wonderful and satisfying
Review: I just finished this book, and I had to sit down immediately to tell others what a wonderful read this is! It has multiple plotlines, compelling mysteries, quirky and interesting characters. It grew on me more and more as I read. The mysteries deepened and my affection for the characters grew. It was a meaty read, and finishing it I feel contented and happy. Thank you Martin Clark!
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Summary: He nails it!
Review: I have read reviews of books here many times, but have missed seeing anything from people who actually know the author, much less know the author from a variety of perspectives. I attended high school with 'His Honor' (the correct manner in which to address him), have appeared before him in his court in the course of my occupation, and have discussed his book with him. Obviously, I am familiar with the geographical area about which he writes. I can state, without hestitation or resevation, he truly offers the reader a sense of the "true, crazy, can-you-believe-it South", which in accuality, translates to all areas. I will admit that some parts of this novel were a painful read, as I recognized people/place/events, although not named as such. Others were a balm to me, giving me a touch-stone. At the point that His Honor ascended the bench, I asked him how I should address him. Having known me for some number of years, he was gracious enough to say, "Well, what makes you comfortable?". I thought a moment and said, "Your Honor Martin", recognizing his position as well as maintaining the "I knew you when...". I offer this background as this is a book that will draw you in immediately; you will find yourself saying "No way!", and you WILL find yourself looking at a map of the area, trying to figure out who's who, what's what and where's where. Perhaps "His Honor Martin" should next write a who-done-it? You will enjoy this book if you put yourself in the right frame of mind...
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