A Density of Souls

Rating:
Summary: Two books in one, and unfortunately not in the good way
Review: First Part: 4.5 Stars / Last Part: 1.5 stars I started reading A Density of Souls and found myelf drawn very quickly into the book, enjoying the characters and the twists and turns that tied them together. Christopher continually applied layer upon layer of these characters - not too thick but enough that you were seeing new facets every time they walked into the room. Very well written, very compelling. I found myslef having to put down the book for a moment several times as things came along that I did not expect. And while the edges were often hazy, the pieces continued to fit together. And then the book turns south. It's almost as if Rice suddenly attached another version of the book to this one - the hoary, overly dramatic Hollywood script. As a hurricaine approaches (supposedly to mirror the growing storm of the dramatic life of our characters) it just falls apart. The "climax" made me think that maybe Rice had been obsessively watching Cape Fear recently - the only thing missing was a soundtrack of appropriately dramatic movie music to accompany you while you read. While I can see what he was trying to say and do with his end, it was such crap. And the little twist "revelation" at the end was unnecessary and just added a layer of skeeviness where it was not needed or appropriate. Rice has geat potential, as the first part showed. However, unfortunately, he can't keep that tone going. Hopefully the next book will find his ability to bring about a satisfactory ending.

Rating:
Summary: Great 1st effort.....
Review: Great story....great characters! The story kept a good pace through out the book. My only problem was the "Army of God" (if that's right). This group wasn't fleshed out enough considering its importance to the plot. However, the ending totally blew me away and I was not prepared for it! Have to love a book that throws you for a loop with its last paragraph. Anxiously awaiting "The Snow Garden".....

Rating:
Summary: Christopher Rice definately left himself room to grow
Review: As a serious Anne Rice fan, I couldn't wait to get my hands on her son's first book. Unfortunately for him, I imagine many readers were drawn to this book based on the respect they have for his mother's work. This book did not meet my expectations, however, I had to remind myself that this was his first work and make allowances accordingly. The plot was disjointed at times to the point that I found myself flipping back and rereading sections in an attempt to clarify the confusion. There were a number of grammatical and typographical errors (the fault of the editor?). The book is also a little too "New Orleansy" in that it seems to hit on too many stereotypes at once. As for it being an accurate account of the high school experience, I would wonder. The goings on seemed a bit extreme (alcoholism, abuse, eating disorders, bigotry, etc.) and again, I suffered "stereotype overload". With all of this in mind, I still plan to pick up a copy of Mr. Rice's next novel and I am optimistic that the kinks will slowly work out as he gains experience as an author.

Rating:
Summary: Overrated
Review: It's a very much overrated novel. I do agree with the reader who said that the psychology of the figures is underdeveloped. Actually they seem not to have a real independent personality. As for the plot itself, I have the impression Rice wants to add too many things, too many irrelevant details, without being able to conjure up a world, so that everything remains pretty superficial. You can't even call "A density of souls" a page-turner: it's pretty boring, and although the subject could be treated in an exciting way, Rice doesn't manage to do so. It's rather flat, as a matter of fact. On the other side, the author tries to compensate this lack of suspense and narrative power with a rather inflated and emphatic style. The reason for its success is mainly Christopher Rice himself, who is a "pretty boy". After boybands, are we going to have "boy writers"? In this case, Christopher Rice'd be better off if he worked as a model, and not as an author.

Rating:
Summary: A Promising First Novel
Review: Christopher Rice's first book, A Density of Souls, is fast paced and exciting, with lots of twists and intracacies. It follows the lives of four people, Meredith, Stephen, Greg, and Brandon, and the paths they take which pull them apart upon entering high school: Greg and Brandon becoming part of the popular crowd, as does Meredith, Greg's girlfriend. Stephen drifts away from them, labeled..., he is a constant source of amusement and a target for cruelty and humiliation. Rice isn't afraid to approach a very controversial topic in today's society: homosexuality and homophobia, which seems to be deeprooted in many who are internally concerned that they too, might be different. I wouldn't be put off by this content though, cos the book is more about the relationships between the characters and the events that one by one push them over the edge. While the plot and characters can be a little hard to follow at times, Christopher Rice shows a lot of talent and promise, writing a fresh, enjoyable book that will keep you turning the pages. I think if he continues to progress and mature, he'll be recognized on his own merit, and step out of his mother's shadow.

Rating:
Summary: A book to pierce the Density of your Soul
Review: Don't just read this book, feel it. Let this book consume you and draw you in. Christopher Rice captures the pain and cruelty of high school and of being gay in high scool with perfect clarity. This book is a rollercoaster that keeps you on your toes and short of breath through the very last chapter. I eagerly await Mr. Rice's next novel, The Snow Garden.

Rating:
Summary: Non-stop Reading
Review: This book was delivered to my home monday, after dinner I settled down and read through out the night! I couldn't stop reading! I was taken right in to the story line and had a few personal moments when they touched my own life. It all seemed so well! Bravo to Christopher Rice.. I'll be waiting for the next Novel.

Rating:
Summary: Not Like Mom
Review: I thought this was an excellent book. Completely different from his famous mother. The bashing was very real along with the realtionships between childhood friends and how they change. I never expected the ending at all but it didn't strike me as a terrible thing either. The poetry was good. But as another reviewer said, do expect to find some typos in the novel. Otherwise it's a good book that I need to have in my possession.

Rating:
Summary: A must-read for all
Review: I have never before needed to finish a book more than with this extremely powerful story of life. The setting, the plot, and words, the structure are all flawless and captivating. However, the characters of the ensemble cast are what plunged me into a deliciously decadent world of real people, all of whom I have met, loved and hated. Few authors have been able to do this, and with such a flair for romanticism. A captivating journey that will touch anybody: teens, parents, teachers, brothers and anyone with a beating heart in their body. My advice is to block off a few hours of your day and read this. You will not be able to put it down, and nor will you want to.

Rating:
Summary: Rice Is Amazing
Review: I absolutely loved this book. It was fantastic. The plot was gripping and the emotion strong. I cried, and got angry, and happy all during this thrilling book. The wrighting is great. I fell in love with this book from the start. The tale was so entertaining that I couldn't put it down from the moment I read the first page, till the second that I read the last word.