Rating: Summary: A Density Of Souls by Christopher Rice Review: Greg, Stephen, Meredith and Brandon are best friends growing up in New Orleans, and thought they would remain that way. But once they hit the highschool, everything changed. Greg and Brandon become star football players and win instant popularity. Meredith is their tag-along, who's dealing with an abusive boyfriend, eating disorder, and a drinking problem. Stephen has questions about his sexuality, and isn't liked by anyone, or so it seems. . . And that's only the begining of their problems! I loved this book, because it represents a lot of problems teenagers deal with in a realistic way. So, if you are a teenager who feels like the world is too much, read this book and you might not feel so alone.
Rating: Summary: Review of reviews Review: First off, don't read this book if you are a egotisical, homophobic, unimaginative....person. You'll probably find more enjoyment out of the "Worst book Ever" review. After all, closed-minded fools all have the same opinion. If you are described above, this book will hit too close to home to admit to. You're probably more like the "underdeveloped" characters of Greg and Brandon. Had you actually opened your mind and paid attention to the book, you would have discovered a wonderful piece of literature that is a must read for teens and for the "freaks and geeks" of high school. High school is a rough place, there are sterotypical people who go to high school. High school jocks are obnoxious and popular girls are cold; and yet we all wish to be their friend. Christopher Rice did an excellent job of letting everyone know the truth behind adolesnce. I truly recommend this book to everyone I know. But as I said, do not read this book just to trash the author. His abilities prove themselves. This book is an emotional rollercoaster and the ending will leave your mouth hanging open in shock. "Waste" your money for the debut novel of this talent guy.
Rating: Summary: Rich Story Not For The Tender Hearted Review: I came into reading this book with high expectations. After all this is Anne Rice's son and you cannot help but think some of her rich story telling and characterization rubbed off onto him.I found this book to be a good first work. The serious problem I had is that the pace of the story moved too fast and that the reader was not given time to recover from some hard punches that the storyline deals the reader such as the explosion scene. Another problem is that the reader is often just given bits and pieces of the action and then the story line will jump leaving the reader to make assumptions at what happened without being directly told except in retrospect. The third major problem is the ending is kind of "blah". It ties the ends up but I personally felt that the good in the ending did not make up for the stuff and one is left thinking about the negative events in the book rather than the positives. Other than the aforementioed problems I found the characters to be completely likeable (or despisable in some cases) and one can latch onto them, esspecially Stephen. The imagery is good in a lot of places such as the explosion scene or some of the tender moments that Stephen has. Ths book is also a fast read, mainly do to the fast pace at which everything is thrown at the reader. The overall theme of the books seems to center around loss of a kind of innosence that only Stephen retains and those around him wish to rip from him even if it means his death. Although the story line and writing style were quite good, I will hesitate to re-read this book mainly because of the emotions it leaves. I am glad I read it but for now wish the numb the emotionalism of it.
Rating: Summary: Anne Rice Fans Will Love It Review: This book blows.Hard.It has got to be the worst book I have ever,EVER read.Save your cash,save your time-skip it.
Rating: Summary: Coming out of Anne Rice's Shadow Review: It must be a daunting task for any young author to get published today, but imagine the expectations pinned on Christopher Rice! Not only does he surpass those expectations, (of happening to be related to Anne Rice) but he has achieved one of the most auspicious first-novel experiences that I have had the pleasure of reading. "A Density of Souls" is a tight, character-driven story of four teens growing up against a New Orleans backdrop. The plot, involving a murderous turn of events and the ensuing cover-up, pulses steadily throughout the book, at an engrossing clip. Sexy, bold, honest and at times achingly poetic, Christopher Rice can stand on his own literary feet. If the only reason you read this book is because of the Rice legacy, you will be blown away by his story-telling talent.
Rating: Summary: So Many Souls, So Many Secrets Review: I bought this book to see if good writing was inherited. I like Anne Rice and figured I'd give her son a shot. I'm really glad I did. This novel has just about everything you could imagine, from romance to suspence. I read the book in a little over a day, I couldn't put it down. Mr. Rice does an excellent job of portraying the lives and surroudings. You can feel yourself right there on the streets of New Orleans watching everything as it happens. I can't wait until his next novel comes out.
Rating: Summary: A Very Quick, Entertaining, Thought-Provoking Read. Review: Christopher Rice has entered the landscape of American Fiction with this deftly-written, stunning debut novel. Richly-drawn characters dance across the page, each making his or her mark in a gripping, absorbing tale. You will find it very difficult to put this book down once you begin, and despite a satisfying conclusion, you will be disappointed to have it end so soon. It is with great anticipation that I look forward to future work from this genuinely talented, crafty, humane writer.
Rating: Summary: A Noble Beginning Review: Not bad for his first attempt. Rice tells a good story and he integrates some common social themes like classism, heterosexism, etc. A DENSITY OF SOULS is pretty light reading, but it is entertaining.
Rating: Summary: I am Chris Rice's number one fan! Review: This is a must read! I could not put this book down! Chris Rice definitely has his mother's talent and Poppy Z. Brite's ability to profoundly effect you mentally and emotionally. I felt every emotion possible while reading this book. I was horrified, depressed, sorrowful, absolutely drained emotionally thoughout this book; words cannot describe it. I simply cannot describe my emotions after finishing this book. I hate to think that Chris may have actually experienced this magnitude of pain in his personal life. Don't read this book on a dark and rainy day. I eagerly await...and dread... his next book and will purchase it the day it is released. I AM Chris Rice's number one fan!
Rating: Summary: A fine, strong debut Review: I had some hesitation when I began reading because I wasn't sure whether Rice had gotten published due to talent or his famous parents. Well, after finishing the book, I think it's mostly due to talent, although having famous parents may've been an asset, so. Although he doesn't really cover new ground plot- or storywise, Rice creates a fascinating web of intrigue among the various characters that speeds to its evocative ending. He definitely writes with that Louisiana-gothic feel, with an incredible emotional darkness that reminded me of Patrick Redmond and Scott Heim somewhat. This novel has an amazing texture that would lend itself nicely to a big budget movie. Christopher Rice has certainly proven himself with this book that he has inherited the talents of his parents.
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