Vanishing Point

Rating:
Summary: Judith Krantz Does the Apocalypse
Review: A perfectly captivating premise is completely overshadowed by writing that could have come from a Danielle Steel boilerplate. From the very beginning of the novel, triteness abounds: descriptions of the heroine's "streaked, bronze-colored hair" are almost as annoying as her tendency to lean dreamily over railings or against oak trees and bask "for long moments". Throw in three paragraphs about her musings on what to wear, and it's clear that the interesting plot elements will be illuminated by her cutesy banter. ("Renzie groaned. 'Great. He'll be barrels of fun to work with later.")
The story is further hindered by long, dull, detailed descriptions of elements that could have been interesting. Furthermore, I think we've all had enough of enigmatic supporting characters that "uncoil" themselves to "stalk" across rooms.
If you are interested in reading Stephen King's The Stand as told through the eyes of sorority house denizens, you'll dig this book!

Rating:
Summary: Thought provoking and haunting.
Review: A somewhat noir SciFi (not fantasy) novel set in and around the San Francisco Bay Area, mostly in San Jose, with its epicenter at the real-life Winchester Mystery House. The different cults which spring up to explain the inexplicable Vanishing of 90% of the Earth's population are realistically envisioned and fleshed out, appealingly and even repellingly so, in some cases. The ending scenes leave one emotionally wrung out and wishing desperately (during a second and third re-reading!) one could CHANGE THINGS so that x,y,z didn't happen... that's how involved the reader becomes with the characters. An outstanding first novel, with only one or two rough spots. I WANT A SEQUEL!!!! Highest recommendation!! :)

Rating:
Summary: A fun read
Review: I found the plot to be riveting. It's been years since I've read this book and I still find myself thinking about it once in awhile. The characters are well developed but I didn't care for the ending.

Rating:
Summary: A fun read
Review: I found the plot to be riveting. It's been years since I've read this book and I still find myself thinking about it once in awhile. The characters are well developed but I didn't care for the ending.

Rating:
Summary: Vanishing Point
Review: The book is very captivating and full of vivid images of people and places. A book that you will surely read for start to finish!

Rating:
Summary: Vanishing Point
Review: The book is very captivating and full of vivid images of people and places. A book that you will surely read for start to finish!

Rating:
Summary: A Good Read
Review: This book has a really cool premise and was carried out fairly well but I felt the ending was unsatisfying. This is one of those books where the characters and the setting are much more interesting than the plot. Still I'd recommend it as a good weekend read. But try to find it in a used bookstore before you buy it here.