Now You See It: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: All consuming...
Review: After reading reviews of Lynn's book in US weekly and People, I put this book on my must read book. I became completely consumed by the story and the characters. As a former New Yorker, I felt I knew these characters and the dinner parties they attended. I loved them, I hated them, and left the book feeling grateful I was not them. The story "haunted" me both spiritually and existentially. I am indebted to Lynn for giving me closure in her final chapter, for I was far too wrapped up in the story to let it go once the book ended.

Rating:
Summary: take it to the beach...but it's better than that
Review: by all means take this book on vacation, but know it's a satisfying read. Ms. Lynn weaves a story that takes her characters from past to present, leaving hints along the way, of how fragile a young marriage can be if not tended to. The disappearance of Jessica, under not suspicious circumstances but
puzzling ones, lends David an opportunity to replay their marriage using threads of previous travels and unresolved endings. Fun read...wish I knew what made Jessica tick.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: Great book, fast read. Would be excellent for discussion in a book club. Really makes you think and wonder throughout the whole read. Didn't want to put it down.....had to know what happens.


Rating:
Summary: Came up short for me
Review: I also didn't care for this book. The premise is compelling, but the characters are rather unsympathetic. Perhaps I missed something, but very little of the discussion of Jessica led me to a deeper understanding of her actions. The Jhensen conclusion was similarly questionable to me.

Rating:
Summary: This is the most unsatisfying book I've read in years.
Review: I enjoyed it for a while. It's well-written, the characters are interesting, and you REALLY want to know what happened. About half-way through I started to wonder if the author was ever going to tell us what happened. The half-answer provided at the end was too minimal for the investment the reader makes in this book and the characters. After finishing the book, I am left with more questions than answers at the end, and feeling like I've read only half a book or that I've just read the first chapter of a book. Where is the rest? This is an unsatisfying novel that I would not recommend.

Rating:
Summary: Inside a Relationship
Review: I really enjoyed this novel, and now that it's done I want more!
Lynn creates a real world with characters full of mixed emotions. The suspense is drawn out, while she shifts between time frames. It makes you question your own relationships and leaves many questions unanswered...which I liked! The questions in the back of the book are excellent, and designed for a discussion group! I will definately recommend it to my Book Club. I'd like to see more from this young author!

Rating:
Summary: A Terrific Debut
Review: Kudos to this new author! Now You See It is a refreshing departure from the cookie cutter mystery novels cluttering today's book shelves. I anxiously await Allison Lynn's second novel.

Rating:
Summary: Something Haunting, SOmething New...
Review: Lynn's novel is outstanding. Ignore the review that Amazon gave it above. This is a wonderful first book. It is sad, haunting, and yet true. I really feel for David in this book. Maybe that is because I am man. I kept wondering to myself why didn't he hire a private eye to solve the mystery? And then I realized that is not a traditional mystery novel. The disapperance reminded a bit of Harlan Coben, but without the crazy hidden secrets. We learn the truths here, but they may not be what we expected. Lynn is a very talented writer and I see a promising career that WILL NOT disappear.

Rating:
Summary: Something Haunting, SOmething New...
Review: Lynn's novel is outstanding. Ignore the review that Amazon gave it above. This is a wonderful first book. It is sad, haunting, and yet true. I really feel for David in this book. Maybe that is because I am man. I kept wondering to myself why didn't he hire a private eye to solve the mystery? And then I realized that is not a traditional mystery novel. The disapperance reminded a bit of Harlan Coben, but without the crazy hidden secrets. We learn the truths here, but they may not be what we expected. Lynn is a very talented writer and I see a promising career that WILL NOT disappear.

Rating:
Summary: Smart ,Thoughtful and Thoroughly Entertaining
Review: This is one of the most thought provoking and intriguing modern novels I have ever read. Despite the fact it is a page turner, I found myself thinking about it for days afterward. It deftly and subtly explores the fundamental theme of how and where we find contentment and joy; how that happiness is different for most people, and how many people aren't even aware of what brings them joy. As I read, I was amazed at Lynn's ability to sustain intrigue and momentum throughout the book, and I was grateful for the surprising and satisfying ending. I haven't enjoyed a recent book this much since Jonathan Safran Foer's "Everything is Illuminated." Kudos to the author.