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A Day Late and a Dollar Short
Viola Price's family is crazy. Not bad crazy, but every day crazy. Kids that don't do what they are told, marriages coming apart, sibling rivalry, career ambition, alcohol. So although her four beautiful babies are grown up with kids of their own, it seems to her that a mothers guidance is what they need to sort them out. Though she's determined to give it a try, Viola's got her work cut out for her. They just seem to end up a day too late and a dollar short. Still, she's sure they'll get there in the end. Won't they?
416 pages, Paperback
First published December 29, 2000
198 people are currently reading
3663 people want to read
About the author
Terry McMillan
47 books3,492 followersTerry McMillan is an African-American author. Her interest in books comes from working at a library when she was fourteen. She received her BA in journalism in 1986 from the University of California at Berkeley and the MFA Film Program at Columbia University. Her work is characterized by strong female protagonists.
Her first book, Mama, was self-promoted. She achieved national attention in 1992 with her third novel, Waiting to Exhale, which remained on The New York Times bestseller list for many months. Forest Whitaker turned it into a film in 1995. In 1998, another of McMillan's novels, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, was made into a movie. McMillan's novel Disappearing Acts was subsequently produced as a direct-to-cable feature.
Her last novel, Who Asked You?, casts an intimate look at the burdens and blessings of family and speaks to trusting your own judgment even when others don’t agree.
Her first book, Mama, was self-promoted. She achieved national attention in 1992 with her third novel, Waiting to Exhale, which remained on The New York Times bestseller list for many months. Forest Whitaker turned it into a film in 1995. In 1998, another of McMillan's novels, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, was made into a movie. McMillan's novel Disappearing Acts was subsequently produced as a direct-to-cable feature.
Her last novel, Who Asked You?, casts an intimate look at the burdens and blessings of family and speaks to trusting your own judgment even when others don’t agree.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 reviews
May 16, 2017
Great read! relatable and relevant topics concerning the black families (struggles etc)...well written and recommend to all (paperback!)
December 29, 2015
I normally dont like Terry McMillan's work because she curses too much and she's the only author I know that write books where the movie is better. But, She did the darn thing with this one. I loved this book. I've read it five times. Two times back to back and I very rarely read the same book twice. There is someone in this family that mirrors a person in your own family for each of her characters. This family saga is a must read. You will find yourself not wanting to put it down and work, sleep and yes even your needy hungry kids will be an inconvenience while reading this lol. And you wont put it down until you find yourself holding your pee for way too long and realize how rediculously hooked to this book you are! I absolutely LOVED this book!
Still cant find myself getting into any of her other ones though.
Still cant find myself getting into any of her other ones though.
February 26, 2013
The book is funny in parts and Viola is a great character. All of the characters are well-written and their individual stories are very familiar in today's world. The mother begins telling the story. She then describes her (family) husband, children, and grandchildren in a way that only a mother, wife, and grandmother can. It was downright hilarious. To my surprise,however, the husband and children tell their opinions on the family and themselves. When you see how the family sees a person as opposed to how the person sees themselves you begin to think about some of the attitudes you have towards members of your own family. The beginning of the book will have you cracking up and by the end you will be in tears.
It explored in great details the twist and turns on an African American family through their ups and downs. It was very realistic yet honestly funny. There were times when you laughed and times when you cried, but throughout the entire book you could relate to one if not more of the events happening.
It explored in great details the twist and turns on an African American family through their ups and downs. It was very realistic yet honestly funny. There were times when you laughed and times when you cried, but throughout the entire book you could relate to one if not more of the events happening.
August 27, 2013
A provocative look at family relationships....
With this book, I had trouble with the style of writing. Here are 3 sentences:
------
- How come don't nobody ever believe me when I tell the truth? I can't hardly ball up my fist, my knuckles is so swollen.
- It ain't no reason why we gotta settle for being middle-class when we can move into a whole 'nother income bracket if we just pick up the pace.
- "Damn" is all I can say, but what's really on my mind is how I'ma get out to their house to put my foot in this MF**** a**.
------
Too much bad English and too much unnecessary cursing that doesn't add to the story. So I be closing 'dis here book up quick and giving it two of dim stars just 'cause Terry McMillan name be on da cover.
With this book, I had trouble with the style of writing. Here are 3 sentences:
------
- How come don't nobody ever believe me when I tell the truth? I can't hardly ball up my fist, my knuckles is so swollen.
- It ain't no reason why we gotta settle for being middle-class when we can move into a whole 'nother income bracket if we just pick up the pace.
- "Damn" is all I can say, but what's really on my mind is how I'ma get out to their house to put my foot in this MF**** a**.
------
Too much bad English and too much unnecessary cursing that doesn't add to the story. So I be closing 'dis here book up quick and giving it two of dim stars just 'cause Terry McMillan name be on da cover.
August 14, 2012
Admittedly, I am late to the party. I recently finished Terry McMillan's A Day Late and a Dollar Short (Penguin, 2002) and enjoyed it from cover to cover. There is no question that Ms. McMillan is a gifted storyteller and this work certainly does not disappoint. I am partial to stories which examine family dynamics, confront their inherent dysfunction, and lead the characters along the road to redemption. A Day Late more than delivered on my expectations.
Each chapter is narrated by one of the main characters. Readers will learn something about each family member's self-concept as well as their perceptions regarding the rest of the clan. Viola and Cecil Price, married for 38 years, are parents to their very adult (and very flawed) children: Paris, Lewis, Charlotte, and Janelle. I fell in love with Viola whose life served as a call to action for her family. A self-proclaimed "know-it-all", who believed that it was her duty to meddle in everyone else's business, Viola told the truth--whether anybody wanted to hear it or not. When she came to terms with her own personal missteps, Viola grabbed life by the horns and started anew. She also insisted that her family follow her lead. Trying really hard not to give anything away, just know that the effect that Viola's advice has on everyone else is a game-changer.
The lesson that I learned from A Day Late is to live every single day to the fullest. The next 5 minutes aren't promised, so when you decide to finally "get it together", time may not be on your side. Define who you are as a person. Follow your passions. Never stop learning. Challenge yourself beyond your limits. And if you are not sure of how to get started, pick up a copy of A Day Late and a Dollar Short. When you finish reading it, you will know exactly what you need to do.
Well done, Ms. McMillan. Very well done.
Each chapter is narrated by one of the main characters. Readers will learn something about each family member's self-concept as well as their perceptions regarding the rest of the clan. Viola and Cecil Price, married for 38 years, are parents to their very adult (and very flawed) children: Paris, Lewis, Charlotte, and Janelle. I fell in love with Viola whose life served as a call to action for her family. A self-proclaimed "know-it-all", who believed that it was her duty to meddle in everyone else's business, Viola told the truth--whether anybody wanted to hear it or not. When she came to terms with her own personal missteps, Viola grabbed life by the horns and started anew. She also insisted that her family follow her lead. Trying really hard not to give anything away, just know that the effect that Viola's advice has on everyone else is a game-changer.
The lesson that I learned from A Day Late is to live every single day to the fullest. The next 5 minutes aren't promised, so when you decide to finally "get it together", time may not be on your side. Define who you are as a person. Follow your passions. Never stop learning. Challenge yourself beyond your limits. And if you are not sure of how to get started, pick up a copy of A Day Late and a Dollar Short. When you finish reading it, you will know exactly what you need to do.
Well done, Ms. McMillan. Very well done.
January 8, 2009
DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY soooooooooooo real life
None of us are flawless and no one wants to read how honky dory life is for someone else. In A DAY LATE AND A DOLLAR SHORT, you find a family boggled down with secrets, infidelity, rape/molestation, drug abuse, teen sex, sexuality and envy. This is everyone's family! Where did this woman emerge from? McMillan has captivated me with every single book! Not one complaint and I am hoping that she continues to write and continues to create characters that people can relate to.
Viola, the mother, is the strength of this entire family; even when in relation to her ex-husband and his new family. Viola sees all and hears all and that's without one word being said, now that's a real mother! Even after death, Viola, is there to help all of them mend the pieces and shows them how special they all are and how to utilize that special gifts they each have.
A DAY LATE AND A DOLLAR SHORT is truly a portrayal of a real family and I read it with a box of Kleenex.
None of us are flawless and no one wants to read how honky dory life is for someone else. In A DAY LATE AND A DOLLAR SHORT, you find a family boggled down with secrets, infidelity, rape/molestation, drug abuse, teen sex, sexuality and envy. This is everyone's family! Where did this woman emerge from? McMillan has captivated me with every single book! Not one complaint and I am hoping that she continues to write and continues to create characters that people can relate to.
Viola, the mother, is the strength of this entire family; even when in relation to her ex-husband and his new family. Viola sees all and hears all and that's without one word being said, now that's a real mother! Even after death, Viola, is there to help all of them mend the pieces and shows them how special they all are and how to utilize that special gifts they each have.
A DAY LATE AND A DOLLAR SHORT is truly a portrayal of a real family and I read it with a box of Kleenex.
July 7, 2017
For a book that's almost 500 pages, I'm excited to have read it in two days!
From start to finish this book was excellent, gave the perfect "fly on the wall" eye view of the entire Price family. I found myself cheering for each character it was impossible to choose one favorite.
I see this (like most McMillan novels) has been adapted into a movie, I can not wait to watch!
From start to finish this book was excellent, gave the perfect "fly on the wall" eye view of the entire Price family. I found myself cheering for each character it was impossible to choose one favorite.
I see this (like most McMillan novels) has been adapted into a movie, I can not wait to watch!
August 14, 2016
I really liked the style of storytelling Terry McMillan used in this novel. Getting each character's POV of the other characters was a unique strategy. Good show, Terry. The story was gritty and real in demonstrating how family life often goes. I appreciated that aspect. There was a bit too much foul language in it for my taste although I know people do talk like that. I just felt too many of these characters were spouting curse words unnecessarily but that's my personal objection. Viola spoke on it to one of her children but really all of them were guilty if you ask me. Other than that it was a good story depicting a typical familial dynamic with the strength and wisdom of a black matriarch. A sacrificing mother who gets too little too late. The ending is a two-hanky, tear-jerker and happy one combined. It's a good read, well worth the time.
July 30, 2010
First let me start off by saying that when I opened up this book to find an extended family tree on the first two pages, I immediately became a little nervous. No one wants to interrupt their reading experience by constantly referring to the legend at the front of the book.
Luckily for me, I didn’t have to.
In A Day Late and A Dollar Short, Terry McMillan paints the picture of a dysfunctional family just trying to make it day by day. There’s Viola, the matriarch, who starts the book off by suffering a nearly fatal asthma attack. There’s Cecil, her (soon to be ex) husband, who has left Viola and is living with another (younger) woman across town. Then there are their children: Paris, Janelle, Lewis and Charlotte, each with their own set of problems.
This story is told from six perspectives, which initially makes it difficult to enjoy. The chapters are not labeled by name so it takes you a minute to realize who is speaking. Unfortunately, this is consistent throughout the entire book. While each character’s story is engaging, the fact that each one doesn’t have their own distinctive voice makes it a bit bothersome. Added to this is the fact that the chapters are long-winded, trying to cram every detail making certain parts of this story repetitive.
Even with those problems, I still really enjoyed this book. McMillan has created wonderfully complex characters that are constantly challenged, exploring exactly why they have become the way they are. Not only focusing on problems that affect the black community, the seemingly casual way with which she deals with different traumatic events, such as Lewis’s molestation by family members and Paris’s substance abuse, leaves one caught off guard. It’s not that she doesn’t delve into the matter…she does. However, she doesn’t allow the character to use it as an excuse. She hasn’t created a book of victims bemoaning and belaboring. She takes this family that has essentially fallen apart and shown how they each are trying to piece it back together again, gifting us with a group of sassy, strong people struggling to find solutions, which makes this an uplifting, positive story.
Luckily for me, I didn’t have to.
In A Day Late and A Dollar Short, Terry McMillan paints the picture of a dysfunctional family just trying to make it day by day. There’s Viola, the matriarch, who starts the book off by suffering a nearly fatal asthma attack. There’s Cecil, her (soon to be ex) husband, who has left Viola and is living with another (younger) woman across town. Then there are their children: Paris, Janelle, Lewis and Charlotte, each with their own set of problems.
This story is told from six perspectives, which initially makes it difficult to enjoy. The chapters are not labeled by name so it takes you a minute to realize who is speaking. Unfortunately, this is consistent throughout the entire book. While each character’s story is engaging, the fact that each one doesn’t have their own distinctive voice makes it a bit bothersome. Added to this is the fact that the chapters are long-winded, trying to cram every detail making certain parts of this story repetitive.
Even with those problems, I still really enjoyed this book. McMillan has created wonderfully complex characters that are constantly challenged, exploring exactly why they have become the way they are. Not only focusing on problems that affect the black community, the seemingly casual way with which she deals with different traumatic events, such as Lewis’s molestation by family members and Paris’s substance abuse, leaves one caught off guard. It’s not that she doesn’t delve into the matter…she does. However, she doesn’t allow the character to use it as an excuse. She hasn’t created a book of victims bemoaning and belaboring. She takes this family that has essentially fallen apart and shown how they each are trying to piece it back together again, gifting us with a group of sassy, strong people struggling to find solutions, which makes this an uplifting, positive story.
June 7, 2010
I'm sorry - I can't finish this book. The characters are all basically unlikeable folks who "explain themselves" - which means giving excuses why their lives and their children are so screwed up. Essentially, they make one bad decision after another.
While this type of book might resonate with another audience, I just find it tedious & depressing.
While this type of book might resonate with another audience, I just find it tedious & depressing.
December 27, 2018
Great read!
March 18, 2016
No family is perfect. We argue. We fight. And even at times we stopped talking to each other. But in the end, family is always family. The love will always be there :)
This is a family saga. The author, introduces the reader to Viola Price and her family and instantly you are part it. You shout, cry and laugh with them and in certain parts you want to shake sense into them and shout 'get over it and move on!' but then you realize that they need to discover things for themselves before they can do that (even if it means changing when it is too late).
A Day Late and a Dollar Short is mature, spiritual and enlightening because it broadens the relationship concept to include parents, siblings, step-families and friends and how this shapes us as people. Viola, the mother, is the strength of this entire family; even when in relation to her ex-husband and his new family.
However, at certain chapters I find the story to be repetitive. Somewhat predictable, but enjoyable to read.
I don't want to give the story away. Just trust me! The book will make you laugh and cry.
This is a family saga. The author, introduces the reader to Viola Price and her family and instantly you are part it. You shout, cry and laugh with them and in certain parts you want to shake sense into them and shout 'get over it and move on!' but then you realize that they need to discover things for themselves before they can do that (even if it means changing when it is too late).
A Day Late and a Dollar Short is mature, spiritual and enlightening because it broadens the relationship concept to include parents, siblings, step-families and friends and how this shapes us as people. Viola, the mother, is the strength of this entire family; even when in relation to her ex-husband and his new family.
However, at certain chapters I find the story to be repetitive. Somewhat predictable, but enjoyable to read.
I don't want to give the story away. Just trust me! The book will make you laugh and cry.
October 1, 2020
A Day Late and a Dollar Short is an engaging fictional account of a multigenerational family in turmoil. The parents separate, the adult children are at each other, and each one is fighting their own battles. Their personal stories are deep, complex, and have to be worked out for the family to unite and survive.
I enjoyed the layers built into each character. The story switches effortlessly in between dramatic plots, breathtaking crises, and tear-jerking moments. Another aspect that intrigued me was how we saw some characters fighting poverty. In contrast, others had plenty, alcoholism and addiction issues, marriage problems, classism between the siblings, several health crises, teenagers thriving, and others in trouble.
All-in-all, An interesting and relatable read told from various points of view. In the end, life works out, and we learn what drives each character's behavior and choices.
I enjoyed the layers built into each character. The story switches effortlessly in between dramatic plots, breathtaking crises, and tear-jerking moments. Another aspect that intrigued me was how we saw some characters fighting poverty. In contrast, others had plenty, alcoholism and addiction issues, marriage problems, classism between the siblings, several health crises, teenagers thriving, and others in trouble.
All-in-all, An interesting and relatable read told from various points of view. In the end, life works out, and we learn what drives each character's behavior and choices.
February 16, 2018
This isn't a book I would have picked up on my own, but it was the book club selection for February. I was told that it was a fabulous book, and to be honest, at first I just wasn't feeling it. It wasn't a bad book by any means, but I guess I just wasn't really in the right frame of mind to read it or something. I didn't understand what the point even was. By the end though, I totally got it, and completely understand why this is such a fabulous book. If you've been putting it off, read it. If your family is struggling and you feel like it's fractured, READ THIS Book! That's all.
November 29, 2013
This book was 2 long.
December 6, 2017
Onvan : A Day Late and a Dollar Short - Nevisande : Terry McMillan - ISBN : 451211081 - ISBN13 : 9780451211088 - Dar 496 Safhe - Saal e Chap : 2000
January 27, 2023
There was so much craziness in this book that I don't think it would ever be traditionally published in 2023, nor would it be adapted for the small screen and air on Lifetime. Pages and pages of dysfunction and a lot of it made my stomach turn. Terry, what was going on here?
But, surprisingly, the ending was a tearjerker. Three stars for wrapping it up nicely with a bow at the end. I'm not big on sappy saccharine endings, but this one needed it. BADLY.
Sidenote: I watched the movie immediately after and so much was changed, they might as well not even say it was based on this book. That said, they would have HAD to change nearly all of it because no way in hell Lifetime, or any channel other than HBO or Cinemax, would've aired it.
But, surprisingly, the ending was a tearjerker. Three stars for wrapping it up nicely with a bow at the end. I'm not big on sappy saccharine endings, but this one needed it. BADLY.
Sidenote: I watched the movie immediately after and so much was changed, they might as well not even say it was based on this book. That said, they would have HAD to change nearly all of it because no way in hell Lifetime, or any channel other than HBO or Cinemax, would've aired it.
April 28, 2021
This book is full of lessons, but the biggest one is to live your life to the fullest. Say the things you want to say and don’t wait for tomorrow to tell someone you love them or to make them proud. Do it today. The story and characters are relatable, so much so I felt joy when they felt joy, and pain when they were feeling pain. I was brought to tears on more than one occasion.
At first I didn’t think I was going to like how the story was told. Each chapter coming from a different characters perspective, but in the end it felt right. I am a little surprised by who recommended this book to me. I will need to thank him and find out what other treasures he has tucked away.
At first I didn’t think I was going to like how the story was told. Each chapter coming from a different characters perspective, but in the end it felt right. I am a little surprised by who recommended this book to me. I will need to thank him and find out what other treasures he has tucked away.
April 15, 2018
The story of Viola Price and her family will stay with me for a long time. It's a brilliantly written novel and there were several passages that brought tears to my eyes. I feel that I truly got to know each and every one of the characters. Terry McMillan is one of those authors whose work always leaves me satisfied.
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January 8, 2022Happy new year! I’m back on goodreads! I need to go back and fill in 2021 (though I didn’t read much that was that good…). I’m trying to read 90s novels now. Pre-9/11, pre-Bush 2, pre- Trump presidency though obviously not pre- Trump as a public figure. The 90s are great. And A Day Late and a Dollar Short is a perfect novel! No notes. Get ready to cry, get ready to only allow yourself to read a few pages at a time because you want to save it. PERFECTION!!!
April 5, 2019
More like 4 1/2 stars. I would have given 5 stars, but it took me over 100 pages to really get into the book. The characters were so well developed and I will be thinking about this one for awhile!
February 2, 2020
Umm.....it was ok
August 1, 2020
Great read. This family has all the drama and then some. Truly felt like you were there experiencing everything with them. Eager to read another book from this author.
December 30, 2024
Another masterpiece by Terry McMillan. I fell in love with Ms Vy and it broke my heart when she passed. Her kids were trifling but I loved them too! Unforgettable characters for sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2022
One of my favorite books
April 30, 2025
Oh my god, that was so good. Everyone was a moron, everyone was wonderful. I love books like this that just tell the story of some people- warts and all.
April 20, 2021
Me gusta que la autora se centre en todos/as los componentes de la familia y sus historial de forma individual. Aborda temas muy duros y crudos pero a la vez lo hace de una forma en la que empatizas con la situación y comprendes muy bien como se sienten los personajes en ese momento. No obstante, en algunas ocasiones se me hacía pesada la lectura y muy lenta. Me sobraban páginas.
El final me ha emocionado bastante pero todo encajaba demasiado bien, el típico final de todos felices para siempre poco realista pero ideal para una novela.
El final me ha emocionado bastante pero todo encajaba demasiado bien, el típico final de todos felices para siempre poco realista pero ideal para una novela.
January 4, 2009
OK -- I'll admit I didn't like the vast majority of the book. However, once I got to the end, I was much happier :) Every chapter is written in the first person by the Mom, the Dad, or one of their 4 children. Obviously this makes it a little difficult to figure out who is talking, especially at the beginning when you're trying to sort them all out. It's an interesting study on families, and how they get along or don't get along, but all love each other. I love how the mother is truly the traditional, wise matriarch that all families need. One of her classic lines is a description of her husband's new girlfriend: ". . .that mushroom-looking wench he was sitting next to, who look young enough to be his grand-daughter, and who need to make up her mind which hairstyle she really interested in and settle on one instead of the three or four I saw." For some reason, this just really tickled me.
Brief, unprofessional synopsis: Written by the author of "Waiting to Exhale" and "How Stella Got Her Groove Back", this book covers a short period of time in the life of a a black family that began in Chicago (Viola and Cecil) and moved to Las Vegas. The 4 grown kids are Paris, Charlotte, Janelle and Lewis. The book covers a variety of societal, familial, educational and financial issues. From substance abuse to incest to divorce to abortion to rheumatoid arthritis and lottery tickets, this family experiences what all families experience in that whether they like each other or not, they can choose whether or not they still love each other and want to support each other. Contains lots of f words. . .
Brief, unprofessional synopsis: Written by the author of "Waiting to Exhale" and "How Stella Got Her Groove Back", this book covers a short period of time in the life of a a black family that began in Chicago (Viola and Cecil) and moved to Las Vegas. The 4 grown kids are Paris, Charlotte, Janelle and Lewis. The book covers a variety of societal, familial, educational and financial issues. From substance abuse to incest to divorce to abortion to rheumatoid arthritis and lottery tickets, this family experiences what all families experience in that whether they like each other or not, they can choose whether or not they still love each other and want to support each other. Contains lots of f words. . .
January 1, 2015
In a nutshell, I liked it. It wasn't the best read ever, but certainly not the worst. This is the first book I've read by McMillan. I usually don't read books like this; by this, I mean these more contemporary type black novels. By not being the best, I mean that it wasn't some deep story with a dynamic plot filled with twists and turns. It doesn't contain any surprising outcomes that I didn't expect. However, it was just a plain ol' good story about a very relatable, ordinary, black family experiencing the different type of things that life can throw at you. The characters were very real and are likely to remind you of people you know (at least in my case, they did). I enjoyed the format in which the book is written; you get to see the story unfold from the different perspectives of the main characters. I enjoyed that aspect because not only do you get to see how each character sees and relates to one another, but you also get to see how they see themselves based on their own thoughts and perspectives. The ending was good but rather cliche' and predictable. I guess the underlying theme here is maintaining your relationships with family, even through the family drama. It's never too late to fix your issues, even if you are "a day late and a dollar short."
November 14, 2012
A Day Late and A Dollar Short is the type of book that makes you feel so many different things: proud, because you're happy that Terry McMillan is so adept at 'telling it like it is', telling 'our' stories, and making our story everyone else's too; sad, because when you're reading about the problems of these characters, you realize they are so much like your own; and warm, because a book like this helps steer our busy lives back to what's most important in life, such as family.
While reading this novel, I laughed, shook my head, and said 'amen' quite a few times. The writing is simple, very detailed but in a good kind of way, and it feels so 'right now' even though the setting of the story takes place in the mid-90's. Everything about it is appealing, from the wide range of characters (lots of kids, adults, and some seniors), to the moving way the writer takes you inside the lives of these people. By the time you finish reading, you may feel like these people actually exist, and in a way I guess they really do. Overall, a pretty good book.
While reading this novel, I laughed, shook my head, and said 'amen' quite a few times. The writing is simple, very detailed but in a good kind of way, and it feels so 'right now' even though the setting of the story takes place in the mid-90's. Everything about it is appealing, from the wide range of characters (lots of kids, adults, and some seniors), to the moving way the writer takes you inside the lives of these people. By the time you finish reading, you may feel like these people actually exist, and in a way I guess they really do. Overall, a pretty good book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 reviews