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A quintessential Western like this is pure gold.

Wrapping up a great book means you'll miss some of the characters, even if most of them are at least somewhat detestable.

Even when the writer is describing something disgusting it's entertaining. There's more under the surface if the reader examines things a bit.

Alternative title: Competing

This is realism, dirty and stinky, and it's great.

Continues to interest me. But Patty is more entertaining than Richard.

I want this guy to write a full detective novel set in the early part of the 20th century with all his cosmic horror mixed in.

Franzen's use of the protagonist's "autobiography" is a nice touch.

This guy really exposes human frailty in a unique way.

I can already tell this will be a winner.

Every other story is great; which, unfortunately means every other story is not great.

This lady can really write, but I don't know if I like this book.

Is this going to be a slog? 60% likely.

OK, Zosima's story has gotten better. But I'm still ready for the main plot to pick back up.

Father Zosima can't die soon enough.

The third story is Hand of Glory, a hard boiled gangster tale more than hinting at an occult presence. This is where Barron always shines.

The 2nd story is like if M Night Shyamalan directed a Golden Girls episode.

The third story is like if M Night Shyamalan directed a Golden Girls episode.

Oh, Sue...

Jude succumbed to earthly delights, only to find they weren't so...delectable.