The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold

one sentence summary:
A girl is murdered and looks down on her family from heaven.

review:
This book isn't as terrible as some people say, it also isn't as good as a lot of people say. The idea behind the story is very intriguing, a great idea, but the execution leaves the reader feeling a bit lacking. The characters are pretty well developed and the writing is adequate, not great but pretty good. It just wasn't as good as I wanted/expected it to be. I recommend it if you are really bored and have nothing else to read. Or, if you want to read a pretty good plot and steal it to write a better book.

5/10

The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini

One Sentence Summary:
Boys from two different classes become friends in pre-communism Afghanistan, the story follows them as they grow older and grow apart.

Review:
I really enjoyed the descriptions of Afghanistan  and the majority of characters. However, I do agree with many other reviewers that they way the Taliban is depicted could have been handled better. That said the cookie cutter bad guys doesn't detract from the care taken with the rest of the characters. The interaction between characters is orchestrated very well and will take you on a roller-coaster of love, betrayal, anger and disappointment. I would call this a take it or leave it novel, but it is a successful study in relationships. 

7/10

Notable Quotes:

"There is only one sin. and that is theft... when you tell a lie, you steal someones right to the truth." 

If you enjoyed this you should read:

Life of Pi - Yann Martel
The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry