The Taking by Dean Koontz

I've found myself thoroughly enjoying the new, optimistic, and yes--joyous Dean Koontz. Don't get me wrong, he still has the squishy gooey creepy bad guys down pat, but after a run of some seriously downer books, its been wonderful seeing the world through the prism of optimism and hope that his latest books show.Even through the optimism however, he still manages to cleverly skewer some of our societies most closely cherished and politically correct ideals. Perhaps I like these books because I really am one of those people who see the cup as half full and consider our world a pretty darn good place. Or perhaps I agree with much of his underlying message about our society. Perhaps I even like the fact that this book actually sent me to my dictionary, something that seldom happens. This author loves words, uses them well and paints pictures of beauty and reflection with them. Maybe that's why the books appeal to me. Then again, maybe I simply like a good story, with honest, ethical,moral, decent and kind good guys. Whatever is the case--I've read a bunch of books so far this year--this is tied for number one! (Jodi Picoult, My Sister's Keeper is the other one--sad, but terrific!!)

(Posted on Amazon, August 23, 2004)