Review: What An Interesting Book!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 17, 2013
I found this book when Amazon was offering it on their free list.  I was not familiar with the author, but thought that the synopsis of the book was interesting, so I downloaded it.Unlike most of the novels in this genre that I have enjoyed, this one didn't "hook" me right at the beginning.  However, I eventually reached the point where I had trouble putting the book down.I found this book interesting on many levels.  First, it offered an interesting plot that was not overly transparent, and had enough action to keep it from being boring (and even the slow places served a purpose).  Second, the main character was very different and very interesting, and the author did an excellent job of revealing who he was as the story unfolded.  Third, it offered insight into a different culture, and did so in a way that was both interesting and contributed to the story line.  Fourth, it offered some interesting viewpoints about how the United States might be viewed by other cultures.However, this last item played a part in why I gave the book 4 starts instead of 5 - not that the author challenged us to face how others may see us, this was a good thing, very thought-provoking in a few cases.  What bothered me was a lack of balance.  There seemed to be a lack of any redeeming qualities in any the characters except for the protagonist and a few other foreign characters, such as the Chinese, once he came to the United States.  To me, this was a little "over the top."Was this a huge deal with me?  No, it wasn't.  I enjoyed this book and would gladly recommend it to all who are reading this review.