Rui Hao Hao من عند Riddings, Derbyshire, المملكة المتحدة
This is a stunning book. I read it in high school and devoured it in a day to find out how it would end and what would happen to Gabriel and Rachel. I actually skipped ahead and read the last page (which I really never do) because I was so nervous that they wouldn't end up together. I've re-read it probably a hundred times since then, no kidding. And every time I read it I catch a beautiful phrase or description or a fantastic visual image that I missed before. Sharon Shinn is an extraordinary writer. It's a shame that because she writes fantasy novels, literature snobs will overlook her entirely. But her writing is unbelievably thoughtful and sensual and visual and emotional, and her characters are loveable, funny and realistic, and the way this book blends music and science and romance and faith is extraordinarily compelling. The story itself is also really exciting and suspenseful; every time I'm depressed and need a pick-me-up, I re-read the section where Rachel gets kidnapped and Gabriel comes to rescue her. It's SOOOO good. This is absolutely one of my Top Five Favorite Books of All Time, and I think that everyone should read it. It's a beautiful story about faith, why we believe what we believe, and how music heals people and brings them together.
Insightful history of a most misunderstood woman. The book (nor the woman?) is nothing like Kirsten Dunst movie I chose not to finish watching.