Number of entries: 58
(NOTE: if more than one character gets the same number of votes, the characters will be listed alphabetically):
(NOTE: same rules as favorite characters):
From Shannon Wendt (swendt@gis.net):
A friend of mine recommended "The Eight." After devouring that, I
tackled "ACalculated Risk"
From Marlene Kondelik (mkondelik@albion.edu):
My daughter told me how good she was.
From John Kondelik (jkondelik@albion.edu):
My daughter recommended it to me and after a long time I finally read it.
It has been a continuing conversation point ever since.
From Catherine (cak@pemail.net):
I needed a book for lunchtime reading and a coworker gave me The Eight
From Laura Ross (s947578@aix2.uottawa.ca):
through the library, then discovered that the eight is a cult book,
obtained through often mysterious ways
From zoltan.tor@mx2.redestb.es:
I play chess. I like fantasy and Sci-Fi books A friend talk to me and
recommend me to read The Eight (El Ocho in the spanish edition). He knows
that I like! Bingo!
From Irina Klein (i.klein@tu-bs.de):
My Mom has a German translation of "The Eight" on her book shelf. I read
it and decided to have a look at the original version.
From Dawn (dmb7w@virginia.edu):
My husband recommended it to me.
From J.E. (pinkinc@gis.net):
I worked for B. Dalton Books for a while. I was unpacking a shipment, the
book was in there and it looked interesting, so I decided to buy it and
read it.
From Catherine (mercury6@uclink4.berkeley.edu):
I had to read The Eight for an English class
From Chris Hoare (chrishoare@hotmail.com): Saw The Eight in a
bookshop, thought it sounded interesting and bought it...the rest, as
they say is history.
From Karen (flanders@uniserve.com):
Quite by chance, the title caught my interest and after reading the book
cover trailer, I was sure it was my kind of book.
From Kat (kpenny@holodeck.ruralnet.au):
Dad brought A Calculated Risk hoem from the library and I was hooked.
This novel has now become the novel I read most at the moment, I keep
going back to it I never get tired of re reading it. I love the whole
entire book. I learn something new each time I read it. I finish it and
then start it again. We all need a Tor to bring back the adventure
missing in our lives.
From an anonymous reader:
I used to work in a library. I stumbled upon _The Eight_ while I was
making sure the shelves were in order one day, and I got reprimanded
because I was caught reading it in the back of the library rather than
doing my work! I couldn't put it down!
From Chip De Atley (cd1016@juno.com):
my father was reading "The Eight."
From nim8@aol.com:
My history teacher. I picked up a Calculated Risk, and she saw me reading
it in class. She borrowed it from me, and suggested I read The Eight.
I'm glad I read it first, or else I would have been dissappoint in A
Calculated Risk.
From Jeff King (jrk@columbus.com):
Friend of a friend of a friend....
From Denise Whitmire (lwhitmire@esn.net):
Just came across "The Eight" on a sale rack in a bookstore several years
ago. It was my lucky day when I bought the book to read on a vacation. I
can't wait for her next book.
From Victoria (vpeck@cyberion.com):
Just picked up a copy of The Eight, read it and it is now my favorite book
ever. Just finished reading it for the 4th time. I own three copies of
it. LOVE IT!! Once i finished it, i wanted other books by Katherine
Neville, discovered Calculated Risk, just started it for the 2nd time.
From Safilo (safilo@hotmail.com):
a friend recommended The Eight to me because it is her favorite book, and
now it is mine.
From dmwil@juno.com:
I discovered it at used bookstore in paperback, Later I bought the hard
back because i really enjoyed it . I have read this book about 5 times so
far in a 4 yr. period. every time you learn something new.
From Nori (idyllic8@hotmail.com): eight's my fave number; saw the book
in a store and picked it up
From Kristin Smagula (ksmagula@flinthills.com): The book kept popping
up in literary discussions, and the plot sounded interesting. I bought it
a number of years ago, but never got around to reading it. Finally I dug
it out, and in a moment of rashness started reading. The rest as they say
is history...
From Kim Civins (dolby2@aol.com): Dad suggested the book to me...
From kaimac@aol.com: Was working in B.Dalton, picked up The Eight,
started reading on a break, bought it, and have been hooked ever
since.
From Zenobia (zenobia@sd.cybernex.net): When I was in college and
supposed to be studying for a test on the French Revolution I picked up
the SF Chronicle, and there was a review of the book THE EIGHT which was
brand new at the time. That weekend, I played hooky, went to a Star Trek
convention in San Jose, bought the book at Printers Ink in Palo Alto and
read it on the way back to the city. Trains are the perfect place to read
:)
From Andrew (a@mindless.com): by chance at my public library
From Ellen (owlinwind@yahoo.com): Found "The Eight" in a bookstore and
fell in love with it.
From Kasey (chipmunk@aznet.net): My aunt lent it to my Grandmother who
lent it to me
From Jeana (haynes-realty@postoffice.worldnet.att.net): I was given The
Eight as a present from some friends with the inscription that it was the
best book they had ever read.
From Michele (micheleh@slv.vic.gov.au): Pure chance - read the blurb of
The Eight, liked the cover, bought it and devoured it!
From Arturo Marquez (marqe@mma.mexico.mo.us): My father bought this
book and he gave it to me. I read it and started looking for Catherine
Neville's books.
From BatHarim@aol.com: My cousin had the book at her house several
years ago, and recommended it. I started reading it, and we ended up
fighting over who was going to get the chance to read it. I have read it
several times since.
From Megan (megane@lycosemail.com): I found The Eight in a pile of
books my grandparents had given my parents to read.
From Karen (pshkbb@aol.com): an acquaintance recommended the eight to
me and it was the best book I have read (and I read a book a week or so).
I loved it and constantly recommend it to others.
From Cecilia (racevedo@latinonet.com): I found The Eight in a library
and y like it, so i buy it.
From helen@kpbs.org: picked up the eight
From Dianne (ruffell@merredin.agn.net.au): Trolling through a bookshop,
I was doing a bit of "judging a book by its cover". I liked the images on
the front cover so much I bought the book. I've been sharking for
Katherine Neville books ever since.
From Lee Fleisher (fleisher@mindspring.com): A friend suggested it to
me after I read Eco's "Foucault's Pendulum."
From dwalker@accessline.com: recommendation from a friend of a friend
while sunbathing at a pool. I was reading Elizabeth Peters, and she was
reading A Calcuted Risk.
From Derek Phillpotts (turhan@pathcom.com): Recommendation from a
friend!
From Carolyn Fuleihan (carolynf@worldnet.att.net): Review in
Book-of-the-Month Club
From Wendy M. Poll (wpoll@morganut.com): Quite by chance. I just
picked up the paperback in my favorite bookstore about 5 years ago. I
have been recommending it to friends and associates ever since.
From Julia (jewels_18@hotmail.com): My best friend gave me _The Eight_
to read, and I was hooked! The book fascinated me!
From Megan Bohse (megan-bohse@Augustana.edu): Random bookstore shelf
browsing 5 years ago.
From tonee@gyral.com: Cousins and sister have read it and passed it on
to me.
From jmeeks@mail.iamerica.net: Picked up The Eight at a used bookstore.
Read it on a lo-o-ong van trip to Houston and New Orleans to deliver art
to museums.
From Erin (avalon486@aol.com): I literally have no idea. I'm sure
someone recommended "The Eight" to me at some point in time, but I don't
remember when. I'm going with the "cosmic fate" idea and chalking it up
to providence.
From Daniel (DUCKSOUP12@juno.com): My mother had the book The Eight and
i decided to read it. I found it extremely hard to put down!
From JJJC2000@aol.com: Picked it randomly off the bookstore shelves
From christyp@geocities.com: recommended by a friend
From Vicki Adams (tallahasseejay@msn.com): My mother really enjoyed the
book, and bought it for me for Christmas. I read it in less than a week,
and then insisted on reading Calculated Risk.
From Aimee (aimee@backinsf.com): I needed a book for a trip to Hawaii,
and picked it up in a used bookstore becasue I was intrigued by the
infinity on the cover. I read it twice before my mother stole it, and
have since read it out loud to a boyfriend, given it as gifts, and bought
6 or 7 copies.
From cherielim@usa.net: I discovered Ms. (?) Katherine Neville through
a friend of my sister.She lent me a stack of paperbacks and one of them
happened to be "The Eight". (Boy, do i owe her! =) Incidentally, is
Katherine Neville married? I sure hope you can post a picture of her in
your web page. And i'm truly grateful that you've set up a Katherine
Neville webpage. I've discovered lots of potential "vade mecum" =) and
friends who love "The Eight" as much as i do. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
From dcrawford@vinca.com: Bookstore - looked interesting. I loved it
so much and every trip looked for new books - it has been a long wait but,
for the quality it is worth it! I enjoyed Calculated Risk but, it is more
entertaining than one you never forget like the Eight.
From Janet (Jaytee4@AOL.com): Book Central "The Book Bunch"
From Shannon Wendt (swendt@gis.net):
I enjoyed the stimulating, intelectual mystery of the riddle of the
Eight.
From Marlene Kondelik (mkondelik@albion.edu):
I liked the way she interwove two time periods.
From John Kondelik (jkondelik@albion.edu):
The historical setting and the chess background. Also the very
sympathetic leading characters.
From Catherine (cak@pemail.net):
Strong, smart characters -- especially women - traveling, adventuring, and
solving mysteries. It's an intellectual story.
From Laura Ross (s947578@aix2.uottawa.ca):
the puzzles, and figuring out alternate answers than those given, the use
of the past and present, the use of many famous characters, showing a
strong female lead character that didn't need a man to help her out
From zoltan.tor@mx2.redestb.es:
I like sincerely ALL! I read it about three times this last year and I
recoomend it to anybody who ask for a good book to read! I plain to read
it in the english verson!
From Irina Klein (i.klein@tu-bs.de):
It has a well-researched and intriguing plot.
From Dawn (dmb7w@virginia.edu):
The twists and turns, the wonderful characters, the use of several time
periods and historical facts mixed with fiction to enhance the story.
From J.E. (pinkinc@gis.net):
The plot is very complex. It was nice to find a story that was not
entirely linear. Plus, I love chess!
From Catherine (mercury6@uclink4.berkeley.edu):
Everything. I guess I really liked how well the story was woven and the
complexity of the characters and their identities.
From Chris Hoare (chrishoare@hotmail.com): Excellent and believable
plot, cleverley interweaving the Past and the Present
From Karen (flanders@uniserve.com):
I enjoy the mixture of adventure and history. A thoroughly satisfying
escape!
From Kat (kpenny@holodeck.ruralnet.au):
The connection with the french revolution, my favorite piece of history
and the connection with chess. The whole theme of playing the game over
time and continent is addictive. That the black queen was the side of
Good. They way the book was written you could have been there. It gets
you so involved with the whole race to find the pieces. You become part
of the world she has created when you read The Eight.
From an anonymous reader:
The human chess game...the mind games layered on top of the action...
From Chip De Atley (cd1016@juno.com):
It combined elements of magic, travel, strategy and chess into one
spellbinding book, written in beautiful prose and a rich style.
From nim8@aol.com:
It's intricacy and plot. It was a mix of every, or almost every, type of
literature out there.
From Jeff King (jrk@columbus.com): impressive plot twists
From Denise Whitmire (lwhitmire@esn.net):
Everything! It is THE best book I have ever read, and I read a lot!! I
loved the characters, the history and really everything about the
book.
From Victoria (vpeck@cyberion.com):
The complete story line and being totally amazed at how she ties in the
historical times/characters with modern day and age. Making each and
every chara cter come alive and making me the reader feel such passion.
The details and the intellect of Katherine Neville is stunning.
From Safilo (safilo@hotmail.com):
The fact that so much accurate historical events were included, making the
reader believe that this possibility actually exists.
From dmwil@juno.com:
I liked the history, the mystery and the pararell between the two stories
which were really one.
From Nori (idyllic8@hotmail.com): interconnectedness of it all;
puzzles; character development; adventure; francophone stuff
From Kristin Smagula (ksmagula@flinthills.com): The complexity, the
multilayered aspects, and the interwoven relationships of man and nature
and forces
From Kim Civins (dolby2@aol.com): Everything....I love not really
knowing who's who and what the motives are until you are really into the
book.
From kaimac@aol.com: Interweaving plots.
From Zenobia (zenobia@sd.cybernex.net): Great characters, and a story
that is somehow plausible while still being technically fantasy.
From Andrew (a@mindless.com): the fact that it spanned so long a period
and yet was still able to keep the story going. that and the blend of
story telling and fact.
From Ellen (owlinwind@yahoo.com): Involved a lot of mysticism in topics
I'm interested in.
From Kasey (chipmunk@aznet.net): That it was set in two diffenernt time
periods. Also the French Revolution is one of my favorite historical
times
From Jeana (haynes-realty@postoffice.worldnet.att.net): I haven't
analyzed it or broken it down that much. Though I've read it 3 times, I
don't have a favorite part of the book.
From Michele (micheleh@slv.vic.gov.au): What *didn't* I like most! CV
is such a great feisty character, the plot is so plausible and
fascinating! I particularly appreciated the way Neville dealt with the
historical characters - her characterisation of famous figures never
seemed to jar (as is often the case when "real people" are introduced into
fiction. The plot was totally gripping. Excuse the shouting, but BRING
ON THE SEQUEL!!!
From Arturo Marquez (marqe@mma.mexico.mo.us): the story and all the
facts that Catherine Neville use to connect all the people and the places
were they had been
From Javier Fernandez (jf5@stern.nyu.edu): So many elements
From BatHarim@aol.com: The author's incorporation of historical facts
into the story, as well as the way she extrapolated from historical facts
to come up with this wonderful fantasy. For example, historically, it is
known that Charlotte Corday killed Jean Paul Marat. The way she wove
Corday into the story, exchanging Mireille's character as the killer, and
then having them make a switch in prison was all very clever. That she
managed to do this credibly throught the book is a testament to her depth
and breadth of knowledge and wit.
From Megan (megane@lycosemail.com): Everything!
From Karen (pshkbb@aol.com): I enjoyed the intertwining stories as well
as the fact that it was rooted in history. I also like the double
entendres (sp?)
From Cecilia (racevedo@latinonet.com): Everything
From helen@kpbs.org: the complexity of the two storylines -- the search
for truth
From Dianne (ruffell@merredin.agn.net.au): The majesty of the
storyline. So epic and yet simple to follow. It grabbed me hook, line
and sinker. I liked especially how one was constantly tantalised through
the flitting from century to century, the underlying romance wrapped up
cleverly in the chemistry of characters, plot and mystery.
From Lee Fleisher (fleisher@mindspring.com): The heroine was smart and
acted like a normal woman would. I liked the original characters. As a
chess fan, I liked that aspect as well.
From dwalker@accessline.com: the intricate storyline and strangely
believable premise
From Derek Phillpotts (turhan@pathcom.com): Neville's portrayal of the
roles of the historical figures she pens in 'The Eight'. Since my
recollections of most of these figures is somewhat 'misty', I am planning
to go back and review and research some of their accomplishments and the
role's they played on our histories. I attribute this to renewal directly
to Nevilles captivating writing style. Also of note, besides the whole
chess treatment, I also found Nevilles introduction of the Freemason
Society to be equally engaging.
From Carolyn Fuleihan (carolynf@worldnet.att.net): The story - I have
read this book many times. It is a 'desert island' book
From Wendy M. Poll (wpoll@morganut.com): The way the author combined
historical facts and scenarios with the present.
From Julia (jewels_18@hotmail.com): I love how you learned throughout
the book. This book was also a "thinking" book where the reader had to be
involved in the book. Everything has a meaning! I also loved the
characters--how could you not?! The brave heroines are fantastic too.
There is also the romance . . . sigh.
From Megan Bohse (megan-bohse@Augustana.edu): Neville describes chess
with a depth not found by most authors. Less "romance novely"
protagonist.
From tonee@gyral.com: History
From jmeeks@mail.iamerica.net: Too hard to answer. One of the best
books I've ever read . . .
From Erin (avalon486@aol.com): The puzzle within a puzzle/story within
a story. Who wouldn't be drawn into a book that keeps wrapping around
itself and divulges more historic truths than any grad student's
disertation?
From Daniel (DUCKSOUP12@juno.com): The complexity of the plot and the
way it shifted form one period to another. The way the clues all came
together to show what the Montglane Service had locked in it was really
cool.
From JJJC2000@aol.com: The mystery, the puzzle, how it was so confusing
but it all fit together at the same time. I loved trying to figure it out
and read ahead simultaniously
From christyp@geocities.com: the plot
From Vicki Adams (tallahasseejay@msn.com): I loved the intricate plot
line, and especially the chess that was woven in. I also liked the
historical fiction that was intricatly woven into the present-day
plot.
From Aimee (aimee@backinsf.com): The incredible amount of detail - not
only did it not weight down the story, it was accurate, which made it even
better (i have a ba in history, so anything historical and not dry is a
great find!)
From cherielim@usa.net: Mainly the intricate plots and the way she
incorporates deep, esoteric words in a reader-friendly way. And the
exotic places and insights esp. with the deciphering cryptic messages were
truly a delight.
From dcrawford@vinca.com: Intelligent story line, smart female leading
characters, historical, a little romance but mostly, an adventure
mystery
From Janet (Jaytee4@AOL.com): Have just started reading it.
From Shannon Wendt (swendt@gis.net):
I didn't enjoy the romantic interludes too much. They were distracting
and I think they cheapened the book just a little bit.
From Marlene Kondelik (mkondelik@albion.edu):
Nothing I disliked.
From John Kondelik (jkondelik@albion.edu):
Can't think of anything except Marat.
From zoltan.tor@mx2.redestb.es:
Since today everything is allright!
From Irina Klein (i.klein@tu-bs.de):
Nothing at all!
From J.E. (pinkinc@gis.net):
Not really a dislike, but I found the ending almost anti-climactic.
From Catherine (mercury6@uclink4.berkeley.edu):
Some of the "tales" got a little slow.
From Chris Hoare (chrishoare@hotmail.com): The jumping backwards
and forwards wa extremely frustrating the first time through the book.
Also, the ending was a little vague, I would have preferred something
more definitive
From Karen (flanders@uniserve.com):
I was sorry the book had to end. Can't think of a thing I didn't like.
It is one of the books I consistently recommend to friends.
From Kat (kpenny@holodeck.ruralnet.au):
Some of the discription of the Women rampaging the streets of Paris was
horric to read. Really violent and you can picture it so clearly what was
happening.
From Chip De Atley (cd1016@juno.com): nothing
From nim8@aol.com:
The fictious ending! I was a little sudden, and too obvious.
From Jeff King (jrk@columbus.com): No sequel (so far)
From Denise Whitmire (lwhitmire@esn.net):
I hated when I finished it! I've re-read it about 8 times now, and always
hate it to end! I also thought it would have been nice if Catherine drank
the elixer herself. And maybe she could do a sequel??
From Victoria (vpeck@cyberion com): Not a thing!
From Safilo (safilo@hotmail.com): Nothing
From dmwil@juno.com: Not really.
From Nori (idyllic8@hotmail.com): nothing at all!
From Kristin Smagula (ksmagula@flinthills.com): The is no sequel
From kaimac@aol.com: It was over too soon.
From Zenobia (zenobia@sd.cybernex.net): There isn't a sequel.
From Andrew (a@mindless.com): nope
From Jeana (haynes-realty@postoffice.worldnet.att.net): I didn't
particularly like the bouncing back and forth between centuries.
From Michele (micheleh@slv.vic.gov.au): Yeah - the fact that it
ended.
From Arturo Marquez (marque@mma.mexico.mo.us): to have an end.
From BatHarim@aol.com: That it ended.
From Karen (pshkbb@aol.com): it ended...... nad she only wrote one
other book (which was not as good)
From Cecilia (racevedo@latinonet.com): In some times is confused
From Dianne (ruffell@merredin.agn.net.au): There was nothing.
From Derek Phillpotts (turhan@pathcom.com): No! This book was
captivating from the outset. She rivals Guy Gavriel Kay for storytelling
The only regret is that the sequel still seems to far away! How does CV
ensure the disposition of the 'Montglane Service'? Which characters
return and what role do they play? These questions need answers which I
eagerly await!
From Carolyn Fuleihan (carolynf@worldnet.att.net): nothing
From Wendy M. Poll (wpoll@morganut.com): Hummmm, perhaps only the
ending ----a bit.
From Julia (jewels_18@hotmail.com): Sometimes it got too complicated.
So I had to read it over and over again so I could understand everything :
o)
From Megan Bohse (megan-bohse@Augustana.edu): Sometimes the switch
between time periods.
From jmeeks@mail.iamerica.net: Nothing.
From Erin (avalon486@aol.com): Some of the language struck me as
slightly stilted. You know, some of the romance language from Mireille's
story and some of the dialogue from Catherine's story. Just a little
dated, I felt. But I pass it by and keep on reading...
From Daniel (DUCKSOUP12@juno.com): Nothing.
From JJJC2000@aol.com: zip
From Vicki Adams (tallahasseejay@msn.com): It was a trifle confusing,
but that is not something I necesarily disliked. I just felt like it was
quick moving, and I had a little bit of trouble keeping up.
From Aimee (aimee@backinsf.com): That it ended!
From dcrawford@vinca.com: The first chapter in the Eight and in Magic
Circle is deep and complex and many friends I give the book to - lose
interest...and quit reading too soon.