This truly was a book I couldn't put down, read in two sittings on the eve of the first anniversary of my mother's death from Alzheimer's complications. I had only brief glimpses of what my mother's reality was like as I tracked her decline from a distance. This book filled in the blanks for me--at alternating times tearfully, joyfully and with humour.

The writing is so skillfully done that the story flowed seamlessly from beginning to end. The masterful integration of intrigue with what would have been a powerful book without it is amazing and brilliant.

I believe the BookBrowse readers will place this book at the top of their recommendation list to others. As for me, I'll remember this book not only for the writer's expertise but also for bringing me greater understanding of the last years of my mother's life.

I did find this book entertaining. However, the unexpected references to religion seemed out of place; and the "heavenly narration" didn't add to the book, for me at least. The author dealt with real life dilemmas, and handled them well. I would read another book by this author as I think they have potential.

I started off the book thinking it was going to be a great read. In the end, I was disappointed. Despite all the known violence in Afghanistan, Ahmet and others guarding the entries, the building of the wall, the story doesn't describe any coffeehouse incidents until 2/3 of the way through the book. The title is about friendship, yet the story doesn't ever quite "cement" that bond between the female characters for me. I finished the book feeling the story was slightly disjointed. There was a potential for greatness; but the depth of story and character development never quite got there.

Not a page-turner for me. To enjoy you must read in 1-2 sittings which was impossible for me. Book jumped around so much I never became truly engaged. However, I found some incredibly beautiful sections--when Rocky, Mister & Tomas visited the symphony, Mister's questions of Chief as a boy, etc. I am very impressed with this author's ability & potential; but am disappointed in the structure and construction.

I loved the Lace Reader so I was a little disappointed in this book. It was too predictable and I felt the characters were not uniformly well developed. I never really got "connected" to Zee so it wasn't a page-turner for me at all. I did, however, really like the story within the story very much and wished it had been longer. Not a bad read, but rather one where you read on hoping to get to the great part--but never quite make it there.

This debut novelist has accomplished a great deal with her first novel through excellent character development for Asha & Kavita, the main characters. The descriptions of Asha's family in India transport the reader to the sights, sounds and smells of the country. The descriptions, seen through the eyes of Asha, an American despite her birthright, are particularly moving. This is a book easy to read, practically straight through, and to leave with a fully satisfied experience. I hope she writes more novels!

I, like other reviewers, read The Last Bridge in one leisurely Saturday afternoon sitting, something I rarely do with a book. I found the story to be sorrowfully riveting despite predictability around key story elements. I found the character development sporadic, sometimes strong and other times leaving me dissatisfied. The first 3 chapters were the strongest and are what pulls the reader quickly into an engrossing read. However, the images created in these chapters don't bear more fruit throughout the book.

The book could be twice as powerful with stronger follow-through of some of the initial imagery. In this way, the book was just like the last bridge--missing some slats, lacking a strong support but yet providing a satisfying casual, page-turning read. As a first novel The Last Bridge is good and I hope to read more from this author.

I took my time with this book in order to savor not only the story & characters but also the life lessons revealed. Don't miss these lessons by skimming through this beautiful work! I've not read a book of this magnitude and significance for a long, long time. This is definitely a Must Read for 2009. Book Clubs who are dedicated to reading the finest of books will find the discussion worth every minute spent in reading this book - allow 6 weeks.

Exquisitely written to capture you immediately! Putting the book down was a torture of sorts. MacKinnon so vividly describes Clara, the protagonist, that when she writes about Clara's "familiar sense of otherness" readers may actually feel the pain. The darkness of the book seems appropriate for Clara's occupation and life. The book gives readers a peak into a world infrequently visited (funeral homes) and an occupation seldom dreamed of with a description that is actually comforting at times.

My only criticism is how the ending came together--at times predictable, other times confusing and for me lacking the qualities of the fabulously unique read in the earlier parts of the book. Would definitely love to read more from this author!

I found Cheating at Canasta to be an intriguing engagement between author and reader. Trevor engages your mind to toss and turn his stories, to re-read passages, to reflect on your own experience, and to entice you to consider the "what would I have done" question. Perfect for book club discussions!