I had to put these two amazing books together in my review. James Patterson’s When the Wind Blows and The Lake House were a great weeklong diversion from reality. But, actually not that far-fetched. I just so happen to be reading Ray Kurzweil’s The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology for class. So, all of these books complement each other in a way.

The two books were a fun read. Of course, I like just about every book I read, but not every one of them is fun. It’s a nice break from reality, with a side of love, drama, and action.

The thing I’m most interested in about the books is the idea of genetic manipulation and transformation. I’ve always believed that humans will one day transform themselves far beyond, physically, what we are now, whether it be wings, robotics, or whatever else. Patterson touches on the real issues at hand in both books. How will we accept the next stage of human evolution? Max and her genetically altered brother and friends have wings. They can fly.

Although, I would like to have seen a more humanistic side of the “bad guys,” the book still brings up the issues that will be brought about by these men. These are issues that are relevant to today by way of cloning and genetic research. Are we playing God? Is this ethically right? Is science being held back by its opposers?

Whatever the answers to those questions may be, Patterson delivers. If you’re not interested in the scientific and moral implications brought up in this book, it’s still a great read. One that should not be looked over.

I suppose I should try and write some kind of review of Richard Russo’s Empire Falls. But honestly, it’s hard to describe such a wonderful peace of fiction in a way that wouldn’t understate just how wonderful it is.

The first thing I have to mention is the characters. They are what this book is about. It is about people and their internal conflicts, and that is essentially what any good work of fiction should be about. Miles Roby desperately needs a change in his life, one for the better anyway. Running the Empire Grill has taken a toll on him, and so has Francine Whiting, the evil widow who runs the small New England town. He has a teen daughter named Tick, a wife who is divorcing him for a health club owner named Walt, a father who is about the laziest, uncaring-est drunk one could ever meet. Plus an added dash of weird and hilarious characters who bring this small town to life.

I could say that the book is lacking in plot, but that’s just after reading a few books with insane twisting and turning action and suspense. No, this book has plot. Russo shows what life in a small town is like. It’s about everybody knowing everybody. It’s about secrets. It’s about love. It’s about loss. It’s about wanting something out of life more than flipping burgers.

And I’m going to leave it at that. Empire Falls is a must-read. Now, I’m off to see if the HBO version of it is anywhere near as good as the book.