Can it happen here? Can a totalitarian state run by liberals, feminists, and new-agers take hold in North America? According to Nathaniel Delaney, the protaganist of "Plague Journal", it already has and if you don't conform to the new orthodoxies, you're quite expendable. While "Plague Journal" is a paranoid Christian polemic, it is redeemed by the hero's realization that anger, hatred, and solipsism have no place in a true Christian's response to evil. "Plague Journal" is the story of a man who loses everything but who re-discovers his faith in the depth of his sufferings. O'Brien is a skilled writer and an astute thinker. Despite the polemics, this is an amazing book. Kudos to Ignatius Press for publishing it, but it's too bad it hasn't gotten more attention from the literary media.

Artist and author Michael O'Brien has again proved himself to be a master of the writing craft, and one of the most original and creative writers of the late 20th century. Plague Journal, the second of his Children of the Last Days trilogy, continues the story of the Delaney family in Rocky Mountain British Columbia, from the persona and perspective of Nathaniel, now a middle-aged father and editor of a "conservative" newspaper. As the hidden totalitarian government cracks down on him for "hate-crimes", setting him up to be a child abuser and even murderer, he attempts to escape the madness by fleeing into the Canadian wilderness with his two children. The story, albeit filled with many flashbacks and the thoughts and ideas of the protagonist (actually the author's, thinkly disguised), takes place over only five days, as opposed to the 50+ years of its predeccessor, Strangers and Sojournours. The book maintains a pleasurable balance between fast-paced action and O'Brien's trademark gift of spiritual and philosophical insight and commentary. Plague Journal easily stands as the author's most explicit warning against modernism gone haywire: social engineering, abortion, technology-worship, television addication, the numbing of the imagination and intellect, and the possibility that these conditions may make us vulnerable to the arising of a thinly-disguised, "benign" totalitarianism, which, O'Brien conjectures, would operate under a facade of democracy, but in reality, force its will and world-view upon the people. This story includes all the necessary ingredients of a great tale: action, wit, unforgettable characters, pathos and even tragedy, but it is filled (especially towards the end), with a sense of hope, and the ultimate victory of light. The saga, of course, continues on into Eclipse of the Sun, but this shorter novel (only 269 pages) can be read on its own. Heartily recommended to all who are concerned over the present or future state of society, or simply enjoy great literature.

First, if you're going to read O'Brien, I recommend reading his novels in this order. 1. Father Elijah, 2. Strangers and Sojourners, 3. Plague Journal, 4. Eclipse of the Sun. Although they were not published in this order it will make the most sense from a chronological standpoint. Certain characters resurface.

The Plague Journal is the journal of conservative newspaper editor Nathaniel Delaney, his friendship with a local doctor, and his attempts to escape, with his children, from a totalitarian Canadian government that seeks to silence him.

As usual, O'Brien interjects just enough action to keep you reading, and just enough spirituality and theology to get you thinking. O'Brien is one of the finest Catholic journalists of the 20th century.

In his latest book, "Buffalo for the Broken Heart," Dan O'Brien lets the reader accompany him as he switches from raising cattle to raising buffalo. In spite of worrying about how to pay for the stock, getting along with neighbors, the weather and other trials, O'Brien radiates confidence. His descriptions of the buffalo are authentic. I, too, have been captivated by these huge creatures having seen them closeup at the Custer State Park Roundup. O'Brien's prose is a joy to read. And educational too, whether he is describing how he built a fence on his property, survived a severe winter, or provides insight about his Great Plains neighbors and their emotional attachment to land and livestock. A biologist and English teacher, he writes from the heart.

O'Brien writes a well-crafted, non-glamorized story about trying to make a living off the formerly open, now fenced in, South Dakota range. O'Brien's step-by-step resurrection of his 3,000 acre ranch from a money-losing, environmentally unsound cow factory to a range-restoring, natural buffalo breeding, harvesting and meat marketing operation. Interspersed with the buffalo raising saga are wildlife vignettes, descriptions of hunting with falcons, interactions with neighbors and town folks and snatches of the history of O'Brien's ranch from the Sioux through several families of failed farmers/ranchers over the past hundred years.

One unusual aspect for this kind of book, arguably an "environmental" tract, is the description and associated stresses of the business and economic details of making a living in ranching in the 1990s. It's also an encouraging story of how a middle age man, living alone since his wife left and relying on a hired hand, redeems and reinvents his life under extremely difficult circumstances.

Recommended for anyone interested in ecological/sustainable agriculture issues, rural American life, entrepreneurial business tales or midlife turnarounds.

O'Brien's quest for meaning in life, as defined by his relationship with the land and the animals that call it home, continues here. In his previous novel, Equinox, he explored the dichotomy in his life between the pull of the wild, and the demands of a stable relationship that required more than he was able to give. In Buffalo for the Broken Heart, we find him feeling lost and ruddlerless, both in his personal and financial life, as he struggles to get past a failed marriage and looming financial disaster.

As O'Brien gradually comes to the conclusion that buffalo are the logical answer to his dilemma, it becomes clear that they are stand for a balance and wholeness he has been trying to restore to his land and his inner landscape as well. The story, as it unfolds, is full of the personal details of Great Plains life, and the honest self-exploration that make O'Brien's books a pleasure to read. As so often happens, his inner doubts and fears are reflected in the events and lives around him. The weather is unpredictable, farm costs rise, friends go bankrupt, he is beset by worries over the buffalos he has purchased, the list goes on and on until by the end of the novel, O'Brien comes to tenuous terms with his land and his new means of making a living. The buffalo are not the final answer, but it is clear that they have helped him find another piece of the puzzle he is working so hard to solve.

It helps to have read other Irish literature first to appreciate this book.

This book is an inside joke, and a classic at that. It is a grand send up of professional Irish (both at home and abroad). As example, consider a book written in Gaelic making sport of the Gaelic movement by means of a Gaelic festival. ( In ourland of the professional ethnic festival, this might serve as an effective antidote to "Irish" nights and "Scots weekends.") If you are inclined to romanticize villages of the old sod dominated by pigs, mud, rain and potatos, avoid this work. If you want a great classic of the jaundiced eye school of literature, read this book. By the way, some of the fun lies in the many parodies of Irish literary works in the assorted chapters; knowledge of the genre helps.

I hurt myself laughing about Ambrose the foul smelling pig. An earlier reviewer noted that knowledge of gaelic liturature and Irish folklore is important in understanding the puns and satires and that is true BUT not prerequisite to enjoying this very funny story.

I am not a particularly religious or spiritual person but in the last few years the persona of the pope has long impressed me,but he too has fallen under harsh judgements from the media, fellow catholics and at times it would seem just about everyone. for a long time I wondered if he too was just another religious celebrity and that his gestures and words meant nothing. however after reading this book I felt a change of heart, there are some truly good people in this world , and their actions need not be extraordinary or special. It would seem that his entire life has been an example of how the little things we do for one another can mean so much. As one previous reader mentioned it will change your life, and i think it has,at least for me.

hope that other readers out there feel the same way yahoo from Canada

I found this book very informative on the Pope, who has always been a hero of mine. It was very indepth and historical. Although it was not negative about the Pope it did seem to contain some incorrect statments on the views of catholics and the teachings of the Church. I felt it was assumed that catholics are, in general, negative towards Jews. I have always been a believing catholic and have never thought of Jews as "Christ Killers" or anything like that. I have never found anything in Catholic teaching that would support those views, most of these from writings from before John Paul II. Usually I read that we are all personally guilty of the crucifiction by our own sins. Over all it was a good and worthwhile reading.

This is a fabulous book. I am neither Catholic nor Jewish, but I was fascinated by the depth of the man we all call Pope. I had no idea of his personal journey, and the breadth of his goodness. Too many times, we don't look beyond the title and the robes. This is truly a saintly man.

This is the third book in this series and I have read the other two. I bought this book because of my love for the others. I know that I am not an avid reader by any means. The reason I mention this is that it took me about three weeks to read this book cover to cover. Which means there is something there to keep me reading.
I enjoyed reading this particular novel because of the movie twist. I thought it was a brilliant plan to have the killer use plots from movies. It a very believable plot in every way. The characters act very well together and are very well spoken. I really enjoyed the interaction of the main character and her co-workers.
Kevin has provided the reader with a lot of details and interesting dialogue. I also love his page turning style, you just have a hard time putting the book down (you should see the bags under my eyes!). If you haven't read the other two books I recommend that you pick them up as you purchase this one. I think you will be incredibly impressed with the way he keeps you hanging till the end. He also provides a list of the movies used in the book, and that sparked a new love for older movies that I haven't seen. I now have a reason to watch them and see what the character in the book means when she watches them die. And this will not be the last Kevin O'Brien novel I buy, because as long as he writes them i'll keep reading them.

I ate this one up. WATCH THEM DIE isn't just another predictable thriller. From the first page, O'Brien weaves the reader through the highs and lows of mounting tension. O'Brien's always-original plot angles leave me wondering, how does he think up this stuff?

In addition to a careful and well-paced plot, the sensitive character development makes you really care about the character's fate.

I appreciate the clever and perceptive way each scene is revealed, drawing you into the environment and placing you right in the moment.

O'Brien has a great way of keeping you hooked, right from the first page. I love the character development and attention to detail. You may hate or love the characters -- but you'll be sure to relate to them at some level. I also appreciate the diversity of characters.

A great attenton to detail in describing moods and setting make you feel you're in the scene. A well paced plot, leading the reader through highs and lows, plus the injection of humor make this a well-rounded novel. As with all the O'Brien books I have read, this is a fresh plot with very interesting twists.

If you're a movie buff, you'll appreciate references to a handfull of classics! A Filmography is also thoughtfully provided.

The content and jokes of this book are hilarious, as they are on the TV show. I would reccomend this book to anybody, regardless of whether or not they are a Conan O'Brien fan. The only reason I didn't give it a fifth star is because the jokes aren't quite as funny as they are when a professional comedian (Andy or Conan) is speaking them. Still, though, a great book.

Even if you are not a fan of 'Late Night', 'In The Year 2000' will still be hilariously funny. Being a long time viewer of the show, the book was enhanced by my previuos knowledge of the skit. I agree with the reader from Boston though: it is not quite as funny without Conan or Andy reading the predictions. Regardless, I still gave the book five stars.:o)

THIS BOOK IS SOO FUNNY, YOU'LL LAUGH FOR HOURS! I'm A BIG fan Of CONAN'S BUT THIS BOOK FAR SURPASSED MY EXPECTATIONS!

Pat O'Brien came to speak to my graduating senior class this year about the reality of college and how to make the best of it. I think it was a good thing to put the end in perspective first and make goals for yourself in order to make your path towards success even more efficient. His Winning Characteristics are not always easy to accomplish, but with discipline and hard work anyone can achieve them. Basic tips on studying, getting to know professors, extracurricular activites, and internships are helpful in envisioning your undergraduate years as challenging, but exciting experiences. Overall, O'Brien offers sufficient and real information that every college freshmen should know, and if he or she utilizes O'Briens advice they will be much more likely to be successful.

This book is about more than just surviving in college, it's about thriving in college. A must have for every student entering college. If you like this book, you'll love "Major in Success," by Patrick Combs. It changed my life.

I read the book during my senior year in high school and then referred to the book often during my first quarter in college. I followed the suggestions in the book, I organized my day and I found that I had enough time to study and also enough time to enjoy college life. Well, the results are in I earned a 4.0!

I bought this book to read while on a plane trip to and from Hawaii. I enjoyed it so much I found myself continuing to read it throughout my vacation, even at the expense of leaving out a few places I should have visited while on the island.

Meg O'Brien's characters are very realistic, which is uncommon in most suspence novels. The Bradley family is likeable, yet each of them have flaws which come together to create a crisis which can only tear them apart forever. I thought the tension in this story grew from beginning to end. The best part of reading it though, is trying to figure out what comes next, and how it's all going to turn out. I don't know how many times I was sure I had guessed what was coming...only to shake my head as the story twisted in another direction. What fun!

O-o-h-h Meg!! Crimson Rain is fabulous! This is a special "Thank You" from both my Mom and myself. Mom and I both have copies and would check-in with each other as we read. This quickly led to unfinished bits of conversation between us such as: "Just wait until you read...OH, I won't say THAT...but, when you get to page (such and such)....THEN we can talk about it!" etc, etc. Every question we had, once answered, became a new question - all the way to the end! And, what an ending it is! As it happened Mom was recovering from surgery when she started Crimson Rain. She wants you to know reading your engrossing novel at that time was a real treat! We are looking forward to your next book: THE LAST CHEERLEADER! Thank you, Meg!

I read this book and couldn't put it down. It was real creepy and in parts really freaky. I could just picture that old Queen Ann house in Seattle, dripping in the misty Seattle rain and hiding behing a thick layer of fog. I liked all the characters at first, except for the mother, Gina Bradley. I thought she seemed a little to 50's. Then reading further on, I discovered that maybe that might not be so true. She was far from that, and actually came to understand her as a person living in the real world. The reason I couldn't put it down, was all the "Red Herrings." First I thought it was this guy, then this guy, no it had to be this guy, and this guy just can't be the one etc.. AH! It drove me crazy in the way a good mystery should. I like that and think that Meg O'Brien did a fabulous job. p.s. This would make a cool Thriller movie for sure.

Irish writer Edna O'Brien's brief (179 page) biography of James Joyce was aimed at people like me who are curious about Joyce's life, but not curious enough to undertake Richard Ellman's definitive but massive biography. O'Brien venerates Joyce's writing, but recognizes the high cost to most everyone who had any contact with Joyce.

Although she argues (without convincing me) that Joyce was not a misogynist, she does not attempt to defend him from being viewed as a monster; instead, she answers her question "Do writers have to be such monsters in order to create? I believe that they do."

O'Brien provides interesting responses to Joyce's life and lifework. Hard-core Joyceans will already have processed Ellman's biography--regarded by some as the best biography of any writer ever written. The somewhat curious have a fine guide in O'Brien. Her book is generally readable, and I am inclined to trust her sense (as a novelist, as an Irish novelist) of what in Joyce's fiction is autobiographical.

The volume is an excellent match of biographer and subject, like Edmund White's biographical meditation on Marcel Proust that began the series of Penguin Brief Lives, a welcome antidote to the mountains of details that make so many biographies daunting.

As is almost consistently the case, the series of biographies produced under the collection of Penguin Lives has once again succeeded in providing a palatable doorway through which the hungry but busy reader can find the substance of an important if historically tough writer or artist. Edna O'Brien, herself an accomplished writer, here provides us with a fellow Irishman's view of the incredibly important writer James Joyce. Though most of us have at least read his 'Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man' and have seen plays and film adaptations of some of his other works, few of us feel we understand this complexly brilliant mind enough to say that approaching 'Ulysses' or 'Finnegan's Wake' would be easy reading. O'Brien gives us not only the chronology of Joyce's life, she also picks up on individual instances in his youth and manhood that served as fodder for his detailed novels of his Irish heritage. The writing is brisk, acerbic, challenging, and ultimately rewardingly educational. Finish this brief history and you most probably will run to the book shelf for another go at the master!

Biographies in this series are the perfect fun size. Light, but long enough to have a lot of real stuff in them, more than a mere introduction.

The very first sentence of this book invites you into Joyce with an imitation of his writing style, & after that Edna O'Brien shares generously & mellifluously her great understanding of the man, his life, & his work, drawing on scholarly commentary of his books & from the journals & letters of him & the people around him so that you know how they all felt about his life & their lives in themselves & for the purposes of this biography in relation to him. It's so well-written & so interesting -- what a life he had, crazy as he was, that -- I could hardly put it down. Edna O'Brien's great interest in him comes across truly.

Into the Forest is a disturbing look into the tortured soul of a man haunted by his past. He, is drawn into deeper evils that suck him ever deeper and deeper, not releasing him - or we readers - till the very last page. Based on a true-life triple homicide in Ireland in 1994, O'Brien takes us into the hunted and haunted mind of O'Kane, the murderer. This story deals with acts of naked violence and is not for the faint of heart. No sunny conclusion, either.

Into the Forest is a disturbing look into the tortured soul of a man haunted by his past. He, is drawn into deeper evils that suck him ever deeper and deeper, not releasing him - or we readers - till the very last page. Based on a true-life triple homicide in Ireland in 1994, O'Brien takes us into the hunted and haunted mind of O'Kane, the murderer. This story deals with acts of naked violence and is not for the faint of heart. No sunny conclusion, either.

"In the Forest" borders on creative nonfiction. Based on real, gruesome events which took place in one of the western counties of Ireland, the book is a fictionalized account of these events, augmented by equally fictional life story of the protagonist. It's hard to say that Michen O'Kane is a protagonist, really, because the weight of importance is quite substantially dispersed in the novel. Although the events and the backbone of the storyline are central to the narration, I think the author has undertaken quite a different direction in the book; the ultimate accent is put on the setting, the neighborhood, the analysis of circumstances, rather than the usual set of characters, be they major or minor. The author almost never ventures deeply into the character's introspection, which is merely just another block in the mosaic, never dominating the remainder. Despite that fact, "In the Forest" is a fascinating psychological studium of deviation. Having provided the literary account of the slaughter and the paranoia that preceded it, Edna O'Brien wanted to pin down the reasons why at one time in the life of a man, a seemingly unimportant event can change the whole life of this individual, what are the motivations that inevitably push him to the edge of the abyss, and then one step too far, past the point of return, and precisely why there is no point of return, once the mind snaps, once the critical mass of confusion is achieved, and the darkness of madness starts to dominate from that point on.

One might suppose that to provide a fictional background for the shocking, real-life events is quite common and unoriginal, and that the reader might pretty well guess what to expect from the novel of this type. The point is, "In the Forest" is not the novel of any such type, and certainly you will be surprised if you think that "In the Forest" can be categorized using any genre classifications. To pigeonhole a novel of this class is indeed a crime. Short chapters, one by one, introduce us to many viewpoints, where narration styles are blended, perspectives skewed, mixed and exchanged, where exactly when you expect the action to pick up, the flow of the story becomes sublime and poetic, and when you get progressively used to the book being a wonderfully painted portrayal of the Irish country with the unique communities inhabiting them, the flow is brutally intercepted with a sequence of chapters with all accents inverted. Reading this book is a pleasure hardly comparable with anything that may await the reader of contemporary fiction in the new century.

Edna O'Brien is I think one of the greatest living and active novelists of our day. It's quite uncommon for a writer to get better and better over the many long years, usually it's the other way round. Anno Domini 2002, it's no longer enough to say that Edna O'Brien has her own, instantly recognizable style, that her writing is of unmatched class, of sparkling beauty and mesmerizing, poetic narration, where even the unthinkable and devastating shines on like a lone diamond down by the Irish river. An absolutely stunning phenomenon of this writer is that she continues to innovate, to expand the boundaries of the literary world of fiction. After so many years, several highly revered books, the new entries leave us wondering if there is any limit at all. We find ourselves in an awkward situation, where each and every books of Edna rises the threshold of expectations, and yet the next entry surpasses the predecessors and the updated expectations alike. "In the Forest" is pure delight, the exhilarating reading experience, the penultimate dot over i, after which nothing else seems to add anything of interest on the topic.