Holy Smoke

While Ruth is young and lacking in a formal education, she is not unintelligent, and I like the way she figures things out with and without the help of the male expert. Ruth is a strong female character, especially in the erotic scenes in which she initiates sex and sees to her own pleasure (on page 173, for example). HOLY SMOKE is worth reading for the erotic scenes alone.

I didn't think "Holy Smoke" would be that good, but I was mistaken. This book is a perfect read for anyone who's interested in light psychology. The book messes with your mind just a little bit, not enough to make you want to put the book down, but enough to make you think about what's going on. The book is sexy (the entire story is based around the sexual encounters between a young woman and her "deprogrammer") and smart, good enough to be in the making for a major motion picture starring Kate Winslet and Harvey Keitel. Good enough for me, I would recommend this book to anyone in the mood for a smart, sexy romp in the psychological world of cults.

This book has got to be THE best book I've read in a long, long time. I am now reading it for a second time. It goes from comedy to drama within seconds and the balance is absolutely amazing. It keeps your interest from cover to cover.

Being a rabid fan of Kate Winslet, I of course got myself a copy of this in anticipation of the upcoming film version...(I'm also keen on Jane Campion.) Anyway, it's excellent! Dramatic, thought-provoking (spirituality, sexuality, love, this one runs the gamut), with some intriguing characters and motivations...I definitely can't wait for the film now! Kate is sure to be a perfect Ruth...and Harvey Keitel, well, um...he'll do, I suppose. :)

It takes you on a compelling yet chilling ride into desire, mystery and seduction.