Human Capital

I began this book expecting a light-ish suburban drama -- and was hugely, pleasantly surprised to find so much more. Amidon gets deep into the underbelly of suburban class insecurities, and deep inside each of his characters. These are very real people with their own unique histories and desires, whose lives intersect at parties, at high school, in the grocery store, over business, and then suddenly converge in more sinister ways. Nothing is quite what it seems in Totten Crossing. This is a great story, but it's also a beautifully written look at the people who inhabit a certain kind of town at a very specific time in the United States.

Absolutely loved all of the characters in this book. I became so involved with them! I was laughing, crying and everything else, right along with them. I couldn't even say who my favorite character was, but each one was so complex and human. The story and writing were very good as well, but the main thing that really stuck out to me about this book is how vivid Stephen Amidon's characters are. I am looking forward to more from him.

Talk about a book you cannot put down! Part social comment, part mystery and flawlessly written, it is a novel you will not soon forget. I never heard of Stephen Amidon before, but I am going to check out his previous novels. The characters are all too believable, and you really cannot anticipate the ending. This is one of those rare books you can't put down, but sorry when it has to end.

i was highly impressed by this book. believe me, once you pick this book up, you won't be able to put it down. he writes about bored housewives, teenagers and professional men on top of their game with exceptional skill and wit, he knows how to really explore a character. i was very moved by the end of this book.

I happened upon Human Capital and the first thing I was intrigued by was it's colorful, sensual cover. Believe me, this book does not dissapoint. Amidon's prose is direct and yet very artistic, able to convey a range of human emotions. Not only does this book provide the reader with an amazing story and several beautifully written character studies, but it is also real food for thought, an amazing commentary on our society. I highly recommend this book, especially for more intelligent readers.