Woman Who Loved Reindeer

I had read Pierce's Darkangel Trilogy, and enjoyed it very much, but I didn't check this book out of the library the first time I saw it because I wasn't interested in a book titled "The Woman Who Loved Reindeer." I mean, come on - a woman who loved animals? However, I finally decided to give it a try (I was desparate for reading material). Boy, was I glad I read it. I liked it so much I bought not one, but two copies of the book (because I didn't like the condition of the first one). This novel is by far my absolute favorite book. It appealed to me because of Pierce's writing style. Without you knowing it, she brings you into the story and into the character's minds and hearts (mostly the main character's, Caribou). I loved the romance - described not graphically, but brough out just as powerfully as if it was. Pierce's use of imagery, and her knack for describing feelings and actions incredibly well using few words, really empowers the storyline. A few small words, in this novel, can reveal to the reader the character's soul. There is really no good way to convey my feelings toward the way this book was written. The plot was engaging, but it was really the author's distinct writing style that made me enjoy this book so much. After all, it is my favorite book (and I've read many books of all different genres, by many excellent authors). I especially recommend this book to people who enjoy reading light romances - not as in comical, but as in more based on emotions than physical actions, if you know what I mean. You'll be able to feel and know the sorrow and love Caribou has for her daimon - a guy named Reindeer (the book wasn't exactly about animals after all ;). In any case, if you read the book - AND YOU WILL - everything will become clear. *A suggestion to the publisher: If you want people to buy your books, give them titles that aren't so misleading, please.* I can't imagine not having read this wonderful, romantic, and adventerous story. Goes to show you can't judge a book by its cover (even though people, including me, does it anyway). This book received my highest recommendation!

A young woman named Caribou who has a special gift to foresee the future. A wild young man named Reindeer who isn't a man at all. When the land of two moons becomes threatened and treacherous, it is up to these two to guide Caribou's people to safety, and a new home. Can Caribou convince the tribes to follow her beyond the burning plain where the golden reindeer go? Can she trust the shape changer she loves to guide her there?This prehistoric fantasy is a powerful tale of love and courage. Ms. Pierce always writes strong, convincing and ultimately likable heroines. The title hardly scratches the surface of this tale, and if Ms. Pierce lacks anything in her books, it is decent titles. While this story does indeed contain a bittersweet romance, it is secondary to the story of Caribou's growth from a young girl living outcast and alone with only a strange child for company to a capable and confident woman who will lead her people through the burning plain, past the Firekings and trollwomen. Caribou never falls into "the damsel in distress" role in the story, all her dealings are direct and honest. It is, in fact, this honesty that makes her such a likable and interesting character. She's not a crafty heroine; she's a leader and a teacher. She's a visionary. Reindeer fills the roll of trickster and chaos in her life, they are very much opposites. Caribou, a woman of deep emotion and direct honesty and courage. Reindeer a creature of wile and deception without a human heart. Yet each is forever bound up with the other, and the love Caribou has for Reindeer is a powerful thing.Ms. Pierce uses this setting to make observations on human society in general. The clan chief siblings who gain power, all deal with the looming end of their world in their own, ultimately futile way. One wishes only to prepare for war against an enemy. Another ascribes to the philosophy of "eat and drink and be merry, for tomorrow we may die". A third believes the gods must be appeased with sacrifices and prayer. None of them heed Caribou's warnings and offer to guide them through. While these examples were handled in relatively simplistic manner, they fit within the style of the story. Ms. Pierce's lyrical style and marvelous imagery transforms this story into something that will touch the heart and capture a reader's imagination. Reader's who have loved Ms. Pierce's Darkangel Trilogy should absolutely give this one a try. If this is your first Meredith Ann Pierce story, please consider trying her Darkangel trilogy that also features a strong and likeable heroine and her quest to destroy the Darkangel who stole away her best friend. This is one not to be missed by YA readers!--Happy Reading! shanshad ^_^

Now, I must admit I was a little hesitant to read this book just from reading the title. However, I'd read quite a few of Pierce's other novels and loved almost all of them, so I thought reading this one couldn't hurt. I was glad I'd done so. It's an amazing story with some wonderfully different ideas in it. A great deviation from the every-day fantasy you read all the time and I would highly recommend this tale to anyone who likes fantasy and/or a good love story.

Can a being without a human heart learn to truly love someone. Can a woman who is an outcast lead her people to a new land. In this book you learn how these two things can happen. It all starts with a baby with golden hair and eyes, and a young woman who is forced to take care of him. As he grows up, the woman realizes that this is no ordinary human being. As he grows older, the woman truly falls in love with him, but does the young man know what love really is, can he love someone. As he is called to his own people, her people need her as well, the place that they are living is falling apart and don't know what to do. They seek out the wise woman to help them. Will she be able to help them this time. Read this wonderful book to find out the rest. When you pick up this book, make sure you have enough time to read it, I couldn't put it down after I brought it home. Like some of Pierce's other books, this one truly makes you believe in the people and the world she creates. I have read other fantasies, but none seem as real as the ones that she writes. Even though this book is out of print, I strongly suggest finding it somewhere, it was just by luck that my library had it. Read this book and find out what happens to the woman who loved Reindeer.

I belive that I have never read a book that has enthralled me in this manner. I could not put it down for the life of me. From the beginning this outcast who lived in hiding and away from the towns-folk captured my heart and swept me away to a new land. Her search for a new home and life made me realize just how lucky I am. Novels that gain my undivided time are rare, but this book is like no other..