I brought "Winter" on vacation with me because I loved the title so much, and I was captured immediately by the beautifully written first line. Although I'm at a point in my life where I often fall asleep reading a few pages, this book kept me up until midnight--and I got up at 6 am the next morning to finish it! The story is well-paced, absorbing and evocative of the 70s; the characters are totally believable and sympathetic; and the subtle word play is witty and hilarious. Often when I read first novels I find myself getting sort of anxious on behalf of the novelist, but in this case I was completely confident that the author wouldn't betray my trust. I was rewarded with a great, satisfying read and the only thing I regret is that I no longer have the anticipation of discovering the pleasure this book gave me.