I read through these reviews and the number of 1 star reviews almost made me vomit. Its a sad sad fact that most Americans now a days don't know a good book from a hole in the ground. This book is incredibily well written. I had a very hard time putting it down. There were many nights where i would stay up til 4 or 5 in the morning simply because i couldn't put it down. The characters are all well developed and real. And the suspense this book creates is amazing. the people who have said this book was predicible most have some type of physic power. Scott Smith has written a wonderful delight to read. The movie is also a 5-star affair.