This is my favorite book ever please please don't blow it off. Read it.

I first read this book a year and a half ago for summer reading. I went into a local used bookstore to find it; after searching on my own for awhile, I finally resorted to asking the cashier if he by chance had it. "As a matter of fact, I do," he said. It was right behind me on his 'Favorites' display. He intensely asked me what I was reading it for, and I told him for a my AP English class. He then looked at me very seriously. "This book changed my life," he said.

I know, I know right? I thought it was really weird. And yeah, that's a cheesy way to start a blog, but that encounter always comes to mind when I think about this book. I get what he was saying now.

The depth and complexity of the characters Dostoevsky creates is incredible. The suspense that builds is just agonizing. Raskolnikov, this awful lunatic, is simultaneously such a powerful conveyer of truth. Like Mitchell said, that is what makes it so incredible--not that the profound comes from some holy Christian person, but from this despicable sinner. It's fabulous writing all around. The ending gets me... the redemption is just so beautiful! I just can't wait to get there. But perhaps all the suffering through is what makes the ending truly worth it, so I suppose I'll just try to contain myself until then.

I guess I have been struck anew with the strength and beauty of Dunya and Sonya's characters. They truly are very similar, and wonderfully complex. Sonya is my favorite--her sacrifice is unimaginable. Ironic that a prostitute can be a Jesus figure in a book, huh? I don't know, I guess all I can say is that Dostoevsky is the man.

I don't truly know what else to say, other than how excited I am to get to discuss this.

This book just does something to me. I can't explain it.

--Danielle

Commented on Samuel's post talking to oneself.