The Woman Who Loved Reindeer [Paperback]

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 ^_^

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!