Customer Reviews

Absolute Infinity

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I also came by this book via an odd anonymous letter. None of the other reviewers mentioned specifics regarding profound allegory, but by their responses I think they must have at least sensed something important was being said beyond the surface text. The author used a "worldly" secular environment to underscore spiritual concepts. He employed a lot of theological symbolism, even to the point of acronyms and anagrams, which were obscure enough that I wonder how many I still haven't discovered.

Diego (the main character) is born to a girl named Mary. She's a street whore as opposed to a virginal bride, so already the idea of setting aside dogmatic beliefs about God is being presented. Even if she had been a virgin, the crude circumstances of Diego's conception remove all resemblance to Christ's particulars. Diego resides in the fictional city of Wormwood, Ohio. The unusual name is prophetic; Wormwood is mentioned in the New Testament as a star that falls to earth, causing many people to die.

In the next chapter there is a Cub Scout meeting (referred to as "Pup Scout") where Diego breaks a piñata, providing goodies to the other boys, who wrestle over them. Diego doesn't join in, but instead watches in silence. Later in his bedroom, he takes the ruined leftover candy the den father gave him, and drops it in the garbage. I think this early scene illustrates the moral of the entire work, which has much to do with the importance of personal sacrifice over selfishness, while still maintaining dignity.

I found the writing to be cogent. The general scarcity of ornate diction might disappoint spoon-fed or snobbish readers. The author's voice was confident and his prose clean. Descriptions were sometimes detailed, other times brief. Action usually took precedence over meditative pauses. In terms of content, his vision was occasionally disturbing...persons easily offended should take note. He didn't sweep objectionable matters under the rug, he shined a spotlight on them.

Although I disagreed with one specific element of the book's philosophy, my opposition had no relevance to the author's ability to effectively tell the tale. His unique interpretation of bible mythology is far more worthy of mention. He managed to combine technology, biblical tenets and the classic struggle of good vs. evil into a surprising mix of harsh secular logic.

All in all, the story was compelling, the characters memorable. The original concept (I can't reveal without spoiling) was surprising when presented at the end. I'm an English professor; I gave it four stars because I think there's always room for improvement. Nevertheless, the effort was more imaginative than ninety percent of what comes across my desk. For a first book, I think Mr. Valenzuela has plenty of which to be proud.

Absolute Infinity is a novel that captures you in the beginning and holds on tight until the end. A very thought provoking book in which it reaches into the realm of our own comfort and makes you think outside of that comfort.

At the end of the book I sat back and said "Wow." I couldn't put it down. The characters were believable and likable, the plot was interesting and took some twists I wasn't expecting, and I absolutely loved it. It really made me think, not only about the nature of people, but about the nature of the world we live in and where we go from here. Can't wait for Valenzuela's next book!

You close the book at the end and feel sad that you've finished it. This book left me wanting more! It had everything a reader could want: intriguing plot, characters you care about, amazing writing. I would write more, but why waste your time? You should stop reading this immediately and concentrate on getting your hands on a copy!

I'm looking forward to more books by the author and wishing and hoping to see "Absolute Infinity" playing someday at my local theater. It would make a fantastic movie!

And another reason I don't have time to write a longer review: I want to read the book AGAIN!

I would highly recommend this book to others. I read it and could not put the book down. It is highly thought provoking and very creative. I read alot and feel that this book is right up there and am anxious to read some of Mr.Valenzuela's other upcoming books.If you read anything this year, read this book it is an ABSOLUTE MUST! I look forward to seeing more from this Author

For lack of a better term, "I couldn't put this book down," and I'm a non-fiction reader. I don't read many fiction books, but the books description of loneliness and how people fit into this world caught my attention. Nicolas' writing style, and his attention to detail, was amazing. You really get to know these characters and what drives them. This was a very well written and fun book to read. I have never read, or heard of any story quite like this one. This is a truly original idea.

This is my first review on amazon and the first time I have been compelled to do so.

I cant say enough about this book! Like the others I too could not stop reading.

Mr.Valenzuela goes to great depths to bring you into this delightful tale, evoking all of your emotions as you read on- I
I was so excited! My adrenaline was actually kicking in on some scenes! I laughed at the witty humor in others.

As a jaded skeptic, Absolute Infinity surprised me.

Absolute Infinity proves to be A deep book that really will make you think about consciousness, existence, and the idea of time itself- Plus its all done with a colorful cast of believable characters!!

Thanks to some clever writing, the surrounding environments are clearly viewable in the minds eye.

Nicolas Valenzuela knows how to take the reader there!

If your looking for a interesting read thats fun AND will make you think- Absolute Infinity gets my fullest reccomendation! I love this book!

I would pay twice the price listed above. I read some scenes over for sheer pleasure. Absolute Infinity is A spectacular book.

I bought this book on the basis of customer reviews. The reviewers must be very good friends of the author, or the author himself, although they were well written and his book was not. I just put it into the recycling. I can't imagine who I'd pass it on to. The writing is incredibly pedestrian, full of cliches -- but worse, the morality is that of a six year old -- eye for an eye. I'm half afraid the author will go after ME for writing this review -- but hey, save your money. Also -- I received an anonymous letter recommending this book. Obviously, the sender was afraid to reveal his/her identity as well! Anyone can write a book and anyone can publish -- buyer beware.