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Book Reviews of Origin

Origin
Origin
Author: Diana Abu-Jaber
ISBN-13: 9780393331554
ISBN-10: 0393331555
Publication Date: 5/5/2008
Pages: 384
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 18

3.8 stars, based on 18 ratings
Publisher: W. W. Norton
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

7 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed Origin on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Well written page turner - Once I started this book I was hooked! Could not put it down. The central character, a crime lab worker with an extraordinary skill and a mysterious origin, is tasked with analyzing evidence from SIDS cases and determines there's more to meet the eye [or nose]. The unsolved case combined with her unusual interpersonal relationships form the setting for a tale that will hold your interest until the last page is turned. One talented author, one excellent book!
reviewed Origin on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Well written page turner - Once I started this book I was hooked! Could not put it down. The central character, a crime lab worker with an extraordinary skill and a mysterious origin, is tasked with analyzing evidence from SIDS cases and determines there's more to meet the eye [or nose]. The unsolved case combined with her unusual interpersonal relationships form the setting for a tale that will hold your interest until the last page is turned. One talented author, one excellent book!
DesertShaman avatar reviewed Origin on + 203 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Not one of my favorites. This story had too much going on....slow moving, too many plot lines and just was not engaging enough for me. I had the "culprit" picked out half way through the book. Suffice it to say I will not be reading another book by this author.
reviewed Origin on
Helpful Score: 1
I really liked this. The quirky characters and creepy tone reminded me a bit of the book Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow.
reviewed Origin on + 8 more book reviews
The protagonist was raised by apes in the rain forest. Now she reads fingerprints for a living. There's a baby killer loose in Syracuse NY. And it's cold, so cold.

Or maybe not. I read this novel in 90-degree heat and felt like I was getting frostbite. An excellent, subtle book. Unique voice, terrific writing, and there's actually a story there...kind of literary novel crossed with mystery. Highly recommended.
spartacusaby avatar reviewed Origin on + 81 more book reviews
A unique protagonist and a lovely evocative writing style make this a very different take on the mystery genre. I've not read anything quite like it, and am delighted I chose to order "Origin."
LeahG avatar reviewed Origin on + 320 more book reviews
This book surprised me. It was very hard to put down and a wonderfully original story about a forensic fingerprint expert who finds out she was adopted. It sounds mundane but it was anything but, in her work on solving a series of murders of babies that coincide with her own early roots, with a surprise for her and for the reader near the end. The characters are beautifully developed and there is a good mixture of suspense mixed with some romance and office politics. I give it five stars.