Forget about the actual date and/or title of the book. You have to take into consideration when this was written and what Orwell thought 1984 was going to be like. Okay, so he missed it by twenty years or so. The point is, 1984 is more relevant now than it was back in the actual 1984.

Harrowing, like "Brave New World" it pretty much hits the nail on the head. Aren't you wonderful WHY this book is so successful and on the bestseller list after all these years---once again?

Just look around at the world and what's happening. Sure, parts of this book are depressing, but it makes us look at ourselves and what we've become (or not) thereby showing us where we should go (or not).

I have to recommend one other Amazon pick, which just totally knocked my socks off with its humor, look at human nature, and take on corporate greed and human problems: Jackson McCrae's "Katzenjammer" which should not be missed. Totally first rate with a surprise ending, short chapters, and great characters. Highly recommended for those who like good fast-paced reading.

If I could only recommend that you buy one great book this season, MIDNIGHT IN DEATH would be it. Eve Dallas is the main character in this fast-paced novel of intrigue and suspense, and for those not into this sort of genre, let me tell you, you soon will be after reading this. I'm a fan of books with short chapters (think Patterson's books ROSES ARE RED, or the funny and yet also suspenseful KATZENJAMMER by McCrae--also dealing with an insane asylum and corruption), and so J.D Robb's was a natural pick. If you liked Nora Roberts SPELLBOUND, then this book will be right up your alley.