Were you were a teen in the 80's ? Knock over a liquor store if you need the cash and buy this book. This author has it all - wicked humor, dynamite plotting, and a very tender spot for what it is to be lonely and then find that quirky someone who was meant just for you.

Though I love the use of nadsat, (a mix of Russian and cockney) this book only becomes more disturbing as I get older. Be sure to get the full text with 21 chapters, as the American version dropped the last, healing one. For a funny read by Burgess, try Honey for the Bears.

Always funny, always showing what is best and worst in human nature. This novel turns the hard boiled detective novel on its head but shows a love and respect for the genre. I read this at least twice a year.

The Anthony Briggs translation is by far the best I have read yet. This translation brings out the humor and warmth of this great great book. Don't be put off by the title - there is really very little time spent on the war. This is an epic novel that spans the gamut of human emotions.

If someone tells me they love Rex Stout books they instantly become a "sure I'll bail you out of jail" kind of friend. The writing is not as tight as his short story collections, but has much more room for characterization - which is what Stout is best at.

If you want the movie, read every other chapter. If you want the best literary experience you can have read it all. If you are able (i.e. - Have an understanding spouse or cat) read it out loud. The writing is that good. What most don't tell you it's also a very funny book.

Just now read again the original dune series and am amazed at how different and so much more rich it is now. So many books you just love as a teen and then re-read and, well, cringe at them. This was not the case here.