The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

I don't even know how to begin explaining the plot of this book, so here is a ridiculously brief summary (if you can even call it that):

It is set in post war Barcelona and begins with a little boy who falls in love with a book entitled "The Shadow of the Wind". The mere act of him reading it and the intense passion that he forms for this book become the catalyst of a series of events, discoveries, and encounters with different people - some suspenseful, some shocking, some romantic, some tragic, and some wonderful.

This book was, in one word, AMAZING. It was such a wonderful mix of everything - romance, suspense, drama, comedy, witty dialogue, great characterizations, historical tidbits, gothic and supernatural elements, multiple generations, a bit of action, some of the best quotes I've read in a novel... and all these elements managed to blend so well together to make the book a literary powerhouse.

There was story upon story upon story, and all were interesting and highly captivating.  It didn't drag like some other novels that use the same style.

It is easily one of the best books I've ever read in my life.  Do yourself a favor and read it.  Trust me on this.

5 stars *****