January's Paradigm is written with a sardonic and sarcastic sort of wit that I found appealing. Character development is outstanding and the story is not predictable - a real plus for me since I usually figure out most stories well before the conclusions.

It's a great and fast read and offers heat in parallel with thought-provoking (and realistic) dialogue between interesting and off-beat characters.

Can't wait for the next installment.

3 of 5 found the following review helpful:

Great Introspection  Apr 17, 2000
By Lisa
The characters' indepth soul-searching is quite intriguing. Robert Porter and Joe January's relationship is fascinating; I really enjoyed how the author chose to create and develop their bond. While surviving divorce is painful, J. Conrad Guest shows us what a growth opportunity it can be. I like how Mr. Guest brought together the end of the story with each character fully understanding what they had brought to each other. I look forward to reading Mr. Guest's next book.

4 of 7 found the following review helpful:

Terrific First Novel  Jan 25, 2005
By Kathleen Cahalan
Guest has crafted a very compelling tale in January's Paradigm; and I was fully engaged, page by page, in every character, until the clever end. Joe January's not always a likable sort, but he's well-developed and real; you probably know someone like him. The ingenious twist to this tale is that Joe January is but a displaced character, sprung to life from the pages of a successful novel. He's come to life to overcome unresolved emotions that his creator has suffered at the hands of an unfaithful wife. January is rightfully bitter and skeptical as he meets the characters who unfold the plan to bring January (and his alter-ego, novelist Robert Porter) home. Guest's first novel is vivid and visceral. That the supporting characters were developed to heal January's/Porter's heart demonstrates Guest's resourcefulness. I anxiously await the sequel by Mr. Guest, who I suspect has a bright future in the literary arena.

2 of 4 found the following review helpful:

A fantastic story with a unique twist.  Feb 16, 2001
By Azita Azadi
This fiction delivers a deeper message within. The piece "love Is" is presented before the beginning of the novel. While the novel itself was very engaging and hard to put down, every so often I find myself going back to the book just to read "love Is" one more time. J. Conrad Guest's writings are for those who can feel a little bit more and want a little bit more.

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