I picked this book up for three reasons.  First, because it’s got an excellent little cameo in Donnie Darko.  Second, because it’s on “Desert Island Lists” for several of my friends.  It also gets good press in Great Book Lists.  After I read the book, I’m glad I got transfixed by the headlights of all the mega-super-hype.

For the first 50 pages, though, I couldn’t believe I was wasting my time reading about silly RABBITS: what they eat, where they live, what they’re thinking.  Just like Clockwork Orange – well, maybe not JUST like it – the rabbits have their own distinct vocabulary and my edition came with a “Lapine Glossary”.  You even get to hear about rabbit legends, stories, and heroes.  It can be all-consuming.

Which is what makes the book so cool.  It’s so carefully crafted that I couldn’t help but get sucked in.  The details are spot-on and add a lot to the rich environment and story.  It feels a little like Lord of the Rings – but on a much smaller scale, of course.  The world has that much richness and depth and just feels absolutely accurate – for whatever I know of bunnies.

Having said that, the book is going to rate a solid 4 on the Hurst scale.  BUT, it’s obvious to me that the book would resonate better for some people.  In fact, I immediately recommended it to several particular friends who I thought would love it.  If you’ve a certain sensibility, it’s a guaranteed 5 and a classic.  If not, you’re still going to get a pretty darned good story and an encounter with a cultural phenomenon.  It doesn’t disappoint and I’m a better person for knowing what all the fuss was about .