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Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth

Bitter Greens

by Kate Forsyth

  • Critics' Consensus (36):
  • Readers' Rating (36):
  • Published:
  • Sep 2014, 496 pages
  • Rate this book

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Reviews

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There are currently 18 reader reviews for Bitter Greens
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Lisa_B2

Historical fairy tale
I thoroughly enjoyed the three intertwined stories of the girl in the tower, the witch, and the author of Rapunzel. Growing up fairy tales fascinated me and this entire book reads just like a fairy tale, but with accurate historical details blended in.
Shirley_P

Not your mother's fairytale...
I enjoyed this book a great deal. I was challenged by the three concurrent stories within the book, but did not have any trouble following the story lines which consisted of a retelling of a fairy tale, the life of the chronicler of the fairy tale and the antagonist (if you will) of the three characters. I was impressed by the writing style of Kate Forsyth, especially her descriptive powers in bringing to life the cities, scenery, clothing and surroundings in each city. I was transported while reading, which is what I look for in a book. The reason this is not "very good" in my estimation, are the passages which descend to "romance novel" sex. Not that I am prudish, but this denigrates the really fine stories and writing into a genre which does not interest me at all, and takes it out of consideration for young adult reading. That said, this is an excellent read and very very impressive and skilled writing.
Terri O. (Chapel Hill, NC)

Lush retelling of a familiar fairy tale
Bitter Greens is a beautifully written retelling of the Rapunzel story, as well as the story of Charlotte-Rose de la Force, the 17th-century French writer who wrote the version of Rapunzel that the Brothers Grimm popularized. The novel is told from the points of view of 3 strong female characters--Charlotte-Rose, Margherita (the Rapunzel character), and the witch--and one of the strengths of the book is the complex portrayal of each of these characters. The writing is lush and evocative and manages to convincingly intertwine historical detail and elements of fantasy. This book would appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction and/or fairy tales/folklore, particularly those looking for complex retellings for an adult audience.
Power Reviewer
Catharine L. (Petoskey, MI)

Fairy Tale for Adults
I love fantasy - not romance - and this was great - a retelling of Rapunzel on an adult level. Three women: Charlotte-Rose, Margherita, and La Strega Bella - tell their stories. Through Charlotte-Rose, the reader learns of the excesses of Versailles, the debauchery and treachery under Louis XIV. Margherita is the the innocent, the Rapunzel locked in the tower by the evil La Strega Bella. The descriptions are detailed - the casual violence, poverty, religious purges, the plague. More than a fairy tale, it is a realistic look at Venice and Paris in the late 1500's to early 1600 's. The only criticism (and why it's not a 5), is that the story jumped from character to character and back and forth in time, which was confusing. It would be a difficult read on Kindle.
Liz_B

Bitter Greens
I'm not sure I like the title of this novel but I certainly enjoyed reading it. The back cover alludes to Philippa Gregory and I wholeheartedly agree. The author nicely weaves together historical fiction in the style of Gregory along with the fairy tale, Rapunzel. Sadly, my advance copy was incomplete and I did not get the last few pages but I highly recommend this novel if you enjoy historical fiction.
Laura M. (Huntsville, TX)

very nicely done story
Ms. Forsyth is a genuinely talented author. This book weaves the stories of three women together without confusing the reader. You jump from past to present but never lose the story. One is based on the fairy tale Rapunzel, which you will recognize if you have read it. A second story is based on the life of the author of Rapunzel, and a third story on one of the characters in the fairy tale, a sort of back story. It amazed me how the three are separate yet blend so perfectly. The end was a really unexpected surprise for me. This would be enjoyable alone or shared with a reading group.
Carol N. (Indian Springs Village, AL)

Bitter Greens
This book was very interesting in the telling of the Rapunzel fairy tale and where it came from. I was lost in the story telling and felt like I was in the tower with Margherita as she became more and more despondant while locked away. The only problem I had with this book is the constant changing of timelines and stories along the way; I sometimes was lost as to who was narrating the story at that time. I think if the author put the name of the main character doing the narrating at the top of her chapters, it would be a little easier to follow rather than putting the place and year. All around, an enjoyable read.

BookBrowse Note: There are very subtle illustrations at each chapter heading and within chapters where the narrator/protagonist changes (e.g. a rose for Charlotte-Rose).
Amy G. (Bowie, MD)

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair....
First and foremost, I despise giving a book a less than stellar review, but...

I really wanted to be over the moon about this book. I loved the 3 stories, but the way in which they were interwoven made finishing it a bit of a chore. The writing was beautiful, but the ending seemed a little "I-saw-that-coming-all-along," and the novel might have been more intriguing if everything "didn't" work out in the end.

All in all, the stories were interesting and the history was fascinating, but the internecine quality of plot made this book more of a imposition and less of a pleasure.

Great for readers of Phillipa Gregory.
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Debugging Information
ColdFusion Server Developer 2021,0,13,330286
Template /reader_reviews/index.cfm
Time Stamp 01-Jun-26 11:27 AM
Locale en
User Agent Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)
Remote IP 127.0.0.1
Host Name 127.0.0.1


Execution Time

Total Time Avg Time Count Template
1780313226305 ms 1.78031322631E+012 ms 1 /root/website/app_server.cfm
781 ms 781 ms 1 /root/website/reader_reviews/index.cfm
224 ms 224 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_discussion_by_id.cfm
136 ms 136 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_reader_reviews_by_preview_number.cfm
113 ms 113 ms 1 /root/website/app_layout.cfm
111 ms 111 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_briefs_reader_rating.cfm
76 ms 76 ms 1 /root/website/app_globals.cfm
64 ms 32 ms 2 /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm
64 ms 64 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/dsp_right_column.cfm
55 ms 55 ms 1 /root/website/reader_reviews/dsp_briefshell.cfm
50 ms 50 ms 1 /root/website/reader_reviews/dsp_reviews.cfm
33 ms 33 ms 1 /root/website/adzones/AdZone6.cfm
33 ms 33 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/dsp_footer.cfm
31 ms 31 ms 1 /root/website/adzones/showcase_track.cfm
25 ms 25 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_active_obc.cfm
19 ms 19 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_border_first_impressions.cfm
18 ms 18 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_arcs_for_ad.cfm
18 ms 18 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_books_by_briefs_category.cfm
14 ms 14 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_competition.cfm
13 ms 4 ms 3 /root/website/actions/act_spider_tracker.cfm
12 ms 12 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_preview_by_id.cfm
10 ms 10 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/dsp_header.cfm
9 ms 9 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/main_menu.cfm
8 ms 8 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_obc_number.cfm
8 ms 8 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_book_giveaway.cfm
4 ms 4 ms 1 /root/website/act_check_login.cfm
4 ms 4 ms 1 /root/website/actions/adstatus.cfm
4 ms 4 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_wordplay.cfm
4 ms 4 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_member_info.cfm
3 ms 3 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_author_bookcount.cfm
3 ms 3 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_preview_awards_by_id.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/formurl2attributes.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_ezine.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_free_newsletters.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_previous_arcs_for_ad.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/queries/qry_get_reader_reviews_power_reviewers.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_border_booktalk.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_top_brief_block.cfm
1 ms 1 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/dsp_bottom_block.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/Application.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/act_libraryIPLogin.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/actions/udfs.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/banners/ad_594.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/js/fbjavascriptsdk.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/reader_reviews/dsp_views.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/act_book_view_tracking.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_header_newsletter.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_wordplay.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/email_modal.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/google_tags.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/head.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/header_announcement.cfm
0 ms 0 ms 1 /root/website/site/blocks/layout/main_search.cfm
1 ms  STARTUP, PARSING, COMPILING, LOADING, & SHUTDOWN
782 ms  TOTAL EXECUTION TIME
red = over 250 ms average execution time


SQL Queries

spidercheck (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=12ms, Records=1) in /root/website/actions/act_spider_tracker.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
SELECT	a.bot_number
        FROM	bots a
        WHERE	charindex(a.bot_name, ?) > 0
		OR a.bot_ip = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_varchar) = Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)
Parameter #2(cf_sql_varchar) = 127.0.0.1

get_member_info (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=3ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_member_info.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
select 	a.*, 
    		b.member_account_type_name, b.member_account_type_charge, b.member_account_type_charge_frequency,  b.member_account_type_months, 
            c.member_chargetype_name, c.member_chargetype_number, a.member_classification_number, a.member_book_format
	
    from members a, member_account_types b, member_chargetype c
	
    where a.member_account_type_number = b.member_account_type_number
	and a.payment_method_id = c.member_chargetype_number
	and a.member_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 0

adactive (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=3ms, Records=2) in /root/website/actions/adstatus.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
SELECT	viewby, section
    FROM	adsystem 
    WHERE	active  = 1 
    AND		start_date <= GETDATE()
    AND 	(viewby = ? OR viewby = 'all')
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = non

get_current_ezine (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=0ms, Records=1, Cached Query) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_ezine.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
select		top 1 ezine_number, ezine_dt, ezine_image, ezine_brief_description, ezine_introduction
from		ezines
where		ezine_active_flag = 1
and 		ezine_type_number = 4
and			ezine_dt < getdate()
order by 	ezine_dt DESC
get_current_wordplay (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=2ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_wordplay.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
SELECT		a.wordplay_number, a.wordplay_dt, a.wordplay_name, a.wordplay_intro_text, b.wordplay_puzzle_number, b.wordplay_puzzle_question
    FROM		wordplays a 
	INNER JOIN	wordplay_puzzle_mapping c on c.wordplay_number = a.wordplay_number
	INNER JOIN	wordplay_puzzles b on b.wordplay_puzzle_number = c.wordplay_puzzle_number
	WHERE		a.wordplay_number = (	select top 1 a.wordplay_number
                                from wordplays a, wordplay_puzzles b, wordplay_puzzle_mapping c
                                where a.wordplay_number = c.wordplay_number
                                and b.wordplay_puzzle_number = c.wordplay_puzzle_number
                                and a.wordplay_dt < getdate()
                                and a.wordplay_expiration_dt > dateadd(day, -1, getdate())
                                order by a.wordplay_dt asc
                                )
get_ComNo (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=6ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_competition.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
SELECT 	TOP 1 	x.competition_number, x.bb_briefs_flag
	from			competitions x
	
		WHERE	x.competition_dt <= getdate()
		AND		x.competition_expiration_dt > dateadd(d,-1,getdate())
get_current_competition (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=6ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_current_competition.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
SELECT 	x.competition_number, x.book_number, x.competition_teaser_title, x.competition_teaser_description, x.competition_intro_text, x.competition_expiration_dt, x.bb_briefs_flag, x.competition_full_info_flag, x.competition_type, x.competition_optin,x.competition_optin_text, 
				a.book_title as "title",
				(b.author_first_name + ' ' +  b.author_middle_initial + ' ' + b.author_last_name) as "author",
	            f.edition_publish_dt AS "hardcover_publish_dt", f.edition_jacket_image as "hardcover_jacket_image",
				g.edition_publish_dt AS "paperback_publish_dt", g.edition_jacket_image as "paperback_jacket_image"
	
		FROM 		competitions x
		INNER JOIN	books a on a.book_number = x.book_number
		INNER JOIN	book_author_mapping c on c.book_number = x.book_number
		INNER JOIN	authors b on c.author_number = b.author_number
		LEFT JOIN	editions f on a.book_number = f.book_number and f.edition_paperback_flag = 0
		LEFT JOIN	editions g on a.book_number = g.book_number and g.edition_paperback_flag = 1

		WHERE		x.competition_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 0

get_previous_arcs_for_ad (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=0ms, Records=0, Cached Query) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_previous_arcs_for_ad.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
SELECT 	a.arc_number,a.arc_client_url,a.arc_active_dt, a.arc_off_ad_dt,
		b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_publisher, 
		b.ezine_preview_publish_dt, b.ezine_preview_jacket_desc, b.ezine_preview_number_of_pages, b.ezine_preview_bb_comments, b.ezine_preview_isbn13,
		c.ezine_preview_category_name AS "ezine_preview_category",
		(select count(*) from arc_allocator d where d.arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) as "reviews",
		(select (CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,0))) AS numeric(12,0)))+
				(CASE WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 25 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 50 THEN 0.5
				 WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 50 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 75 THEN -0.5
				 ELSE 0
				 END)
 			from arc_allocator	where arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) AS arcrating,
 			(select (CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,1))) AS numeric(12,1)))from arc_allocator where arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) AS "decrating"

FROM arcs a
INNER JOIN ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
INNER JOIN ezine_preview_categories c ON b.ezine_preview_category_number = c.ezine_preview_category_number

WHERE arc_closed_flag = 1
AND arc_obc_flag = 0
AND getdate() >= arc_on_ad_dt
AND getdate() < arc_off_ad_dt

ORDER BY a.arc_on_ad_dt DESC
get_future_obc (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=6ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_active_obc.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
SELECT 		a.arc_forumidfk, a.discourse_flag, a.arc_promo_text, arc_on_ad_dt,
				b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_jacket_desc, b.ezine_preview_publisher, ezine_preview_publish_dt, ezine_preview_number_of_pages, ezine_preview_isbn, ezine_preview_short_summary,
	            b.ezine_preview_bb_author_link, ezine_preview_bb_link
	
	FROM 		arcs a
	INNER JOIN 	ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
	
	WHERE 		arc_obc_flag = 1

	AND 		getdate() < arc_on_ad_dt
	
		ORDER BY  	NEWID()
get_active_obc (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=5ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_active_obc.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
SELECT 		a.arc_forumidfk, a.discourse_flag, a.arc_promo_text,
				b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_jacket_desc, b.ezine_preview_publisher, ezine_preview_publish_dt, ezine_preview_number_of_pages,  ezine_preview_isbn, ezine_preview_short_summary,
	            b.ezine_preview_bb_author_link, ezine_preview_bb_link,
	            c.book_reading_guide
	
	FROM 		arcs a
	INNER JOIN 	ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
	LEFT JOIN  	books c on c.book_number = b.ezine_preview_bb_link
	
	WHERE 		a.arc_obc_flag = 1
	AND			a.arc_active_flag = 0
	AND 		arc_closed_flag = 1
	AND 		getdate() >= arc_on_ad_dt
	AND 		getdate() < arc_off_ad_dt
	ORDER BY  	NEWID()
get_recent_obc (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=10ms, Records=4) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_active_obc.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
SELECT 		a.arc_forumidfk, a.discourse_flag, a.arc_promo_text,
				b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_jacket_desc, b.ezine_preview_publisher, ezine_preview_publish_dt, ezine_preview_number_of_pages,  ezine_preview_isbn, ezine_preview_short_summary,
	            b.ezine_preview_bb_author_link, ezine_preview_bb_link,
	            c.book_reading_guide
	
	FROM 		arcs a
	INNER JOIN 	ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
	LEFT JOIN  	books c on c.book_number = b.ezine_preview_bb_link
	
	WHERE a.arc_number IN (select top 4 arc_number
							from		arcs
							WHERE 		arc_obc_flag = 1
							AND			arc_active_flag = 0
							AND 		arc_closed_flag = 1
							AND 		getdate() > arc_off_ad_dt
							ORDER BY	arc_on_ad_dt DESC)
	ORDER BY  	NEWID()
get_book_number (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=13ms, Records=1) in /root/website/reader_reviews/index.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
SELECT 	ezine_preview_bb_link, ezine_preview_title
		FROM 	ezine_previews
		WHERE 	ezine_preview_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 9843

get_reader_reviews_power_reviewers (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=0ms, Records=50, Cached Query) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_reader_reviews_power_reviewers.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
SELECT 		top 50 reader_review_reviewer_email_address, count(reader_review_reviewer_email_address) as "count"
	FROM 		reader_reviews
	WHERE 		reader_review_reviewer_email_address like '%@%'
	AND 		reader_review_reviewer_email_address <> 'reviews@bookbrowse.com'
	GROUP BY 	reader_review_reviewer_email_address
	
	
	ORDER BY 	count desc
get_preview_by_id (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=10ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_preview_by_id.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
select 			a.ezine_preview_number,
				a.ezine_number, 
				a.ezine_preview_category_number, 
				a.ezine_preview_title, 
				a.ezine_preview_subtitle, 
				a.ezine_preview_author, 
				a.ezine_preview_publisher,
				a.ezine_preview_publish_dt,
				a.ezine_preview_number_of_pages, 
				a.ezine_preview_jacket_image,
				a.ezine_preview_reviews,
				a.ezine_preview_short_summary,
				a.ezine_preview_jacket_desc,
				a.ezine_preview_reading_guide,
				a.ezine_preview_bb_comments, 
				a.ezine_preview_isbn,
				a.ezine_preview_isbn13,
				a.ezine_preview_rating,
				a.ezine_preview_bb_link,
                a.ezine_preview_bb_author_link,
                a.ezine_preview_firsts_flag,
                a.ezine_preview_reading_level,
                a.ezine_preview_paperback_flag,
				b.*,
                c.ezine_dt, c.ezine_description
,(select publisher_holding_company from publishers where ezine_preview_publisher like publisher_imprint AND publisher_holding_company LIKE 'Harper%') AS "publisher_holding_company"		
 				
from ezine_previews a 
inner join ezine_preview_categories b ON b.ezine_preview_category_number = a.ezine_preview_category_number
left join ezines c ON c.ezine_number = a.ezine_number

where ezine_preview_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 9843

get_preview_awards_by_id (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=1ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_preview_awards_by_id.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
select a.book_award_number, a.book_award_name, a.book_award_image, c.book_award_dt
    from book_awards a 
    inner join book_awards_category b on b.book_award_number = a.book_award_number
    inner join book_awards_mapping c on c.book_awards_category_number = b.book_awards_category_number
    where ezine_preview_number =  ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 9843

get_briefs_reader_rating (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=111ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_briefs_reader_rating.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
SELECT	(CAST(AVG(CAST(rating AS numeric(12,0))) AS numeric(12,0)))+
				(CASE WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 25 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 50 THEN 0.5
				 WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) >= 50 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 75 THEN -0.5
			ELSE 0
			END) AS "avrating",
            count(rating) as "ratcount"
            
	FROM (
		SELECT reader_review_rating AS rating
		FROM reader_reviews
		WHERE ezine_preview_number = ?
		
		AND reader_review_rating > 0
		
		UNION ALL
		
		SELECT reading_list_book_rating AS rating
		FROM reading_lists
		WHERE book_number LIKE 'p%'
		AND TRY_CAST(SUBSTRING(book_number, 2, LEN(book_number)) AS INT) = ?
		AND reading_list_book_rating > 0
		AND TRY_CAST(SUBSTRING(book_number, 2, LEN(book_number)) AS INT) IS NOT NULL
	) combined_ratings
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 9843
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 9843

get_reader_reviews_by_preview_number (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=135ms, Records=18) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_reader_reviews_by_preview_number.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
SELECT 		a.reader_review_number, a.book_number, a.ezine_preview_number, a.reader_review_approved_flag, a.reader_review_dt,
				COALESCE(NULLIF(LTRIM(RTRIM(m.discourse_username)), ''), NULLIF(LTRIM(RTRIM(a.reader_review_reviewer_name)), '')) AS reader_review_reviewer_name,
				a.reader_review_reviewer_email_address, a.reader_review_reviewer_from_locale, a.reader_review_recommended, a.reader_review_rating, a.reader_review_title, a.reader_review_description, ISNULL(a.like_count, 0) AS like_count,
    			b.ezine_preview_title,
    			ISNULL(e.edit_count, 0) AS edit_count,
    			e.last_edit_dt,
    			a.member_number AS review_member_number
    FROM 		reader_reviews a
    INNER JOIN	ezine_previews b ON a.ezine_preview_number = b.ezine_preview_number
    LEFT OUTER JOIN (
    	SELECT reader_review_number, COUNT(*) AS edit_count, MAX(edited_dt) AS last_edit_dt
    	FROM   reader_review_edits
    	GROUP BY reader_review_number
    ) e ON e.reader_review_number = a.reader_review_number
    LEFT OUTER JOIN members m ON m.member_number = a.member_number
	WHERE 		a.ezine_preview_number = ?
    AND			a.book_number = 0
    AND 		a.reader_review_approved_flag = 1
    

	ORDER BY a.reader_review_rating DESC, a.reader_review_dt DESC
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 9843

get_arc_idfk (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=5ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_discussion_by_id.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
SELECT 		a.arc_forumidfk,a.discourse_flag
    FROM 		arcs a
    INNER JOIN 	ezine_previews e on e.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
    
	
        WHERE 		e.ezine_preview_number = ? 
    AND DATALENGTH(a.arc_forumidfk) > 0 AND arc_obc_flag=1
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_integer) = 9843

get_arc_idfk_legacy (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=9ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_discussion_by_id.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
SELECT 		a.arc_forumidfk,a.discourse_flag
    FROM 		arcs a
    INNER JOIN 	ezine_previews e on e.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number
    
	
        WHERE 		e.ezine_preview_number = ? 
    AND DATALENGTH(a.arc_forumidfk) > 0 AND arc_obc_flag=1 AND a.discourse_flag = 0
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_integer) = 9843

obc_discussions (Datasource=booktalk_new, Time=155ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_discussion_by_id.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
SELECT 		t.name,
                m.title, m.body,
                u.username, t.id,
				(SELECT COUNT(*) from booktalk_messages where threadidfk = t.id) AS	"responses"
                
    FROM 		booktalk_forums f
    INNER JOIN	booktalk_threads t on t.forumidfk = f.id
    INNER JOIN	booktalk_messages m on m.posted = t.lastpostcreated
    INNER JOIN	booktalk_users u on u.id = m.useridfk
    
    WHERE 	f.id = ?
    AND 	f.active = 1
	AND		t.active = 1
    
    ORDER BY t.name, t.messages DESC
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_varchar) =

searchResults (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=51ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_discussion_by_id.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
SELECT book_number, post_id, topic_id, blurb, username, topic_title
					FROM DiscourseSearchResults
					
        WHERE 		book_number = ? 
                    AND topic_id IS NOT NULL
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_varchar) = p9843

ya_check (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=10ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_books_by_briefs_category.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
select ezine_preview_reading_level 
from ezine_previews 
where ezine_preview_number = ?
and ezine_preview_reading_level = 2
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 9843

get_books_by_brief (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=6ms, Records=20) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_books_by_briefs_category.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
select 			top 20
				a.ezine_preview_reading_level,
				b.category_name,
				c.category_number, 
				d.book_number, d.book_title,
				f.author_number, f.author_first_name, author_middle_initial, author_last_name
				
from 			ezine_previews a 
inner join		categories b on b.ezine_preview_category_number = a.ezine_preview_category_number
inner join		category_book_mapping c on c.category_number = b.category_number
inner join		books d on d.book_number = c.book_number
inner join		book_author_mapping e on e.book_number = d.book_number
inner join		authors f on f.author_number = e.author_number

where			a.ezine_preview_number = ? 

order by 		d.book_number DESC
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 9843

get_author_bookcount (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=2ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_author_bookcount.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
select		b.book_title as "title", 1 as "bb_flag", b.book_number as "number"
        from		book_author_mapping a
		inner join	books b on b.book_number = a.book_number
        where		a.author_number = ?
union
    	select		c.ezine_preview_title as "title", 0 as "bb_flag", c.ezine_preview_number as "number"
        from		ezine_previews c
        where		c.ezine_preview_bb_author_link = ?
        and			c.ezine_preview_bb_link = 0
		and 1=0
order by title DESC
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 0
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 0

get_obc_number (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=8ms, Records=1) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_obc_number.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
select a.arc_forumidfk
    from arcs a
    
    	where a.ezine_preview_number = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(cf_sql_numeric) = 9843.0

IsPowerReviewer (Datasource=, Time=1ms, Records=0) in /root/website/reader_reviews/dsp_reviews.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
select *
			from get_reader_reviews_power_reviewers
			where reader_review_reviewer_email_address LIKE 'electablue@gmail.com'
IsPowerReviewer (Datasource=, Time=4ms, Records=0) in /root/website/reader_reviews/dsp_reviews.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
select *
			from get_reader_reviews_power_reviewers
			where reader_review_reviewer_email_address LIKE 'spear176@msn.com'
IsPowerReviewer (Datasource=, Time=0ms, Records=0) in /root/website/reader_reviews/dsp_reviews.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
select *
			from get_reader_reviews_power_reviewers
			where reader_review_reviewer_email_address LIKE 'toquin@mindspring.com'
IsPowerReviewer (Datasource=, Time=0ms, Records=1) in /root/website/reader_reviews/dsp_reviews.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
select *
			from get_reader_reviews_power_reviewers
			where reader_review_reviewer_email_address LIKE 'cam.lowe1945@gmail.com'
IsPowerReviewer (Datasource=, Time=0ms, Records=0) in /root/website/reader_reviews/dsp_reviews.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
select *
			from get_reader_reviews_power_reviewers
			where reader_review_reviewer_email_address LIKE 'Lizburkhart@sbcglobal.net'
IsPowerReviewer (Datasource=, Time=0ms, Records=0) in /root/website/reader_reviews/dsp_reviews.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
select *
			from get_reader_reviews_power_reviewers
			where reader_review_reviewer_email_address LIKE 'bonnieclyderainy@yahoo.com'
IsPowerReviewer (Datasource=, Time=0ms, Records=0) in /root/website/reader_reviews/dsp_reviews.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
select *
			from get_reader_reviews_power_reviewers
			where reader_review_reviewer_email_address LIKE 'isvstitcher@gmail.com'
IsPowerReviewer (Datasource=, Time=1ms, Records=0) in /root/website/reader_reviews/dsp_reviews.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
select *
			from get_reader_reviews_power_reviewers
			where reader_review_reviewer_email_address LIKE 'aglass@jhu.edu'
get_arcs_for_ad (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=5ms, Records=0) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_arcs_for_ad.cfm @ 11:27:06.006
SELECT 	top 10 a.arc_number,arc_promo_text,
		b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_publish_dt, 
		(select (CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,0))) AS numeric(12,0)))+
				(CASE WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 25 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 50 THEN 0.5
				 WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 50 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 75 THEN -0.5
				 ELSE 0
				 END)
 			from arc_allocator	where arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) AS arcrating

FROM arcs a
INNER JOIN ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number

WHERE arc_closed_flag = 1
AND arc_obc_flag = 0
AND getdate() >= arc_on_ad_dt
AND (select count(*) from arc_allocator d where d.arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) > 1
and getdate() <= dateadd(day,1,a.arc_off_ad_dt)

ORDER BY NEWID()
get_arcs_for_ad (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=11ms, Records=3) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_arcs_for_ad.cfm @ 11:27:07.007
SELECT 	top 3 a.arc_number,arc_promo_text,
			b.ezine_preview_number, b.ezine_preview_title, b.ezine_preview_subtitle, b.ezine_preview_jacket_image, b.ezine_preview_author, b.ezine_preview_publish_dt, 
			(select (CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,0))) AS numeric(12,0)))+
					(CASE WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 25 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 50 THEN 0.5
					 WHEN right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) > 50 AND right(CAST(AVG(CAST(arc_allocator_review_rating AS numeric(12,2))) AS numeric(12,2)),2) < 75 THEN -0.5
					 ELSE 0
					 END)
				from arc_allocator	where arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) AS arcrating

	FROM arcs a
	INNER JOIN ezine_previews b ON b.ezine_preview_number = a.ezine_preview_number

	WHERE arc_closed_flag = 1
	AND arc_obc_flag = 0
	AND getdate() >= arc_on_ad_dt
	AND (select count(*) from arc_allocator d where d.arc_number = a.arc_number and arc_allocator_review_approved_flag = 1) > 1

	ORDER BY a.arc_off_ad_dt DESC
get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=16ms, Records=0) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 11:27:07.007
SELECT		a.adid,	adweight
	FROM		adsystem a
	INNER JOIN 	ad_category_mapping b ON b.adid = a.adid
	WHERE		a.section = ?
	AND			a.active  = 1
	AND 		a.start_date <= GETDATE()
	
	AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
            

	AND     (b.category_number IN (	SELECT	category_number
									FROM	category_book_mapping
									WHERE	book_number = ?)
      		OR 	b.category_number = ?)
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = adzone6
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0
Parameter #3(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0

get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=6ms, Records=1) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 11:27:07.007
SELECT	a.adid,	adweight
        FROM	adsystem a
        WHERE	a.section = ? 
        AND 	a.active  = 1 
        AND		a.start_date <= GETDATE()	
        
        AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
        AND (select count(*) from ad_category_mapping where datalength(category_number) >= 1 and adid = a.adid) = 0
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = adzone6

get_type (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=5ms, Records=1) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 11:27:07.007
SELECT	a.start_date, a.adid, a.end_date, a.camp_views, a.image_name, a.alt_text, a.views, a.code, a.adsize
        FROM	adsystem a
        WHERE	a.adid = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 1112

get_quotes (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=6ms, Records=1) in /root/website/site/blocks/dsp_book_giveaway.cfm @ 11:27:07.007
select top 1 ezine_number, ezine_quote, ezine_quote_title
	    from ezines
	    where len(ezine_quote_title) > 1
	    order by newid()
get_free_newsletters (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=0ms, Records=4, Cached Query) in /root/website/queries/qry_get_free_newsletters.cfm @ 11:27:07.007
SELECT 	*
    FROM 	free_newsletters
get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=3ms, Records=0) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 11:27:07.007
SELECT		a.adid,	adweight
	FROM		adsystem a
	INNER JOIN 	ad_category_mapping b ON b.adid = a.adid
	WHERE		a.section = ?
	AND			a.active  = 1
	AND 		a.start_date <= GETDATE()
		 	AND a.adid NOT IN (?) 
	AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
            

	AND     (b.category_number IN (	SELECT	category_number
									FROM	category_book_mapping
									WHERE	book_number = ?)
      		OR 	b.category_number = ?)
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = showcase_track
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 1112
Parameter #3(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0
Parameter #4(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = 0

get_ads (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=14ms, Records=1) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 11:27:07.007
SELECT	a.adid,	adweight
        FROM	adsystem a
        WHERE	a.section = ? 
        AND 	a.active  = 1 
        AND		a.start_date <= GETDATE()	
        		AND a.adid NOT IN (?) 
        AND (a.viewby LIKE '%n%' OR a.viewby = 'all')
        AND (select count(*) from ad_category_mapping where datalength(category_number) >= 1 and adid = a.adid) = 0
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_VARCHAR) = showcase_track
Parameter #2(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 1112

get_type (Datasource=bookbrowse_com_new, Time=10ms, Records=1) in /root/website/adsystem/adsystem_mod.cfm @ 11:27:07.007
SELECT	a.start_date, a.adid, a.end_date, a.camp_views, a.image_name, a.alt_text, a.views, a.code, a.adsize
        FROM	adsystem a
        WHERE	a.adid = ?
Query Parameter Value(s) -
Parameter #1(CF_SQL_INTEGER) = 594


Scope Variables

CGI Variables:
AUTH_PASSWORD=
AUTH_TYPE=
AUTH_USER=
CERT_COOKIE=
CERT_FLAGS=
CERT_ISSUER=
CERT_KEYSIZE=
CERT_SECRETKEYSIZE=
CERT_SERIALNUMBER=
CERT_SERVER_ISSUER=
CERT_SERVER_SUBJECT=
CERT_SUBJECT=
CF_TEMPLATE_PATH=/root/website/reader_reviews/index.cfm
CONTENT_LENGTH=
CONTENT_TYPE=
CONTEXT_PATH=
GATEWAY_INTERFACE=
HTTPS=
HTTPS_KEYSIZE=
HTTPS_SECRETKEYSIZE=
HTTPS_SERVER_ISSUER=
HTTPS_SERVER_SUBJECT=
HTTP_ACCEPT=*/*
HTTP_ACCEPT_ENCODING=gzip, br, zstd, deflate
HTTP_ACCEPT_LANGUAGE=
HTTP_CONNECTION=upgrade
HTTP_COOKIE=FREEACCESSCOUNT=0; CFCLIENT_BOOKBROWSE=order%3Dp%23member%5Fnumber%3D0%23member%5Factive%5Fflag%3D0%23member%5Flogged%5Fin%5Fflag%3D0%23library%5Fuser%5Fflag%3D0%23view%3Dbooks%23; CFGLOBALS=urltoken%3DCFID%23%3D4097213%26CFTOKEN%23%3D421f7c615f25791f%2D1D5C3F13%2D9988%2D1C7A%2DB3F0F88459E9421A%23lastvisit%3D%7Bts%20%272026%2D06%2D01%2011%3A27%3A06%27%7D%23hitcount%3D104%23timecreated%3D%7Bts%20%272026%2D06%2D01%2011%3A26%3A42%27%7D%23cftoken%3D421f7c615f25791f%2D1D5C3F13%2D9988%2D1C7A%2DB3F0F88459E9421A%23cfid%3D4097213%23; CFTOKEN=421f7c615f25791f-1D5C3F13-9988-1C7A-B3F0F88459E9421A; CFID=4097213
HTTP_HOST=dev.bookbrowse.com
HTTP_REFERER=
HTTP_URL=
HTTP_USER_AGENT=Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)
LOCAL_ADDR=127.0.0.1
PATH_INFO=/ezine_preview_number/9843/page/2/order/bw/bitter-greens
PATH_TRANSLATED=/root/website/reader_reviews/index.cfm
QUERY_STRING=
REMOTE_ADDR=127.0.0.1
REMOTE_HOST=127.0.0.1
REMOTE_USER=
REQUEST_METHOD=GET
SCRIPT_NAME=/reader_reviews/index.cfm
SERVER_NAME=dev.bookbrowse.com
SERVER_PORT=8500
SERVER_PORT_SECURE=0
SERVER_PROTOCOL=HTTP/1.1
SERVER_SOFTWARE=
WEB_SERVER_API=
Client Variables:
cfid=4097213
cftoken=421f7c615f25791f-1D5C3F13-9988-1C7A-B3F0F88459E9421A
hitcount=110
lastvisit={ts '2026-06-01 11:27:06'}
library_user_flag=0
member_active_flag=0
member_logged_in_flag=0
member_number=0
order=p
timecreated={ts '2026-06-01 11:26:42'}
urltoken=CFID=4097213&CFTOKEN=421f7c615f25791f-1D5C3F13-9988-1C7A-B3F0F88459E9421A
view=books
Cookie Variables:
CFCLIENT_BOOKBROWSE=order=p#member_number=0#member_active_flag=0#member_logged_in_flag=0#library_user_flag=0#view=books#
CFGLOBALS=urltoken=CFID#=4097213&CFTOKEN#=421f7c615f25791f-1D5C3F13-9988-1C7A-B3F0F88459E9421A#lastvisit={ts '2026-06-01 11:27:06'}#hitcount=104#timecreated={ts '2026-06-01 11:26:42'}#cftoken=421f7c615f25791f-1D5C3F13-9988-1C7A-B3F0F88459E9421A#cfid=4097213#
CFID=4097213
CFTOKEN=421f7c615f25791f-1D5C3F13-9988-1C7A-B3F0F88459E9421A
FREEACCESSCOUNT=0
Session Variables:
cfid=4097213
cftoken=421f7c615f25791f-1D5C3F13-9988-1C7A-B3F0F88459E9421A
sessionid=BOOKBROWSE_4097213_421f7c615f25791f-1D5C3F13-9988-1C7A-B3F0F88459E9421A
urltoken=CFID=4097213&CFTOKEN=421f7c615f25791f-1D5C3F13-9988-1C7A-B3F0F88459E9421A
URL Parameters:
bitter-greens=
ezine_preview_number=9843
order=bw
page=2
Debug Rendering Time: 12 ms