Not once on any review of this book does it say it is a cheap and not very well disguised knock-off of wuthering heights. If I wanted to read a moder...moreNot once on any review of this book does it say it is a cheap and not very well disguised knock-off of wuthering heights. If I wanted to read a modern version I would have hoped for something better than this. Find an original story hoffman! Or at least admit when you are re-telling a classic!(less)
This is an intriguing story. A well-written, interesting memoir is one of my favorite genres to read. This one is no exception. The life of a White...moreThis is an intriguing story. A well-written, interesting memoir is one of my favorite genres to read. This one is no exception. The life of a White Jewish women with 12 rambunctious, smart, talented black children is fascinating. (less)
This was an audio experience for me and it was a story I had to finish. There is no literary value to this book, and the plot is ridiculous at some p...moreThis was an audio experience for me and it was a story I had to finish. There is no literary value to this book, and the plot is ridiculous at some points. I wouldn't recommend it unless you need a book to help you pass your time, which is exactly what I used it for.(less)
Wow! This book is captivating. It has been awhile since a book has creeped into my dreams (of course I was reading right before bed). The story is v...moreWow! This book is captivating. It has been awhile since a book has creeped into my dreams (of course I was reading right before bed). The story is vague enough to intrigue me. I am constantly checking the facts that surround her story and trying construct her world in my mind. (less)
I almost didn't finish the book because the story itself was not that compelling to finish. When I did finish it I was a little disappointed with the ...moreI almost didn't finish the book because the story itself was not that compelling to finish. When I did finish it I was a little disappointed with the casual way the book just ended.
If I had only read the first few chapters and left the book there, I think Kingsolver's purpose would have still had me reading EVERY single label of the food I eat and pondering on where my next meal is coming from.
So my next question is "where is the closest farmer's market?"(less)
After seeing Jennifer's review, I picked this book up at the library. I was surprised to find that it is even more dear to me for it's underlying nov...moreAfter seeing Jennifer's review, I picked this book up at the library. I was surprised to find that it is even more dear to me for it's underlying novel connection. Stead channels Madeline L'Engle in this novel. Using A Wrinkle in time as a springboard for the complex and mysterious story of the book, she creates the straight forward, read-between-the-lines writing that I love about L'Engle. I know I will want to re-read it as soon as I finish it :)
Wow! It is even better after finishing it:) I'm astounded at how close she comes to writing an intriguing book like A wrinkle in Time... Love it. (less)
Hesitant at first to keep reading such an unconventionally written novel, I am glad I did. The constructs of the plot begin to make sense midway throu...moreHesitant at first to keep reading such an unconventionally written novel, I am glad I did. The constructs of the plot begin to make sense midway through the book. The story becomes harrowing and compelling. Mythical is a good word. The one thing I completely understand about the story is the love of a parent for a child. As I was reading I looked over at my son and wanted gather him up and never let him go.
Something else I am tempted to do is flip to end to find out if they make it or not and to find out just what "making it" means for these characters because really there is no realistic happy ending. (less)
Thanks to the Soresens I now have a great traditional Christmas story to share with my family! Love this book! It is adorable! The moment Imogene s...moreThanks to the Soresens I now have a great traditional Christmas story to share with my family! Love this book! It is adorable! The moment Imogene starts to cry you know the Christmas story is true!(less)
Half way through the book I paused in my reading to re-read the back cover and decided I didn't have a clue what might happen. I was confused how 9/11...moreHalf way through the book I paused in my reading to re-read the back cover and decided I didn't have a clue what might happen. I was confused how 9/11 would play a part and was disappointed that it really didn't. What I can say is that even if I didn't appreciate the way the book ended, I was compelled to keep reading till the end. Unfortunately it reminded me too much of the notebook. The emotions and situations were the same. I think I'm just not emotionally intune enough for Nicholas Sparks right now.(less)
I can't believe I am reading another mediocre Nicholas Sparks book. After the prologue and first two chapters I am thinking "why are these chara...moreI can't believe I am reading another mediocre Nicholas Sparks book. After the prologue and first two chapters I am thinking "why are these characters so blah?". When steve asks himself "is it possible for a person like me to experience the presence of God" I want to close the book. Why would a character asks such an random and frankly trite questions? Ugh... I must keep reading... Book club meeting next week.
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First off, the multi-genre form surprised me in this novel. I love this type of fiction and would love to see more. I was pleased with the different...moreFirst off, the multi-genre form surprised me in this novel. I love this type of fiction and would love to see more. I was pleased with the different perspectives. But...
the way the present story of a polygamous sect and the older story of Ann Eliza didn't mesh as well as I would have liked it to. It might have been easier to read one story first then the other second instead of it jumping back and forth.
As an LDS girl... I think the book was enlightening. I appreciate the author creating the character Kelly Dee, whose insight into polygamy matched my own. He didn't exploit, nor did he give a biased view. It was simply a glimpse into generations of this lifestyle.(less)
A little bit of fantasy, a little bit of history, a little bit of traditional fiction. A little bit of great. I wasn't fascinated by this book, but ...moreA little bit of fantasy, a little bit of history, a little bit of traditional fiction. A little bit of great. I wasn't fascinated by this book, but it was good. I loved all the characters. They were alive. I almost could have believed this was a true story.(less)
Kingsolver has a way with words. Her imagery and description is fantastic. The plot of this book was good, not great, just good. I wanted to feel T...moreKingsolver has a way with words. Her imagery and description is fantastic. The plot of this book was good, not great, just good. I wanted to feel Taylor's struggle a little more, but it just never caught on... but I would use her language to teach description any day.(less)
It has been awhile since I read a book that spoke to the person I am right now, at this time in my life. This book did. It made me laugh and cry bec...moreIt has been awhile since I read a book that spoke to the person I am right now, at this time in my life. This book did. It made me laugh and cry because I WAS those characters. It also make me jealous and a little lonely for the types of friendships among the five women in the book. I need more female companionship. (less)
Appreciated the Christmas story, but I think the symbolism in the story left something to be desired. It wasn't as powerful as I would have wanted it...moreAppreciated the Christmas story, but I think the symbolism in the story left something to be desired. It wasn't as powerful as I would have wanted it to be.(less)
So far this book is disappointing. I know that Lena and Charlotte love their grandmother and wanted to share this book with the world, but it is an e...moreSo far this book is disappointing. I know that Lena and Charlotte love their grandmother and wanted to share this book with the world, but it is an early piece and it shows. The dialogue is outdated and not universal and also does not characterized. It is dialogue for the sake of dialogue.
I think Act 3 is the best in the novel. I have not read Act 4 yet. Act 1 and 2 need more work on introducing interest into the characters conflict.
On the whole it is Madeleine and I adore it just because it is her last book published. (less)
This was a re-write by the same author for a lower reading level. I think the information and presentation was effective. I don't think all the chap...moreThis was a re-write by the same author for a lower reading level. I think the information and presentation was effective. I don't think all the chapters on Truman Capote was necessary since the book is about Nelle. It still seems Truman gets all the attention. Since it was for children some details of Nelle's personal life was obviously left out. Overall is it a great companion to the reading of To Kill A Mockingbird Bird(less)
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