I'm not really sure what I expected of this book. I think I was expecting there to be more of an ongoing story, rather than flashbacks. Even so, I enj...moreI'm not really sure what I expected of this book. I think I was expecting there to be more of an ongoing story, rather than flashbacks. Even so, I enjoyed it.
This is one of those books that will stay in my heart. Amy Tan captures the complexities of the mother/daughter relationship really well, along with the rivalry of the daughters. It was fascinating to read about the history of the Chinese women, and how their history affected their relationships with their American-born daughters, who couldn't really begin to understand what these women went through before leaving China for a better life.
I did find that I had to keep going back to check names because I don't think the voices were all different enough, which made it slightly confusing at times. I also think the book was too short - I could have easily read for another 100 pages. (less)
Being an office worker myself, and having worked at one point in a call centre with a similar layout to the ad agency in this book, I could relate to...moreBeing an office worker myself, and having worked at one point in a call centre with a similar layout to the ad agency in this book, I could relate to the situations in this story quite well.
In terms of my enjoyment of this book, its a strange one because I kinda enjoyed it, but then at the same time, I was thinking about which book to read next. There are a fair few characters in this book, so it took a while to really get into it, and to get them all straight. Once I'd done that I found it a little more enjoyable. I'm not a fan of the first-person-plural perspective used here, and the "we" gets tired pretty quickly, but I guess it probably is the best way to tell the story of many people at once.
I enjoyed the middle bit of the book that tells Lynn's story, and was hoping that the rest of the book would continue delving that bit deeper as it does in this section, but unfortunately it doesn't.
Overall this was an ok read, there is something about this book that compells you to keep reading, but right at this moment I haven't figured out what!!(less)
Great book. This was very moving and the perspective from which it is written works very well. I couldn't put this book down and finished it within a...moreGreat book. This was very moving and the perspective from which it is written works very well. I couldn't put this book down and finished it within a couple of days. A bit dark though, and the ending is not entirely believable, but still a good read.(less)
Whilst this book was an OK read, I've read better. I was expecting a lot from this book, given that it has a title of 'cult classic', but I was disapp...moreWhilst this book was an OK read, I've read better. I was expecting a lot from this book, given that it has a title of 'cult classic', but I was disappointed. It took me a while to get into, and was quite slow in some places. On the flip-side, it had me coming back for more without really knowing why. At points I felt like slapping one or all of the main characters and telling them to have some self respect(!!), but then I also found myself sympathising with them, and willing everything to get better. I liked that the book made me feel such mixed emotions towards the characters, but at times that was also really annoying. It was a good holiday read maybe, but nothing that I would really shout about.(less)
I guess this novel would fall into the mystery/thriller/crime category, but it's so much more than that. Many books that fall into this category are m...moreI guess this novel would fall into the mystery/thriller/crime category, but it's so much more than that. Many books that fall into this category are mass market paperbacks that make good reading but don't contain anything of substance. The same can definitely NOT be said about this book.
I went into this book knowing the basics from the blurb on the back of the book and with a warning that the book didn't leave much to the imagination and didn't leave anything hidden. Well that was true - this is definitely gritty and not for those easily disturbed. I'm glad that I'm not easily disturbed though, because I found this to be one of the best books I've read in recent years. I devoured it and read 4/5ths of it in one sitting.
Camille is a reporter for the 4th biggest newspaper in Chicago, estranged from her Mother, Stepfather and half-sister who still live in her hometown of Windy Gap, MO. When two girls are murdered in Windy Gap, her boss thinks she's the perfect person to cover the story and she sets off to face her biggest story yet, along with her worst memories and unresolved issues...
I liked the mystery aspect of the story and thought I had it figured out about half way through the book. I was along the right lines but didn't get it quite right... I liked that it kept me guessing.
The writing is superior to that which I would expect from a debut novelist. It's dark, disturbing... and incredibly absorbing. Most of the characters are flawed, some more than others, and this makes for interesting reading as their 'hidden skeletons' are revealed. Camille is probably the most flawed character of all, but this just made me love her even more. I also liked how my feelings towards a few of the characters, Amma in particular, changed many times throughout the book. I really appreciate a book that can make me think and can make me question my thoughts and feelings. This book certainly made me do this.
I was a late starter with Harry Potter. I read this when the 3rd book was released, as everyone at work was talking about it, and I don't like not und...moreI was a late starter with Harry Potter. I read this when the 3rd book was released, as everyone at work was talking about it, and I don't like not understanding conversations!! Anyway, from the first couple of pages I was hooked. I've always liked fantasy books (I loved Enid Blyton as a child) and this was no disappointment. My only problem was this book was too short!(less)
The second book was just as good as the first, it made me want to keep reading, and hoping that Harry got himself through the various situations he en...moreThe second book was just as good as the first, it made me want to keep reading, and hoping that Harry got himself through the various situations he ended up in (being in a flying car that has a mind of its own has gotta be scary!!) Again this book ended too soon!(less)
This book was definitely one of my favourites. The storyline went a bit deeper, and really captured my imagination (although the dementors were a bit...moreThis book was definitely one of my favourites. The storyline went a bit deeper, and really captured my imagination (although the dementors were a bit creepy). I also liked that this book was much longer than the first two, as I didn't want the story to end!(less)
This book starts to go a bit deeper. The themes in the book become more adult, and therefore it makes for better reading. I felt that this book drew m...moreThis book starts to go a bit deeper. The themes in the book become more adult, and therefore it makes for better reading. I felt that this book drew me in more emotionally than the previous books, and I was therefore more involved with the characters. (less)
This was maybe my least favourite of the series, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy reading it. For me this book felt slow to start, and fail to eng...moreThis was maybe my least favourite of the series, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy reading it. For me this book felt slow to start, and fail to engage me as much as the other books. Also there is a lot of focus on Harry's teen angst, which didn't really interest me all that much. On the plus side, the situations are more complex and there is a lot of drama in it. Especially during the climax with Voldemort.(less)
**spoiler alert** I really enjoyed this book, whilst hating JK Rowling at the same time. I was really annoyed that she killed off Dumbledore (i know s...more**spoiler alert** I really enjoyed this book, whilst hating JK Rowling at the same time. I was really annoyed that she killed off Dumbledore (i know she had to... but I was still annoyed!!). The plot of this book is much more involved than the previous books and so kept my interest for much longer. I really didn't want this to end.(less)
**spoiler alert** This was, not very surprisingly, my favourite book of the series. The plot was fantastic, and the twists were great. I was disappoin...more**spoiler alert** This was, not very surprisingly, my favourite book of the series. The plot was fantastic, and the twists were great. I was disappointed with some of the characters that were killed off, but at least she left the 3 main characters unharmed. I really like the way she brings Dumbledore back into the book, and the epilogue was a nice touch - showing them all with their families 19 years later. I was really sad to see this series end. I hope that JK Rowling doesn't stop writing, as I think she has a great talent. I appreciate though that it will be hard for her as everything she writes from now on will be compared to Harry Potter, and I doubt she will better it, however I would still read more of her work.(less)
Usually I'll try to read the book before watching the film, as I've found that I don't enjoy the book as much because I can't use my imagination in th...moreUsually I'll try to read the book before watching the film, as I've found that I don't enjoy the book as much because I can't use my imagination in the same way. I saw the trailer for this, and had to watch it at the cinema, then read the book afterwards. I didn't enjoy the book as much as the film (I thought the film was great!)- not because of the reason above, just because I think it works better as a film. I found the book quite boring and slow in places and I couldn't really connect with the characters. I especially found it difficult to like the main character. Wouldn't recommend.(less)
From what I can remember, I read most of the books in this series, but didn't enjoy them quite as much as the SVH series. I seem to remember enjoying...moreFrom what I can remember, I read most of the books in this series, but didn't enjoy them quite as much as the SVH series. I seem to remember enjoying the 'mystery' themed books in the series (I think I recall a good one that focused more on Lila?). Still a great series, but without the 'innocence' of the SVH series.(less)
This is one of the few classics that I've read, and I have a mixed opinion. I liked the way it looked at the attitudes of the time between Americans/E...moreThis is one of the few classics that I've read, and I have a mixed opinion. I liked the way it looked at the attitudes of the time between Americans/Europeans. Daisy's behavour was interesting - It was way ahead of her time in that she basically did as she pleased. I liked this about her, but some of it was a little too over-the-top. I also didn't particularly like the ending, however I can see what he was getting at. (less)
I enjoyed this book just as much when re-reading as I did the first time around. I flew through the book and wish it had gone on l...more**Re-read 24/09/09**
I enjoyed this book just as much when re-reading as I did the first time around. I flew through the book and wish it had gone on longer. Steinbecks description is so vivid I just wanted to become lost in the story and didn't want it to end. I really need to read more of his work.
**Original Review**
We read this book for GSCE English Lit, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think it was helped due to the fact that my English Teacher was amazing and loved what she did - she had accents for all the characters too!!
Anyway, this book gripped me the whole way through. I cared about Lennie from the very beginning of the book, and was rooting for him throughout. The relationship between him and George is written very well and is intriguing. Steinbeck also has a way with words when describing a scene... he describes it in such vivid detail that you almost feel like you're there.
The book has plenty of sad moments, especially towards the end, but there are some laugh out loud moments too. The ending of the book was very moving.
A fantastic read that should be read by more young people. It has a stigma because its required reading in a lot of schools, but this stigma is undeserved.(less)
I read this series of books in my mid teens and really enjoyed them. They deal with some of the issues teens face (especially in terms of relationship...moreI read this series of books in my mid teens and really enjoyed them. They deal with some of the issues teens face (especially in terms of relationships) wrapped up nicely in a novel. Definitely helped me growing up. (less)
I really enjoyed this book about life in the sixth form of a private school. There were real laugh out loud moments, and I thought it portrayed teenag...moreI really enjoyed this book about life in the sixth form of a private school. There were real laugh out loud moments, and I thought it portrayed teenagers and their thoughts very well. I also liked that this book didn't have the usual 'everyone lives happily ever after' ending. Great read.(less)
I read this book during my teens. Most of the books I'd read up until that point were from the female POV, so it was interesting to see it from the ma...moreI read this book during my teens. Most of the books I'd read up until that point were from the female POV, so it was interesting to see it from the male's side. Well written and unputdownable!(less)
Last book in the trilogy from Kate Cann. Quite emotional, but still funny. The characters are very real and I felt a sense of connection with them. Ha...moreLast book in the trilogy from Kate Cann. Quite emotional, but still funny. The characters are very real and I felt a sense of connection with them. Having read this series as a teenager, it helped to know that I wasn't the only one experiencing these emotions, and going through a similar situation. Great books(less)
I just loved this author's books when I was in my teens, and this book was no exception. Great escapism as you're whisked away into the tale of holida...moreI just loved this author's books when I was in my teens, and this book was no exception. Great escapism as you're whisked away into the tale of holiday romances. I couldn't put this down - this author has a way of completely capturing your interest. (less)
2nd in the Hard Cash trilogy. Good, interesting plot line about the affect of another woman on Rick's relationship with his girlfriend Portia. Another...more2nd in the Hard Cash trilogy. Good, interesting plot line about the affect of another woman on Rick's relationship with his girlfriend Portia. Another great read from this fab author.(less)
3rd book in the Hard Cash trilogy. Not as good as the previous 2 but still a good read. This wasn't as relateable as the first 2 (how many people you...more3rd book in the Hard Cash trilogy. Not as good as the previous 2 but still a good read. This wasn't as relateable as the first 2 (how many people you know have had anything to do with a cult??). The relationships, however, were as well written as the other 2 books and it still had the same humour. (less)
Another great book from Kate Cann. Think this was the first one I read. Well written, deals with a few teen issues that other books fail to address we...moreAnother great book from Kate Cann. Think this was the first one I read. Well written, deals with a few teen issues that other books fail to address well. Good for escaping from real life!
**edit** I've just re-read this and enjoyed it as much as I did when I was younger. I love the escapism, and the writing makes you want to read more. I think the book deals with teen angst over relationships really well. The characters are well established and the story is mostly believable (all except for where they got the massive amount of money needed to spend 9 weeks in Greece without getting a job!!)
This is classed as YA, but I'd say that its more in the 15-21 age range - I don't know if its particularly suitable for younger teens. (less)
Wow. I've just finished this book after starting it this morning. I think that so far this is the only book I've managed to finish in 1 day. I really...moreWow. I've just finished this book after starting it this morning. I think that so far this is the only book I've managed to finish in 1 day. I really couldn't put it down. The author is a fantastic writer, and the book flows really well. The relationships between the characters are well thought out in their complexity and are intriguing. The book as a whole is extremely moving and stirs up a number of emotions that other books don't come close to. The drama that is constantly unfolding makes it compelling reading. Fantastic book - would recommend to everyone. My new favourite book.(less)
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