I was under the impression (from reading the back cover) that this is a woman who has become embittered over time. That 17 years of living with severe...moreI was under the impression (from reading the back cover) that this is a woman who has become embittered over time. That 17 years of living with severe health problems has made her a "difficult patient." Not so. On her very first hospital stay she fights with the nurse who is trying to give her an IV and says "(expletive) you" to her. She started out a nasty woman, and I don't care to read any more about how she abuses her husband, father and step-mother, and punishes them for her misfortune. She feels no guilt over how she treats people who love her and the doctors and nurses who just want to help her. I felt like slapping her. (less)
I really enjoyed the story in spite of Molly Ringwalds annoying reading. She repeatedly mis-pronounced words (superfluous-surpufalous) and I think som...moreI really enjoyed the story in spite of Molly Ringwalds annoying reading. She repeatedly mis-pronounced words (superfluous-surpufalous) and I think someone else would have been a better choice.(less)
This book was so satisfying, I actually closed the book and sighed when it was over. I love Sophie Kinsella. She's just a guilty pleasure. I know this...moreThis book was so satisfying, I actually closed the book and sighed when it was over. I love Sophie Kinsella. She's just a guilty pleasure. I know this is not great literature, some of her characters are one-dimensional (Eric, the husband) and I can always see the end coming a mile away, but I just feel so good after reading one of her books. (less)
This is a quick read, I couldn't put it down! It's from the point of view of adolescent boys, so it's a little graphic in places, but the overall mess...moreThis is a quick read, I couldn't put it down! It's from the point of view of adolescent boys, so it's a little graphic in places, but the overall message is good. I just cheered Renault on the whole way.(less)
I kept reading because it was always on the verge of getting interesting. The story meandered through decades, never hitting any plot highs or lows, a...moreI kept reading because it was always on the verge of getting interesting. The story meandered through decades, never hitting any plot highs or lows, and eventually it just ended.(less)
So far, not loving this one. It could be due to the reading. I really don't think authors should read their own books. They're writers, not performers...moreSo far, not loving this one. It could be due to the reading. I really don't think authors should read their own books. They're writers, not performers. Any Tan's performance is stilted and awkward, it's distracting.(less)
**spoiler alert** I only just started this one, and so far I have to say that I really despise the main character. Her whole attitude seems to say "We...more**spoiler alert** I only just started this one, and so far I have to say that I really despise the main character. Her whole attitude seems to say "Well, what did you expect, I never wanted children anyway. And look, can you blame me? Look how horrible my life is because I had a son. First I had to give up wine and now this? Poor, poor me!"
Edit:
(Don't read, it's a lot of rambling.)
Well, I just finished the book and I realized that the reason I hated her so much is that I only hear the story from her point of view, and she hates herself. Maybe this whole tragedy could have been avoided it she had just LOVED her son, but I don't think so. I think there was something really wrong with him from the start, and to do that to his sister was just horrible. She was so timid. I thought of her as tender, like the raw skin under a scab or a blister after you tear it off, and to hurt her intentionally was just...evil. She must have been scared to stand in front of the targer but at the same time she wanted to please her brother. She always wanted to please her brother, and I think that's one of the reasons she was his first victim, I think her helplessness, her weakness, her desire to please sickened him. Maybe he found redemtion in the end. After all, he gave back the eye and said I'm sorry. But he still deserves to die in prison, which he won't do because he was a minor, a fact he exploited. I know it was just a book, but it was so well written that many times I forgot it was fiction.(less)
I really enjoyed The Lightning Thief, it was not at all what I expected! I didn't like it as much as I liked The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Colli...moreI really enjoyed The Lightning Thief, it was not at all what I expected! I didn't like it as much as I liked The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins, if you haven't read those I reccomend them!(less)
I was hooked on this book after about two pages in, and that was before I realized what it was about. I don't normally like to read such depressing st...moreI was hooked on this book after about two pages in, and that was before I realized what it was about. I don't normally like to read such depressing stuff, but like I said, I was already hooked.
Gritty, fascinating, I couldn't put it down, but I went away feeling sad.(less)