If These Walls Could Talk

by Bettye Griffin

In Bettye Griffin's If These Walls Could Talk, three very different families share the same moving out of New York City and into a house-and a life-of their own . . . Reuben and Camille have always been afraid to send their children outside to play in their rough Bronx neighborhood. So when they see a television ad for homes in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains, they jump at the chance. Spirits are high as the family's new life moves forward, but all is brought to a screeching halt when Reuben loses his job. No one in either Milo or Dawn's Brooklyn-based family has ever owned a house, and the Poconos seem perfect. Plus if they put a deposit down today, they can get a free deck and a fireplace. But after they move in, it starts to look like their house was slapped together like a ham sandwich and doesn't seem to be much stronger. Norman and Veronica are happy to leave Washington Heights for a place in the country . . . and so are their relatives. Each weekend brings a parade of empty-handed guests expecting to be fed but not expecting to pitch in and help. Now as three families embark on a journey filled with both triumphs and tribulations, they're about to discover that not all is perfect when your dreams come true . . .

320 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2007

Reviews

[Nicolina Miller · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm saying it was okay, because it did in fact give an accurate representation of life in the Poconos, but as a story, it was draining to read! the characters are horrible and you just want to slap them or shake them and say, "wake up!" They complain constantly, are negative, worry what others say too much. I found the book exhausting to read. And not a very bright note to end on. Though I guess it has a moral??? I'm so glad that is over...by "that" I mean the book reading and also the experience of the move and adjustment to life in the Poconos.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

If These Walls Could Talk

incognitotoro

[Sheena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I really liked this book overall, but the three sets of characters were too much alike at some points of the book, which made it hard to keep up with what happened with each couple. The storyline was good and very realistic with the economy the way it is now. The book finished with a great and somewhat unexpected ending.

I received this book through First Reads. Thank You for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book!

What I learned from this book: Don't jump into anything just because it seems great, explore all options and plan first!

http://sheenathebookgeek.blogspot.com/2011/08/book-report-if-these-walls-could-talk.html

[Tavaceau W · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the book so far as I go along with it. At first I had got a little off track because of the characters and there stories. Its actually a book I would recommend to many if they have time for a bit of confusion when they read a book but other than that the book is good. I will let you know how I like the ending of the book

[Sandra Menefee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just so so. Too many characters to keep up with. I could however identify with all of their need to achieve the American Dream. It did explore all of the things that could go wrong trying to get ahead if not done correctly and cautiously.

[Sha M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.

[Ava · Rating 1 out of 5]

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[Kanese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loves how this book shows that you have live within your means. It is really good read with the current housing market.