Songs in Ordinary Time

Rating:
Summary: The Real World
Review: This is a "real life" book about "real life" characters with a "real life" ending. It is a very well written book about the human struggle and when I closed the book for the final time, I felt as though life in the Fermoyle household continued without me

Rating:
Summary: Different Point of View
Review: After reading the numerous reviews that criticized this book, I feel I have something to say. To me, this characters and actions in this book were a storm building up, but instead of a the best thunderstorm of the summer, a refreshing shower was the result. You are all right, there wasn't ending. Kudos to all who reached that decision. But instead, there was a new beginning. The Fermoyle family picked itself up and started over again. There was no big climatic climb to the readers literary release, but a slow steady refreshing ride to the ending. It mimics life, nothing ever happens in a big climatic ending like the average book or story but the problems within the pages slowly get resolved. So for all of you who are disappointed, take a Valium and read it again to appreciate a wonderful story, rich in life and characters, which is as satistfying as a cool summer shower

Rating:
Summary: an important and humurous perspective
Review: First, I must say that the humor in this book is what made it worthwhile for me. I laughed loud and hard when Benjy went to talk to his "therapist." That was priceless. Also, the subtle and yes, cynical, humor throughout the book. Few people actually know someone like Omar, but I think we can all say that we'd rather laugh at his amazing trek through life than actually get caught up in his world. I found Marie's story to be an important one because few people actually know and understand her predicament, and it was detailed so beautifully and completely. Even those of you who did not like to book probably gained something by thinking harder about the Maries in the world, what makes them tick, and how their children must learn to recreate survival programs after they move out on their own. Other readers said they didn't understand the title. I'm sure there are very deep,insightful explanations, but a few things did stick out as I read: Howard and Jozia bought those doll clothes - at one point the shopkeeper told Howard that there were no special clothes in stock - it was ordinary time. Also the band leader was alway being prompted to play his songs in a faster, catchier time. He preferred ordinary time.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing/Sad/Depressing
Review: I was so pleased to read other reviews of this novel that echoed my own opinions, formed while reading -- and ultimately throwing -- the book. While I understand the importance of the "shared human experience" this is not the type of story I want to read in the few precious quiet-time moments I have for reading. Where is entertainment, laughter, joy in this book? Marie may be strong but her life of unremitting disappointments and struggle and screaming at her children (what is that about?) is not what makes me happy to belong to the family of man. Sorry I agree with another reviewer who said this may be my last Oprah recommended read

Rating:
Summary: Who are these people?
Review: I cannot believe that I actually finished this book. I will admit that it was somewhat well written, or I would not have gotten to the third chapter. The characters were so annoying. I could not relate to them, nor did I even want to get to know them. I just kept thinking that the book HAD to get better, and I am sad that I was so wrong

Rating:
Summary: I could not put this book down!!
Review: This is the best book I have ever read. Reading this book made me feel like I was living in Atkinson. The characters were so unique and they were so interesting to read about. I wished this book never ended. I also was hoping that Alice and Blue got together!

Rating:
Summary: I thought I was losing it!
Review: Two weeks ago I read some of the reviews and decided I must be reading a different book, but today I see others had some of the same problems I did with this long , depressing book with no end. I also finished it because something good had to happen, but of course it never did. Except maybe for the author who will undoubtedly write a sequel. Count me out. I don't care what happens to the Fermoyles. The book club I belong to has the same general opinion. Some do appreciate the fine writing, but the question remains why. Why did she write it and why did I spend so much time reading it

Rating:
Summary: One of the biggest bores in recent Oprah memory - Awful!
Review: I was really stunned by the poor writing and incommplete character development in this tepid and bizarre novel. Why oh why did Oprah think we'd like this boring and depressing novel. There was not a character one could relate to nor a situation that was painted in a realistic way. The plot was riddled with useless, sadistic situations and replete with nonsensical dialogue and incredible twists of fate. After 500 pages of waiting and waiting for something to happen that I could believe in, I simply gave up and finished the novel, angry that I had wasted hours of my summer with such a lousy book

Rating:
Summary: 2 weeks to get to nothingness
Review: I have read all of Oprah Winfrey's books she has recommended during her Book Club. I think after this one, I'm going to stop. This was long, drawn out reading to finally get to an ending that wasn't. I was disappointed. The story itself could have been condensed and the ending elaborated on

Rating:
Summary: Dull, drab and depressing
Review: Especially depressing! I read about a third to half of this book and put it aside. I couldn't bear to keep reading about characters who couldn't get through the simplest daily activities without somehow screwing them up. Angst and tragedy are the backbone of many great stories, but even the most tragic literary figures have one or two luminous moments. The poor shmoes in this tale just kept stumbling from one downer to the next. I don't regret missing the ending of this one.