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Summary: One of my all time favorite books.
Review: I loved the characters in this book. I thought about them when I wasn't reading and I found myself really caring about each of them. There is a piece of each of them inside all of us. They were all searching for that elusive thing we call "Happiness", but they had weaknesses. Even Duvall was a product of his unhappy childhood. You couldn't hate any of them. You could only hate what they did. I think Morris has amazing insight into the human side of each of us. I could not put the book down.
Rating: 
Summary: The Worst Book I Have Ever Read
Review: If only there were ZERO stars to award a selection.This book took HUNDREDS of pages and many hours out of my lift to say next to nothing. Characters who offered a glimmer of hope slipped and fell back into the abyss. I am astounded at all the favorable reviews this awful book has gotten from amazon readers. Just because a book is long and boring doesn't mean it's good.
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Summary: It's not amateur night
Review: If you have a context in fine, thought-provoking, stimulating and provocative literature, read on! Bodice-ripper fans need not apply. Morris gets in your guts and just won't let go. She takes small town America and puts it right in your face with her brilliant characterization and absolutely seamless plots. This is a spectacular tour de force. BUT-- unless you love great literature and are ready to work at it then this book probably isn't for you. Does anybody know when her next book is coming out? Can't wait.
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Summary: Disturbing!
Review: If you're considering reading this book, don't be misled--1 star is as low a rating as is allowed for these reviewsIf you're looking for entertainment, this book isn't it. Zero stars is my rating.
Rating:
Summary: A real page-turner with well-developed 3-D characters.
Review: Mary McGarry Morris has a great way of describing her characters without being long-winded. It didn't seem like 740 pages because I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next.
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Summary: This book was impossible for me to forget
Review: Mary McGary Morris brings the reader into the story, and we feel all of the pains, frustrations and triumphs that the characters experience. The writing is rich and full of feeling and passion; I could not put it down, and I am reading everything else I can find by her.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent piece of work
Review: I thought Morris's novel was impossible to leave. The wrtiting was tender and expressive. I find myself thinking about her characters as if they were real people. Her characters were deep and alive. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to enjoy a true work of art.
Rating: 
Summary: A difficult Read
Review: I found this book a very difficult read. It was interesting only in the beginning, but as you went on and discovered more and more characters and plots it became difficult to follow, uninteresting and depressing. I kept hoping for the mother to redeem herself with her children as she kept begging forgiveness from God each time she harrassed and mentally abused them. This redemption never came and it was very disappointing. Omar Duvall was shallow and easy to see through and although all of the characters repeatedly realized this, they never made a move. Not worth the effort of wading through such a long book.
Rating:
Summary: The worst book I've read in years
Review: Songs in Ordinary Time is by far the worst book I've read in years. Besides the fact that the plot drags along endlessly, there are too many characters in the novel for the reader to know, much less like, any of them. Reading this novel was more like listening to people gossip about others that you don't know. I just never quite caught on to what the point of the book was. My best advise--don't waste your time or your money.
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Summary: Boredom interrupted by brief intervals of depression
Review: I thought this book dragged. I have never read about a more miserable bunch of people in my life. Dysfunction was the theme of which there was no escape and no happy ending. I couldn't believe Oprah liked this. After reading this book, I now browse thoroughly the books she recommends before I buy them.
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