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Summary: A wonderful book!
Review: This was probably one of the best books I have ever read. My best friend died recently and after reading this book it really made me realize that death is not such a terrible thing, and it made me less afraid of it. The Lovely Bones is bittersweet, emotional, funny, and heart breaking. If you are looking for a great read, I HIGHLY recommend The Lovely Bones. It really lives up to its expectations.
Rating: 
Summary: Lovely bones
Review: I truly expected this to be a thriller/mystery. It was more of a spiritual quest to help those who have had similar circumstances in their lives cope with such tragic type deaths. I for one felt comforted to know that there is a possibility that life in some fashion goes on after death as we know it. I was somewhat disappointed in the way the criminal met his death. I felt there was no closure. It left me longing for something more tangible, more definite for the parents siblings and even me. While I really did enjoy the book, I wouldn't categorize it as a mystery/thriller.
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Summary: In Light Of Today's Headlines
Review: Have you ever wondered what happens to the dearly departed? Or else, have you ever asked youself if there something more than this world and this brief existence? Are my loved ones near or far away in that other world? I have and obviously so has this writer, for she has penned a story so poignant that it moves one to tears. A must read for all those who wonder about the possibilities of life after death!
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Summary: provocative, compelling and moving: "Bones" is exceptional
Review: Alice Sebold's stunning debut novel, "The Lovely Bones," carries an extraordinary emotional wallop. This deeply affecting work treats the desperate sadness which innundates a family after experiencing traumatic loss. All the more remarkable is the author's creative use of voice; her protagonist, Susie Salmon, narrates and analyzes events after her brutal death. Through Sebold's magnificent descriptive writing, her exceptionally believable use of dialogue and her moving, sympathetic portrait of a family suffused with grief, "The Lovely Bones" becomes transcendent in its exploration of death, loss and recovery.Riveting chracterization allows "Bones" to not only present a compelling story but to permit the reader an uncommon identification with the fascinating, evocative people who populate the novel. The aforementioned Susie Salmon, whose corporeal life was extinguished as a result of a ghastly rape and murder, simultaneously oberserves and surreptitiously interacts with her family. As she undertakes life in heaven, which is remarkably fluid and liberating, she also watches each member in her family absorb the terrible blow of her death. How the Salmon family responds to Susie's death emerges as the single greatest achievement of "Bones." Losing a daughter or sister to an unexpected, violent death (and suffering the crushing indignity of never having her body found) shatters family coherence and induces a kaleidescopic series of responses. Sebold writes with assurance as she elicits reader empathy with the stricken parents, Jack and Abigail. Mother and father follow different paths as grief, anger and remorse overtake them; Sebold's description of marital stress and parental guilt are soaring examples of a writer who understands the complexities of the human heart. Susie's siblings, Lindsey and Buckley, also experience the death of their sister distinctly. Supporting characters advance the central themes of knowledge, responsibility and transcendence gracefully. It is a rare thing for a writer to combine emotion and intellect as beautifully as does Alice Sebold in "The Lovely Bones." She entices us with a vision of heaven that challenges the "wings and harps" version; her heaven is dynamic, expansive and multifaceted. Her treatment of the irrevocable sense of loss an unexpected death visits on a family soars; the emotional impact of this special novel resonates with sensitive truth. With such compassionate, provocative and profound treatment of the theme of existential search for meaning after a safe, predictable life disappears, Alice Sebold's initial offering is thrilling evidence of a stirring voice in American literature.
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Summary: A view of heaven from a child's eye
Review: My partner brought me this book, thinking that it was something that I would pick out for myself, had I been at the store with her. Boy, was it the book for me. I had not yet heard any of the publicity on the book, so I did not have any preconcieved notions. This author brought out what I think heaven would be like, in some ways. She was able to keep the reader turning the page to see what was going to happen next, to see how life could go on. My one and only complaint, is that the ending was not what I thought it should be. But when she writes again, I will be there to read it.
Rating: 
Summary: Nothing heavenly here...
Review: Given Sebold's personal history of being brutally raped, it is difficult to not find one redeeming aspect of her first work of fiction. However, a critical reader will be disappointed in this unsuccessful attempt at creating a fully-developed novel. Sebold's pretty much nailed the 1970s setting; and the first-person narrative of teenage Susie does somewhat succeed at times. But, oh my heavens! What happened to the plot? The non-linear plot weaving detracts from characterization and other attributes of good fiction. The murderer's identity and gratuitous details of the rape/murder are revealed rather early on. Thus, this must be a novel about something else? But, what? Poor writing blurs + smothers development of any credible theme(s). Most disappointing are the certain miracles which are just too unbelievable when contrasted with what isn't happening once a soul passes onto the great way beyond. For those looking for a wonderful novel dealing with death and faith, may I suggest Katherine Paterson's Newbery Award winner, Bridge to Terabithia or Natalie Babbitt's Tuck Everlasting? Yes, two children's novels; but much more satisfying.
Rating:
Summary: One word..."Wow"
Review: What a concept! After reading "Lovely Bones" heaven has a whole new meaning, and death becomes less fearsome. I found myself talking out loud to my first boyfriend, who died in a car accident 23 years ago, just in case...he could hear me and know I remembered him so fondly. "Lovely Bones" is one of those novels that touches your life forever after.
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Summary: A Lovely Bone-us!
Review: Alice Seabold's style of writing is utterly brilliant. I especially enjoyed her description of Suzie's 'heaven', in that we each create our own in life. I was a bit disappointed in the last chapter as it had a "let's hurry up and wrap this story up" kind of quality. I would have enjoyed a bit more "what goes around, comes around" sort of justice. I look forward to reading more from Alice in the future. If you enjoy her writing, give Wally Lamb a try!
Rating:
Summary: A great read
Review: A really great read. The writer keeps you hooked from beginning to end. Ok. the ending is somewhat contrived but who cares; it's good to feel good for a change. And the quality of the writing, the wonderful characters and the overall sense of humor more than makes up for it.
Rating:
Summary: Good beginning and middle, kind of weird ending...
Review: I really enjoyed this book, but somewhere towards the ending of the story, the plot took a weird turn. I don't want to give away the ending because I still think this book is worth reading. But I finished the book feeling somewhat unsatisfied.
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