Rating: 
Summary: Not so Lovely
Review: I don't understand what the fuss is about this novel. I expected so much more after reading this book's synopsis and reading all the rave reviews. I thought it had a lot of potential after reading the first few chapters of the book. But as I read on, I lost my enthusiasm. I noticed that the characters are not very well developed, which is major factor as to how involved I get with a book. I can read about the actions they take due to their grief. But I don't FEEL their grief. Also, several ideas are introduced, however, in the end they are only partially developed. For example, the mother's actions are put aside at the end. Then the last part of the book went on too long -- I had expected it to end much sooner because I didn't know what there could possibly be left to cover. But I had read this far, I at least wanted to find out how it ended. The ending was too sappy and happy-go-lucky for my taste. Perhaps this book is better suited for teenage girls or those dealing with loss. Great concept, poor execution. Overall, I couldn't recommend this.
Rating: 
Summary: Best since Thornbird
Review: I could not put it down. It was so beautifully written it had a etherial cast to it. How one can put so much love and sorrow in the same book I don't know. This is one of those books that when you are finished, you want to sit in a dark room and quietly meditate about what you just read. Not since I was fifteen and read The Arch of Trimuph has a book so impressed me.
Rating: 
Summary: Great book
Review: This is one of the best books I've read. The story was moving, at some points heart wrenching and others hilarious and even frightening, Alice Sebold paints a wonderful though sad world for the readers through Susie's eyes.
What I liked best about it is how both her family and susie had to learn how to let go. The lesson in the book is wonderful.
Rating:
Summary: Lovely Indeed
Review: This is a beautiful and moving tale of a 15 year old whose life is taken from her. While the novel could have been mired away in sentiment and gloom it is an uplifting and thoroughly engaging story. Susie (the main character)makes a beautiful connection with her friends, family and even those who barely knew her. The ending goes a little too "Ghost" but other than that it is a truly inspiring read.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Lovely !!
Review: "My name was Salmon, like the fish. First name, Susie. I was 14 when I was murdered on Dec. 6, 1973."First sentence of "The Lovely Bones"
A powerful sentence. One that either makes you want to go on or toss the book to the other end of the room. A sentence that not only will elaborate how Susie was murdered, but why, how, and digs inside the murderer's sick, dememted mind. Alice Sebold gently pushes us into a place too unbearable and indescribable to be.
An abduction. A rape. A murder. We smell his breath and the dampness of dirt. Feel his blubbery lips. "Please, dont. Please. Please. Please." Franny told me everyone begged please before dying---"Lovely Bones--- Fourteen year old Susie narrates from heaven. (A giant playground of swings.) She sees her mother and father mourning, breaking apart. Her sister pulling away from the world. But her little brother talks to her. She sees the murderer sitting in the dark...staring out the window towards the school-grounds.
She watches her life go on...She watches people grow older as she should be. She holds on to earth. Some of the images in 'Lovely bones' are beautiful. Like when somebody dies Susie feels their soul brushing against her cheek...Or when the family dog dies Susie wonders if she'll see him in heaven and suddely he runs up to her, full force, knocking her down. This book is not just about pain and loss and the reality of abduction. It is about healing and finally, finally in the end...
Going on.
Rating:
Summary: connecting
Review: I'm not even finished reading this book and I love it! Because it's told through the eyes of Susie from heaven, it's as heart- wrenching as it is insightful. Anyone who's lost a loved one, be it a person or a beloved pet, can relate to what Susie's family and friends are going through, as well as see through their own lost loved one's eyes. This book takes you through all possible emotions- sadness, anger, nostalgia- and back again, without missing a beat!
Rating: 
Summary: Ugh
Review: This book was truly stupid. The disintegration of the family theme following the murder of a child is an interesting one - but the "device" of the girl looking down from heaven didn't work for me - it was just too stupid. Sorry I can't suspend my disbelief, but I can't believe this is at the top of the best sellers' list...
Rating:
Summary: If you have experienced loss and grief in your life
Review: You will find truth in this novel. I disagree with the readers who claimed to be disappointed after reading The Lovely bones because it did not live up to their media fed expectations or those more cynical readers who couldn't immerse themselves in the world of Susie Salmon. I found the book both heartbreaking and magical in its depiction of an imagined afterlife, of the grief experienced by the family of the murdered girl and her love for her family.
Rating:
Summary: best book
Review: this was one of the best books i've ever read. the consept was original, which made it really interesting. great book!
Rating: 
Summary: Realistic story but needed more umph!!!!!!!
Review: I just finished reading the book and I can honestly say that everything that took place in the book was realistic. How the tragic event took place, the investigation, and the trials and tribulations of the family made the story more tangible and true-to-life. I also connected with Susie and her thoughts--I would be thinking the same way and hope that I can follow my loved ones (as closely) when my time has come. Finally, the subject is fresh from the headlines which makes the story come alive and even more practical.
However, the story moved a little too slow. I wanted more suspense (more umph) when it came to the investigation and sometimes the author appeared rambling over the same subjects. The switch from heaven and earth was interesting but the switch from past to present was confusing at times.
This book is a one-time-reader but a great example of first-person narrative and (if curious) the concept of life and death is clearly explored here.
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