The Lovely Bones

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Story
Review: What a daring first novel. Alice Sebold's story The Lovely Bones is a heartwarming and inspiring tale. This novel is a fairly quick and easy read that I found almost impossible to put down. Well thought out and developed, this novel is a must read for anyone who has ever wondered about what lays beyond. My only complaint would be the chapter toward the end of the book in which Susie gets a second chance at love. The chapter did not flow well or match the previous character development. Was this the publishers idea to stretch out the book?

It will be interesting to see what original idea Mrs. Sebold comes up with next. The question remains: Will it be as good?

Rating:
Summary: mediocre novel that is overly-hyped
Review: The novel takes off from an interesting concept -- a teenage girl who has been murdered watches her family and friends from her own private heaven -- but it is a very flat read. The author does little but recount the movements of those on earth. The characters are never fully developed, the tensions not fully portrayed, and at times I found myself flipping through the pages to get to the end. There is a lot of potential here that does untouched. It's an okay book, but certainly falls far short of the tremendous buzz it has received.

Rating:
Summary: Pretty good
Review: This book is beautifully written, but it took me weeks to get through it--it's a very slow read. Good, not great. I'd recommend "The Virgin Suicides" or "The Ice Storm".

Rating:
Summary: Engrossing read
Review: Any story that begins "I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973" is bound to capture your attention. The joy of this novel is that it keeps you riveted to the page all the way to the final line. This is not a murder mystery but rather an odyssey. The story explores the effects of this girl's murder on her family and friends as she watches but achingly cannot participate from "heaven." The story is well done -- at turns tragic or funny (just like life)-- and always dead-on. This is a great summer read -- you won't be able to put it down.

Rating:
Summary: The Ghastly & The Grisly Become Lovely In Sebold's Hands
Review: The subject matter is grim, and the point of view is odd from the get-go. But don't let this plot mixed with serial murders and angels keep you from picking up what has to be one of the best books written this decade.

Anyone who has ever loved, or ever grieved will be touched again and again by this graceful story of a family torn apart, and put back together again, by a daughter's murder. This is a portrait of a family so real you will swear they live next door.

If you only read one book a year, make it a truly lovely one: The Lovely Bones.

Rating:
Summary: A little disappointed
Review: I also saw Anna Quindlan on the Today show stating that this is the one "must read" of the summer and dutifully checked our local bookstore twice in anticipation of purchasing the book. I was hungry for a good read, and have to admit that I read and finished it quickly. There is something to be said for that in my case, as I am known to abandon books easily. I generally was disappointed in the book and I think I was looking for something in the book, which I did not find. Having lost some loved ones myself, I did not find my own emotions, especially pain and longing that I associate with loss in this novel. The characters dealt with grief in various ways, but only her father came close to my perception of loss. I am usually easily moved to tears but the author did not evoke that in me...save for the last words of the novel, which were so heartfelt and honest. I had a hard time following some of the lesser characters in the book, and did not feel they were adequately developed. I think I am in a minority in my perception of the book, so I would advise you to read it and form your own opinion:)

Rating:
Summary: I'd Been Waiting For Something So Good
Review: Since I finished this book in one day, and have been haunted by it ever since, I am forced me to believe that this was no ordinary tale and that the story teller is extraordinary.

Haunting, chilling, and wonderful, Sebold's saga of a dead girl in heaven and her family on earth is not for the faint of heart. Nor is this book for those who are unable to look death in the face.

Here's the deal : if you like to read, like a story written by a gifted story teller, and can stomach death, murder, and sadness all in one go, don't miss this incredible book.

Rating:
Summary: It will draw you in....
Review: A very well told story. At times it's mesmerizing, dreamy and sweet and then there are bits of mystery, violence and raw truth. The author's tale spins a unique perspective on the afterlife. It's entertaining and thought provoking at best and simply a cool summer read at its heart. If you like to wonder about life, death and the hereafter, I think you'll get into it.

Rating:
Summary: Intriguing Read
Review: This book was well written and well staged. The concept was new and original and keeps the reader engaged. I haven't read another book that intrigued me as much as this one and I would of given it a 5-star rating if it hadn't been for one chapter that left me disappointed in the writer. I felt she left the margins and came full into the Hollywood fold - as if she anticpated a movie deal. Nonetheless, it is worth the price of the book and the time it took to read it. I will look forward to her next novel.

Rating:
Summary: Almost Forgetable
Review: I was looking for some light summer reading and purchased this book based on the reviews. I thought the premise was something unique and couldn't wait to start. It didn't match up to the reviews. Not much character development and the story jumped from scene to scene without any clear direction. The ending just sort of arrived, like the author was running out of things to say. Overall, I'm glad I read it, but wait until someone like me lends you the book before you spend any money.