The Lovely Bones

Rating:
Summary: Gripping and beautiful
Review: It looks like a ton of people have read and commented on this book, so I have decided to change my comments. You all know what the book is about. Personally, I have purchased the book for my best friend, my mother, and my mother-in-law. All have been very taken by it. It's a great gift idea. If you haven't read it, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy. It's hard to put down, and it gives you a fresh look into life, family and priorities.

Rating:
Summary: Where is God in this story?
Review: I became immersed in the story and lost track of time, by the time I finished this book my day was over! I liked how I felt so engaged in the story that I didn't think too far ahead and try to predict the ending like I often do. However, seeing how Susie's family and friends struggled and failed to return to a normal life gave me a feeling of emptiness. They never could seem to find comfort in things that could truly bring healing into their lives. This feeling became even stronger as I read about Susie's heaven. God was never mentioned. I figured if God is anywhere at the very least He would be in heaven! Needless to say, I thought Susie's heaven was strange and wondered if atheists view the afterlife this way. Overall a haunting book, it put me in a pensive mode the days after.

Rating:
Summary: A Lovely Version of Heaven
Review: Sebold's novel opens swiftly with the details of Susie Salmon's murder in the first chapter. Within 30 minutes of beginning the novel I had tears in my eyes and was immediately hooked, wanting to learn more about Susie, whether her murderer would be caught, and what her heaven was like. I liked that Susie's heaven was similar to what I had envisioned it to be and the thought of a narrator from heaven actually was very credible. The book does take an odd and sudden twist toward the end, but I suppose it was necessary to resolve the plot. I highly recommend this book as it will make a great summer read and the story is so interesting that you will read it very quickly.

Rating:
Summary: Great novel....until the end
Review: I read Sebold's _Lucky_, a memoir about her rape, a few years ago, and I was looking forward to her first piece of fiction even without all the media hype.
The story begins with the murder of a 14-year old girl,... She tells of her murder,...
My only issues with this novel deal with the ending....I can't reveal anything, as they would be huge spoilers. I felt that some of the things that happened were just too weird and some of the events tied things up too neatly.
On the whole, though, this was one of those novels you can't break away from. I was sad to come to the end as I knew I would miss Susie.

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down
Review: I too bought this book on a whim. I usually have a hard time getting into books and often lose interest quickly. From the second I started to read this book, I knew this one was different. I had a difficult time putting the book down, wanting to know what was going to happen next. The idea behind the book is so unique! I was only half way through the book and I was telling family and friends how wonderful it was. It really makes you think that anything is possible and that we never truly lose those who pass on before us.

Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful story despite gruesome start
Review: I have to admit, I didn't want to even start this book after I had read a review outlining the plot. As a mother of two daughters ages 14 and 13 and a young son age 8, it was tooclose 4comfort. But the descriptions of Susie's heaven full of romping dogs and school with no teachers touched me.
I am so happy i did overcome my trepidation, because this was such an original thought inspiring story. The charachters were so well thought out. The good and the bad. Susie is able to see all past and present. It gives hope to anyone who has had someone close to them die. It also has been very comforting to me because of all the recent childkidnapping cases going on. I have looked at those faces of Danielle and Elizabeth and now Samantha and really "saw" these incredible girls and hope they can see the sorroow here on earth.
Well, I got sappy, but this book is one that will stay with me for a long time to come. Thanks Alice Sebold for your lovely book.

Rating:
Summary: Unlike anything you've read before
Review: What a wonderful novel to begin a career. This was an absolute pleasure to read and unlike anything I've read before. You can't help but think that all those who have left this earth are watching over from thier own version of heaven.

Rating:
Summary: Like looking at a traffic accident
Review: The premise of this story fascinated me and that's why I ordered it. I found it deeply moving and somewhat depressing, and couldn't look away from it--like passing an accident or roadkill on the highway. Sebold writes Susie a tad too "hip" for her age, a little too philosophical and wise, like going to Heaven suddenly turned her into Freud. At times, it seemed that Sebold had a difficult time writing as a 14 year old, and Susie talked and thought like someone in her 30's. And I had the idea that she was somehow attracted to her killer although other reviewers have called it "compassion". I also found her earthly visit hard to digest--do the dead get horny? Because that's what seems to have happened to Susie. Sebold also makes Heaven sound boring..no pot roast or pizza?? At least Susie was reunited with her beloved dog. But the premise that we don't get to see everyone we lost is scary. But other than that, the book was one of the best I've ever read, and in light of recent events, a little too real.

Rating:
Summary: THE LOVELY BONES IS A LOVELY READ!
Review: I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO READ AN ADVANCE COPY OF ALICE SEBOLD'S NOVEL. IT WAS FANTASTIC. I FELT DRAWN INTO THE SALMON'S LIVES AS THEY DEALT WITH THEIR TRAGEDY. THE IMAGERY AND CHARECTOR DEVELOPMENT WAS GREAT. I COULD EASILY PICTURE, THE FIELD, THE NEIGHBORHOOD, AND EVERYTHING ELSE DESCRIBED. THE CHARECTORS WERE SO RICHLY DEVOLPED.
I HAVEN'T BEEN THIS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED IN A LONG TIME.
SO GRAB THIS BOOK, CURL UP ON YOUR COUCH OR TAKE IT TO THE BEACH AND LET ALICE TAKE YOU TO ANOTHER PLACE.

Rating:
Summary: Beautifully written, thought provoking summer read
Review: It has been a long time since I have sat down and read a book in an entire setting. I could not put this book down until I had finished it. It is hauntingly beautiful. It is so well-written. I would find myself pausing from time-to-time to just reflect on how well the author had described events, thoughts & feelings. This is truly a great read! I look forward to more books by this author.