Rating: 
Summary: Incredible
Review: I loved this book--if you enjoy reading about interesting people and want for a change to read an uplifting story-yet believable try this.
Rating:
Summary: A Fascinating Read
Review: This book starts with a sad event and turns it into an incredible journey. I recommend it to anyway who has wondered about what happens when bad things happen to good people.
Rating:
Summary: Literary Heaven
Review: I expected something amazing from The Lovely Bones because of all the literary buzz but nothing I read could capture the sheer exhilaration of opening the book and discovering a new literary voice. I shouldn't say literary because the writing is so effortless and real that it feels more like breathing someone else's air. The book is so original I felt as if Sebold was inventing a new writing form. I can't imagine what her influences are because I have never read anything like this book.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: The Lovely Bones draws the reader in from the very first lines. All the while facing the worst that humanity can offer (deception, rape, and murder), Sebold offers up a story that charms without being cloying. It is a fine line there, but she knows it, and does not overstep. Don't read too much about this book, don't think you know what's coming, because it's shocking and beautiful, masterful and different. Don't put it off, either: read this book.
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Summary: Very Moving, Lovely Writing
Review: Have your hankies ready with this one. It wasn't until near the end that I started crying and it hasn't been many books I can recall that made me cry.The writing is great, the subject matter is difficult to deal with yet it is dealt with in a way that is heart wrenching. It deals with the death of Suzie Salmon at 14 years old. A violent death that leaves her family and friends shattered. Suzie looks on from "her heaven" to watch them all keep living on earth and how her death changes the events that can happen to the living. She also looks down and follows her killer, a serial killer and very evil soul. To tell too much would to spoil this book for others. I suggest it but be prepared to be sad and cry although there is a healing power in it, I promise.
Rating:
Summary: Tender, Beautiful, Poetic!
Review: First time novelist Alice Sebold somehow illuminates hope emanating from grief and beauty emanating from despair. Her poetic style and tender story of love and intimacy are reminiscent of Shade of the Maple by Kirk Martin. I recommend both highly.
Rating: 
Summary: "Lovely Bones" a lovely peek into life after life.
Review: For anyone who has lost a loved one, Lovely Bones gives hope, closure and healing. The aching question of "where are you?" is dealt with compassionately but without heavy religious overtones. You won't find harp plucking angels or a benevolent Father sitting on a throne. Instead a lively fourteen year old who violently leaves the earth, is most interested in keeping tabs on her family and friends. They continue to grow, she stays fourteen. They face painful obstacles she is powerless to change, and yet... It is a very worthwhile read. I only wish I hadn't finished it so quickly. This is a book to savor and Sebold's prose is lyrical. One wants to reread and write lines down for future use.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing journey
Review: What a fabulous journey. I loved reading this book. I felt like I was sitting next to Susie while she was telling it to me. This story was so well written, you felt like you were there experiencing all the pain along with the characters. Susie really did seem like a 14 year old. Everyone seemed so real. It was heart-breaking and sentimental. I would recommend it to anyone who wasn't afraid of a little "ghostly" interference.
Rating:
Summary: Don't wait for the paperback, buy it now!
Review: This is without a doubt one of the best books I've read in a long time. In fact, I couldn't put it down! The story is told by a murdered teenage girl, and her observations of what happens with her family on earth after her murder. It's incredibly moving, and I found myself crying often throughout the book. This is one of those books that stays with you long after you have finished reading it, but in a good way, not in a sad one. It also made me laugh, strange as that may sound. All the characters are very real, and you begin to love them as Susie does. I'm highly impressed by Alice Sebold's storytelling, and I look forward to reading anything else she may write. Don't wait for this book to be released in paperback, it's worth every penny for the hardcover.
Rating:
Summary: tremendous character driven tale
Review: Teenager Susie Salmon looks down from her heaven to observe her family suffering from grief over her disappearance. She also sees her killer trying to cover his odious deed. As the next few weeks pass, Susie continues to watch as her parents' marriage seems to disintegrate as neither can cope with not knowing whether she lived; her sister turns into an unfeeling rock to be strong; and her little brother cannot understand what happened to Susie. Her heaven is a playground, but the swings are perfect. Counselors help Susie and other newcomers cope and she makes new friends. However, heaven cannot give her what she most desires. She wants to be back with her loving family as they seek closure in different ways. Any reader lucky enough to peruse THE LOVELY BONES will know how fortunate they are to be in on the early stages of what appears to be a super talent. The creative story line is deftly handled so that the audience can follow how various key players, especially the Salmon family insuring Susie, cope or not with their loss. Alice Sebold provides a tremendous character driven tale that though melancholy yet optimist makes reading a heaven on earth. Harriet Klausner
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