East Of The Mountains

Rating:
Summary: Sadly disappointing...
Review: As a cancer survivor, a health care professional who devotes full time to death and dying issues and as a fan of "Snow....", I had looked forward to savoring this book in an Adirondack cabin on vacation. Unfortunately, I did not find the character compelling nor the mission believable and I was enough disturbed by the hunting scenario described on page 57, I immediately closed the book,FOR GOOD ! I beleive any reader who is repulsed by hunting/killing for enjoyment will be totally repulsed by the book. Can NOT recommend.

Rating:
Summary: Sophomore Curse Leads to Big Letdown
Review: I was thrilled to see advertisements publicizing the release of this book earlier this year, as I had so thoroughly loved this author's first novel, "Snow Falling on Cedars." I was aware that it would be damn near impossible for Guterson to top "Cedars," but I was still expecting a thoroughly enjoyable, rich reading experience from this remarkable author. What an unfortunate letdown "East of the Mountains" turned out to be! The only similarity between the two novels is the author's attention to detail in describing settings. However, in "Cedars" such landscape descriptions become a living, breathing, ever-present quality that sets a mood for a gripping story. In "East" the descriptions fall flat because there is no intriguing plot or vivid characters to bring them to life. And so, one has to keep referring to the map on the inside cover to really get a sense of place that is grounded. The details just become repetitive and meaningless. Furthermore, the dialogue throughout is stilted and offers nothing toward enhancing character. All female characters seemed interchangeable to me -- free-wheeling young hippie types with good social values-- whether strangers on a bus, in a car, a veterinarian, or even Ben's wife. Likewise, even the craftsmanship of this novel is weak. In "Cedars" Guterson transports the reader to earlier events with seamless flashbacks, and the story jumps around without ever losing, confusing, or boring the reader. In "East" we get taken back into the past only when Ben smokes a joint. Finally, even the moral dilemma Ben faces seems inadequately addressed. This book feels more like a long-lost earlier short story than a full-bodied novel of which this author is capable. I, however, still look forward to his next work.

Rating:
Summary: A little uneven
Review: "East of the Mountains" showed flashes of brilliance, but seemed wooden and contrived in many places. Yet it was a captivating novel, an intriguing exploration of fascinating questions of life and death, in that way it reminded me of "The Triumph and the Glory", although I found Rustad's book much different in approach and style. "Snow Falling on Cedars" was better . . .

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful imagery coupled with a thoughtful writing style...
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book, if not for the compelling subject matter, then for the mature and eloquent writing style of the author. The imagery created by the descriptive passages was vivid, and I was "hooked" by the plight of the main character from the onset--a psychological and environmental exploration that stays with the reader for quite some time.

Rating:
Summary: A Bestseller????? Beyond me....
Review: I was only able to read the first few chapters of the book before closing it up. I just couldn't get into it. The authur seemed so amateur in his writing; unwitty dialogue, repetitive descriptions, unentertaining writing. You just can't really get into this, see what the author is trying to say, or feel for the main character, Ben, or any of the other characters he meets. This book has been a bestseller I've noticed. I could not believe it! It just doesn't have the talent, the excitement needed to be anything special. The author had a previous book a lot of us liked. To this book, major thumbs down; unrecommended; disappointing work from an up and coming gifted young writer.

Rating:
Summary: An Average Work from an Extraordinary Writer
Review: Like many of my fellow Amazon reviewers, I read "East" after Guterson's outstanding work "Snow Falling on Cedars". I was prepared for the letdown and indeed it came, though not quite as I expected. While Guterson's rich, eloquent language and gifted descriptions of landscapes, both internal and external, mark him again as an exceptionally gifted young writer, "East" is only an average effort. The dialog never elevates to the level of the surrounding prose and is often hurried and banal. Guterson writes with an obvious, though somewhat heavy-handed, affection toward women. Virtually all the female characters are supposed to evoke our sympathy, but often they come across as trite or single-dimensional instead. Initially, the plot is provocative enough, but unfortunately, East lacks the multi-variant themes, as well as the suspense and intrigue that made "Snow" such compelling reading. The net result is a novel that begins with a promise of examining serious moral and ethical issues, but, in the end, leaves the reader dissatisfied with the resolution of its own themes. It's as if the main character starts out with the intention of a dark, troubling and lonely act of suicide and decides to sit and gorge himself on mom and apple pie instead. Ho Hum, David. You can and have done allot better. Please try again.

Rating:
Summary: I could not put this book down - I read it in 2 days. GREAT
Review: I have not read Snow Falling on Cedars but I know I will. I just loved East of the Mountains. I like the way David Guterson writes, seems like you're standing right there with his characters. Being a cancer survivor, I could relate to his feelings. Wonderful book.

Rating:
Summary: A pleasent read
Review: East of the mountains is the follow-up novel to Snow on the Cedars. In this book the author attempted to duplicate the charm and concept of his first book but did not fully succeed. The use of flash backs can get a bit irritating, but do add a certian charm to the book. The story line is a bit dragged out and tends to loose the readers interest at times. I give the author merit for his ability to tempt the reader with romance and war without having to fully discuss the event. This is a book that I would recommend to a younger audience as well as a matured reader. No profanity, no vulgarity. Deals with a topic we will all have to face eventually...death.

Rating:
Summary: This Book Grows on You
Review: I read too many reviews of this book so in a sense I kind of knew how the story would unfold. Instead this story was surprising and entertaining at every twist and turn. It also was an insightful look at the thought process behind dying. A very relevant subject given recent NW legislation into Death with Dignity. It painted a very nice picture in what other wise would be a dreary experience. Guterson had one thing going against him. How does one follow up on "Snow Falling on Cedars".

Rating:
Summary: An uplifting commentary on life
Review: I thought this would be a depressing book but it turned out to be thoughtful, humourous and very uplifting. I could understand Ben's reason to want to commit suicide from the beginning but his adventure and self-discoverys turned the novel into totally different directions. His samaritans were well described; his comments on the blackened eye always wonderful. I would recommend this book highly.