Rating: Summary: I live where the book is set. Review: I live in the small Louisianan town where Rebecca Wells grew up and went to school. In fact, if I look out my window right now I can see the very house that she bases much of her writings. I was intrigued by this book, not only because the story line is captivating, but also because it is based- somewhat- on reality. There are Ya-Yas here, but they call themselves He-Hes. Believe it or not, many of the people mentioned in her books are alive and well today.
Rating: Summary: Captiviating tale of understanding personal relationships Review: After reading The Divine Secrets I am tempted to buy copies for all of my friends and have them read it. As a junior in High School, I read this book as a class project, and as most juniors, I was dreading it. From the time I finished the first page until I set the book down as I read the last page I was captivated by the story of this family. Not only the Walkers, but the Ya Ya family. A must read for all ages (well there are a few questionable parts for younger readers) The only downfall was the semi-predictable ending. ENJOY and HAPPY READING
Rating: Summary: A true vision of the South filled with beautiful prose. Review: Divine Secrets started off slowly for me. However I soon became fully entrenched in the picture painted so accurately by the author. I am from the South, and I could realistically perceive every action that occurred. Many of the reviews claim that this book is nonsense and fluff. Yet, I have witnessed the cotillions, the afternoon bloody marys, screened-in porches and the confederate uniforms, etc. I was rendered speechless by the descriptive nature of the prose. It was the first book I have read in some time that was truly an escape. It had my complete attention. Literature does not have to be heavy and morose to be brilliant. It does, however, have to tell a story of humanity. And YaYa excels on this level.
Rating: Summary: Celebrates the enduring relationship of women friends Review: This is the best women's book I have read in ages. It reaffirms the value of friends in your life. The southern tone is well done.
Rating: Summary: Just simply Wonderful!!! Review: If you like books about people and relationships, this is the book for you. It pulled me in....And after giving it to my father to read, we shared a bond that all fathers and daughters should share. Its a link to life, love and compassion.
Rating: Summary: I am home with this book in my hands. Review: It's extremely rare for me to recommend a book, but I'm reading one that has me transfixed _Divine Secrets of the YA-YA SISTERHOOD_ by Rebecca Wells. It's a story of complex mother-daughter relationship, complex female friendships and so seeped in the sights, mores, rituals and smells of the south during the 1930's and 50's, that I feel as though I've stepped through time and an either a child of the 50's romping in the creek or one of the mother's sitting on the creek bank watching the YA-YA Petites. Definitely a woman's book though; I wouldn't force this one even the most open- minded male. LOL If you want to taste the flavor of the south and another era on your tongue; read this one!
Rating: Summary: She's made a mint with this one. Too bad! Review: Insipid characters, contrived plot, shallow writing: food for the masses. I wouldn't have a problem with this book if it weren't for the fact that it's being passed off as literature. In fact, I expect that Oprah will soon enough adopt it as a must-read. It ought to be shelved next to Danielle Steele- categorically that would be more appropriate.
Rating: Summary: As Vivi's history evolved, I wanted to hug her. Review: I picked up the book after months of reading "Ya-Ya Sisterhood" and thinking "...What?" Wow! It was worth waiting for. A week after I've finished it, I've tried to tell two women about it and cried both times. Vivi, the central character, seems so hard, so tough, at first, I wanted to slap her. But as her history evolved, I wanted to hug her. And as I thought of myself and MY mother, and our wretched history, my heart opened to the two, the mother and daughter -- and to the Sisterhood. I was disappointed when I was finished with the book--no more Vivi and company.I was also drawn in because part of the action takes place at Lake Quinault, in the Olympic Rain Forest. I spent years of summers at the Lake, and I could smell it when she talked of it. Rebecca Wells has a fine sense of balance with her characters and plot. Just as you've about had enough, she moves on. (I actually had to put this book down twice, as it became too painful to continue reading.) I'm glad I stayed with it--she's painted a picture I will ALWAYS remember.
Rating: Summary: More Good than Bad Review: Although it had some dopey parts and boyfriend Connor never really materialized, I did enjoy reading this book, primarily the parts about the Ya-Ya's relationships. I never could exactly put my finger on what was going on between Sidda and Vivi, and I think the book's description of their mother/daughter relationship left a lot unsaid. Being from the South, I did relate to the book on the whole -- read it, but just don't expect Eudora Welty or William Faulkner!
Rating: Summary: wonderful! Review: This is a wonderful book! You will laugh, you will cry and you will want to call your mother and tell her you love her. You will also appreciate your girlfriends much more! Read it. It is an easy read, but it will get to your heart.
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