Rating: 
Summary: I know these people!
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It is not "the feel good" book of the year. In fact it is quite depressing but it is so very real. Each character is someone I know or possesses characteristics of people I know. There are no far fetched plots or sequences. It is just the story of one family, their relationships with each other and with the people that come and go in their lives. The book does not end with everyone as one big happy family, totally content with their world but does anyone's life end that way? If one were to actually "know" this family one would have a fine time gossiping about their story so it is great fun to read of the happenings of The Lamberts.My advice: read this book for insight into one American family and enjoy how crazy people really are.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding!
Review: Jonathan Franzen has written the first great novel of the 21st century! The Corrections is brilliantly conceived and wonderfully executed. The reader keeps turning pages even as he laughs out loud and wipes away tears. Franzen has captured a time and a family that will live in the American imagination for years and years to come.
Rating: 
Summary: This book is trash
Review: I strongly recommend that Mr. Franzen seek a mental health professional to work out his obvious dis-functions. I bought this book because of its ratings and reviews, and wish that I had not read it. I want my money back!!!! Neal Anderson, Spring, Texas
Rating:
Summary: Isn't real life depressing enough?
Review: I have read all of Oprah's picks, have high regard for her opinion, but this book (and I read 3-4 books a week) is horrible. I was tempted tp put it down after the passage where Chip is smelling his couch for the place his last girlfriend had an orgasm while he was masturbating. This is beyond imagination. i suspect Mr. Franzwn is a sexually depraved pervert who is sharing his pathetic life with the world. If you are a serious lover of good literature, don't waste your time reading this book.
Rating:
Summary: Oprah, what were you thinking???
Review: This is one of the worst books I have ever tried to read.
Because Oprah selected it, I kept thinking it would get better,
but, alas, no such luck. I finally abandoned it half way through. "The Corrections"....sounds like the name of a prison band and it might be more fun!
Rating: 
Summary: Great read if you're patient!
Review: After hearing that this was the next "Great American Novel" I had to find out for myself. I have known families like this one, where the Parents have a public face and the face they wear behind closed doors. It makes you wonder how people go through life not really knowing the people they were raised by and grew up with. Jonathan Franzen spun a tale right out of Main street U.S.A. with quirky siblings and rigid parents. At times Mr. Franzen was a bit wordy and I found the book to be interesting and entertaining but I could not call it the next "Great American Novel".
Rating:
Summary: NOT the typical Oprah book
Review: I knew from the first page that this was not the typical Oprah book selection. It is far more "intellectual" a novel than any of her other choices. It is certainly not for the average reader. Without going into a detailed review (which has already been done several times), just let me say that this book was so good, it was able to get me reading again after not having read a book since I gave birth 7 months ago. Before having my baby, I was always reading something. As soon as I'd finish one book, I'd pick up another. After my daughter's birth, however, I was too busy to read anything but baby books. Not for lack of trying, but the few books I picked up didn't seem worth the time or effort. This book was definitely worth every stolen moment!
Rating:
Summary: Laborious and disappointing
Review: I can't imagine that anyone would truly enjoy this book. It is laborious to read, and it is not entertaining. The author seems to enjoy his ability to string together 60 word sentences; the author doesn't realize that someone who is reading for enjoyment will find that annoying. The characters are pathetic and while Franzen spends too much time trying to advance the plot through the characters, readers never really know the characters; they DON"T come alive- they are flat characters.
Obviously I would not recommend this book to anyone. Unless of course they are masochistic readers. Even then, DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME! Shame on Oprah, this is not a book that her usual audience will enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Briday Shower Gift
Review: I think this book should be given at a briday shower. This way the bride can see what she will end up like at 75 if she doesn't have a good marriage. She can bail after the honeymoon if necessary. Sad, but true. I've seen many marriages like this and the end result is the dysfunctional offspring and ad infinitum. The writing is excellent and good stuff for a book club. I'm sure it deserves all the awards because it definitely depressed and disgusted me which says it all about the impact of the written word. Did I enjoy it? No. Too depressing. But is it meant to enjoy or just experience?
Rating:
Summary: Emperor's new clothes
Review: Save your time. This was a waste of my eyesight. I don't
see why certain reviewers rave. A major disappointment.
First time I disagree with Oprah.
Save your money and pass on this.
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