Rating: 
Summary: Not What I Expected At All!!
Review: I know that the unexpected can be surprisingly good, but that was not the case for this predictable, sappy, and disappointing novel. I don't read of Oprah's book choices reguarly, but she has made some sound selections: She's Come Undone, Song of Solomon, and Stones From the River. Those titles aren't "great contemperary literature", but they are a notch above the trashy paperback stuff that usually plagues the bestselling charts. In this case, even that level of quality has dropped dramatically. Granted, the author does have a flare for creating atmosphere and setting a tone. But her characters are awfully flat, and I found most of them annoying and two-dimensional (especially Lexie, Benny Goodluck, and Forney). I also find it insulting that critics would compare Letts's writing to the likes of Steinbeck, Kingsolver, Flagg, or Proulx. This book DOES NOT even come close to reaching the emotional intensity and involvement of those authors. Don't waste your time or money on this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Full of heart
Review: Bill Letts book is astonishing...I am a braillist and a writer, I would love to braille this book, it is full of heart.
Rating:
Summary: An Unstoppable Read!
Review: I had gotten out of the knack of reading until Oprah's club came along. And now I believe I am happier in my life, books did that for me. I joined a book lover's club and this was one we read. We all loved it except for one lady who doesn't like any of the books we choose.But I don't think she reads them really! I would characrterize this book quirkey, fast paced, and loads of fun. Once you start you won't want to stop reading it. There are dark scenes but Ms Lett's handles them beautifully. I'd compare it to Barbara Kingsolver's BEAN TREES and to Michael Lee West's CRAZY LADIES, also. I am eagerly looking forward to reading Jewell.
Rating:
Summary: This is one of the best books EVER!!!!!!
Review: I read this book when my baby son was having surgury in the hospital. I had the best experience I'll ever have in the hospital because of this book. I laughed, I cryed, I found myself talking outloud, most of all it was hard enough going though that experience but it was helpful to have something to enjoy though all the pain I was enduring. I'll never forget the enjoyment I got from this book. Thank you Bille Letts for your talent. And I recomened this book to everyone. There is something in it for everyone. Joey Danyale Age 28
Rating: 
Summary: Bad editing!
Review: I was very disappointed. The idea of a girl living in a Wal-Mart was interesting, but that is all about this book. Letts should have developed and integrated the plots if she intended to make the story longer than she had thought at first. It's not "twists and turns" as she said, but rather adding ideas repeatedly. I wonder what the editor was doing. I think the biggest weakness of this book is it didn't have good editor.
Rating: 
Summary: Likable characters, but too cartoonish; try Kingsolver
Review: This novel has its moments, without a doubt, and Novalee Nation is an irrepressible character who charms you. Billie Letts' focus on the Walmart subculture in America is also intriguing. However, for the most part, this story of a poor white pregnant girl in search of home and family lacks credibility. Character depth is shallow, even cartoonish, and the novel's conflicts are resolved in a simplistic manner. The one blatant act of realism in the book is shocking, not just because of the brutality of the scene, but because of Letts' almost off-handed way of resolving its consequences. For a true look at down-on-their luck characters who are worthy of your love and affection (as well as your laughter,) I recommend Barbara Kingsolver.
Rating:
Summary: Excellant! Very down to earth!
Review: Dear Oprah, I have to admit that I had never read one of your book club books, but when I heard about this book from a co-worker of mine(which by chance we work for Wal-Mart in Humble, Tx) I had to read it. Normally, I am a semi-slow reader , but I finished this book in about three or four days. I couldn't put it down. I am currently reading another Oprah recommended reading, "The Deep End Of The Ocean." Keep up all of your great work, and I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Letts has great style
Review: I was immediately drawn into this story. Letts writing is lyrical and her characters vivid.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointed
Review: I was disappointed in this book. It was billed as a "funny" read...I saw NOTHING funny about a small child being subjected to sodomy. As for the rest of the book... the transitions were sloppy, jumping months or years without a hint until the middle of the next paragraph, the characters were cute but not believable. And the character's names? I only bought it because the previous selection, Midwives, was excellent. This was not. I have half a mind to send Oprah a bill for my purchase price! HAHAHA
Rating:
Summary: I wanted to adopt Novalee when Willie left her at WalMart.
Review: This book had me in it's grasp from the first page. The characters were well defined and belivable. Novalee shows what can and does happen when you have a goal to improve or overcome bad things. I would love to have someone like her as a friend
| 
