The Deep End of the Ocean

Rating:
Summary: over rated
Review: I was disappointed in this book. Maybe I was expecting too much. I have read books with much more to offer the reader. At times the book held my interest, but there were many times that it fell flat. I'm surprised it was so highly recommende

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful, heartwrenching novel with a happy ending.
Review: In a world where so many children are taken from their parents (sometimes by people that they know) and exploited, it's nice to finally read a book that truly does have a happy ending

Rating:
Summary: A Great First Novel
Review: This is a story full of reality. The characters respond to the situations in a way we can connect with. The sentence structure and complexity is refreshing in a world of best sellers that are simply written. You can relate no matter your sex or background to the response of each character. The title of the book is even compelling and the author weaves the title in the story so well I will remember it for a long time to come.

Rating:
Summary: I totally agree with GLEE in an earlier review.
Review: The only reason this is liked by so many, I think is because it was on Oprah's show.It starts with a great premise than falls flat

Rating:
Summary: Resonnates with any parent who has raised typical kids.
Review: The psychological confrontations are thought provoking and familiar in some resects to most parents who have struggled with raising kids and dealing with family issues. I found this book to be emotionally agitating and not quickly forgotten. It made me thankful that my family has avoided such tragic ordeals. A worthwhile read for sure

Rating:
Summary: wonderful
Review: I loved this book! Couldn't put it down, thought the characters became very real. It has been months since I read it and I've read more than a few since but this book remains in my thoughts

Rating:
Summary: Postscript
Review: One last note: Vincent, the teenaged son, is really quite ridiculous. He is JUST the "typical" teenager. In other words, that stereotype of a teenager: overwhelmingly shallow, egotistical, and childish. Vincent's speech as Mitchard writes it is merely an extension of that stereotype. The stress Mitchard puts on the fact that Vincent is staying away from (oh no!) swear words, like "shit," is a heavy-handed (and failed) attempt at trying to leave Vincent some scrap of morality. I would last like to express my surprise that so few people feel the same way as I do about this novel. (And no, I do not consider myself a "discriminating" reader, turning my nose up at anything not on the best seller's list, not a Nobel Prize winner, and not a classic.

Rating:
Summary: Deep End not so deep after all
Review: The Deep End of the Ocean tries very hard to be a moving portrayal of a family brought together by tragedy but ends up trying too hard to accomplish the feat. The premise is quite good, but much more could have been made of the story. Mitchard's writing style is fluid and easy to read, but the plot deteriorates into the world of talk shows and soap operas by halfway into the novel. In the end, Mitchard seems to not know how to finish up the story, ending up with a conclusion that leaves the reader saying, "So what?"

Rating:
Summary: Kidnapping forever alters a family's lives and relationships
Review: The disappearance of three-year-old Ben from the lobby of a busy hotel is the central event of this gripping family story. The story of the before and after unfolds from the point of view of the mother, who is wracked with guilt and Vincent, her older son, each of whom suffers in their individual ways. This very gripping story will have you on the edge of your seat and may keep you awake. Strong secondary characters flesh out this story of an unconventional mother, a loving extended family and a very determined female detective. If you do not like books about sad human drama, this is not the book for you. If you like books about the strength of the human spirit and how families work together, do not miss this book.

Rating:
Summary: A story of human struggle for relationship survival
Review: Truly one of the best books I've read in many years. Mitchard writes in a flowing manner that awakens the readers insights. The author understands human fraility and the personal feeling of hopelessness and disbelief. I am from Madison, Wisconsin, home town of Mitchard, and found the story to be include many references to our lovely city. It's a "can't put it down" weekend read.