Rating: 
Summary: Strong Beginning, Weak Ending
Review: At first I was enthralled with this book. I couldn't tear my eyes away from the page. Astrid and her problems are so real, and sympathy for her keeps you reading. Then things went downhill. After the suicide of Claire, Astrid becomes more distant and her feelings aren't portrayed as vividly as they are in the beginning of the book. The end was also disappointing, but it made sense. Despite its downfalls, this was still an excellent book. Definitly a good summer read.
Rating: 
Summary: This was a magnificent summer read
Review: This author's portrayal of a girl with a rap sheet of hurt and abuse was a profoundly touching account of such a female life. This book is a page turner, not only because of the intriguing happenings but also because of the wonderfully descriptive language used. The author's words are like 'liquid poetry' that make you want to reread the way she describes things and make them your own. This is a fantastic book, great for book clubs--there is a lot left to the mind's interpretations and suspicions. This is one that is sure not to disappoint if you stick with it.
Rating:
Summary: Poetry in every sentence.
Review: This is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. The prose becomes poetry. When I read that this author had regular parents and (presumably) had not lived any part of this story, it was hard to believe. She certainly did her research! I loved every word.
Rating:
Summary: Stupendous story!
Review: Simply amazing! I cannot even imagine how one person in one whole lifetime could compose such a story of vivid description and layered depth w/ numerous life lessons sysinctly displayed and eloquently described. WOW!
Rating:
Summary: Finding Reality in a "Could Be Soap Opera" Work
Review: Janet Fitch, an author of whom I've never heard, has an extraordinary way of describing situations/feelings as if they were plucked from your own mind and heart. Instantly she covers material each female can relate to when dealing with the inevitable mother-daughter issues, i.e. struggling for attention and appreciation while growing up. I couldn't pull myself away from the book after the first, almost unreal, episode ocurred wondering what would possibly happen next. In each fictional situation there remains an underlying truth of being shaped by each word, tear, and smile that you encounter in life. I became so engulfed in the book I found myself in tears during sad portions of the reading! Open your heart to this book and your mind will soar with endless thoughts and issues that you might not have known existed. Touche Janet!
Rating: 
Summary: Great start weak ending
Review: I really enjoyed the begining of this book. I thought the first part of the novel had a good story and was touched by Astrid's problems. However, by the time she entered the third home the story became another typical Oprah novel. The imagery becomes syrupy and forced and the end once again glorifies marginality. More problematic is the charcters transformations. Fitch does not potray the evolution of these charcters in a belivable manner.
Rating:
Summary: my new favorite book
Review: ms. fitch is one of the few writers today who can write beautifully without using too many metaphors and overdone descriptions. astrid undergoes as many changes in personality as she does foster homes, and each one seems realistic and probable. this novel isn't 'too much' like morris' "songs in ordinary times". far from it, it is (out of necessity) gloomy at times but still the best read i've had in a long time!
Rating:
Summary: intoxicating; beautiful
Review: Janet Fitch is a novelist of extraordinary power. Although I thought the beginning was a wee bit on the tortuously dramatic side (all the talk of the moon and its magic and whatnot), if you allow for this mistake in these first few pages and keep reading, you will not regret it. Ever longed for a novel that will completely whisk you away from the world for awhile? That will make you sorry that it has ended? This is that kind of book.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully written!
Review: I found this book in the library and decided to give it a chance. I started it and was hooked! The lanuage used is beautiful, the poetry breath taking. I would highly suggest this book to anyone as long as they are opened minded. At times it is a bit startaling but it just adds to the whole book. Read it, its worth it!
Rating:
Summary: enthralling
Review: White Oleander is an enthralling book. I found myself relating to the main character even though we have nothing in common. I was so into this book, I read it at red lights.
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