Rating: 
Summary: Tragicaly beautiful
Review: I thought this book was beautifully written and had a hard time putting it down. The author writes so beautifully that I was moved to tears by just her words alone. I felt so sorry for Astrid but was frusterated at her never speaking her mind when she really should have.
Rating:
Summary: Consummate Novel
Review: This story of the petrifying ways of a troubled mother, Ingrid, and her innocent, yet sheltered daughter Astrid was electrifying. The way the story was composed and you the reader, were just completely emersed in the narrator's innner feelings and thoughts was remarkable and rare to come across in a book. Janet Fitch gave the reader a sense that if one keeps hope and faith in the fact that tomorrow will bring something better and more rewarding then they can survive any situation no matter how trying it may be. It was a novel, which made the reader feel asif he or she were watching a movie. It painted a picture that will never depart from inside me and it tought me lessons which proved worthy of my knowledge. "White Oleander"., is a book which should be read by everyone no matter age or sex, it is remarkable and no less that fantasmic! Fue increible y también fue muy interestante para las Mamás y sus hijas porque, es sobre una mamá y su hija. Me encantaba mucho y voy a leerlo una vez más porque fue el mejor libro del mundo...Leelo por favor!
Rating:
Summary: Strange, but I loved it anyway!
Review: I do alot of reading, and this would undoubtedly have to be one of the best books I have read. If I had to describe the book, I would say it was hardcore, and kind of satirical. The only part I didn't like in the book was how promiscuous Astrid was. Overall, the book was well-written, and I recommend it to anyone that likes a good read.
Rating: 
Summary: Well written.
Review: I found this book to be enjoyable, realistic, and very well written. I do admit that I picked this up because it was an Oprah pick. The only other Oprah pick I have read was 'The Reader' and I hated it. I really liked this book though. I am surprised that Oprah would pick this book as well as the other I read, though. She's so into looking into our spirit and lifting ourselves up and these books didn't really make me feel enriched after reading them. White Oleander was a very good read, but I don't feel it left me with anything other than a new outlook on the Foster Home environments and program. It is true that Astrid lifted herself up and recognized her worthiness, but even in the end, she is left wanting and sad. I do, though, recommend this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Another depressing Oprah pick.
Review: Fitch did an outstanding job of developing the realistic characters in White Oleander. The theme is clearly one that we have often seen in Oprah's book selections that revolve around the ugliness of life and the ability for some to cope. I found it extremely depressing and when I finished it, I wondered what Fitch was trying to tell her readers. She made it clear that life can be very difficult and that bad things continue to happen. She also reinforced the fact that people can not rely on those people that are supposed to take care of them and serve as role models. I prefer more inspiring messages.
Rating:
Summary: Lisa's favorite book this year
Review: I thought Astrid was the most beautiful, frightening, and consuming character I have read about in many years. Her mother started out as some vague fantasy-woman who seemed slightly insane. But as the book neared its end, she seemed very violent, and more than a little crazy and jealous of her daughter. I enjoyed every page of this book, and highly recommend it to my friends. Not full of useless sentiment, but has a dreamy-like quality about the narrative. I read this in two days I liked it so much.
Rating: 
Summary: NOT WORTH ALL THE HYPE
Review: "White Oleander" is the story of a mother (Ingrid) and daughter (Astrid). The mother being in prison for murder and the daughter being bounced from one foster home to another. Astrid's journey through life is interesting, but some parts could have been eliminated from the novel. I am not a fan of this STYLE of writng, within each chapter are paragraphs that span time (weeks,months,etc.), and just when certain parts get interesting the novel shifts, and it does this throughout most of the book. It seems as if the author tried to fit too much into the novel. Sometimes, LESS is MORE. "White Oleander" has been hailed by critics and readers, as well as being an OPRAH pick. I don't usually read this type of novel, but with all the praise it has received, I gave it a chance. I wanted to like this book more than I did. The book is just an okay story that will hold your interest, but it is NOT a novel that will make a huge impact on you.
Rating:
Summary: Should Have Won The Pulitzer
Review: Rarely do I find a book of this power and beauty. It is a bouquet, each word is a blossom. The plot is wholly engrossing, bellievable, stunning. For readers looking for something "uplifting" in their fiction, try a Maidenform bra.
Rating:
Summary: Don't be so Naive, this really happens
Review: After reading so many negative reviews about how people felt Astrid's character was over-emotional and her foster care experience too "far fetched" from reality, I needed to let readers know that her experience is unfortunately, very typical of other foster care children. Having done foster care work and research, I have learned the horrors of the system first hand. Astrid's story rings true to many young girls, so don't blame Janet Fitch for making a depressing story, blame yourselves for allowing this U.S. Foster care system to continue to disrupt lives and cause pain to thousands of children. If you were brought to pain and depression after reading this, don't just complain, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Become a court appointed special advocate for foster care kids in your community. Stop passing the buck.
Rating:
Summary: Beauty in Tragedy
Review: I loved this book. Every character was totally engaging and interesting. You cannot help but to fall in love with Astrid and feel her pain, sorrow, hope and longing. Every word is carefully chosen and perfectly placed.
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