Rating: 
Summary: Too much
Review: I usually don't read Oprah book club selections. I find they are too much in the "triumph of the human spirit" mode to appeal to me. However I had heard this book described else where as "dark". So, I figuired I'd give it a try. This book is overwrought, over written and pretty much, just too much. There are some good elements in the writing and in the story, but they are buried in an avalanche of metaphor and melodrama. A more experienced writer may have pulled off the effect the writer seems to be going for- but the result here is just heaviness.
Rating: 
Summary: Simply wonderful . . .
Review: It may sound trite, but this book is lyrical. The story of Astrid and her relationships with her narcissistic poet-mother, and a series of dysfunctional foster-mothers, was mesmerizing. Although some of the incidents in Astrid's life are disturbing, this is one of those books that I couldn't put down, and wished would keep going. This easily ranks as one of the best books I have read in a long time.
Rating:
Summary: A remarkable book!
Review: "White Oleander," written by Janet Fitch, is a remarkable novel which tells the story of a young girl, Astrid, and her struggles through adolescence growing up without parents. Her mother was put in jail for murdering her boyfriend, and she is not sure what happened to her father. At some points, her life is tormenting, sad, and appalling, but at other times it is satisfactory or even enjoyable. Astrid as a young girl, travels to many different foster homes and the things she witnesses there are astonishing. This book shows how horrible life can be, and makes you feel fortunate for what you have. Although not appropiate for young children, it is an excellent book, which brings tears to your eyes many times.
Rating: 
Summary: A haunting and compelling account of foster care
Review: This book moves me to want to "right" the "wrongs". You believe every bit of what this child goes through and I couldn't turn pages fast enough. Upon finishing this novel I wondered just how many children are forced into foster homes of people who are foster parents for the wrong reasons. This book hit all my compassionate buttons. A great read and a great motivator to reach out and help someone today..even in the smallest way.
Rating: 
Summary: My opinion
Review: For the most part, I enjoyed this book. When Astrid would experience difficulty within her foster homes, I would feel for her. This proves the author completed her job. I found some parts a little slow, and at times confusing. There were some parts that did not seem clear on whether they were dreams or reality. All the foster homes Astrid at one point lived in all seemed very effective on her life. However I do not think Amelia Ramos was needed in the book. She had no impact on me and only a very small impact on Astrid. When I finished this book I was not satisfied, this making it hard for me to love the book. When I complete reading a book I like to sit and think about it for awhile. For this book there was nothing for me to think about.
Rating: 
Summary: Oleander Schmoleander
Review: I can not tell you how much I disliked this book! It wasn't so much the narrative that I disliked, but the actual plotline. I found myself thinking that the main character was overdramatized and boring. The only aspects I enjoyed in White oleander were the vivid descriptions the author gave for characters and settings. However, overall I would not recommend this book to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: Beautifully Written
Review: Because it was so beautifully written and sensuously detailed, this book was a pleasure to read. Not only a magnificent first novel, but a magnificent novel, period. The characters are richly woven--you care about Astrid and want to know what'll happen to her next. Best of all, what'll happen next is told in rich prose that simply flows off the page. Excellent read.
Rating:
Summary: one star is one star too many for this
Review: I read the first 41 pages of White Oleander & decided to give up, it was so boring. The language was not appealing or descriptive, more like excess baggage---get to the point! I could not care for the mother or daughter character at all. They seemed so distant & apathetic to their own lives. I have read many of Oprah's picks & this one was a huge disappointment, as was River Cross My Heart. Guess I'll read Tara Road again.
Rating:
Summary: fantastic
Review: By the time she was in her 4th foster home, I was thinking "Oh come on!" as I thought the story was streching the boundaries of credibility - but perhaps I am naive as to how bad life can actually be.Ten out of ten anyway. Go buy it today!
Rating:
Summary: So captivating!
Review: I thought that this was one of the best stories I have read in a long time. Like other Oprah Book Club books, it focuses on a young woman's life, and the tragedies and triumphs, but it wasn't overly tragic. If you like character development, you'll like this because it introduces you to completely different and new characters all the time, and she wrote it so well you actually have a picture in your head for month's later of what the character looks like- Ingrid, Starr, Ray, etc. I would highly recommend this book, and I can guarantee that you won't regret buying or reading it.
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