White Oleander: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Made me realize what life is all about...
Review: I didn't want to put the book down. Janet Fitch's way of expressing everyday situations is incredible. It made me look at things in a whole different perspective. I feel she was trying to get people to see what the so called "un-normal" life is like. She made me want to keep reading. The only down side is when Astrids mother gets put in prison, because I kept waiting for her to come back. I will still say this book is a book everyone should read. Janet Fitch did an excellent job, and like I said it changed the way I look at life. Read it and email me tell me what you thought.

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Summary: Loved It
Review: The book never had a dull moment, I couldn't put it down. I love the way the author described people, moments etc. (except how many times she talked about the hot wind) Looking forward to Janet's next novel.

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Summary: The book started out with a bang!
Review: I would rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. It began with a bang and held me as a captive audience. I absolutely loved the author's descriptive writing. However, as a story plot, it soon lost my interest and I put it down. BUT I discovered I would be late returning it to the library, and hating to return an unfinished selection, I continued to read. I figured the ending, but was left wanting more!?!

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Summary: Simply a perfect novel
Review: This was perhaps one of the best novels I have ever read. Janet Fitch is a supremely talented story teller and writer. (it's rare to find both, I think). Frankly, I just read through some of the terrible and so-so reader reviews at this web page and I am shocked. This book was tremendous. Janet Fitch's writing is exquisite, without being too precious. Astrid's voice comes through crystal clear. Although she is looking back on her recent history as she tells her story, we watch her grow and change and understand her mother, what she is and what she wants her to be. Unlike a lot of recent Oprah picks, this book has unity and cohesiveness. Things happen for a reason, not just because Janet Fitch just felt like mentioning them. This is a compelling read, with very believable characters. Astrid lives through some very difficult times and yet still manages to eke out something positive from her life. I would recommend this book to anyone and encourage all to ignore the negative reviews at this web page.

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Summary: Characters that you will become emotionally involved with.
Review: This book was worthy of the time it takes to read. It was very involving. The characters were well rounded and the storyline real. The author obviously spent time researching to make this fictional work seem factual and realistic.All those Australian readers out there, spend the $22.95 it's a real treat. Julia

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Summary: Different, quite entertaining
Review: Although not a fan of Oprah's prior recommendations, I was pleasantly surprised to find this novel drawing me into the story. I found the characters to have an interesting mix of "real" human flaws without loosing site of the qualities that exist within all of us. As with many others, I look forward to a second novel from Janet Fitch.

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Summary: Powerful fiction
Review: Onll the phenomenal historical fiction novel, The Triumph and the Glory, has moved me as much as White Oleander. This is one deep well of a book, a treasury of reality and truth set in Los Angeles and seen through the eyes of a truly memorable protagonist. What a great, great, novel!

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Summary: Superb fiction of an easily true story
Review: Excellent book dealing with the grappling of life of a daughter trying to hold and find, over her lifetime, the relationship of the mother-daughter bond which she saw others had but which she could never have. Growing up she became more independent and mature, yet, the traumas of fostercare placement because of a neglectful mother scarred her and taught readers alot about our system of caring for our children.

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Summary: Incredible writing, gripping story!
Review: This was, without a doubt one of the best written works I've seen in quite some time. The author has an incredible demand of words; she writes poetry through the mother and takes you on the daughter's journey with incredible intelligence, grace, wit and a writing style that sings to you, an excellent book.

Rating:
Summary: Good
Review: I believe that thanks to Oprah this first novel by Janet Fitch will turn into a best seller. Whether it deserves to merits some debate. I found the opening 100 pages quite good but when the main characters mother is sent away to prison I found myself longing for her to come back for the next 300 pages. It has some very good parts, is entertaining but I have read better. Try Elinor Lipman next time.