White Oleander: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: The imagery was breath taking
Review: I loved the way this story was written, very poetic. The writer captured the thoughts and feelings of Astrid so beautifully. You feel like you know this character from the inside out. I couldn't put the book down. I would have given it 5 stars except the ending was a bit disappointing- it seemed as if the author was tired of writing and just ended the book quite abruptly. Regardless I still recommend this book, it is an enjoyable read.

Rating:
Summary: I was fascinated, why would Ophra narrate such trash?
Review: I would be more careful about Ophra"s recommdations. I bought the taped book, by the third tape I pulled my car over and threw it out the window It sounded like the Saturday nite news that happened to six people. Do the people really need this trash to be entertained?

Rating:
Summary: One of the best books i have ever read
Review: I think that White Oleander deals with many situations that people often hear about but don't pay much attention to because the problems are so common. White Oleander puts Astrid in these situations and shows how awful life can be for so many people. I couldn't put the book down because I have never read about life portrayed in that way. I loved this book and I think Opera recommended this book because it realisticly shows the foster care system and what life is like for alot of people today.

Rating:
Summary: wate of time
Review: The first few pages had so many metaphors, I nearly didn't turn anymore pages. About 3/4 of the way through the book, I wondered why I was turning the pages and just stopped. Total waste of time.

Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: Although most Oprah devotees would choose this book as their novel of choice just because Oprah chose it, it's still a great novel no matter what kind of book genre you are used to reading. My advice to you while reading this book, is to keep an open mind, and not read it for what everyone else is saying about it, but simply because YOU want to read it. Janet Fitch writes with a great, unique voice that sadly is often rare in this day and age. Some people may criticize Astrid in this book for some of the things she did, but like any other human, all she was doing was looking for love and a place where she could be herself, and feel safe. Although me and Astrid are the same age, I feel I learned a lot from her because she has lived things most of us have not seen or experienced yet in our lifetime. She is a real and honest character, and if you want to learn more about another side of life and love, than you should definitely read this book.

Rating:
Summary: I kept reading, hoping that something good would happen.
Review: This is the second book I've read from Oprah's book club. I was disappointed with both of her recommendations. I will agree that it was beautifully written, however, it depressed me while read because I felt very sorry for Astrid. It had potential for such a better ending, good or bad. I don't think that I will take Oprah's suggestions so seriously next time.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Beautiful
Review: I love this book so much, that I haven't let myself begin another. I don't want the characters to drift away, so I keep rereading bits and pieces of it. Bravo!

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing--is this what we want for our daughters?
Review: I expected something worth reading when this book was recommended by Oprah. I've read several Oprah selections and now think Oprah ought to stick to talking and forget about reading. This book was a failure. When are novelists going to stop giving us poor, abused, downtrodden, children as heroines? Do they think all of America is sexually active at age 12 or 14? I won't be taking any of Oprah's recommendations in the future. If you enjoy incest, child abuse, violence, depression, suicide, and adultery--all from a child's perspective--you will love this book. Otherwise, don't waste your money.

Rating:
Summary: absolutly delicious- couldn't put it down, My new favorite!
Review: Janet Fitch's "White Oleander" is definitly a hit, I can't beleive it's a debut. I would recommend this delectable story to all of my friends and anyone else that is looking for a book that makes tears come to your eyes and laugh out loud at the same time. I can't wait for her next book!

Rating:
Summary: A great book!
Review: I work with foster children who have been through both physical and sexual abuse. Janet Fitch does a wonderful job in characterizing Astrid as a promising child who was put into the Child Welfare System and let down by many of the people who were supposed to care for her. This book could not be any more realistic. I am around these teenagers who will tell you similar stories, if not more horrific ones.

Astrid had the intelligence and the personality to becoming successful in her life. Her life was shutdown because of the people who failed her. Those of you who thought this book was horrible, should perhaps do some volunteer work with these children and get out of your naive thinking in believing that everything is peaches in cream in this society and that this could not happen in reality. It is very realistic!!!