Rating: 
Summary: So pretentious...
Review: Although it had its moments of depth and insight and good writing, for the most part it read like a bad melodramatic soap opera with unrealistic, cartoonish characters. The mother's dialogue (and her character for the most part) was laughably bad - "Oleander time. Lovers who kill each other now will blame it on the wind." I don't think real people speak this way unless they're trying to be campy. The book is riddled with brand name labels that are supposed to be stand ins for taste or elegance - I don't care if someone wears Ma Griffe perfume or wears Hermes scarves. But the author seems to think that characters who spend money on expensive brand name items are necessarily elegant or have good taste. Or at the least that these brand names lend some depth to the characters. Cliched romance novel imagery also surrounds other characters - Claire for instance - roses, pearls, brooches, silk robes, Audrey Hepburn movies. Much of the prose is forced, repetitive, and yes, just plain pretentious - a lot of it reads like a mediocre high school creative writing assignment written by a student who is very impressed with herself.
Rating: 
Summary: Nectar
Review: JF, It's not always the foster or even the birth mothers who are demented. Sometimes it's the Skippy peanut butter boys served in the best neighborhoods who're brimming and wet with flower poison. Even Disneyland can kill; whereas some foster homes are healthy and loving and wonderful (in spite of hazardous trips to amusement parks). I think you must know that. I'm so impressed with your work, congratulations on this accomplishment, what a dazzling star of a novel!! Wow. SMW
Rating: 
Summary: Another Winner!
Review: Such a fresh and tantalizing book by a new author. Never before has such a topic been so stark white on paper. Read, it's a shocking book.
Rating:
Summary: Too wordy at times but overall a very "rich" read
Review: This book really moved me. The writer has an amazing command of the English language. Sometimes she's a little too descriptive but the story and character development are truly amazing. At times I thought I was going to be let down by a vague ending, but in the end I was well satisfied. Read it and weep!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books of the year
Review: The writing is superb-Astrid is an amazing character. I read 1-2 books per week and thought the writing was as good as I have read this year. Thanks Oprah-I want good books-nothing silly or simple like the Pilot's Wife. We can find those books on any best seller list.
Rating:
Summary: ***A VERY INTERESTING AND ENTERTAINING READ***
Review: This story held my attention through a powerful thunderstorm and the urgent demands of 3 children. I finally finished reading it at around midnight. And the next day I was pretty tired, but left with the wonderful feeling of having spent the previous day enjoying a highly worthwhile experience. Thank you, Janet! I also recommend for other interesting reads, THE COLDEST WINTER EVER and PSEUDO COOL.
Rating:
Summary: An intimate portrait of Mothers Aura
Review: White Oleander provides an example of how life's occurances can affect us all, and how lucky some of us are to escape them. This book proves one of our greatest fears to be true: that we are at the mercy of fate. Astrid's struggle with escaping her heritage makes each reader acutely aware and grateful that our mothers aura is inescapable. A wonderful book.
Rating:
Summary: A riveting story about a young girl learning about life
Review: Astrid is a young girl full of life. She looks to her mother for wisdom, knowledge and truth. Her life is shattered one day and she must learn to cope with a new world she has entered. I felt the book brought out the real trials and tribulations that a foster child faces in the ever changing world. She was able to overcome many obstacles and events that changed her life and her view of society. I was amazed at her strong will to fight and move on. This character had real courage, a courage many of of us lack. She was able to take what she had, deal with the harsh reality of the world and move forward. She drew me in and made me realize no matter how rough life was, it could always be worse. This is a story about love, strength and endurance. It is a MUST read book!
Rating:
Summary: A whole hearted depressing and uplifting novel
Review: This is a book that will let you experience the heart ache, the joy, the terror, and the uncertainty along with Astrid(The main character and narrator). It is a compelling novel that has brought many things into a new light for me. I was truely moved and inspired by Fitch and her characters. I have to say this is one of the best books I have ever read.
Rating:
Summary: Hypnotic
Review: I couldn't stop reading this book, I even took it to work and read whenever possible. The descriptions were great, made me feel like I was in the room. My heart broke everytime she was hurting. Thank you so much for this book. Is there a sequel in the works??????
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