Rating: 
Summary: WELL-WRITTEN BUT DON'T EXPECT TOO MUCH LIKE I DID
Review: I like the way she writes; however it is difficult to believe that all foster homes are that bad. I didn't like the ending either; maybe too much time spent on the poetry (got long). It was a depressing book. I can't believe Oprah talked so highly of it. I'm glad I didn't buy it just borrowed from library.
Rating: 
Summary: Way too much hype for this!
Review: I was so excited to read this book after hearing Oprah say how wonderful this book was on her show. However, I found myself getting a bit bored by the middle of the story. The first part was definitely exciting but then, it just got too damn depressing. I had a tough time figuring out Ingrid! She was so selfish and never thought about what Astrid was going thru. I was so proud of Astrid when she started to stand up for herself in the letters and in person! My other complaint was with the way the story ended. Everyone enjoys a good, strong ending...i thought that the story ended boring & unimaginative.
Rating: 
Summary: An amazing book of one girls journey through life
Review: When I bought this book I didn't think that I would be so drawn into the story. I just couldn't put it down!! It's a wonderful read. And the way that Janet descibes every scene, every emotion, you feel as if you are there. I'm still mesmerized by Carolees' courage and determination to make the best out of every situation. It was truly an incredible read!
Rating:
Summary: Beautifully written story but the main character seemed flat
Review: The writer of this novel had a wonderful way of spinning the story but I could not conjure a permanent mental picture of the main character, Astra....she never stayed with me in spite of her many scars both physical and mental. Her jailed mother was so much more vivid a character and I wished the same could be said of Astra. Still, a good summer read!
Rating:
Summary: an epic tale of a mothers self-absorption .
Review: I didn't want to read her mothers letters anymore..enough was enough. It is a clear, honest, wrenching tale of a daughters survival, taking control of her own life and having something left to love her mother with.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful!
Review: I read this book in one day. I simply could not put it down. This book was wonderful and I learned a lot from it. Yes, it is sad but so realistic. I recommeded it highly.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing debut novel!
Review: White Oleander was a work of literary genius. Janet Fitch's use of metaphors and similes was superior to any work I've read in a long time. The reader was engrossed in the life of Ingrid from the beginning and felt her pain through to the very end. The writing flowed with imagination and profound insight, and I greatly anticipate the next tour de force.
Rating:
Summary: Casts a spell over the reader
Review: I could have read this book in one sitting if not for my young children. Ms. Fitch has a great gift and this book is rich with philosophical insights into the push and pull nature of the mother-child relationship. Astrid's story is about the hard work of giving birth to oneself. I simply loved this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent novel...Spectacular writing!!!
Review: I could hardly put this book down, but yet I didn't want it to end! I was impressed by the author's writing and use of symbolic statements and metaphors. It was as if she spent hours choosing each word, phrase, and depiction until it reached utter perfection. Astrid was a character to love, she was worldy, intelligent, talented, and real, yet very entertaining. Every character was interesting and not a moment was dull!
Rating:
Summary: a blissfully beautiful and strikingly sad novel
Review: White Oleander is ever entrancing. The novel focuses on one particular character and her relationship with her ever controlling mother, and a whole slew of surrogate mothers. The story has twists and turns that will keep you wanting to know what happens next.
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