White Oleander: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: White Oleander: Strangely Beautiful
Review: I bought this book almost a year ago, and didn't actually pick it up and start reading it until a few days ago. Actually, although I am an avid reader, I really wanted to see the movie, which was my motivation for beginning to read this book. However, now, after having finished the book, I don't know if I want to see the movie. I feel as if the book was too beautiful, too perfect, and I highly doubt that the movie could portray this beauty in a way that would satisfy me.
At times, this book was harsh and made me cringe. At other times, the language Janet Fitch used overwhelmed me with its poetic perfection, each sentence a flowering idea, full on the page, but leaving much room to discover its hidden meanings. This is not a book to read lightly; the author's ideas on the meaning of life are embedded here, and whether you agree with them or not, they will envelop you in their simple complexity. The characters came alive for me, however bazaar they are. They are unlike anyone I have ever met, or even read about, but they were so believable, and it challenged me to think: these could be the people living right next door. I have always had a very hard time understanding the reasons some people make such destructive decisions, but this book almost allowed me to understand the thought process, the desperate need, that leads people to these ultimately harmful decisions.
We follow Astrid Magnussen's painful childhood to her early adulthood, and nothing is ever perfect for her. Her mother, imprisoned and somehow increasingly possessive, dominates her life. While trying to become the exact opposite of her mother, Astrid finalls sees in herself her similarities with this woman she rebels against, and comes to understand and live with who she is.
A powerful, thought-provoking read, this book kept me entwined in its rich, symbolic language and heartbreaking story of a girl trying to find herself among despair and looking for the glimpse in her life that could, if even fleetingly, be happiness.

Rating:
Summary: wow
Review: I bought this book at a Airport book store and couldn't put it down! Astrid is a real tough character, who bounces around to different foster homes.

Rating:
Summary: Like a Siren Song
Review: This rich and provocative novel is an absolutely fantastic read. The beautiful, vivid imagery enhances the survival story of Astrid Magnussen, a teenage girl in foster care who is trying to find her identity amidst unbelievable circumstances. The story is flawlessly written, and Astrid's experience stirs up an awareness of the human condition. All of the characters are so incredibly different, but at the same time are hauntingly real. I loved this book from the very first page, and I highly recommend reading it.

Rating:
Summary: Read the book first then watch the movie!!
Review: Movies rarely make exactly like a book, and this is no exception, but I think that in order to get a glimpse into the meaning of the movie the book has to be read first. First, Michelle Pfieffer is a dead ringer of her character, Ingrid. It took some patience for me to get through the whole book because everything is very descriptive from the weather, to the the places, to the characters, and especially to the feelings and thoughts of Astrid. This book gives insight into the foster system and how it shapes a person. One doesn't have control of where they might live from day to day and whether or not they might eat. But its also about the bond of a mother and daughter, one that is hard to break or sometimes to even bend. Its about control and the consequences of your choices.

Rating:
Summary: Tragic....Terrific
Review: book protrays a manipulative, controlling mother and a daughter who is trying to break away from her influences and find her way in the brutal, cruel world she finds herself thrust into. This book is a mind-grabber, a must read for everyone from young adult on up!!

Rating:
Summary: Terrific
Review: This is a fantastic book. I couldn't put it down. I loved how this book was several stories put into one book. It is an epic of survival and love. I can't wait to see the movie. But I have a feeling that the movie won't be half as good as the book.

Rating:
Summary: READ THIS BEFORE YOU SEE THE MOVIE!
Review: or even if you've already seen the movie! I have just a few pages left and can't wait to finish it. I made the mistake of seeing the movie first, yet the book goes much more into Astrid's feelings, especially her attachment to claire...but you'll have to read the book to find out about that!
don't think twice about getting this book, believe me, you won't regret it

Rating:
Summary: Impressive!
Review: This book will almost certainly be a modern classic. Ingrid as the self-absorbed, controlling mother was so real it was almost scary. Astrid's journey through foster care was sad but emotionally balanced. Fitch didn't vilify any of her characters, rather, showed us surprisingly complex people, with their own particular needs and issues. This resulted in a book that basically told it like it is, without becoming too dark or depressive. I highly recommend this for both private reading and a book club

Rating:
Summary: A haunting and powerful read
Review: This book is amazing - Janet Fitch keeps you hanging on until the final page - I was completely unable to put it down!, and it stayed with me for days when I was done. I became completely absorbed by Astrid's life, wanting to know what would happen to her next - she experiences the ultimate highs and lows on her journey that very often had me smiling and crying with her. What she goes through is depressing, dark, amusing, uplifting, and altogether incredible, and it never goes beyond the realm of believability. I haven't seen the film yet, but I can only hope that it does this book justice. A must-read for anyone!

Rating:
Summary: waste of time
Review: This book is easy to put down. There is no excitment or any anticipation in it. It is a well written B O R E ,