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Summary: honest, touching, and so intelligent
Review: Lots of people have told me that this book has no plot and the "scenes" are really choppy. I think that is what is so ingenious about this novel. Depression itself makes no sense, and you could almost understand the confusion and hopelessness that Esther feels. As a 19-year-old college student battling with depression, I feel that reading this is one of the best ways for people to understand what it is really like. You also have to take into consideration the time when it was written- mental health was something that no one wanted to talk about or deal with. It must have taken a lot for Plath to come forth with this "memoir."
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Summary: a sad, twisted tale of the struggle of one women
Review: this book was one the greatest books i've ever read. sylvia was a strong, creative woman, trying to survive in a cruel world that just does not understand people. her sorrows and pain are all touched in this book. truly, a depressing story but so well written, that it touches you forever.
Rating:
Summary: It'll make you cry... but also make you laugh!
Review: There is no melodrama, or pretentious rambling here. Esther's story is touching, and certainly sad. BUT she also makes some beautifully humorous comments on American society in the 50s.This is a timeless classic, to be cried and pored over by generations of readers. Read it - you'll love it!
Rating: 
Summary: Confusing...
Review: I was assigned to read this book for an English oral book report; but what am I supposed to talk about when it's so hard to follow along on what's going on? I didn't even notice when the mental breakdown occured, because she jumped around a lot, and it became too confusing to follow along.
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Summary: An enduring story of misery and madness
Review: Sylvia Plath`s "The Bell Jar" still stands as one of the best books about depression, and it is very clear why. The brutally honest story of a young, dynamic woman`s downfall into insanity is one that would define great literature. The protagonist, Esther Greenwood, captivates the reader as the book journeys through six months of her life, starting in a glitzy New York City trip, and ending in a mental institution in Conneticut. "The Bell Jar" examines the slow and painful breakdown of people, and how sometimes, hope doesn`t seem to mean anything anymore.
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Summary: A book sure to cause a reaction, no matter who you are.
Review: I am a 17 year old female and thought that "The Bell Jar" was an excellent book. Knowing that Sylvia Plath actually went through most of the book's events herself makes the story all the more moving. If only everyone could be as truthful as Esther Greenwood! This book is quite indescribable, so you must read it for yourself. However, if I had to compare it to another book, I would say Sanlinger's "The Catcher in the Rye." Esther Greenwood is like Holden Caulfield's female counterpart. If you couldn't stand Holden Caulfield though, don't let this stop you from reading "The Bell Jar." The raw emotions this book deals with are so real, it is almost scary to think what society can do to an individual. I read this book "for fun," not because I had to, and I suggest you do the same.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent book, . Esoteric problems of all teenagers....
Review: I loved reading this book. I started to feel that I had some of those symtoms and as we discussed in our class, all teenagers do. I give credit to Mr Lewis for including this book in our reading.
Rating: 
Summary: Great book but author jumps around
Review: I thought this book was a great way to find out what really goes on inside your head when your thinking of suicide. The author jumps around a lot but you can still understand what is going on. A definite read.
Rating:
Summary: a good book that's a little hard to read
Review: I thought that the Bell Jar was a good book but was a little difficult to read and confusing at times. I think this is due to the fact that she herself is in a state of confusion. Although I do feel that this book would be helpful to those who are helping someone or themselves in dealing with suicide in their life and will help you to see some of the warning signs of suicide. The Bell Jar is a great book that shows first hand the emotions that a suicidal person goes through and what to do and also what not to do to help them.
Rating:
Summary: A very heavy and depressing book, but in a good way!
Review: I thought that this book was beautifully written, because it was so harshly and bitterly honest. The main character, Ester Greenwood, was such a good protagonist because her pain, suffering and sadness completely blanketed the book with such truthfully heavy and sombre aura. Ester`s agonizing fall into depression and madness was so afflicting, it was almost disturbing that someone`s sanity could crumble so easily and so brutally. Sylvia Plath is a literary genius because "The Bell Jar" is a semi-autobiographical story, and the way she veiled her true life story with such magnificent writing is unforgettable.
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