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Summary: A Peek at Life Post Divorce
Review: I have to admit, I was intrigued to read this book solely because of the Oprah show. The books I usually read are about younger women who're going through many of the same daily trials as I am. But this book is a great quick read!! You won't want to put it down! I really wanted to know how things would turn out for the main character, Sam. There are some great passages in the novel that made me giggle. For example when Sam spends $12,000 @ Tiffany's to get back at her ex-husband. Or when she starts taking in boarders to help pay for her mortgage. This is a nice read and most women will relate to Sam's anxieties, whims, and ultimately female empowerment towards the end. I enjoyed this novel and have passed it on to my mom so that she may enjoy it as well. Thanks Oprah!
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Summary: A light touch on a heavy subject
Review: "Open House" is a thoroughly enjoyable and fast read. Fix yourself a cup of tea, recline in a favorite chair, and let Elizabeth Berg entertain you with a lighthearted look at a woman's path to self-discovery.The characters are believable and well rounded. When her husband of many years leaves, Samantha opens her house to borders. All of this new human contact helps to heal her wounds and open her soul to a new look on life. You'll root for Samantha and her son, and you'll love the many colorful people who enter their lives. Don't expect to find any lectures or moralizing about divorce in "Open House." This is simply a slice-of-life book that offers hope for those who need to heal.
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Summary: Cliche-ridden and predictable - what was Oprah thinking?
Review: I've enjoyed most of the selections by Oprah's book club ... until I tripped on this one. "Open House" was predictable from page 1. The newly divorced woman who feels like her insides have been shredded? The teenage son who misses his Dad? The fat man with a heart of gold? The old lady who drinks tea and gives wise counsel? Although I found all of the characters interesting, none of them was surprising or all that loveable. They were simply fleshed out cliches. The best thing I can say for this book is that I learned some neat passive-aggressive tricks in case my man does me wrong. In which case his boxers are toast.
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Summary: IT'S A KEEPER
Review: I HAPPENED TO SEE THIS AUDIO BOOK AT A STORE AND THE TITLE JUST STRUCK ME, SO I BOUGHT IT. IT IS A VERY WELL WRITTEN, HUMOROUS BOOK AND IT GAVE ME SOME INSIGHT INTO THE FUNNY AND SCARY WORLD OF BEING SINGLE. THE PERSON THAT READS THE AUDIO VERSION OF THIS BOOK WAS REALLY WONDERFUL. THIS BOOK REALLY HELD MY INTEREST, WAS LIGHT AND FUNNY! ENJOY!!!!
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Summary: light and airy
Review: I love Elizabeth Berg. Reading her books are like sitting down with an old friend and having a long conversation.
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Summary: A Discouraging Look at Life After Divorce
Review: If you are recently divorced, and even slightly depressed about it, you may want to wait awhile before reading Berg's saga of how one woman "rebuilds" her life after divorce. Berg chose to handle her subject in a rather discouraging manner (at least it seemed that way to this reader), and I believe she failed to show any real growth in Samantha, David, Travis, or even King. (Her main characters.) As for Samantha's "rebuilding" of her life, it seemed unfortuante that Berg chose to illustrate this by having Samantha find a new relationship at the book's end. To me, this novel was a chronicle of the daily (escapist) activities of the newly divorced Samantha. Frankly, I thought her activities and coping strategies were depressing! I often found myself agreeing with Samantha's (sometimes insensitive) friend Rita, who (at least) encouraged Sam to pick herself UP already and get on with her life! If you want to read about a woman who truly "makes it on her own" after divorce, I don't think you will find what you're looking for in this book. However, if you like a "typical" happy ending, you might enjoy the read.
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Summary: Bland without character depth
Review: I must agree with several others reviewers here, who've in my opinion, stated the obvious. This book was too short, too 'narrow' & greatly lacked character depth. I didn't ever feel I *knew* anyone in the story. Actions, not feelings which prompted them, seemed to be the point. I have been through divorce & know its scars. This book seemed to be about a different subject altogether... and I still have no idea what it was. I don't intend to read this author again.
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Summary: Shallow & Short
Review: I must agree with several other reviewers here who have, in my opinion, stated the obvious. This book was too short, too 'narrow' & greatly lacked character depth. I didn't ever feel I *knew* anyone in the story. Actions, not the feelings which prompted them, seemed to be the point. (It was funny in a couple of places though...) I have been through divorce & know its scars. 'Open House' seemed to be about a different subject altogether ... and I still have no idea what it was. I hope that this book was an exception, not the rule, for this author.
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Summary: Easy, Fast, Interesting Reading
Review: This was my second Elizabeth Berg novel. I found myself wondering what was going to happen next. I enjoy how she lets the reader into a character's life, but does not bombard the reader with useless information. She has a good way of inviting my imagination to remain open and creative. I am going to read other novels by her.
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Summary: Another Blissful Berg!
Review: Elizabeth Berg is truly one of those great writers who brings joy and humor to any tale she writes about. This particular novel was a delight--sad, funny, poignant, true, and triumphant in every sense. Don't miss this one, it has something for everyone. Don't be put off because it appears to be a story about a middle-aged woman going through a divorce--it's sooo much more. Do yourself a favor, and take time to read this fast paced novel by a great artist. You won't regret the time you spend with Elizabeth's characters, instead you'll wish you knew them personally. This story will stick to your ribs for days to come.
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