Rating: 
Summary: Liked this book, BUT
Review: I really liked some elements of this book. It took me deep into my own past when I went through a divorce, so I could really relate. But I thought some of the characters needed to be developed in more detail. I would recommend Open House to some of my friends, but not as highly as some other books I've read recently. I would highly recommend HINDSIGHT by Elizabeth Rae Monroe and A MAP OF THE WORLD by Jane Hamilton.
Rating: 
Summary: Open House
Review: Great read! Though I've had episodes where I simply couldn't focus to stay in a book, THIS ONE brought me back to an old self that has a sense of humor and enjoys life! Sam, the main character, has a wonderful wit and feels like "everybody's good friend." I particularly enjoyed passages where she italicized her thoughts so you could separate her statements and her thinking. I LOVED it when she made her shopping expose' to Tiffany's. She spent for all the right reasons! Superb! Any woman who has been DUMPED can find humor and grace in this fast read!
Rating: 
Summary: Shallow and disappointing
Review: I usually enjoy Berg's stories, but this was far too predictable and too shallow. This topic can be approached with humor (after the fact) or grief, but Open House does neither. I'd borrow it or skip it, but definately save your money for a better "read".
Rating:
Summary: BEEN THERE, DONE THAT
Review: I LAUGHED OUTLOUD. I THINK THIS WOULD BE GREAT READING FOR ANYONE WHO HAS EVER BEEN THROUGH A DIVORCE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE OTHER PERSON MADE THE DECISION. I'M SURE WE ALL HAVE STRANGE AND UNPREDICTABLE REACTIONS TO OUR CHILDREN WHICH WE WISH DID NOT HAPPEN. I REALLY IDENTIFIED WITH THE EVALUATION ONE DOES WHEN THEY FIRST STEP INTO THE EX'S NEW PLACE, SEEING THINGS THAT MAKE YOU WONDER WHY HE DIDN'T WANT THAT WITH YOU AND THEN SEEING THINGS THAT YOU DON'T LIKE AND FEELING BETTER. I CAN RELATE BUT THANK GOD I'M PAST IT NOW.
Rating:
Summary: Touching--a book that divorced women will relate to
Review: Let me start by saying- I liked this book. Not perfect, but the characters are so warm and so easy to "get inside of", they felt like a familiar blanket. It's seldom that we read a frank, day-to-day picture of a divorced woman's struggle with her everyday life after the "event" has shocked her. Berg captured this beautifully. The changed relationships with your Mother, your kids,your ex, and of course, yourself. All very poignantly captured in this novel. And, the best part is, the book ends with hope and happiness. Sometimes you just need a read like this. This book spurred me on to read more Berg novels. Her style is simple, direct, and easy- with an uncanny ability to get you into her characters as your friends from the git! Good stuff.
Rating: 
Summary: Great idea with no development
Review: Despite the accurate portrayal of the emotions that are experienced during a divorce Ms. Bergs book at best is mediocre. She took the time to develop a few of the characters but it was almost as if she got to a point and decided that she had better finish the book and just slapped a generic ending on it. I was hoping for something a little more realistic to flow with the feelings that she developed in the beginning. It is unfortunate that this book was selected to Oprahs book club.
Rating:
Summary: A Quick, Light Read, But No Masterpiece
Review: I enjoyed 'Open House', don't get me wrong. I have read several of Elizabeth Berg's works, and am used to her simple style. It's quite easy to sit down with one of her books and finish it in a few hours. In other words, it keeps you engrossed, but doesn't ask much more from you.Berg's strong point is making you care for her characters, as much as she can from how little she gives you. Sam seems to be a bit needy, pathetic and lost at the beginning, but soon learns and finds strength and resilience where she least expects it. She has her son, growing older and away from her; her best friend, so close at heart but so far away; her new friend, King, who we all have to adore; her new housemates, who open her up to the world. Reading through their lives for a short time is interesting and enjoyable. That said, I don't see why this was picked as an Oprah Book Club selection. I'm glad to see Elizabeth Berg getting more attention, since her past works certainly deserve it. But this novel is sparse and light; it is not one of her best. It is worth a read, but not the accolades. While I sped through it quickly and couldn't put it down for a few hours, once it was through it didn't linger much in my mind. Read this, and then go read more of her older novels. Many of them are much better.
Rating:
Summary: An enjoyable read!
Review: OK. This is not the "Great American Novel." However, it is a fun story with entertaining characters. While some of it is a little predictable, this did not detract from the fact that is a fun and, in the end, uplifting book. Samantha ("Sam") has been married for about 20 years, when her husband, David, decides to move out and seek a divorce. Sam is devastated, especially since David refuses to really talk about it (dare I say like most men?). Sam's "support team" includes an outspoken, headstrong best-friend, her quirky mother, and a other entertaining characters who help change her life for the better. This is a quick, fun, and even thought-provoking read about why we get into, stay and end relationships.
Rating:
Summary: Open House
Review: Why did't Berg develop her characters better? I would have loved to know more about the people who came to live in her home. I kept hoping for more and did't get it!
Rating:
Summary: Very sweet book
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I didn't think it was very "deep" but it was enjoyable. It is the perfect vacation book.
|
