Open House

Rating:
Summary: Open House
Review: This was the first book by Ms. Berg that I've read. It is a very easy read, and I enjoyed it tremendously. At first I wasn't interested in reading it, even though Oprah recommended it. I thought I most probably wouldn't enjoy another book about a divorced woman with a kid to raise. I've been happily married for a long time, and thought the subject matter just wouldn't be of interest me. A friend insisted I give it a try. I am so glad I read this book, and recommend it very highly to everyone. The author used a term, psychic limp, that I thought was so very descriptive of certain types of injuries.

Rating:
Summary: Open House
Review: I thought this book was a complete waste of my hard earned money! It was very poorly written. If you did not know what was going to happen as you turned the page, I feel sorry for you. First Oprah book I read that was VERY disappointing. Don't buy it, save your money until something better comes out.

Rating:
Summary: Funny moments, weak storyline
Review: The characters were really enjoyable and the situation had it's funny moments. I was disappointed in the end though, I think it was a bit too predictable and wrapped up too nicely.

Rating:
Summary: Not enough of a story line
Review: From the very first page, I really felt like I could identify with the character - I have shared some of her insecure thoughts. But as the book went on, events happened too quick. I needed the author to elaborate more on some events. When the book was over, I felt like it was too soon. I needed more of a story line. But I liked the main character's thoughts and one liners - very funny and very realistic!

Rating:
Summary: I loved this book!
Review: I've been a fan of Oprah for a while now but have always been too busy to read any of the books from the Oprah Book Club. This was my first book that I've read that she recommended and I finished it in two sittings. This was such a great book that is so easy to relate to. I'm not divorced but I had recently been through a difficult break up. I saw myself in so many of the things that Sam does. It made me feel like I'm not the only one who has tried desparately to save a relationship that has been gone for a while. This book makes you believe that things can and will get better even when it feels like you've hit the lowest point. The story is inspiring and real. It's just a great book!

Rating:
Summary: Sad but true events
Review: I thought this was an accurate and painful story of one woman's struggle with divorce. I think anyone who has gone through this process could appreciate the haphazard way Sam went about coping with her husband's departure. The stream of consciousness style of writing added to the book because the reader could feel the panic in Sam's mind. Open House may hit too close to home for someone who has recently divorced but it's still a good read. I was a bit disappointed with the ending, although it did fit with the Sam's personality.

Rating:
Summary: If Going through a separation or divorce read this book!
Review: I started reading this book on a Thursday evening and picked it back up Friday, and did not put it down until I read the entire book. My husband left me as did Sam's. I have been separated for a year and I have felt the same pain that she describes in the book. So it was great comfort to know I'm not the only one feeling the anguish and pain. I related totally to every chapter of this book. For anyone going through a separation or divorce this book is a must! It shows how through time and letting go you can heal. You have to keep living in spite of the pain and learn from the pain as Sam did. I was comforted at the end of the book for the joy that came into Sam's life. She deserved it! Great book!!!! A real encouraging story!

Rating:
Summary: Redemption
Review: I have read all of Elizabeth Berg's books and have been totally enthralled by each. Her range and imagination amaze me. She is so adept at getting in to each of her characters and the vast emotions and experiences that they endure: from the adolescent girl who was adjusting to the devasting loss of her mother in Durable Goods to the trials of helping a friend make the most of her last weeks before her eventual death from cancer. I love all her characters and Ms.' Bergs talent to get into their depth. I can't wait for her next masterpiece!!!

Rating:
Summary: Good Book
Review: I thought the book was good. It did have it's boring parts to it. The chacters were very real, and reminded me of some people that I know. Open House is worth reading but I am not sure I can give it all five stars.

Rating:
Summary: Low Engery
Review: Although not one of the worst books I have read, it was not the best. It maintained low energy through the story and it was just predicatable she was going to become involved with the character that she ended up with. It is almost like the book was written to be an Oprah selection. Poor woman is left by her man and becomes somewhat empowered. I felt like I was re reading a portion of Wally Lamb's She' Come Undone when Dolores eventually finds her "love." The two men have the " unpopular" looks that makes them "ideal" in this gendre.