Rating:  Summary: Disappointed Review: I, too, am an avid Elizabeth Berg fan, but I agree with scm326 in her review, that this book seems to be written by an entirely different person! It didn't make me care about Sam or her life. The characters never got a chance to develop. Just when things were looking interesting...it was cut off. Like her older "roommate" goes off and gets married? Her husband finally wants to come back, but it's too late, and it's over in one sentence....! I was really disappointed and am already hoping for a new book that I can "gobble up", like Durable Goods and Joy School!
Rating:  Summary: Stuffing Anyone? Review: I have to actually giggle as I think back to one of the funniest scenes revolving around human behavior I have ever read. The Thanksgiving scene in "Open House" is truly unforgettable.Ms. Berg brings to life, Sam, in a most unique witty way. We follow her adventures of lost love, re-gained self-esteem, terrorizing teens as if it is happening to us. In fact, I think that is the whole point of this book--weird stuff happens, deal with it. A fun, psych of a book. Thank you for your interest & comments--CDS
Rating:  Summary: Elizabeth Berg knows women! Review: Every time I read a book by Elizabeth Berg, I think two things: First, "Boy, does she know women!", and second, "It's over already? " The pages fly by, and I find myself laughing and crying with recognition again and again, even when my own life circumstances are completely different from her characters. Her compassion, her honesty, her humor and her wisdom make her one of the most talented writers I've ever come across. Read this book -- you won't be disappointed!
Rating:  Summary: Disappointing book by a great author Review: I have always loved Elizabeth Berg's books, especially her last, Until the Real Thing Comes Along. In contrast, this book seemed like it was written by a different person! The characters seemed so one-dimensional, and I was disappointed by the fact that nothing seems to really happen in the book: Sam never finds a real job, much less a career, and she never really "deals" with her son's feelings about the divorce. Also, the character of the husband is basically just an outline; we never get to really know much about him. Worst of all, Sam's new romance seems like a cop-out. I would have been much happier with the book if she had forged ahead on her own and developed some backbone instead of just clinging to another man. And by the way, I don't think there are many men out there who are like King: a highly educated dog-walker? Who has only had one sexual experience in his whole life? Wow, what a catch! I'm hoping that Ms. Berg's next book is more like her previous ones. She could do much netter than this one.
Rating:  Summary: I Couldn't Put It Down Review: Elizabeth Berg is my very favorite author. I just flew from Los Angeles to Chicago to hear her read from this book. It was a special treat getting to meet her and as I read this story I heard her voice so clearly. She writes just like women truly are and I can't wait to read her next one.
Rating:  Summary: Wonderful! Review: Elizabeth Berg is one of my favorite authors and this one is definetly one of her best. No one puts words together like she does. I agree with all the raves that I have read and just felt so passionately about the book I had to write one myself. I startd it today and am in fear of finishing it today. I don't want to...I want to savor it like a fine wine or excellent piece of chocolate. Ms.Berg...how do you do it?
Rating:  Summary: Another Winner! Review: First of all, let me tell you that Elizabeth Berg is one of my favorite authors! I have read all of her books. Open House is right up their with my very favorite, Range of Motion. The best thing about this book is that in so many places you read what Sam is thinking and say to yourself, "Isn't that the truth! I feel the same way!" That happens in all of Elizabeth Berg's books and it just makes this reader feel so happy and comforted. Sam's shopping spree is just such a moment! If you have a chance to go to a reading by Elizabeth Berg, do not hesitate! She reads her books with such style and verve and then talks with the audience like you were all long lost friends! She is such a special person, and whenever one of her books comes out it is like Christmas morning! Thank you Elizabeth for another top-notch book that you can't put down!
Rating:  Summary: Hysterical, insightful book about surviving a breakup. Review: Elizabeth Berg is my favorite author, hands down. I don't think there is anyone more talented at putting words together to form the most breathtaking sentences. Her latest book is no different. However, "Open House" also has to be one of the funniest books I have ever read! I never pegged Berg as a humorist, even though there are a lot of ironic moments in her writing. But this book made me laugh so hard I almost peed in my pants. I found the chapter on Thanksgiving especially funny- I laughed for a half an hour, cracking up so hard I was crying. And there is a special treat for martha Stewart fans in the book, as well :). You have to be a talented writer to mix comedy and heartbreak as well as Berg does. For those worried about this being another woman-as-victim book (man leaves woman after several years of marriage, woman survives shame and loss of identity, finds new love with strapping, younger man who also happens to be her gardener, etc)- fear not. There is not an ounce of that in this book. "Open House" is funny, insightful, and will not leave you putting the book down in disgust. I really thought Elizabeth Berg may have lost her touch with "Until the Real Thing Comes Along" (her last book) but I have regained my faith in her. She's such an amazing writer. While "Pull of the Moon" and "Range of Motion" are my all-time favorites, this book is one I will be sending to friends and family- male and female alike. Buy it- you'll love it in every way.
Rating:  Summary: Berg Continues Excellence Review: I love a new Elizabeth Berg book. My wife gets it first. Then, I watch her as she smiles, laughs, cries, and all around enjoys the latest missive from one of America's best authors. I get the book next, and it's another winner from Berg. Thanks, Elizabeth!
Rating:  Summary: Awfully Good Review: Wonderfully believable characters, especially King, a jewel of a guy with a positive and upbeat attitude towards life. I found myself laughing out loud during parts of the book. The chapter on Sam's Thanksgiving dinner is both funny and heartbreaking. As always, Ms. Berg's way with words paints pictures in your mind of the characters and settings making you believe they actually exists. I have read everything Ms. Berg has written, twice. This book is not my favorite, ("Talk Before Sleep" is at the top of my list) but it is awfully good and definitely worth reading.
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