Rating: 
Summary: Fantasy Writing for Divorcees?
Review: I purchased this book on the advice of a friend. Rest assured I will never take her advice on literature ever again. I thought that the beginning of the book was not bad, but then it went downhill. By the time the older woman moved in and the character of King was introduced, was there ANYONE who didn't know how the book would end?!? I have a few problems with Ms. Berg's choices in this story... Why did King HAVE TO be a genius? Why did he have to lose weight in order to be accepted? Couldn't anyone love him as an overweight day-worker? Why does he have to be almost a virgin? Is an experienced man too threatening? Why did Sam have to experience that "medical situation" near the end of the book, and if Berg chose to add that, why make it go away so easily? It is like she wanted an easy way out for the character. It was useless information and took away from Sam. I have to say, there is only one thing I was wrong about.. I thought the old woman would have died. Happily, she didn't.In short, this book is nothing but the type of fantasy that middle-aged divorcees are looking for. Berg is just giving them what THEY want to find: they want a great kid, a big house, great friends, a better relationship with Mom, your wealthy ex to want you back, and a wonderful astrophysicist almost-virgin to love you forever. Good luck finding it anywhere but in a book. This is not healthy reading for anyone...
Rating: 
Summary: Oprah smiles
Review: Ah! An Oprah book that doesn't take the reader to the deep dark depths of doom, despair, and depression! This is the story of a woman's self-discovery after her husband of twelve years leaves her. Her evolution as a woman makes this ride worthwhile.
Rating: 
Summary: a little soap opera like
Review: I enjoyed reading this book yet I have to admit I was a little taken aback by some superficialities that didn't go with the rest of a well written book. Like where it says that King was with a woman only once before! I mean that is not impossible yet instead of helping the reader relate to full dementional characters, the book creates phony ones. Lydia and her boyfriend are also not very realistic characters. Rita the best friend is another phony character. But the very fact that Sam moves thru a difficult time and comes out in a good shape is heartwarming.
Rating:
Summary: Great characterization and amazing insight
Review: This was my first Berg novel, and it definitely will not be my last. "Open House" tells the story of Sam, a woman who suddenly finds herself without a husband, with an 11-year old son that no longer needs her at every moment, and she is faced with the struggle of finding a new role and place for herself in the world. Berg's writing pins down Sam's feelings... self-doubt, fear, loneliness, etc., with a clarity and accuracy that amazed me. Sam was real and wonderful, and the cast of characters surrounding her was also fabulous. I'd definitely recommend this, and not just to those who have been through divorce... also those who wonder about their place in the world, what they're doing with their lives, and what they owe to themselves and others.
Rating: 
Summary: Thank you, Ms. Berg.
Review: My only problem with Elizabeth Berg's books are that they are too short. This is the 2nd book of hers I have read and I am hooked. Her characters are so real and true. Her stories heartbreaking and so funny. So many times durring this book I laughed out loud. Sam a 42 (not 33 as one reviewer on this page wrote) is a woman like so many, living a simple, perfect life which is shattered when her husband walks out. She has to reach deep to discover how strong she really is. I really LIKED this woman. I cried with her and felt her pain and her slow self discovery. Her realization that we all forget to appreciate who we are as women as we worry over our lost youth and cellulite was a wonderful eye opening truth. To look in our collective adult mirrors and be satisfied is rare in deed. A true revelation for me and I thank Elizabeth Berg for that. As a matter of fact, it's the first time I can remember reading an author's work and just wanting to thank them for picking up a pen in the first place.
Rating:
Summary: Feel good!
Review: This was such and easy, feel good book.... It is simple, funny and motivating. I had a really good time reading it, and I enjoyed the way Elizabeth Berg is able to get into any woman's mind and put into words what's really inside.
And well, it is a common topic, and every woman I know has gone through a break up of some sort, and will feel identified with what Sam feels, still, she proves that women can survive and succeed, and be happy... whatever happens. The reason why I put 4 stars is because it is a bit predictable, and some parts are not developed as thouroughly as I would have liked.
Rating: 
Summary: Berg is always good.
Review: Elizabeth Berg is one of my favorite authors. This short little book was not one of my favorites, but a good read nonetheless. It chronicles one woman's journey from submissive wife to confident single mom. A good book to give a friend whose marriage is in trouble since it offers hope that life goes on.
Rating:
Summary: SAD AND FUNNY
Review: An entertaining book by a gifted author. It is not easy to write so that the reader is feeling sad one minute and laughing out loud the next. Divorce is never amusing, and it was disturbing to read about Samantha and her son having to attempt to re-establish their lives without husband and father. But then Sam had a wonderful Jewish mother, who was just too funny for words. The dialogue between mother and daughter alone is enough for me to highly recommend this book. Sit back, read, and enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: The first one I read from this author!!!
Review: I loved this book it was nice and light reading. It wasn't too
mind heavy and a no brain drainer which I didn't need to read after recent events in the world. I needed a light read. This one really hit the spot, it got me reading again. I now have another one of her that I am reading and I loving it too.
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining!
Review: Most appreciated by other women, Elizabeth Berg's novel is an interesting read about a woman's life after divorce. A quick, satisfying read!
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