Mad City: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: GOOD BOOK
Review: THIS BOOK SHOWS HOW AN INDIVIDUAL (RUBY) WHO IS CONSTANTLY BERATED ALL OF HIS LIFE AND WHO HAS SOME UNRESOLVED FEELINGS, CAN SUDDENLY SNAP AND LASH OUT AT THE INDIVDUAL WHO BERATES HIM (RUTH'S MOTHER), WHILE HURTING SOMEONE HE CARES ABOUT IN THE PROCESS (RUTH).

Rating:
Summary: The flaws in this book gave it a frightening authenticity.
Review: After finishing this book, I had the impression that it was, at least in part, a true story. After reading the other reviews posted here, and agreeing with much of what they say about the book's flaws, I nevertheless believe the lack of consistency in the characterizations somehow makes the story seem more real. I loved Ruth's voice, though the book definitely dragged in parts. I wish that it had a different ending.

Rating:
Summary: Unbelievably BORING. What was the fuss?
Review: I thought 'Short History if a Prince', also by Jane Hamilton, was the most boring book I have ever read, but this one takes the cake. What did she see in a rotted-tooth, lazy good-for-nothing? There was no direction, no character development. The narrative hinted her position had improved - college? a good job? NOTHING. And what was the conflict between Sid and May? Just goes to show you that Oprah could recommend the back of a cereal box and every woman with a bon-bon in her mouth would run out to buy it.

Rating:
Summary: This is one of the worst books I've ever read.
Review: The pace of this book was as slow as molasses in winter. I kept reading, thinking it was going to get better and then the stupid thing ended with probably the worst ending I've ever read. The author should be force-fed Prozac. Come on Oprah, give me a break! I only read it because of your recommendation. This was the one and only Oprah recommended book I subjected myself to.

Rating:
Summary: The Book of Ruth is beautifually written, but so bleak.
Review: Jane Hamilton is a wonderful writer, but I wouldn't reccommend this book. It offers the reader a story of some very trashy people who make terrible choices and in the end are left with anger and no faith. I don't understand the author's point, unless it is simply to depress us.

Rating:
Summary: I really liked this book.
Review: The Book of Ruth is one of the best books I have read this year. I really liked it because the voice was authentic. I felt like I had gotten to know Ruth and her family by the end of the book.

Rating:
Summary: A very disturbing, yet boring read. ZZZzzzzzz
Review: I found this book to be very disturbing, dark and very slow. I forced myself to keep reading because I thought it must get better soon. It didn't. I just don't understand what anyone liked about it. Don't get me wrong, I don't expect books to be sugar-coated fairytales, I really enjoyed Wally Lamb's 'I Know This Much is True' , which in no way was a fairytale. But this book just didn't seem to have any direction, just sort of rambled along. I read 'Map of the World' first, and should have taken that as a sign. Jane Hamilton writes very slow, depressing books with little dialogue. I also found the book to be very repetitive, there was very little action is the book, the same thing happened to these people day after day. I know that's real life, but who wants to read about that, we read to escape life. I would of like to see more interaction between Ruby and Matt. I know that she was jealous of him, but that was never really explored. He was absent for most of the book. I was also curious why in Matt's letter to Aunt Sid, he said that Ruby abused him? I didn't remember reading about abuse while Matt was still home. The book never explained if Ruby did abuse Matt, or Matt was lying to Aunt Sid. And Ruby was in love with Aunt Sid her whole life, and once she moved in with her, nothing really happened. Aunt Sid was only mentioned a few times, as she was passing through rooms. I thought the ending was a little unbelievable and found myself skimming pages just to get it over with. Well I think I am going to quit paying attention to Oprah's recommendations.

Rating:
Summary: I hated this book.
Review: This book is a very depressing read. When you do finally finish, you are left with a feeling you should expect more than this ending. This book is so unrealistic - except in the graphic descriptions of the actual abuse. Throughout the book, you are waiting for something - anything - to happen that will give this book significance - perhaps good or worthy advise for abused women, but, only disparagement and disheartening narratives and messages to are to be found. Do not waste your money on this book to fulfill Oprah's self-(financial)-serving recommendation.

Rating:
Summary: This book is unforgettable
Review: I absolutely loved this book. This is not an uplifting or peaceful read but a very disturbing one. I was so saddened by the ending. This book really moved me. I have also read "A Map of the World" by Jane Hamilton. I loved it too. Jane Hamilton is a truly, gifted writer. This is not a light read it carries with it a heavy dose of emotion.

Rating:
Summary: I found this book very depressing, and hard to read.
Review: I am in a book discussion in Warminster Pa and we are doing this book. It was sad and very depressing to read. But I did finish it.