Mad City: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: somehow unforgetable
Review: Some readers are missing Ruth's essence. Our society is quick to judge the victim. Sometimes people are unwittingly victims because they don't know any better; many people don't have the tools to carve out a "normal" life and end up doing the best they can with their lot. There is a caste system in our society whether we admit it or not. This is the first time I ever really thought about someone like Ruth but not the last. There were times when I was surprised at myself for sticking with this book (wondering if this was a pointless waste or not) but I'm very glad I let myself get involved with Ruth.

Rating:
Summary: Boring
Review: The book was boring. It took too long/too many pages/too many aimless words for the plot to get anywhere. Thus, 'Ruth' seemed to have a lot of 'filler.' And, perhaps the end is somewhat contrived; how lucky to have a middle class educated aunt (read: fairy godmother) to save her. Hamilton's 'A Map of the World' also is puffed up/out in pages beyond what drives the plot. Perhaps the short story is a better medium for Hamilton. I bought and read 'Ruth' because I was curious about Oprah's picks. So many seem to be replications on the same theme. The best of this genre is Dorothy Allison's Bastard Out of Carolina; Oprah should pick this.

Rating:
Summary: The Book Of Ruth
Review: Those people who wrote in to say that this book was too depressing or a waste of time simply baffle me. Hamilton takes us deep into the mind and soul of Ruth...if we cannot learn from her, we are rather hopeless. If we regard this opportunity as a waste of time...we are rather pathetic.

Rating:
Summary: wonderful!
Review: This was a wonderful story of an ordinary woman living and surviving an extraordinary (and tragic) life. The saddest part for me is that this is a very believable story. To those readers who didn't like this story, I say: Open your eyes and see that this is not just "a depressing story" but what is and could be a reality for many women. What depresses me is the blame the victim attitude of so many people in our culture. Just put on your rose colored glasses and hope nothing ever happens to you!

Rating:
Summary: An overall good book, with some flaws
Review: The Book of Ruth is gripping at times, yet predictable and unsupported other times. It was a relatively easy read, however there were times when I felt like putting the book down and not picking it up again. The references to religion to me seemed unrealistic. That this woman, Ruth, could not understand her own life, but could philosophize about religion. I felt that this book needed one final edit session. But overall, I still recommend reading it, if only to get a glimpse into a world many of us fortunately do not live in, but nevertheless encounter every day.

Rating:
Summary: Powerful read!
Review: Don't miss this one. It may take a while to get into the story, but stick with it. Ruth's story will stay with you long after you finish the book.

Rating:
Summary: A haunting read, one that I mulled over for weeks.
Review: The reader walks with Ruth through her unspectacular life. But somehow, through Ruth's eyes, it always feels like there's hope. When Ruth's world bursts apart on a Sunday afternoon, so much like any other, it brings a gasp. It illustrated that even the most unspectacular life has the ability to take a turn that will forever change a person, just in a matter of minutes.

Rating:
Summary: Depresssssing!
Review: I have now read 2 books recommended by Oprah. Does she only recommend books that leave you so sad. I felt this book was way off the mark. Did no one in the school system or even her Aunt Sid who was only 40 miles away care one iota? Ruth seems to love being the victim and even when everything goes wrong, she still doesn't get it. No one can be that clueless. If Oprah only recommends these types of stories than I am out of the running

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful to listen to...
Review: This was a wonderful book to listen to on tape. It was really calming to hear Ruth's simple thoughts as I drove to and from work each day. My friend asked me to let her know what I thought about the story...I still haven't decided. From reading the comments, I'm not the only one. It's a definite read though!

Rating:
Summary: a modern classic
Review: Ruth can't help but believe in a the potential for goodness of everyone she encounters. In the end, she -- perhaps unknowingly -- facilitates the destruction of the two people who do her the most harm. She is an angel, living in the modern world, amongst devils. This is a haunting, deeply meaningful book that leaves you with something, as all classics do. That something is despair or hope; the reader decides.