Mad City: A Novel

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Summary: A haunting, book, Ruth is someone I will never forget.
Review: A grim, sometimes depressing book but one so well written I find myself wearing the thoughts and feelings of Ruth. She is I think like many children of overworked single parents left to herself to make what she can of her life with little or no guidance or recogition. It is not surprising that she accepts the first instance of love offered to her by the boy Ruby. The story of her life as it unfolds to its grim conclusion..leaves me with feelings of sadness for all the Ruths of the world. Margaret Solomon

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Summary: What I gained from reading this book:
Review: Will never again take for granted what I've got in my since reading this book. Also, I feel a little more understanding of the "slow" girl with scars on her arms and neck that assembles sandwiches at my neighborhood 'Subway' store, and why her kids are there at the store all evening while she works for minimum wage. There really are people that never have an opportunity to better themselves or they don't have the mental ability to recognize an opportunity if it does present itself. Ruth married the only guy she thought could ever love her. She had only her verbally abusive mother in her life and was so vunerable when she met Ruby. Having children just seemed like the natural thing to do, even if her husband was a complete imbecile. Ruth didn't know any better than the choices she made. Aunt Sid should have kidnapped her the moment she graduated high school! If you're self-centered, shallow or heartless, then this book isn't for you.

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Summary: A vivid reflection of life in our ordinary world.
Review: I was browsing through our local book store in Rumford, Maine when I came across this book. Since I am only a junior, when I saw Oprahs club sticker on it, I immediatly thought it would be difficult for me to endure. Plainly, I was wrong. This book was beautifully written, and passionatly expressed. Hamilton is a wonderful author with many words. Ruth is a charactor that we know all to well. She comes out in our darkest moments, and fills our hearts with her wisdom of life itself. I found myself becoming Ruth as the story progressed; every thought of mine reminded me of something in the book. I was not used to connecting with a book so easily, and freely. Again, I found this book to be truly inspiring, and open to a subject that seems all too real. As Hamilton would say, " Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

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Summary: Boring and a chore to read.
Review: I was under the influence of Oprah's Book Club List, unfortunately. It's a chore for me to pick this book up and finish it. The only book in my life that I could not finish was "The Scarlet Letter" and I tried twice!!! The writing style I had a hard time with...it is not difficult reading but it does not roll off your tongue (sort of speak). Too much rereading paragraphs because I've drifted off to thinking about unimportant things like " maybe I should cut my finger nails". It is a poor read!!!

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Summary: A Terrible Beauty
Review: I finished "The Book of Ruth" last night and today I miss her terribly. I read some of the book's reviews on Amazon.com today, and I am amazed at how differently we see things, we humans. Because I cherished the experience of reading this book so deeply (and no, I wasn't abused), I can't imagine that those who didn't care for it could possibly have read the same book. I make an assumption about Ruth from the very first chapter: that she is very mildly retarded or in some way subtly disabled. For me, her behaviors and perceptions are off just enough to imply some missing cerebral link. And this is what is so extraordinary to me: that someone without all resources at her disposal can yet perceive herself and her world with such precious, ingenuous, brilliant vision ... well, I would feel honored to have her as a friend. To write from the point of view of a retarded person makes for such creative use of language and imagery. Ruth is like an idiot savant. She is all the best a human being can be, tireless in her effort to find good and truth in her experiences, resilient beyond belief. I think she puts us all to shame, "healthy" though we be. Depressing? No, no, no. That's too easy. I am reminded of Yeats: "...a terrible beauty is born." I am in awe of Ruthy. I laugh through my tears and am comforted.

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Summary: More than a good read!
Review: If you want an easily read, glossed over, and airbrushed story of an individuals fight to escape the realities of a hard and bitter life, then do not read this book . . . but if you are crying out for a story that is so real it hurts, this book is a must. The narration is so completely honest and raw that I felt as if I were reading an autobiography. Depressing? At times, yes, but the ultimate joy Ruth discovers in herself left an impression of warmth in my heart that has yet to go away. This is a story of hope.

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Summary: A Must 'Listen'.
Review: I listened to this book on tape while fighting traffic during rush hour. Although I prefer to read, my sister-in-law gave me the set of audio cassettes, among others. Mare Winningham, a fine actress, reads the novel with a marvelous Southern cadence. I was immediately caught up in the life of Ruth, as I heard her tell her story. Ruth is in all of us, in our insecurities, our connections with family and trying to live up (or down) to others' preconceived opinions of us. Ruth finished her story as I sat parked in the garage, I just couldn't bear not to hear the end. I highly recommend a 'listen' of the Book of Ruth.

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Summary: Comments of our book club ran the gamut of good to horrible
Review: The Book of Ruth Discussion: Many members could not "get into the book" and did not finish the novel. Comments ran the gamut form "it was a piece of s#$%" to "it was OK". A member mentioned the parallel theme in The Story of Ruth and Moma's Girl by Veronica Chambers: e.g. In the first person, both mothers doted on the brothers and both brothers escaped. It was well written although the characters were not likeable. The hick town Ruth lived in almost seemed a stereotype. You could feel disaster coming based on the dynamics of the personalities while Ruth, Ruby, and May lived in the same house. The disaster was horrific and hard to read. The ending tossed in a few new points but no closure. In Company of My Sistahs' Book Club Northern California

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Summary: disturbing yet satisfying
Review: While The Book of Ruth is not one of my favorite books- I can definitly say that it held my attention and left an impression on my mind. The whole time I was reading it- I couldn't stop thinking about how one person (Ruth) can be THAT ignorant! I had to keep reading to find out if she would ever "wake up" and get a grip on her life, family, existence! I've recommended "Ruth" to several of my friends and they have all had mixed reviews. In my opinion- if you like that sort of story/plot- definitly read "The Liars Club".Like RUTH- it is very well written- and quite a remarkable story. It will leave you dumbstruck for days!

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Summary: Depressing!
Review: Though the characterizations were great and believable, the general theme of depression, abuse, meanness and settling for whatever crap life dishes out was too much. I confess to skimming the last few chapters to get the thing over with!