Rating: 
Summary: Disturbingly poetic in narrative; horrifically captivating
Review: I had never heard of the author before I picked up this book; it wasn't until afterwards I knew it was another "Oprah pick;" luckily for me I did not have that to influence my judgement of this book at all.
This is one disturbing novel, but at the same time it captivates the reader, it lets a person crawl inside someone else's head and ride the waves of how they think, almost how they feel. We're always sitting back in moral judgement of women who stay in less than desireable and abusive relationships, we're quick to judge a person based on who they choose as a partner; the Book Of Ruth gives sharp insight into WHY.
I would have preferred in the end to see more of the story from the brother's eyes, to see Ruth actually TALK to him, whether they reconciled or not. But the stark honestly of the story, the very real way in which it is told, makes the book a treasure, and worth reading again just to catch all the signal and stray thoughts missed the first time through.
Rating:
Summary: Disturbingly haunting.
Review: I picked the Book of Ruth because I thought it would be another story about an insecure girl who
after chapters of having her flagellating ego stomped into the ground, inspiringly gained a spine
and took hold of her life. Instead, I found myself
actually understanding why Ruth could never truly
be free of her overbearing mother or her simpleton
husband.The book gives a disturbing view into the irrational logic of an oppressed woman.
Rating: 
Summary: Haunting, I can't decide if I really liked it
Review: Last night after I finished the book, I thought
I hated it, but today I can't stop thinking about
it. I searched the internet to find what others have thought, to justify my feelings... that has
to say something. I can't say I identified
with any of the characters, but I must say that
the writing was so well done that I found myself
feeling sick and generally uncomfortable through the whole book - especially the ending. It's the
same feeling I got when I read "The Liar's Club".
I would recommend this book for those who can
admire a novel for it's craft. I know everything
I felt, the author intended.
Rating:
Summary: A Book That Will Stay With You Forever
Review: I found The Book of Ruth to be one of the best books I have ever read. There are a lot of people turning away from the book because they find it too depressing. Sorry people, the world is not made up of 100% happy people. What you have to remember when you read this book is that there are people out there that are living Ruth's life. People that are going no where fast and who feel that they deserve the cards that they were dealt. I have lent The Book of Ruth to a few friends and no it did not seem to have an impact on anyone the way it has impacted me. I have found this book is something that my thoughts return to often. Just the way that Ruth still loved May and Ruby after a lifetime of emotional scars speaks for itself. Ruth had a kind of innocence (or maybe it was ignorance) that will haunt me for years to come. If you are reading this review to help you decide whether or not to read the book please give it a try. Put yourself into the place of Ruth and try to connect eith her desperation and her need to be loved. Again, it is one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure of reading
Rating: 
Summary: Read the last two chapters first...
Review: When I was in high school I read Catcher in the Rye. My teacher at the time told me to read the last chapters first and then read the book like normal. Well, where was he for this book? I recommend reading the last few chapters first and then go beginning to end. I was truly disappointed by this book! The end took such a crazy...never in your life would you have guessed it twist that I felt cheated! I missed several important clues during my reading of the book because I didn't see their significance until the end and it was too late. I felt it was an ok book but would have been greatly enhanced if I had known what was at the end. I do not think reading the last few chapters will ruin the book but enhance it
Rating: 
Summary: Book Club Review: Mixed Reactions
Review: This group gave mixed reviews to The Book of Ruth. There was consistently high praise for the author's style: "lyrical, descriptive imagery", "Ruth's voice is honest and straightforward", "dreary and depressing - with style". Hamilton's characters do come alive.
However, most of our readers felt little sense of connection with the characters - some understanding of them, but little sympathy. The long-unnamed narrator very effectively conveys the atmosphere of domestic violence: the love/hate relationships, the lethargy, and the hopelessness that simmer for a long time and eventually erupt. Unfortunately, there is no sense of closure, no denouement after the violent climax. Not exactly inspiring, this book is, rather, depressing. But the reader will long remember that quirky trio: Ruth, May, and Ruby.
Rating:
Summary: GRIM, but gripping
Review: I could not like Ruth, no matter how hard I tried. She deserved all that she got. In all my favorite books I can empathize with the main character. This is a depressing, disappointing (nothing ever got better for Ruth) but well-written novel. I really expected more
Rating:
Summary: Emotionally riveting ! A love/hate relationship you can feel
Review: I have to say that I probably would not have read this book if it wasn't for Oprah Winfrey. The books that I usually read are mysteries with romance. I call them easy reading books. Jane Hamilton had me feeling everything Ruth was feeling from the moment I started reading the first page. It touched all my emotions. The characters - May, Ruby, Ruth, and Justy come to life so vividly. I felt like I could touch them and hold them, even strangle them for their stupidity. This book did start out slow but it worked into a chilling climax. I'm glad I didn't put it back on the shelf. All I can say is thank you Oprah for opening my eyes. Thank you Jane Hamilton for making me feel grateful for all the blessings I have in my life
Rating:
Summary: Good book. Weak ending.
Review: The fact that I am still thinking about this book a fews daysafter finishing it must mean something. I read through most of theposted reviews and agree with many who said it was a "beautifully written book." Indeed it was. For such a simple minded woman, Ruth came up with some beautiful, profound observations on life. I felt for her; I rooted for her; I just wish I had been able to witness more of her recovery. I agree with the reviewer who said she wanted to shake Ruth. Me too! She had such potential, seen only by Miss Finch and Aunt Sid. In the end, I'm somewhat ambivalent about the book as a whole. I enjoyed the telling of Ruth's story, but I felt the ending was not satisfying.
Rating:
Summary: I lived with Ruth.
Review: People look for different things in books. One of them is subject matter. Reviewers state that they didn't like "The Book of Ruth" because it was depressing. That is true. But, I think the most important aspect of fiction is the ability of the author to take you where they are. I was with Ruth. I lived with her during this storytelling. I felt her pain,her helplessness, her confusion and her love. Yes, I wanted to shake her. I wanted to sit down, have a talk with her, and tell her to get out of her situation. Jane Hamilton's book is life as it is. I am disturbed by it, but very glad I read it
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