Range of Motion

Rating:
Summary: Pretty good: Quick read and fulfilling
Review: I finished this book in an afternoon which was very satisfying for me. I really like Elizabeth Berg and her insights. I differ from the other reviewer in that I liked the ghost character. I did not find this unrealistic that Lainey would "see" someone to keep her directed. Having been in equally emotionally and physically overwhelming situations, I too have "seen ghosts", though mostly in my dreams. This woman kept Lainey focused on what was important - keeping her day-to-day life together. The woman also let Lainey see a world where women took care of women so that Lainey could be "prepared" for that reality if it happened. Which was also demonstrated by the neighbor. A common theme in the Berg novels I have read.

I think Elizabeth Berg really makes a powerful statement regarding looks with the friendship between Lainey and the neighbor. Even Lainey "discounts" her friend because she is unattractive. Lainey learns how wrong that is when she sees her friend discounting herself.

Those of us who like "happy endings" will definitely enjoy this. I liked the ending, even though I wasn't too sure how realistic it was.

This is a good read for a quick and fulfilling book. You can either look at its surface or if you want there is enough substance to find "deeper meanings".

Rating:
Summary: So so
Review: Although this book had a good start, I got kind of tired of it and didn't find it very intersting. Her husband is in a coma almost for the entire book, which was a little tiresome and drawn out. I like Elizabeth Berg a lot, but I think she kind of missed the mark here.

Rating:
Summary: Emotional read
Review: Range of Motion was recommended to me by a good friend after she saw the movie on LifeTime. Here we have Lainey who is dealing with the fact that her husband is in a coma due to a freak accident. The doctors and nurses have given up hope that he will come out but Lainey holds to hope and feels that her husband will come around through smell, touch and conversation. Lainey also deals with the everyday life of raising two daughter and helps her neighbor cope with a failing marriage. I felt the joys and pains that Lainey was dealing with from day to day. This was a fast and good read for me. This books shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Never give up. God's Blessings.

Rating:
Summary: Movie on Lifetime
Review: For all of you who enjoyed Elizabeth Berg's book Range of Motion, check out Lifetime's original movie of the same title based on Ms. Berg's novel.

I recently watched the movie, starring Rebecca DeMornay as Lainey, and was very moved by it. I plan on ordering the book as well.

Give it a watch and see what you think.

Rating:
Summary: Draggy prose or excessive introspection?
Review: The author has Lainey spending too much time revising her inner thoughts. There is excessive introspection, and her dialogs with the ghost woman seem really forced at times. Also, the side-story (her neighbor's affair) is distracting and quite frankly, a bit corny.

Another point that annoyed me was Lainey's visit to the man whose wife was also in a coma. Lainey, who subtlety is portrayed as unselfish, borderline holy, passes some serious negative judgement on this guy. Why? Why jump on the moral high horse now?

In summary: somewhere between contrition and a made for TV movie

Rating:
Summary: A joyful tearjerker
Review: This is my absolute favorite of the Elizabeth Berg books I've read. The others had their good points, but seemed kind of contrived to me. "Range of Motion" has the most contrived plot of all--husband suffers freak accident and falls into a coma--but somehow every word of it seemed real to me. I loved the narrator's voice and the original supporting characters. I've read the book twice now and cried both times, but it was one of those cathartic cries, which are sort of enjoyable. After I read it the first time, I immediately bought a copy for my mom, and I just recommended it to a stranger the other day.

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable
Review: This book is a relatively quick and easy read. But don't let that fool you -- the emotions the characters tangle with in this story are not quick and easy.

Although the book went by fast, I was left with a lingering image in my mind of the characters, and the strange turns that life leads us along as we make our way home.

Rating:
Summary: Starts out realistic enough-- but then fades
Review: This book was recommended by Amazon as something I'd like, based on other books I've ordered. While this is an author I like, this book is not her best. The first half of the story is quite realistic, in that it describes the struggles of a mother whose husband is in a coma. The thoughts and feelings she is experiencing are quite realistic. Since I've been there, I related with what the central character was thinking. But one of the friends that is mentioned on the book cover is a ghost. She lends nothing to the story and only seems to make the central character seem dillusional. The other friend is supportive in the logistical sense (babysitting, meal preparation) but does not provide a deep friendship to talk about feelings and fears. It was quite disappointing and the second half of the book-- or rather the last 20-30 pages-- are completely unrealistic and rose colored. After all the insight in the first half, the lack of insight in the second half was too hard to enjoy. Try another Berg novel first-- this one can wait!

Rating:
Summary: Bravo!
Review: Elizabeth Berg's work was passed on to me by a friend's recommendation. Right from the beginning, starting with the dedication "For you holding this. From me nearby" I was immediately enchanted by the simplicity and feeling. This book was meaty, filled with wonderful lines. She knows exactly how women feel and think. I just wanted to sit with a magic marker and highlight the lines that were so poignant and real. This book is a treasure, especially to women who are married and in love and have struggled during times of adversity to stay on course. Keep them coming! Is it possible to contact the authoress directly? Will she receive a copy of this? I eagerly await her next book.

Rating:
Summary: Another wonderful book from Berg - although not her best
Review: I don't know how many wonderful books I've read by ElizabethBerg, and Range of Motion keeps the same great standard. It is full ofbeautiful prose, moving emotional scenes, and realistic dialogue. Itis the story of a woman whose husband is in a coma. Thoughout thenovel she must deal with the pain it is brining her to see her husbandso far away, and she also must help her two young daughters face the same feelings. The book backtracts to discuss the relationship between the woman and her husband before his accident, and the reader can see it is a rare story of true love. That makes his condition all the more sad, because for the first time in her life since she met him, she must deal with the absence of the love of her life.

An interesting subplot in the novel was that of the main character's best friend and her failing marriage. This relationship was painted in such a way that it drew much sympathy from me, and I felt that the best friend really came to life in the book.

A weird quirk in this novel was the character of a ghost, an old lady who used to own the main character's house. I realize that the ghost helped the woman cope in her lonliness, but I felt it was unrealistic. I guess the main character temporarily went crazy, and this led to hallucinations and talking to the ghost. This part was supposed to be touching, but to me it was fake. And although most of the imagery was fantastic, there were some points at which I felt it was a bit forced. I felt that the images in Berg's other novels were much more natural. These were the only problems I had with the novel, and I loved the plot and the characters.

For those who have never read a Berg novel, I recommend starting with one of her other ones, such as Durable Goods, Joy School, or What We Keep. But for those who are already familiar with Berg, Range of Motion, although in my opinion not her best, will not let you down, for everything she writes is great.

**NOTE: I am only giving this book 4 stars because I am comparing it to other Berg books. However, compared to all books in general I would give it 5 stars. :) END