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Summary: A modern day fairy tale...
Review: I simply loved this book! Of course, it was a highly unbelieveable story. I think that is the magic of the book. It draws you in so quickly that by the time you are finished reading the last page, you are breathless. I read the book in only two days because I wanted to know what would happen to the "wolf boy". Unfortunately, I was disappointed with the last few pages of the novel. I felt there was too much left to wonder. However, I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a sweet, simple jolt on what it means to be human and to love.
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Summary: Pure Magic!
Review: I've read several of Ms. Hoffman's books and enjoyed them all. Second Nature, however, stole my heart. I loved it.Then I read the reviews and comments from some of the other readers and had to sit back and wonder why it moved me so much while other readers clearly found it unbelievable. I'm a published author myself, and as such, a very critical reader. So, yes, there were plot holes, things that couldn't possibly have happened. But Ms. Hoffman's weaves a spell of magic with her writing that forced me to suspend disbelief. Her books take me back to when I read for the pure pleasure of the story rather than how she plotted a scene or developed a character. Her writing is simple and beautiful, and I couldn't have cared less whether Robin could have actually walked out of that hospital with Stephen. Or whether a she-wolf would in reality take in a human child and raise her as her own. I wanted to believe, and for the space of this very special book, I did. To me, that's pure magic.
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Summary: Second Nature vs. First Nature
Review: Like the greatest American novelists (Hawthorne, Melville, Twain, even Poe), Alice Hoffman always deals with the greatest questions in human life--questions that are cosmic or theological. In this book, she deals with Nature vs. Civilization--and which is more "human." She revives the old myth of the man raised by wolves, who is then reintroduced to civilization. Her commentary on the self-absorption and falsity of civilization is wry and frank; her views of the attractions of nature are brutal and hypnotic. A classic novel.
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Summary: Elementary
Review: Nothing spectacular about this read. Here on Earth and At Risk is by far this authors finest work. Second Nature is the story of a child raised by wolves and later captured by hunters (original isn't it?). The Wolfman is later indoctrinated to the ways of human beings while constantly longing to return to his family of wolves. After being rescued from a state asylum, the Wolfman is taken in by a mother, separated from her husband, who of course ends up falling in love with the Wolfman and being impregnated with his child. In the midst of this predictable drama are a series of murders of small animals and then of a child in the town (surprise, surprise!). This is a nice story for teenagers and the extreme daydreamer but no real literary value here, in my opinion. The writing is smooth, but everything else about he novel is simply elementary.
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Summary: Wonderful love story, mystery, and thriller all in one book!
Review: Practical Magic used to be my favorite book but I like this one even better. I don't know how I missed this book when it first came out since I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and usually try to read everything which is even remotely connected to the area. This book really explores what it means to be "civilized" or "human". All of Hoffman's books contain the mystical, mythic, or magical storyline but that does not take away from the real issues developed in her books.
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Summary: What does it mean to be human?
Review: Reading over some of the other customer reviews, I notice that many people criticized this book for being too unrealistic. I think those people are missing the point. This is a modern fairy-tale, and fairy-tales are meant to be lessons about what it means to be human, and how we are supposed to live our lives. Using the "Wolfman", Stephen, as a metaphor, Hoffman manages to show how our modern world can cause us to forget our connection to the rest of nature. Using the events in the story, she shows how fragile and precious love is, and how grief and tragedy can cloud our vision and cause us to place blame on innocent people. This is the third novel by Hoffman I have read, and it is by far the most poignant and most philosophical. Hoffman is a magnificent writer, one whom I strive to emulate. If you are looking for a touch of magic, a story which might illuminate for you what it means to be human in the last part of the twentieth century, Hoffman is the author you should read. And this book would be a great place to start!
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Summary: Absolute Magic!
Review: SECOND NATURE is a modern day take on BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Alice Hoffman has such a way of taking a fairy tale and weaving it into a thoroughly believable and compelling story. Her writing is easy and lyrical, and all of her books are so wonderful, you find yourself lost in the stories. Alice Hoffman is truly a remarkable storyteller, and my favorite author.
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Summary: A quick read that re-awakens thoughts of humanity.
Review: The title says it all - Second Nature. What is natural in one situation is not so natural in another. Stephen's lessons from living in the wild are transferred to a small Carolina town. Hoffman reawakens the humanity in us all as tragedies of individual's love, confusion, and frailities unwind. Believable? No. Moving? Yes.
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Summary: This book was great, but not my favorite
Review: This book by Alice Hoffman was a wonderful book, about love, and relationships. Saving Stephen from the psyciatric ward was probably the most helpful and wonderful things that Robin could have done. Throughout this story, Robin a Stephen both taught each other a great deal. Not only did Robin teach Stephen the wrongs and the rights of civilization, they taught each other about love and devotion. I think that Hoffman should have developed her charachters a little bit better. At some points I found myself confused, but mainly just loved it. I laughed, cried, and felt heartache for all the characterswhen Stephen had to leave their lives. I do reccomend this book to people who have not read it. Please respond, I'd love to know what others thought of this book.
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Summary: Captivating Story that is Magical Regardless of its Flaws
Review: This book was absolutely beautifully written! Yes, I found it unbelievable how one could walk out of a mental institution with a "deranged" individual that was cared for by wolves. Once you put that aside and let the magic of a well written story captivate you, it does not seem to matter as much. It makes the reader question our "normal" society and the superficial world we live in. This novel will thrill you and is a must for anyone who loves great writing!
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