Say When

Rating:
Summary: A weak effort
Review: Can this be the same author who wrote the wonderful "Range of Motion" and "The Pull of the Moon"? The characters in "Say When" are not well developed, especially the husband (WHY did he want Ellen back anyway?), and it had a typical "Hollywood happy ending" -- although none of the couple's problems seemed to be resolved. The parts of the storyline involving the daughter just seemed like filler; the reader gets no real sense of how Zoe is actually coping. Elizabeth Berg used to be a wonderful author, but this book is more like a sappy Harlequin romance than a moving novel that makes you feel truly caught up in the characters' lives -- if you want to read THAT kind of book, try "Range of Motion".

Rating:
Summary: Wake Up Call for People Contiplating Divorce
Review: Characters are very real. It sheds light on a common cause for divorce: immaturity.

Rating:
Summary: Wake Up Call for People Contiplating Divorce
Review: Characters are very real. It sheds light on a common cause for divorce: immaturity.

Rating:
Summary: Marital struggles seen through the husband's eyes
Review: Elizabeth Berg is a master at telling stories of family drama, and Say When is one of her best books. At the start of the novel, Griffin suspects that something is going on with his wife, Ellen, a sometimes odd woman with a tendency towards sadness. However, he is stunned when she informs him that she his having an affair and wants a divorce. When Griffin refuses to leave the house, they suddenly find themselves negotiating the care of their 8-year old daughter, Zoe, while living as merely roommates.

The fact that the story is told from the husband's point of view is refreshing, as is the fact that there are no bad guys here--both Griffin and Ellen are nice people who have made some mistakes. Furthermore, both are good parents to Zoe, and their interactions with their child are completely realistic as well as touching. In the midst of his domestic turmoil, Griffin gets a job as a mall Santa during the Christmas season, and his conversations with his many young visitors also ring true. The plot is simple yet never predictable, easily engaging the reader in a comfortable way. Overall, this is a delightful little book about marriage, family life, and second chances.

Rating:
Summary: Marital struggles seen through the husband's eyes
Review: Elizabeth Berg is a master at telling stories of family drama, and Say When is one of her best books. At the start of the novel, Griffin suspects that something is going on with his wife, Ellen, a sometimes odd woman with a tendency towards sadness. However, he is stunned when she informs him that she his having an affair and wants a divorce. When Griffin refuses to leave the house, they suddenly find themselves negotiating the care of their 8-year old daughter, Zoe, while living as merely roommates.

The fact that the story is told from the husband's point of view is refreshing, as is the fact that there are no bad guys here--both Griffin and Ellen are nice people who have made some mistakes. Furthermore, both are good parents to Zoe, and their interactions with their child are completely realistic as well as touching. In the midst of his domestic turmoil, Griffin gets a job as a mall Santa during the Christmas season, and his conversations with his many young visitors also ring true. The plot is simple yet never predictable, easily engaging the reader in a comfortable way. Overall, this is a delightful little book about marriage, family life, and second chances.

Rating:
Summary: My Favorite Author, not quite my favorite book
Review: Elizabeth Berg is in the top three of my favorite authors-- I have purchased and kept every book she has written, and eagerly await every new one. She is an excellent writer, particularly about the complexities of human emotions and thought process. She really understands the way people think, and behave.

I listened to the audiobook of this publication before owning the "hand held", and it kept my interest well. It really does seem to "get into the head" of men, and my husband confirmed this for me. He read the "hand held" book and quite enjoyed it. It isn't my favorite Berg book (something like saying something may not be my FAVORITE Godiva chocolate-- but they are all exquisite!) but it is certainly worth reading!


Rating:
Summary: It was okay
Review: I agree with the previous reviewer in saying that one of the reasons for divorce is immaturity. People are so quick to give up because of things that can definitely be worked out. I guess that comes from no patience with I definitely do not have.

I can say that the daugther is this book, named Zoe did not help at all because she was so fresh to her parents and very rude, but you can't blame her that is the lack of discipline.

Later....

Rating:
Summary: Great read
Review: If you think you've read all the novels you can about family and divorce, think again. Ms. Berg manages to tell the unfolding story of a couple dealing with separation, and does so with her usual talent. I especially liked their daughter Zoe's part in the story, I loved their conversations and her reactions. This was definitely a refreshing perspective on the topic and a great read.

Rating:
Summary: This one hits close to home...
Review: Not in my own marriage- but with several friends' marriages. When did they start drawing apart, one becomes complacent with how things are while the other wants more- "the way it use to be with them"...? Griffin wakes up to his wife wanting a divorce. She has found someone who makes her feel important and young again while Griffin goes about his routine. That's just it- it is all routine, taken for granted. Now Griffin is faced with possible life without his wife, Ellen and his eight-year old, Zoe and starting over again - or renewing his relationship with Ellen, getting that spark back.

The story is told through the eyes of the husband, Griffin- which is different and very touching. It doesn't take long for Griffin to decide that separation is NOT what he wants and that he is going to "fight" for what is his. He refuses to move out forcing Ellen to live as roommates in the same house. She continues to see the other person while coming home to Griffin waiting up for her. Things are just too difficult at home so Ellen moves her and Zoe to an apartment, getting a taste of what it's like without Griffin being there. It's not like it's suppose to be for Ellen while Griffin tries to date a little and finds out that his feelings for Ellen are still strong and this just isn't right.

It's a good story - will Griffin be able to convince Ellen that they can have the feelings that use to be there without giving up what they have now. Ellen finds out that "the grass is not always green on the other side of the fence." Zoe plays an important part as well. She has difficulty coping with what is happening to her family that she has always been able to rely on being together up to now. I like what another review said about it being an "endearing and honest book." I agree.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: This was a fascinating book in many ways. I love Berg's writing and I liked many things about this book, but I couldn't rate it higher because I didn't believe in these people. I liked Frank and I felt bad for him, but I wanted to smack him for allowing Ellen to indulge her immature behavior. And I wanted to shake her for being so immature and self-centered and selfish. On the plus side, even a less-than-wonderful book by Berg is better than the best other writers can produce. Still, I'd recommend waiting for the paperback before plunking down a big chunk of cash for the hardcover.