Vinegar Hill

Rating:
Summary: Okay. Could have been better.
Review: I liked this book, although I think it could have been better. One thing that struck me was the pull of the Catholic Church in Ellen's life. Can those old teachings be so strong as to make someone question whether they should leave such an abusive environment? How could someone bring their children into such a life and think it would be morally wrong to take them away? I thought the story was good, but I think the theme of Ellen's journey into personal strength could have been better developed. After so many chapters of despair, her redemption at the end is a little too quick and rather anti-climatic. Also, Mary-Margaret's character had potential for her own emotional redemption, which never came to fruition.

Rating:
Summary: Vinegar Hill
Review: I have to say that this is one of the worst books I have ever read. I found the book to be disjointed, confusing, and extremely slow. There was not sufficient character development so I never got to the point of really empathizing or sympathizing with any of them. I really feel that the theme of the book had so much promise and was never explored thoroughly. A simple story with conversation would have been a more satisfying read than the way the author chose to tell the story. A definite thumbs down.!

Rating:
Summary: Vinegar Hill a bitter tonic
Review: Dark and depressing with a mildly triumphant, but anti-climactic climax. Generally good character development, yet lacking slightly with respect to the antagonists. My nomination for the Kervorkian book of the month club.

Rating:
Summary: Depressing Episode of Life
Review: I really enjoyed the book. It is a quik read, but it certainly had impact. This book reveals how short life truly is and how it is so necessary to rid yourself of circumstances/people that contribute to the demise of your own self worth and hapiness.

Rating:
Summary: Good Book
Review: I liked this book, and found it to be one that challenges the reader. The characters were strong, and the book made me think deeply. If you want to read a book that goes straight to your heart, read Stolen Moments by Barbara Jeanne Fisher. . .It is a beautiful story of unrequited love. . .for certain the love story of the nineties. I intended to give the book a quick read, but I got so caught up in the story that I couldn't put the book down. From the very beginning, I was fully caught up in the heart-wrenching account of Julie Hunter's battle with lupus and her growing love for Don Lipton. This love, in the face of Julie's impending death, makes for a story that covers the range of human emotions. The touches of humor are great, too, they add some nice contrast and lighten things a bit when emotions are running high. I've never read a book more deserving of being published. It has rare depth. Julie's story will remind your readers that life and love are precious and not to be taken for granted. It has had an impact on me, and for that I'm grateful. Stolen Moments is written with so much sensitivity that it made me want to cry. It is a spellbinder. What terrific writing. Barbara does have an exceptional gift! This book was edited by Lupus specialist Dr. Matt Morrow too, and has the latest information on that disease. ..A perfect gift for someone who started college late in life, fell in love too late in life, is living with any illness, or trying to understand a loved one who is. . .A gift to be cherished forever.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding!
Review: I bought this book in spite of it being an Oprah pick, and I was very satisfied with it. The characters are so richly drawn, and after reading this, I very much appreciate what my mother's generation went through (I am in my early 30's). I saw alot of the women of my mother's generation in Ellen and Barb (characters in the book), and now have a new appreciation for them. This book was hard to put down--you really want to see what happens to everyone.

Rating:
Summary: The real world just became a better place.
Review: Manette Ansay has created a masterpiece of characters so real I could feel, through them, the terror, the tension, and the love that bind us all to each other and make life-changes so difficult. This is a beautiful story of a woman's courage to rethink the rules that define her and, ultimately, her daughter.

Rating:
Summary: GOOD STORY!
Review: I liked the writing and the characters, but the secret was too predictable. I also liked the feel of the story and the imagery was wonderful. A good book to sit down and read in one evening. If anyone is interested in a great spiritual thriller, I would highly recommend a novel called, THE FIST OF GOD by A.T. Nicholas. A super 'good vs evil' story set during a presidential campaign. A very spiritual and insightful read.

Rating:
Summary: A stunning novel
Review: The second book I've read by this author, VINEGAR HILL is the story of a young wife's rise from the ravages of a dysfunctional family and their secrets. Ms. Ansay's prose is both beautiful---painting a picture of small town Mid-Western life---and chilling, as it portrays Ellen Grier's attempts at being wife, mother and caregiver, all while her marriage falls deeper into despair, and finally her courage to rise above it. This book is beautifully written and engrosing. I hope this book's recognition by Oprah's Book Club brings Ms. Ansay the attention she well deserves.

Rating:
Summary: excellent literature that no doubt many can relate to
Review: This book took me one day to read. It was a haunting and incredible piece of literature right up there with the Book of Ruth. I recommend this book entirely. The message of hope is clearly laced through out. Read this book!