Rating: 
Summary: Worth Reading
Review: This is not exactly the beautiful side, but the story and characters are endearing. The writing flows and while events unfold as you might expect, the story keeps you wondering about its next little turn. The author does a good job placing you there with the characters. Great writing and well worth placing on your reading list.
Rating: 
Summary: Depressing and Boring
Review: This book was very bleak and depressing. It was one of those books that you read all the way to the end because you keep thinking something exciting is going to happen. But, it never does. Nothing ever happens in this book. No excitement, no punch. I really wish I hadn't wasted my time reading this book when there are so many great books out there. Don't waste your time.
Rating: 
Summary: In-law Hell
Review: Anyone who is married has, I'm sure, had moments that they wished their inlaws were not theirs. But this book takes that a step further. Dysfunction at its best. This book was real because the victims were not only the daughter-in-law, but the entire family. It shows how the past can make you stronger and good does eventually come to those who make it happen!
Rating:
Summary: Depressing story but I enjoyed it.
Review: I think at times I am a sucker for a sad story. I read this book a while ago and never got around to reviewing it but I felt it was time to. From the start of this book I was pulled into the story. Ellen I felt was a weak person who just took whatever came to her and just went with the flow. I felt that Mary-Margeret and her husband were tough on there children and sometimes didn't realize it. James on the other hand was just like Ellen weak in himself and couldn't stand up much to his parents. Overall this was a quick read and I enjoyed the book a lot but it isn't a book I could pick up again. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Rating: 
Summary: Sour like Vinegar
Review: I can honestly say I did not like this book. It was far too dark, somber and depressing for me. The tale is of generations of an unhappy family and how each generation's deeds pass on the unhappines to the next. The main character, Ellen, has married into this clan and after her husband looses his job is forced to move with their children into her husband's parents house. Her inlaws are particularly oppresive and Ellen finds her husband slipping back into his childhood ways of obeying them and favoring his parents over his wife and children. Under these grim circumstances her children transform into mere shadows of their former selves. A startling revelation about her mother-in-law is the deciding factor in Ellen's departure with her kids from this bleak family life. While I did not particularly care for the book, it does have merit in that it shows how far we have come with the idea of a single parent since the 1970s which is when this book is set. It may not have been the best read ever, but at least I learned something.
Rating: 
Summary: Something to offer
Review: I didnt expect to really like this book, having read lots of the reviews. I waited for it to be unbearable but it never got bad. It was sad and depressing but that's how life can be for many. I think any book can give a message and the one I got from this book is a reminder of how far-reaching abusive living situations can be. I was also reminded of a time not long ago when women truly had no options or choices, once marriage was entered into.
It is sad to think many women wouldn't have taken their children and left the situation. Many are living this way today.
Rating:
Summary: This book doesn't deserve the time it takes to read it!
Review: I kept reading this book hoping it would get better. Unfortuntately, it never did. The story just seemed to go on and on without any real point or meaning. When I finished it, I was so frustrated that I had wasted my time reading such a terrible book.
Rating:
Summary: BORING
Review: This book won a few awards. I don't understand why?!?! All I can say is BORING BORING BORING. I have a little empathy for her but this book just drags on and on for nothing.
Rating:
Summary: Black Cloud
Review: This story starts out with a family in financial difficulty which causes them to need help. The family moves in with the husband's parents. The plan is for them to stay for a short while until they can get back on their feet, but the stay becomes indefinite. Disfunctional is not the word for both the family and the husband's parents. The whole story is about the way each person handles problems incorrectly. The wife is the most stable one in the house and even she has her difficulties in handling situations.Although, in the end she finds herself and makes a future for her and her children. I did not injoy reading the book. Life has its peaks and valleys. This story never brings life out of the valley. I would have enjoyed the book more if there had been some happy times once in a while. Don't read this book if you are going through a rough time or if you battle with depression. The events and the plot of the story will only add to your saddness.
Rating:
Summary: Vinegar
Review: If you do not dislike the taste of vinegar, read this book. It makes you feel like vinegar tastes.
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