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Summary: more than just a review
Review: I think I was most inspired by the passion of the characters in this book. The author writes it in such a way that you can feel the anguish and passion of each character.............
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Summary: Amazing writing!
Review: At first, this book didn't appeal to me that much. From the synopsis and the reviews, it seemed like there was too much narration and soul-searching... which sounded down right boring. But, it wasn't. Not at all! The quiet but strong narration by Joey Becker was gripping and her character drew me deeply into the book, I could hardly keep myself from reading faster to see what happens next. I was hooked from page 1.Sue Miller writes about pretty ordinary people but who goes through extra-ordinary circumstances that develop them into what they are. This major and painful event had shaped and formed the characters into what they had become. Layer by layer, the reader finds more about Joey's past and her habit of running away from her problems which led to one focal point in her life- which later draws two people together. All the characters in this book have such distinct and unforgettable personalities, which she regards with so much feeling. Miller weaves a poignant tale of love, betrayal, faithfulness, family and forgiveness in writing so beautiful... compelling writing of emotions which I was able to relate to universally. Probably one of the best books I've read this year and one of the better Oprah picks.
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Summary: I Was a Fool to Go
Review: While I do enjoy Miller's ability to make her characters so real they may be living next door to the reader or even in their own household, I do get a little tired of their dissatisfaction with life and not knowing why they feel that way. I think anyone might identify with a moment or two of such thoughts but throwing away a valued relationship to pursue windmills as this woman did in her story makes us realize that perhaps many people do make mistakes in moments of trying to fullfill empty spots in their lives. It's a sad lesson to realize that the price for such pursuits is very high indeed. Although it might make home turf seem more dear when you return from the pursuits, not everything can be regained. Parts of your paradise, lost.
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Summary: Awful
Review: I enjoy almost every book Oprah recommends but this was awful awful awful. I would suggest saving your money for next month's pick.
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Summary: While I Was Gone/Sue Miller
Review: I thought this book was well-written but it seemed more like an overly long short story more than a novel. I did not believe in the husband's profession as a minister and her lack of involvement in the church. I also knew that Eli had killed Dana very early in the story and felt that his confession was also too pat. But, the author did make her characters very believable and I did want to turn the page to find out how things were resolved. The outcome of the police not believing her story and intimating that she was acting out of a spurned attraction was very true to life....actually the best part of the book. Sue Miller can really pull one into her characters and tell a good story.
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Summary: Our secrets define our realities
Review: I loved this book, although Jo/Lish was too tall, too blond, impossibly patient, incredibly versed in a variety of skills (sex, house-care, cooking, animal husbandry, and entertaining). If she were my friend I might feel overshadowed by her, EXCEPT for her internal dialogs. She harbored secrets, passions, pettiness, embarrassments, insecurities, and other unflattering personal definitions that made her so much like so many of us. And then, not. I would end up being the friend who would push Jo when her tendency was to hold back, and she might caution me when I was ready to jump. Sue Miller writes with an incredible rhythm in her internal and external dialogs. Her ability to get to the core of our apparent and self-defined ugliness and make it so universal was absolutely inspiring. I am impressed.
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Summary: Beautifully Crafted ...
Review: As soon as I hit the second page, I knew this book was going to be a wonderful read. Jo leads a life that is flawed, intense, conflicted. She has feelings she can't explain, like people do. She hits a point in her life where her past is incorporated to her present, though they were different eras indeed. As Jo experiences emotions, I felt the words on the page were perfectly crafted, and ones that captured beautifully what was happening. I felt the emotions myself at heart level as I read. This is my first Sue Miller book, but it won't be the last.
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Summary: A Turn of Events!
Review: Unlike "The Good Mother", this novel hits hard. Really hard. One can't help but identifying with the heroine, Joey Becker. There are not many lapses in this book. Get ready for "tension" to permeate your cells as you place yourself in Joey Becker's shoes. This can be a hard read for people with ulcers. There is no "letting" up as the heroine confronts a reality that she really can't bear. The novel becomes more frozen as you read. Frozen with ice until you feel like you want to scream. It's a great book and a marvelous read.
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Summary: Better than I expected....
Review: I must admit-- I'm trying not to read Oprah books. It's not that I have issues with her selections...I just wonder what the true motives are. Anyway. I picked up While I Was Gone because I wanted some light summer reading. I was pleasantly surprised. I found myself finding every excuse to just relax and read. I wanted to find out what would happen to Jo, and if she would discover the truth behind Dana's murder. I must admit, I was a little disappointed with the ending, but all in all, it was an enjoyable read.
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Summary: While who was gone?
Review: Aside from the title which i still don't quite get, I found this book to be a successful psychological puzzle of it's main character, Jo Becker. About the past and it's mistakes, the present and its surprises, Jo is unexpectedly taken back to a time thirty years ago when she runs into an old friend at the practise where she works as a veterinarian. Suddenly confronted with the past causes her to relive that time, to question the mysteries and mourn the losses. Just when she is regaining ground, she is hit with another piece of information that puts her in a very difficult position and she is forced to make a decision that will effect her marriage, her life and also that life she led thirty years ago. Entirely unpredictable and very thought-provoking, this book is, most of all, about forgiveness and retribution. I would say a great summer book to read.
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