White Oleander : A Novel

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Summary: a woman's search for herself
Review: I loved this book. Not only did I grow up in Hollywood, attending the very the schools Ingrid went to I can thoroughly identify with her journey. I just had forgotten how difficult it was to find myself in,through and inspite of my mother. I, like Ingrid took bits and pieces from my mother to assimilate into my personna, and yet it was the many other people in my growing up years that helped to complete the picture. White Oleaner is written in a style which is painfully honest for all women who have had difficulty with their mothers and perhaps with what they want to be as reflected in their mother's eyes. Ingrid's disfunctional and at times pathetically cruel mother was a catalyst for her to search and look into herself through the looking glass of others reflected into becomming a woman clearly and wholely herself. A great read. Cathy Breese, Lake Forest, California

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Summary: Provacative, disturbing and well written!!!
Review: An interesting, provactive, distrubing and beautifully well written tale. Ms. Fitch first book shows a wonderful lyrical talent for weaving together a story. I look forward to her growth as an author and await her next book with great anticipation!

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Summary: A good writer in need of a good editor
Review: Janet Fitch definitely can spin her words. Her command of the language and ability to craft clever metaphors is very impressive. But, like many writers who love showing off their talents, she doesn't always know when less is more. The endless commentary about the hot Southern California climate is the most egregious example of her inability to know when to pull back. In terms of plot, the endless trials and tribulations of the main character, Astrid, started piling up so fast that it strained credibility after a while. With the guidance of a stronger editor, this story could have been so much better. It's definitely a page-turner, but one that is ultimately disappointing when you think of what it might have been with a bit more restraint.

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Summary: A very moving story!
Review: I loved this book! I found Janet Fitchs' writing style to be mesmerizing! It will change the way you think about foster care and make you want to reach out and do something. And to the readers who found it depressing and the ending a let-down, well, shame on you! If you want boring sappy happy stories try Danielle Steele! I found the end was a perfect closing to a beautiful story that reads like a song.

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Summary: Oprah's best pick yet
Review: Not since "The Deep End of the Ocean" have I enjoyed an Oprah pick more. With the first paragraph, I was immediately drawn into the story of Astrid, a vulnerable but strong girl dealing with a troubled mother and then surviving the foster care system. This was such a touching story, so beautifully told. A perfect book to read this summer.

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Summary: Realistic and engrossing
Review: I bought this without having heard any reviews, and didn't know it was an 'Oprah' book. I could not put it down. I have met children that have the insight and emotional intensity of Astrid. I have met selfish mothers like Ingrid. It seems that most of the negative reviews here are from people who don't like the fact that this is not a 'happy' book, or who don't think a child could respond and feel like Astrid, or who wanted a better ending. Well, life is not always happy, women don't always respond the way we would want them to. To me the ending was realistic, not contrived.

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Summary: A great book. I couldn't put it down.
Review: I really liked White Oleander. The main character was interesting and dynamic. The book, overall, was well written and a good story. It wasn't uplifting, but it was still definitly worth reading.

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Summary: Facinating!!
Review: When Oprah announced the book I was thrilled! Her excitement about the book drew me to it. I had already ordered it as I do for each month, but was glad to hear it would be such an intriging novel. I found the story not only entertaining and lyrical, but I found it heartwarming and I felt myself feeling Astrids pain and joys! I loved how she adapted to each of her foster homes and how she became stronger with each placement. I think many would be amazed that what she went through IS what many go through in the foster care system. I hope not, but I believe that it probably is true to some. The ending left you wondering it was not packaged up in a tidy bow which so many think all books should have. Life does not happen that way so why should a novel? Thank you Janet Finch for a great read!!

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Summary: A spell-binding look at the development of the female soul.
Review: I can't put this book down. The story is horrific in some ways, but REAL in a way that I think will hit home with most American women. I love the character development and the style of the book. It is well paced and well written. Ms. Fitch is obviously incredibly bright, and probably has a checkered past of her own -- because she makes the protagonist, Astrid, very vivid and true to life. A very interesting look at the value we place on children and the horrors of the foster care system. Bravo!

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Summary: Oprah redeems herself
Review: Upon reading the reviews of others, I really feel that those who didn't love this book were the ones who were turned off by it's language and intensity. It is complex and startling both in content and writing style as it explores this jarring and often painful mother- daughter relationship. It was impossible to put down--not at all "depressing," but definately not "light". Ultimately though, we are dazzled by Astrid's fierce resilience. It is such a rewarding read if you can handle a story that isn't watered down to a Hallmark-esque comfy cozy level.