Rating: 
Summary: Bad Choice - Oprah
Review: I tried to read this book about a month ago and couldn't get past the first 4 chapters. I am surprised that this made Oprah's list. Kinda makes me want to finish it but I'd really hate to invest the time and the book turns out to be a dud. Although Hamilton is one of my favorite writers this novel just didn't work for me. For a better view of Hamilton's talents check out The Book of Ruth or The Short History of a Prince. Both excellent reads.
Rating: 
Summary: Didn't meet my expectations
Review: I fell in love with The Book of Ruth and expected this book by Hamilton to reinforce my love of this writer. However, it took me two months to get through a book that it should have only taken me a week to read. I found it boring, with no direction. The best part of the book, I feel, was the section from Howard's point of view. The rest left much to be desired. I was disappointed today when I saw that Oprah had chosen this book.
Rating: 
Summary: one of the best authors ever
Review: I first read this book a few years ago and am excited that Oprah has chose it for a selection. I look forward to reading it again. Ms Hamilton is such a gifted writer. I was very upset with Alice while reading this book, she took her husband for granted. I was secretly in love with her husband because I too am married to a dairy farmer. I love the line where 'he milks golden gurnseys just because he likes the way it sounds when he says it.'He is truly an understanding husband to Alice. More then she deserves. I highly recommend this book and also the Book of Ruth by Ms Hamiltion. It too is excellent.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Read
Review: I read this book years ago, way, before Oprah put it on her list, and I have to say I thought it was a good book...it's difficult to say great book just because it is so sad. It's definitely the most depressing book I've ever read. But it's certainly worthy of reading. Unlike some of the other reviews, I thought it was a compelling story with interesting characters. And quite honestly I had an immense amount of pity for the main character.
Rating:
Summary: Exceptionally moving, harrowing, beautifully written
Review: So glad that Oprah has picked up this title! I've been recommending it to friends for several years. A definite on my personal "top 10" list. What I liked best was Hamilton's style, crafted so that I could really get the "My gawd! What must that be like?" feeling. Which is one reason I read anything at all. I continue to retain many moving feelings and images from this book.
Rating:
Summary: It is a spellbinding look at how life can drastically change
Review: I was intrigued at the efficient way the author lets us in on the most personal thoughts of these characters, their lives and how their whole world so suddenly changes direction. It is a reminder to all of us that life is not to take for granted and that we can all fall from grace.
Rating:
Summary: A Depressing Yet Powerful Story About Pain & Triumph
Review: This book began with many boring details as many books do, but developed in to an inspirational story of Alice's optimism. This book seems very real & we do not recommend reading if you deal with small chidren on an everyday basis. Overall very well written & a great book.
Rating:
Summary: Refuse to finish
Review: I started this book about a week ago. Usually, I can read a book this length in a day or two if it's interesting, and I find most books interesting. My daughter recommended this one. She loved it. Before finishing the book, I decided to check Amazon's reviews to see if it was just me or if other people hated the book. It seems to be one of those that you either love or hate. I'm finding it terribly depressing and boring. I don't care a whit for Alice or Howard or any of the characters.
Rating:
Summary: Sinclair Lewis meets Oprah
Review: This novel is really just an 'Oprahization' of the tradition of Babbitt, Main Street and Elmer Gantry--it's fundamentally a screed against the smothering hypocrisy of a midwestern town that fails to understand its most hip, sensitive residents. Frankly, Jane, it's been done, and without resorting to the emotionally manipulative story and characters you've concocted here.As several reviewers have mentioned, Hamilton is capable self-absorbed characters bring this book down, especially Alice's tedious expositions of just how *remarkably* sorry she is for herself. Also, the devices Hamilton uses to prove how her bohemian family stands out from the hoi polloi in that heartless (and obviously soul-less) Wisconsin backwater are both tiresome and ridiculous. The farm as an island of Eden in the subdivisions? Mommy's folk dances in the attic? Daddy's clarinet serenades to grieving, confused daughters? This stuff is fodder for the Simpsons!
Rating:
Summary: wonderfully written; abrasive and honest
Review: This book is absolutely incredible. Alice speaks with such candor, it actually seems the story comes to you straight from Alice's deepest thoughts, with absoutely no filter whatsoever. I really enjoyed that aspect. Ms. Hamilton is truly a gifted writer. If you can handle uncomfortable subject matter, this book is a must-read.
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