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Summary: Atticus: CM and CD
Review: The book "Atticus" was very exciting. The main problems of the book though are the begining and end. In the begining the author starts off with explaining who Aticus is and what he does. The way he does this really drags on. Then the story starts to take off when Atticus gets news of his son Scott. He supposedly committed suicide in Resurrection, Mexico. Atticus goes there and when looks deep into the mystery of his son's death, begins to suspect murder. Throughout the story the reader follows the plights of Atticus in seach of the truth about his son. I was captivated through all most of the book but then the end comes. The end of the book wasn't that great. I belive that it didn't really sum up the whole story in the conclusion. The story was and is very enjoyable, though. I recommend reading this novel to anyone who likes reading a quality book.
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Summary: Incredible writing, thin plot.
Review: Very well written, in particular Scott's diary. But I found the story to be lacking somehow. It had a beginning, a middle and an end, but it lacked meat.
Rating:
Summary: A Qualified "4"
Review: This was a good, but not great, book. I would have given it a 3.5 if that rating was available. I loved the theme of forgiveness of the prodigal son, but the mystery part of the story left me wanting. I wish this talented author had used a vehicle other than a murder mystery to explore the limits of forgiveness and unconditional love for a child by a parent. I feel that using this "vehicle" diluted the impact that the book could have had. I sometimes had a hard time with the way characters were introduced and often had to page back through the book to find out what was going on. Regarding Scott's mental illness: no reference was made to whether or not he got any help after the car accident. If he didn't get help, was that accident the cause of his mental problems? No mention is made of any mental illness before that incident. Another thing that was hard to understand: Without the rifle, there would be no story. Yet why would Frank give someone like Scott a rifle? Hansen's description of Scott's thoughts while he was high were breathtaking. I felt as though I were in his body/mind. Very scary. A pitiful life. Atticus' feelings toward his wayward, prodigal son were very close to the mark, especially in the last paragraph. How love for a person and total disappointment in that same person can co-exist is not something easily understood by a lot of people. Or how you can keep on giving someone like Scott one chance after another. I found that some of the plotting was very thin and there were strings of unconnected events that had no relation to the story. Meanderings. I liked the way the issues of responsibility were raised and written about by Hansen. The reason I am glad I read this book, despite what I perceive as its flaws, is that it gave me food for thought. I think that we all need to occassionally examine our feelings about forgiveness and "getting even". About how love can be healthy and/or unhealthy. About responsiblity and blame.
Rating: 
Summary: Superb wtiting
Review: "Atticus" was the first book I've ever read by Ron Hansen, and it was a treat indeed. The characters are well-drawn, and the father and son relationship is touching. Hansen's writing flows so freely, and he is able to say in a few words what most authors of today take pages and pages to say. I also enjoyed the mystery that this novel provided, and I am looking forward to reading more works of this very talented author.
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Summary: One of the Best
Review: This book has become one that I will love to read time and again! Ron Hansens's writing style in this novel is incredible! This story has a wonderful "flow" that keeps you captivated and the characters (especially Scott) just seems to reach out wrap themselves around your soul.
Rating:
Summary: Well written
Review: A wonderful novel by an author I'd never read before. The relationship between the father and the prodigal son was right on. The story unfolded exactly as it should have. Atticus is a character I will not soon forget.
Rating:
Summary: Worthwhile Read
Review: I had never heard of Ron Hansen until I happened upon an article about him in the San Francisco Chronicle. I was intrigued by his spartan surroundings (he was pictured in his residence with only a crucifix on the wall for adornment), spiritual focus, and spare lifestyle. I found that "Atticus" was written with the sparse and discriptive prose so reminiscent of Steinbeck. The religious overtones found in this book also reminded me of Steinbeck. I loved the beauty of Hansen's writing more than the story line, although I did find his use of an elderly father as the main character a refreshing change. For those who cherish a writer who can provide vivid imagery using few words, this book is for you!
Rating:
Summary: Well-written, even if implausible
Review: This was a very enjoyable read, though the string of hunches and coincidences that led Atticus to discover what had happened to Scott overstrained my credulity and the Reinhardt Schmidt character seemed a little thin. I found the depiction of the combined redemptive power of unconditional parental love and clear-sighted parental judgment to be uplifting.
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Summary: A Fantastic Novel--Read This One!
Review: I first read Hansen's "Mariette in Ecstasy" back in high school (not for a class) and fell in love with his writing style. Well, that was 7 years ago, and I finally got my chance to read "Atticus" and what can I say? Every word, every page, was captivating. I felt so involved in the story, the setting, and the characters, but mostly I was incredibly moved by the sheer emotion contained in the pages. Rarely have I actually hugged a book when I finished reading it as I did with "Atticus." This is one I intend to read and re-read. For those of you who didn't enjoy it, I don't know what to tell you. You have your tastes and I have mine, but perhaps you missed the point. I suggest a second look. For anyone thinking about buying this book, DO IT! You won't regret it.
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Summary: The Best Mystery I Have Ever Read
Review: This is the first book of Hanson's that I have read and I fell in love with it within the first 30 pages.Hanson brilliantly describes the events that happen in Ressurreccion, Mexico from two points-of-view, which makes this a book that one must read once more after finishing it the first time. This book is so well-written, that it has inspired me to read Mariette in Ecstacy. In my opinion, five stars isn't enough to rate this book.I would also like to suggest this as a book to teach for a class, since this was a book that I read as part of a class and it made it that much better.
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