Ready or Not

Rating:
Summary: More than a love story
Review: Although a very good 'romantic' novel, this story goes much deeper than that. As a big-city American, I was initially intrigued because of the setting - a small town on the Canadian priairies. This is totally out of scope for anything I've ever experienced, and fortunately the author gives just enough details about everyday life in Nipawin to make me feel like I lived there. But even better, she gave me a sense of 'home', of what it's like to belong to a family - the importance of being in an environment of security, of feeling safe, and surrounded by those you love and who love you. In the end, it comes down to trust.

The relationship with Phil was simply part of that (aren't most of us looking for that perfect love?); Ms. Bleich does a good job of conveying the message that most of us are never fully complete until we do find that someone special. If we do, it's a treasure, but unfortunately it's not the norm.

The success of a novel, of course, ultimately rests on this question - is it a good story? It certainly is - "Ready or Not" flowed freely and was very easy to read; yet at the same time I could never predict what would happen next. It captured my attention enough that I thought about scenes in the book days after I read it.

More than anything else, this story made me think, and stirred up emotions about things that have happened in my own life The author wove all those aspects together in a story about a person's life, and she brought out the fact that all those aspects not only make us who we are but what we will be. I like stories that go deep in people's lives, that bring out all the complexities of a person's soul through the details of their lives and the web of relationships with friends, boyfriend, family. And the importance of home. If you liked "Anne of Green Gables" you'll love this one.

Rating:
Summary: More than a love story
Review: Although a very good `romantic' novel, this story goes much deeper than that. As a big-city American, I was initially intrigued because of the setting - a small town on the Canadian priairies. This is totally out of scope for anything I've ever experienced, and fortunately the author gives just enough details about everyday life in Nipawin to make me feel like I lived there. But even better, she gave me a sense of `home', of what it's like to belong to a family - the importance of being in an environment of security, of feeling safe, and surrounded by those you love and who love you. In the end, it comes down to trust.

The relationship with Phil was simply part of that (aren't most of us looking for that perfect love?); Ms. Bleich does a good job of conveying the message that most of us are never fully complete until we do find that someone special. If we do, it's a treasure, but unfortunately it's not the norm.

The success of a novel, of course, ultimately rests on this question - is it a good story? It certainly is - "Ready or Not" flowed freely and was very easy to read; yet at the same time I could never predict what would happen next. It captured my attention enough that I thought about scenes in the book days after I read it.

More than anything else, this story made me think, and stirred up emotions about things that have happened in my own life The author wove all those aspects together in a story about a person's life, and she brought out the fact that all those aspects not only make us who we are but what we will be. I like stories that go deep in people's lives, that bring out all the complexities of a person's soul through the details of their lives and the web of relationships with friends, boyfriend, family. And the importance of home. If you liked "Anne of Green Gables" you'll love this one.

Rating:
Summary: Ready or Not
Review: I have just finished reading the book "Ready or Not". I enjoyed it immensely. It was wonderful to be able to relate to the places in the book as I could envision myself in those very locations. Anticipation, drama, climax and resolution followed nicely in the story line and kept my interest to the very end.

Rating:
Summary: Ready or Not
Review: I truely enjoyed the book.It made the reader a part of the story.Good story line.It is not just a WOMENS book.My husband and 20 yr.old son also read it and enjoyed it.But I feel it should have a sequel to it.
Look forward to reading more of Ms.Bleich's books.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully Warm Reading
Review: Ready or Not is an easy, heartwarming story that is set in everyday life in rural Saskatchewan. The characters are easy to identify with, Maggie truly grabs your heart as she becomes your best friend, you feel what she feels.

The story is so ordinary and real that you cannot put the book down. You are immediately drawn into it and it holds you throughout the story.

One does not necessarily have to have the same experiences as the character to truly understand the experience. The emotions are portrayed so vividly - the trait of a great storyteller.

You will find yourself wondering how the characters are doing as you go about your daily activities. Maggie and the story of her journey will stay with you long after you have put the book away!

Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully Warm Reading
Review: Ready or Not is an easy, heartwarming story that is set in everyday life in rural Saskatchewan. The characters are easy to identify with, Maggie truly grabs your heart as she becomes your best friend, you feel what she feels.

The story is so ordinary and real that you cannot put the book down. You are immediately drawn into it and it holds you throughout the story.

One does not necessarily have to have the same experiences as the character to truly understand the experience. The emotions are portrayed so vividly - the trait of a great storyteller.

You will find yourself wondering how the characters are doing as you go about your daily activities. Maggie and the story of her journey will stay with you long after you have put the book away!

Rating:
Summary: A Positive Response
Review: This was a first - reading a book written by a friend. I really wanted to like this book and be able to give a positive response. I had no trouble. The story line carried me from cover to cover, with interest, curiosity and pleasure. I was taken right into the story with Ms. Bleich's descriptive powers of feelings, places, and things.
I look forward with great interest, and anticipation to Ms. Bleich's next novel.