Rating: 
Summary: Oprah recommends a clunker
Review: I sometimes lose interest in books, but I usually finish them. And, when I actually pay to rent a book on tape, I am even more detemined. However, listening to "Mother of Pearl" was like an insurmountable chore. I lost count of the number of times I rewound tape in a useless attempt to refocus after zoning-out from boredom. I finally ejected the third (or was it the fourth?) tape after it had been playing senselessly for an entire side and dropped the tapes in the mail.What was wrong? Well, it certainly wasn't the reader - she was giving it her best despite the material. There were just too many characters and too many details thrown at me right from the start that had me thinking that I had better pay attention or I would end up missing something significant. Paying attention was no easy task, either, because there was nothing going on to capture my interest. The characters were dull, the events convoluted, and the story - if there was a story - was pointless. I was already well into the first half of the book, I had 7-8 more tapes to go - and I had no idea what the story was supposed to be about. I couldn't even keep the characters straight. It was more like trying to study for an algebra exam than enjoying an escape into the world of fiction. So, why did I pick this book when I didn't even know what the story was about? Well, I picked "Mother of Pearl" was because it was one of Oprah's recommendations. I've read "White Oleander", "The Pilot's Wife", "Songs in Ordinary Times", "Black and Blue", "Deep End of the Ocean" and "Map of the World". I really liked every single one of them. And, "The Rapture of Cannan" is perhaps one of the best books I've ever read. As for "Mother of Pearl"? Well, I can't even say that it was the worse book I've ever read because I couldn't even finish it.
Rating: 
Summary: I never wanted it to end!
Review: I read all of Oprah's picks and I put off reading this one because of others opinions being negative. I regret ever waiting - I can not wait for this author to write another book. I became so engrossed in all the characters lives and how they all became connected by the end. The fact that they developed such loving relationships in spite of their race touched my heart as no other book ever has.
Rating:
Summary: I didn't want it to end!
Review: Well, you don't really need another review of this book, but I wanted to put in a vote on the positive side. I enjoyed the variety of characters and how they all came together.. I was taken to that time and place and didn't want to leave. One of those books I'm sorry I've finished reading.
Rating:
Summary: Horrible read
Review: I did something I NEVER do when reading a book. I PUT IT DOWN, and I refused to finish it. It was a tedious story with far too many characters that the author could not sucessfully tie togerther. Not only did I find the writing to be unbearable, it was also full of the worst kind of human suffering. I gave it one star because I had to give it something, and after reading a few of Oprah's picks I have come to the conclusion that they are all the same. They are stories of horrible human suffering, unrealistic circumstances, and just plain horrible reads. I enjoy a good read as much as any avid reader but I cannot comprehend what pleasure anyone could find in this book. So I guess I will chalk this purchase up to poor judgment and toss it in the trash. Sorry, I won't be reading any works by Ms. Haynes and no more Oprah picks for me.
Rating:
Summary: get a clue
Review: If you didn't like this book, you didn't get it. I'd recommend further schooling.
Rating:
Summary: Book Club averaged 8++
Review: Views were polarized between members. We had 2 members who rated it at less or equal to 2, and 5 members who rated it at 9+. Concensus of those who rated it 9+ was that there was definite connection to the characters; it was hard to believe that this was Haynes' first book. Her ability to write so that the reader could visualize was excellent; in most cases during most passages, readers all felt as though they were right there, experiencing events along with the characters. Haynes offered universal truths through Canaan, Joody, Even and Valuable and the book was absolutely "rich". My own experience with this book gives it a 9.5; I was taken with many of the characters. I was saddened by Luvenia's father - he had what seemed to be a God-believing spirit and yet to have been a murdering member of the KKK; and Joody's insight into what made up a "six-sided woman", her relationship with Even Grade, and my wondering as to whether or not I was or am a six-sided woman myself, along with her insight into Luvenia and her lack of understanding of the "fluids". Joody had intuitive insight into the importance of fluids (e.g., Valuable's birth and her "marking" the quilt - so insightful). I was taken with the stupidity, ignorance and prejudice of Beryn; the beauty of Beryn's sister Louise, her manner and her eventual relationship with the mortician; with the wonder of Joleb - who he was (so overcome with feeling the responsibility of the deaths of those he loved) and who he became through his relationship with Valuable and with Russ; the relationship between Valuable and Jackson and the beauty it held - their child relationship and it's evolution into a love relationship (and the repercussions of who they were to each other); the ties between Grace, Valuable, and Joleb - Totally unexpected. THIS IS A GREAT BOOK! Although this book is difficult to get into and to settle into it's cadence, it is well worth the challenge. There is "stretch" in reading this book, and Haynes pulls it together beautifully and with such visualization that i hated to have it end. This is probably one of the best books (in my own estimation) that our book club has read. I would encourage you to read it, enjoy it, and to fall in love with all of the characters. (One question that the club had was left unanswered. Therefore, if anyone has any insight into the pigs and their significance, please let us and everyone else know . . . these visions were one of the few confusing elements.) Beautifully written in my estimation and emotionally draining for me. I hated for it to end. Excellent read!
Rating:
Summary: Mother of Pearl
Review: AAURRGHH! Will this TEDIOUS story ever end! I have put this book down twice vowing never to pick it up again - and I rarely give up on a book... The author uses far too many rambling metaphors. The story gets completely lost in non-essential information.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful reading experience, Melinda Haynes is remarkable
Review: I was thoroughly engrossed in the characters Melinda Haynes brought to my life. She not only is eloquent but manages to convey an earthiness and humananity to each of her characters.
Rating: 
Summary: mother of pearl
Review: This book was hard to get interested in. The story line seemed to jump around.Only after all the characters were introduced did the story line begin to emerge. After a very difficult beginning I really enjoyed reading the rest of the book. It was also interesting because I am from the area where the story takes place.
Rating:
Summary: Spectacular! Pure Prose!
Review: I loved this book. It was a little slow getting started, but by page 48 I was copying quotes I loved into my quote notebook. The characters were heartbreakingly alive and real. I couldn't put it down until I found out what happened to Valuable Korner, Joody Two Sun and Even Grade. I was sad when the book ended. A fabulous read. I highly recommend it. It was awesome.
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