Heartbreak Hotel

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Summary: I Loved this book when at Auburn 1980
Review: I picked up this book at school not realizing it would be about Auburn. More than 20 years latter I still have it. It was the first time I read a book about the area I was in and it started a Love of that kind of story and of the author's writing. I think it is a great story for a girl at college to enjoy and really think about.

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Summary: May be set in 50's, but coming-of-age story is timeless
Review: My daughter and I enjoyed this book very much. I read it first, and passed it on. I could see so many similarities with the experiences and feelings my daughter was relating to me during her first year in college. Maggie may be a young woman of the 1950's, but the issues and events she has to cope with are as real for today's young women. I especially loved the "historical" details of the life of the 1950's young woman - it took me back to those days - and it all rang so true. Catherine Paull

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Summary: Badly dated exploration of a silly young woman's adventures
Review: This book was one of the most ridiculous things I ever read. Hated it completely. Characters are silly, patronizing sterotypes and the main character is particularly annoying. Despite pretentions to soulful passion for a cause, Maggie's actions seem driven by impulsive, childish dramatics. Odd to have a book about integration without one Black character who rose above Gone with the Wind/noble savage status.

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Summary: Loved it!!!!!!
Review: This is one of my favorites of Siddons! I really related to the main character Maggie, how she goes off to college, matures and slowly begins forming her own opinions on issues. My favorite novels are those of characters who strongly voice their opinions, especially when it's controversial. I loved Aiken and how she pushed Maggie to be a better person by taking off her rose colored glasses and forcing her to open her eyes and really see the world around her...everyone should have a best friend that guides you to grow and reach the potential they've seen in you all along. I highly recommend this book, run out and get it now!!!

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Summary: Very emotional, absolutely wonderful
Review: This story takes place at Randolph University, which is Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. I live in Auburn and it is very emotional to read this book and realize that things like this did happen here. This is the one book that opened my eyes to what racial integration was really like. Some of the passages are so powerful that I had to reread them to get the full impact. Maggie is forced to make decisions that will change her life forever and before this book I could not comprehend the extremes of emotion that people were going through. Anyone remotely interested in the South or integration should read this book.