At Home in Mitford (The Mitford Years)

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Summary: For better or for worse, this is Disney for adults!
Review: I bought all four books because they came so highly recommended. There is a charm to them, but the events are predictable and the character development is virtually nil. Still, because they are a sort of fictional "hot milk," the Mitford books make nice nighttime reading. Seriously, I've used them to put me to sleep after a stress-filled day. Because of that, I've given several as gifts to friends recuperating from surgery, divorces, etc.! P.S. There should be a warning on the Mitford books, though -- I had no idea the books would be filled with Christian dogma, which did not bother me but which may offend some people.

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Summary: I'm glad I didn't buy the whole series.
Review: When I got to page 215, I called a friend for encouragement. "When is something going to happen in this book?," I asked. She talked me into finishing the book, but let's just say I was glad when it was over. I have a variety of complaints. I was disappointed that Jan Karon didn't delve more into the spiritual and religious life of the main character, Father Tim. I think she was afraid she might offend "mainstream America," by going deeper into the underlying religious theme of this book. Big mistake in my opinion. Her fear denied me the substance I was desparately seeking. I would have liked to have heard more about Fr. Tim's sermons and the spiritual direction he offered his parishioners. And how unlikely it was that Father Tim never attended any vestry meetings. Hmm. I also got bogged down in the endless detail and slang. I didn't like Cynthia much, and I never warmed toward her. She just didn't feel "real" to me. I could also tell that this story was originally a newspaper column because it was incredibly choppy. There were no real "chapters," per se, only blocks of dialogue. This was very disconcerting to me. Lastly, did we really need to hear about the corn in Dooley's dumps? Good grief. This having been said, there is only one good thing I can say about the book, and this is the only reason I made it through all 446 pages. It's simple - I liked Father Tim's character. He was intelligent and kind, and seemed grounded at all times. I liked him very much personally. I especially liked the way he grew throughout the novel; he was a changed man at the end. It appears, however, that I am the minority. Out of the 7 people in my book group who read this book, only two of us didn't like it. C'est la vive. Signed, a reader in South Lake Tahoe, California.

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Summary: The choices you make shape your life
Review: After the depressing, cynical realism of much contemporary fiction, I was utterly smitten by At Home in Mitford. It didn't look exciting at first, but the more I read, the more I couldn't stop reading. It is utter delight! Quite like eating popcorn or going for a walk on a crisp spring day! If you want a book with good values, the "milk of human kindness", clean humor, hope and simplicity, read this book. I loved its pace. It ambled. It felt like I was experiencing daily life with ordinary people; but, because Mitford is such a sweet magical place, I never wanted it to end. I was also touched by the way characters made choices that changed their lives, especially Homeless Hobbes and George Gaynor. Awesome! Read this book if you want to remember that life can be charming, simple, meaningful and lovely. If anyone else loved this book and can recommend similar books, please let me know. Thanks!

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Summary: Mitford is the Mayberry of the 90's
Review: Simpler times, simple caring people, slower pace, lessons for all of us. No this book and rest of the series are not great literature, but they are works that remind us of a different lifestyle, one to which i think most people would be drawn, but its not "cool" to admit this in many circles today. Jan Karon has struck a chord in those of us willing to "fess up" that we loved the Andy Griffith Show and the we all wish we had friends like those in Mitford.

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Summary: Home-grown spirituality!
Review: I have fallen in love with the simple way of life in Mitford, as well as the goodness of the characters portrayed. It is refreshing to read a story that is intriguing and exciting without explicit violence, sex, murder, and profanity. It has renewed my spirituality and has reminded me of what is important in life.

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Summary: Get ready for a treat!
Review: Anyone who is looking for car crashes, sex and murder should stay away from this wonderful book. It is a glorious change of pace from the "contains explicit sex and language" tomes that permeate our bookshelves. One should enter the world of Mitford with the expectation that everything will turn out alright, and sometimes turns out wonderfully. Yes, it's a bit of a fantasy, but isn't that what real reading is all about? I loved this gently paced, thoughtful book and look forward to reading the remaining four novels in the series. Father Tim and his village are real to me when I curl up in bed at night and escape. Anyone who feels as I do will also enjoy the Miss Read series, again, small village life but in England. Take me away!!!!

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Summary: Dull, Dull, Dull
Review: I love series style books and wanted to love this one too. However, it was so slow, so dull, so nothing. I read to page 106 and couldn't take it anymore. The story is just bits & pieces. I never grew to care about any of the characters. I dont know what the fuss is about.

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Summary: Ms. Karon's reading gives a lovely touch, but...
Review: I enjoyed the cassette version on At home In Mitford read by Ms Karon. Unfortunately it is abridged and looses some from the whole book in the process. I will buy my own copy when it is available unabridged.

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Summary: A heartwarming story that leaves you wanting more!
Review: It was worth reading if only to meet Barnabas! Jan Karon has created a town of wonderfully realistic small town characters that makes one yearn for the more simple times when neighbors were neighborly and when people had morals and convictions. I felt as if I had actually visited Mitford and even moreso wishing I could live there. The irony is that shortly before I began reading Karon's novel, I found myself with a stray much like Barnabas. I am however, still trying to get him to respond to scripture! I anxiously anticipate reading the future volumes in the Mitford series.

Rating:
Summary: Bland beyond belief
Review: I had such expectations for this series, hoping for a good readable story without all the unsavory things that turn up in books these days. Well--lucky for me that I checked the first one out of the library and did not waste my money. The characters are flat, two-dimensional, and do not think or speak as real human beings. I was stumbling through, forcing down a few pages each night, but after the insufferable brat Dooley appeared with his "poop" obsession, I gladly gave this one back to the library. Everything in this book is lame--characterization, dialogue, plot (if there is one). This one is bland beyond hope.