At Home in Mitford (The Mitford Years)

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Summary: A Refreshing Book for the Heat of Summer
Review: The Mitford series had been recommended by my cousin and several friends. I finally bought a copy and couldn't put it down. Several of the reviewers complained about the 1950's style characters; they are part of the appeal. It is refreshing to read a book without all the sex and violence that are usually found in so many books today. At Home in Mitford reminded me of Cold Sassy Tree, Fried Green Tomatoes, and even parts of To Kill a Mockingbird. I can't wait to read the rest in the series, and I hope that Jan Karon is planning on many more.

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Summary: Absolutely delightful!
Review: "At Home in Mitford" is full of wonderful and engaging characters. It's also full of uplifting spiritual references and ramblings. Not only did I fall in love with the characters, but also I found myself wanting to be a better person when I had finished the book. Get this book and have a great time!

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Summary: A easy gentle read - nice vacation from a stressed out world
Review: This is a book I can give my mother to read. I liked the cover - it reminded me of a 5'th grade reader from the 50's, and the book seemed like a world from the 50's that slipped into the 90's. I didn't worry about how PC it was, or if it wasn't intellectual enough, reading it felt like watching a "Seventh Heaven" marathon on a lazy Sunday with a hangover. Most of these posters seems to have forgotton that there was misery, low-lifes, and some real bad guys in the book, but it was like you were looking at it through a telescope, (Like most of us do) instead of being immersed in it (no thanks). I look forward to the rest of the series, but I want to read something substantial before I have more "dessert".

Rating:
Summary: a refreshing treat
Review: I've been drawn to the Mitford series each time I visit a bookstore in search of a new read. I finally took my chances (funny how I think only Oprah can pick a book these days) and bought the book. I read it in 3 days and loved every minute of it. Not being a religous person I found the religion to be uplifting and non-invasive. Jan Karon needs to keep writing this lovely series. To all the people who said it was sickening sweet, well stick with Oprah, she can pick a depressing book at any given time. Lighten up and enjoy a funny, heart warming book.

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Summary: Wonderful, clean, I have read it 4 times & will read again.
Review: I have read all 4 Midford books 4 times and am anxiously waiting for a new one. These are well written and if there were such a place as Mitford, I would enjoy living there and knowing these people. Three cheers for Jan Karon.

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Summary: Fairytales from the bible-belt
Review: For a liberally minded European living in a large city this book was a strange experience. Yes, I felt drawn into the lives of the people of Mitford and it is a pleasure to read. But you have to deal with religious fairytales or propaganda like "prayers always help", at least for the characters in this book, who get healed against all odds (what about the prayers for those who didn't make it is a question that never arises here). Some behavior seemingly normal in Mitford would be considered on the verge of lunatic fringe where I live. So this book at least gives an interesting insight (correctly or not) into the thinking and feeling of a part of the U.S.

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Summary: Exceptional reading for all ages
Review: This book, and all the following books in the Mitford series are absolutely wonderful. It is so pleasant to sit and read a book without violence, anger, sex, drugs, etc. It lifts your soul, reminds you of the sweetness of love, and keeps you wanting more. A "Must Read" for everyone.

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Summary: I haven't read such refreshing fiction in years!
Review: Jan Karon is a master at characterization. Not only are her characters real, so is the life that surrounds them. I got such a feel for what Miss Sadie's house was like, with her in it; what the Rectory was like with all its guests and wares; what the church office was like and not to mention the Grill. I loved every ounce of this book because it is such a beautiful composition of beauty, grace and relationship. At odd moments, I would find myself thinking of Mitford. Once while I was talking to a friend as I was leaving a party, I thought to myself,"Tonight I want to go to Mitford." So I picked up the book and kept reading til I was nearly done! The peace and healing that is in this book is immeasurable and it gave me a real sense of how we all stop, others begin and how God steps in.

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Summary: Thank you Jan Karon!
Review: Finally someone has had the guts to write a novel without any violence, bad language or graphic sex. I actually shared this novel (actually the whole series) not just with my mother, but with my ninety year old grandmother as well. Kudos to Ms. Karon for creating delightful characters in lieu of the usual commercial trappings.

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Summary: Sweet and charming story.
Review: For all those who indicated this is unrealistic you obviously don't live in the South. These characters are much more real to me than many other characters out of popular fiction. I am a 29 year old woman who can relate well to Cynthia and Father Tim, Dooley, Puny, and Miss Sadie. Who doesn't know a meddlesome, irritable Emma Newland? There are those of us who still value honesty, integrity, faithfulness and love for God and community. These are not values from the 50's. They are still alive and well in the 90's. Thank you Jan Karon for giving us a beautiful story to remind us of the simple pleasures of life and to inspire us to treasure our relationships.