Rating: 
Summary: A Slice of Wonderful Life
Review: What a stunning book! I have devoured all the others, and this one pleased me as much or more. I loved the different viewpoints, similar to, but different from Poisonwood Bible. I liked the way the people through whose eyes we saw the story gradually moved closer and closser together, and yet the story was left open-ended. It did get a little preachy or textbooky in a few spots, but overall, the points were well made and the story was well-told and believable. The characters were likeable, sympathetic, realistic and believable. I wanted to move down there immediately and become a part of their lives and was sad when the story ended. Because of the open ending however, I was able to keep on living this lush and wonderful story. Not everything that happened was likable, but who among us is perfect? The characters grow and learn from their mistakes. Maybe I loved it because I felt that I could have been Deanna, and to this day, I would protect the coyotes. And do.
Rating: 
Summary: One of my favorites...but something missing
Review: Have you ever read a wonderful book and then been disappointed with the ending? I have read all of Barbara Kingsolver's books and LOVED every one. This one was was no exception...but how I wish the ending weren't left so unresolved! Is there a sequel? You could probably guess the things that are left unsaid but it's still disappointing when a book suddenly ends with what seems like the last 5 pages missing.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed
Review: After devouring Poisonwood Bible, I was so excited to see this new novel appear. It was a great disappointment. It is very disjointed, not affording full character development. I did learn quite a bit about insects, but that was not my purpose in purchasing this book.
Rating: 
Summary: BlaBlaBla
Review: I was so disappointed in this book. After Poisonwood Bible I was expecting rich characters, exciting plots and a direction. In this book, I found a lecture on the biology of ecology, or she took someone's research and tried to fit it into a novel. I almost quit after the 4th chapter but decided that she would go somewhere with this at the end - tie it all up or weave it together. Nothing like that happened. Dont bother to finish if you get bored at the beginning. It doesnt get better. A waste of my time.
Rating:
Summary: Not My Favorite
Review: I was disappointed in this story. Poisonwood Bible is a favorite of mine so I was looking forward to Prodigal Summer. I liked some of it but most of it I found annoying. Are only females allowed to be the strong ones? The men in the story seemed evil, weak or dead. Mostly they followed the scent of a woman like animals without any ideas of a relationship or love.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome!
Review: This book was really great. I read it from a book list for school. I am an eigth grader in Sacramento, CA, and last year I read Poisonwood Bible. At first I didn't want to read this book because it seemed too environmentalist/naturalist for me, but then I got a gift certificate and got it anyway. It was so good! It was realistic and taught about the earth without seeming too preachy and too much like a textbook. Lusa really brought the story to life for me because she was so real! She seemed so much like some people I know that I thought that this book actually could happen, and it was refreshing to read such a wonderful book.
Rating:
Summary: I'll never look at the world the same again!
Review: Intelligently written and researched, the author imparts knowledge with a flair that takes you on a journey through three main scenarios that she ties together skillfully, leaving you not only enlightened but entertained.The main theme is ecology and environmentalism. It is presented through the eyes of Deanna, a park ranger, studying the return of coyotes to the Zebulon National Park in the Appalachian Mountains. Then there is Nannie Rawly who owns the largest organic apple orchard in the valley below and has a cantankerous old man for a neighbor who isn't happy unless he has a gallon of pesticides in hand. Finally there is the story of Lusa, a city girl and only child, who marries a farmer with a large family that views her as an outsider. Kingsolver takes these characters and weaves a beautiful tale that unfolds with grace and ease. This book has a bit of everything, love, loss, courage to face the odds, and even a bit of lust. I am amazed at the way the author left me thinking about the balance of nature and how any given action has a world of consequences in the grand scheme of things. She shows both sides of the spectrum leaving you with a feeling of justice requited. An impressive book and certainly worth the time.
Rating:
Summary: Poetry in Nature
Review: I will begin by admitting that I am a complete Barbara Kingsolver fan. I have read every book, short story, and essay that she has written, and I believe that she is, without question, the finest writer of this generation. Prodigal Summer exceeded all my expectations. Kingsolver's command of her subject matter, which makes it seem as though each of her characters is somehow autobiographical, is amazing. Is there anything--from Native American culture to African politics to the delicate balance of nature--that she doesn't know? But it is her command of the English language that is so entrancing. Prodigal Summer is prose as poetry: full and flowing and meant to be read out loud so that each sentence can be savored. Read it and share it with someone you love.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting on many levels
Review: Although I wouldn't say this is my favorite Kingsolver novel, it is another one that is definitely worth reading. I love her ability to intertwine science and nature with compelling stories of human interaction. The intersection of the three stories marvelously reflects her general theme throughtout that no species is an island.
Rating:
Summary: Prodigal Summer
Review: I have enjoyed reading this new novel by Kingsolver. Unlike other authors who find a good thing and stay with it, she succeeded at using the English language like an art form that will transform your mind to feel the story. The type of story this was required you to "feel". There needed to be a story of this magnitude to invite her audience to remember their childhood and if this wasn't in their childhood, it might open some doors to those who have had them closed. There was certainly a perspective that was brought to my attention. Thanks for a wonderful read.
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