Rating: 
Summary: One of my favorites
Review: I love how this book takes a bunch of different story threads, follows them in a compelling way with great summer symbolism and language, and then manages to tie them together in a subtle, meaningful, non-cheesy way. This is my favorite Barbara Kingsolver book, and actually one of my favorite books of all time.
Rating:
Summary: Enviroment for the masses
Review: sensual and earthy, this is a book about nature and people. even though, I am an earth friendly person, I dont consider myself an enviromentalist and I felt very sympathetic about many of the issues that enviromentalist support. Kingsolver weaves plot and ecology or maybe biology in a swift blend that is hard not to understand. Nature is about everything from sex to love of ones child. I love this book. I could not put it down and once I finished I couldnt wait to lend it to friend.
Rating: 
Summary: Kingsolver is an incredible writer, highly recommended
Review: Wow. This was one of the best books I've read in quite a while. Kingsolver demonstrates an amazing eye for detail, a wealth of knowledge about biology and wildlife, and a keen understanding of human frailties, shortcomings and desires. This novel was funny, sad and triumphant, all in one. I loved it. [...] I think the three stories (Deanna, Lusa & Garnett) were very clearly linked. At the close of the novel, all three characters had been changed and affected by their relationships with 'significant others' in their lives. This follows with Kingsolver's theme that we are all interconnected (with each other, with nature, and with our environments) and that "solitude is a human presupposition." One of the additional themes in this novel is effectively coming to terms with the past, and learning to let go. I think that Kingsolver did an excellent job in interweaving the story with nature and the animal kingdom (the bee inside the ladies' slipper, the hawks mating in air, the luna moths, the honeysuckle, the snake that ate the baby birds in their nest, etc.) This novel also touches on the fact that death is a natural part of life, and that life always springs back (the return of spring, the honeysuckle, Lusa gets to have children via Jewel's kids, the American chestnut tree, Eddie Bondo is gone, but in his place is a new life, the coyote pups, etc.) To those who say this book was too preachy: I didn't think so, but to each his own. I think Kingsolver makes some interesting points regarding wildlife and the nature of extinction versus survival, but I didn't think it was preachy. I would highly recommend this novel--you won't regret it. This book is amazing.
Rating: 
Summary: She's Written Much Better
Review: If anyone else had written this book, I would have given it 4 stars, but it was such a disappointment after just finishing Poisonwood Bible, that I can't even give it that.I felt like the three different stories that are interwoven don't relate to each other all that well. I suppose they are different kinds of love, but it didn't work for me. While the stories didn't quite relate, the three female voices sounded too similar to each other. It was like three identical triplets born at different times with slightly different backgrounds and identical political beleifs were the female lead characters. They were not nearly as complicated and conflicted as characters in her previous works. Also, her characters were preachy. And I even believe most of what they were preaching. Anyway, it wasn't as bad as I made it sound. The characters were pretty likeable and Kingsolver is an amazing writer. Her details put you right into southern Appalachia. If I had it to do over again, I would still read it, but I would borrow it from my mom rather than pay $ for it.
Rating:
Summary: A different kind of novel
Review: This novel is a departure from Kingsolver's usual style, but I think it works, too. It's more of a love story than her other novels, more sappy. I think the image of the moths finding each other by scent in order to mate is one of the most striking images of love that I've ever read, though. Kingsolver's signature style does make its appearances, even in this different kind of book.
Rating:
Summary: I didn't want to read it to fast
Review: This book was so beautiful I didn't want it to end. Usually when I get engrossed in a book I can't put it down, but this book made me want to save it for later, savor it, and just plain relish it by reading it as slowly as I could. The lightly interwoven stories of Deanna, Lusa, and Garnett utilize some of the most graceful language I have ever read. It was all pure prose, almost poetic. It was also extremely sensual, while not being overly explicit or sexual, which is a rare find. This is a great book to read during a nice long, lazy summer, sitting in the woods somewhere with life humming all around you.
Rating:
Summary: listed to this book on audio - couldnt' wait to get back!
Review: after listening to this book on tape in the car everyday, I was sad the book ended...I wanted to find out more what happened to all the characters..they were all facscinating, especially Nanny Rawley. What a great book!!! More please!!
Rating:
Summary: Prodigal Summer
Review: Prodigal Summer is a lyrical novel about the web of life. The book is made up of three different stories of three different people, but whether through the wild, almost primevil eyes of Deanna, the bright, optimistic eyes of Lusa, or the straight-edged eyes of Garnett, the stories all mirror the same messgae of the importance of man's relationship with nature and one another. An illuminating, ancient essence craftfully draws you into every page. I would definately recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: I finished this book turned it over and started again!
Review: This is one of the most uplifting books that I have ever read. I have been a Kingsolver fan for years, but the world of this book completely enveloped me. I never wanted to leave. Ended up reading it three times in succesion. Each of the three interwoven stories are equally strong, like the women in them, strong and empowered.
Rating:
Summary: Beautifully written!
Review: This lady knows how to write. I thoroughly enjoyed the imagery and the feeling of this book. It is definitely a strong environmentalist book, but even if you aren't an environmentalist, you will come away with an appreciation of nature that you may not have had before. This book makes you think, and I love those kinds of books. I am getting ready to re-read it. I loved the way that the last chapter tied all of the stories together. The characters and setting really came alive for me. I haven't read the Poisonwood Bible yet, but I think at this point that anything written by Ms. Kingsolver would have to be worth reading.
|
