Rating: 
Summary: One of my favorites!
Review: I enjoyed Kingsolver's novels, but her essays were even better. (And I tend to shy away from essays.) Her eloquence, humor, humanity and honesty inspire me.
Rating:
Summary: A rare find...
Review: I had the pleasure of watching an interview/documentary about Ms. Kingsolver, and I was quite impressed. To hear her speak is to realize how pervasive slang is in the American language, because of the absence of it. She did not use slang, did not pause in the expression of her thoughts to say "um" or "well", and each response she gave was extremely intelligent and quite articulate. Her gift for words, in speech and in writing, is extraordinary. I could feel Buster's confusion, I could see the corn grinder, feel the man-rain on my skin, and realize that vacuming is not as important as living life. I think that Ginny had it right in her review, and I could think of no higher compliment than hers - that Ms. Kingsolver is "Darwin's bard". Please read this book, and allow yourself to be taken on a unique journey, and be prepared to learn about perception - such as driving into town and understanding each little community's creation story - early man - wild pigs - how to cope with unwanted guests - the value of dewey decimal, and a taste of what growing up in a small town means to a young girl, now all grown up. Do not allow the word 'essays' scare you into turning away, because these are not ordinary essays, and the journey is worth its weight in gold.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful collection of esays
Review: I have long been a fan of Ms. Kingsolver's fiction and found her book of essays a true delight. I have passed it on to many friends. Her words deepen one's heart and expand so many horizons. She is a real gift to so many people.
Rating:
Summary: This book will make you think
Review: I have only a few pages to go with the book of essays "High Tide in Tucson". It is written by Barbara Kingsolver who wrote a book on Oprah's list called the "Poisonwood Bible". That is still on my list to read. The essays are opinion of the author and she is of a very liberal political bent. (She actually left the country to live in Spain because she disagreed with the Persian Gulf War.I was serving in the military at the time of the Gulf War and honestly agree with many of the points she makes. )
I have really enjoyed this book although I do not agree with her all of her opinons. You can tell she puts much thought into her opinions before she makes them. I enjoy reading others opinions even when they disagree with mine if they really make me think and she does.
I wouldn't have picked up this book on my own, but my girlfriend sent it to me. I enjoy fiction but seldom am interested in essays. I am so glad she did. Ms Kingsolver has really made me examine my opinions on violence against women in the media and I think I will be choosing different movies and books in the future because of her. Having my mind "stretched" was a very positive experience.
Rating:
Summary: This book will make you think
Review: I have only a few pages to go with the book of essays "High Tide in Tucson". It is written by Barbara Kingsolver who wrote a book on Oprah's list called the "Poisonwood Bible". That is still on my list to read. The essays are opinion of the author and she is of a very liberal political bent. (She actually left the country to live in Spain because she disagreed with the Persian Gulf War.I was serving in the military at the time of the Gulf War and honestly agree with many of the points she makes. )
I have really enjoyed this book although I do not agree with her all of her opinons. You can tell she puts much thought into her opinions before she makes them. I enjoy reading others opinions even when they disagree with mine if they really make me think and she does.
I wouldn't have picked up this book on my own, but my girlfriend sent it to me. I enjoy fiction but seldom am interested in essays. I am so glad she did. Ms Kingsolver has really made me examine my opinions on violence against women in the media and I think I will be choosing different movies and books in the future because of her. Having my mind "stretched" was a very positive experience.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book
Review: I love this book! There are certain books that are 'north stars' and that guide us in uneven times; this book is my north star. I have returned to this book over and over again at different times in an effort to find my way. Ms. Kingsolver's insightful observations about life in many areas - children, violence - always lead me to re-examine my thinking and to look at things in a little different way. This is the first book I buy for friends who are facing crises in their lives. I recommend this book to anyone who is needing a thoughtful, fresh look at life, it will become a friend.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book
Review: I love this book! There are certain books that are 'north stars' and that guide us in uneven times; this book is my north star. I have returned to this book over and over again at different times in an effort to find my way. Ms. Kingsolver's insightful observations about life in many areas - children, violence - always lead me to re-examine my thinking and to look at things in a little different way. This is the first book I buy for friends who are facing crises in their lives. I recommend this book to anyone who is needing a thoughtful, fresh look at life, it will become a friend.
Rating: 
Summary: If you enjoy essays, read it. If not, stay clear...
Review: I made two major mistakes in reading this book. So I will accept some responsibility for posting this negative review. Mistake number one was in reading "High Tide in Tucson" knowing that I very much dislike essays in general. It is not that I strongly disagree (or agree) with any of Kingsolver's points throughout the book. It is just that, quite frankly, I could care less what the author thinks about the Gulf War, or child-rearing, or playing the keyboard in an all author's band. Oh sure, there were some snippets of interesting writing. Herman the crab, javelinas in the back yard, and human versatility were all subjects that struck a chord within me. But beyond that, I was struck with the overwhelming feeling of "Yea, so what?". I am not interested in having the author's point of view presented to me in essay fashion. Which brings me to mistake number two. This was the first work of Barbara Kingsolver I have ever read. Unfortunately, it will now probably cloud my judgement of her novels, if I ever read them. And that is a big IF. In short, this collection of essays has taught me more about the author than I ever wanted, or needed to know...
Rating:
Summary: A must-read book!
Review: I must admit, I am jealous of Barbara Kingsolver's talents as a story-teller. Each essay puts the reader in the scenes. They can picture the locations, the events, and the outcomes.
Some essays are autobiographical while others give the author a chance to express her feelings about issues dear to her. She bares her soul to the reader with wit, yet she challenges the reader to see situations with a different point of view. I am personally not an avid reader; however, I COULD NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN.
I was first introduced to Ms. Kingsolver's wit when she was on NPR. I was in San Francisco, and she read excerpts of various essays. I found myself smiling, laughing, or trying to hold back a tear. I searched high and low for the book, not knowing the title or the author. I eventually found the book by accident. I am grateful for making the search.
I have shared my book with others, especially friends with two-year-old children, asking them to read, "Civil Disobedience at Breakfast."
If you are not sure, check this book at your local library. I think you will find yourself on-line with Amazon.com, adding the book to your collection.
Rating:
Summary: Great book of essays - thoughtful, considered, well-written
Review: I never thought a book of essays would be in the "I couldn't put
it down category", but this was. Barbara Kingsolver uses
language so beautifully that even when you disagree or question
what she has written, you still have to admire the way she
says it. Very thought-provoking.
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