Rating: Summary: Good, but somewhat slow-moving Review: I have not really read Amy Tan before so I was curious about what kind of book this would be. I thought it was a little bit slow, especially to start out. In fact, I would say the parts of the book that talk about Ruth are somewhat of a weakness in the book. As a character I never really identify with her. However, the part of the book that takes place in LuLing's(Ruth's mom) childhood is extremely gripping and interesting. I found myself wishing that Tan had dispensed with the Ruth reading her mother's memoirs as a plot device and instead just written a story about LuLing. I would give this book 3.5 stars if I could, but I just don't feel it held my interest enough to get four. Having not read Tan's other works, I don't know if this is typical of her and what her fans expect. To me this is a decent read and worth buying, but probably not in hardcover.
Rating: Summary: I loved it!!! Review: The growth in the lifetime of a mother-daughter relationship seems endless. Ms.Tan always captures the reality of the loves and the hates between mother and daughter, the cultural differnces, and the tug of war between the two with delicacy and humor which makes her books that much more enjoyable.
Rating: Summary: These are the things I must not forget... Review: So begins a packet, written in Chinese, that Ruth finds hidden in her mother's secret floorboard. Ruth has been having trouble recently, in attempting to deal with issues ranging from her American boyfriend, stepdaughters, career and her mother's increasing forgetfullness. When her mother is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, Ruth realizes that it is time to put her life and family together.Ruth has the packet translated, and discovers her mother's history. These are things she never knew, but which help her understand her mother's feelings and emotions. Her mother's history is undeniably tragic, yet strangely provides hope for both mother and daughter. Tan has succeeded again with a compelling story of the bonds that tie mothers and daughters, especially those with cultural differences.
Rating: Summary: all mothers and daughters should read this Review: This book explores the mother daughter relationship we all face. It eloquently explores the issues involved including how we are raised and how we take care of our parents. In addition, Amy Tan once again weaves a terrific story to her exploration of the relationship.
Rating: Summary: Absolutely wonderful! Review: When this book first came out, I had to have it. And now I can see why. Amy Tan is a master storyteller, weaving intricate tales of the cultures of young and old, mother and daughter. A prominent theme in all of her novels, I never grow tired of it, and savor the stories the mothers and aunties tell "about the old country" and their past lives. A true gem - I can't wait until she publishes another novel!
Rating: Summary: I had enough of Tan! Review: I was hoping since the Joy Luck Club that she would get her history right about the portrayals of Chinese. She hasn't. To show proof: Tan claims that the God of Mercy listens only to women. This isn't true. Tan will do anything to gain white acceptance. Even deliberately misrepresening Chinese culture.
Rating: Summary: Yum Review: For me, Amy Tan's books are a rare and special treat that you only get every few years. I savor each one like a rich, creamy truffle.
Rating: Summary: Great start but peters out Review: Like alot of the reviewers, I'm an Amy Tan fan, especially of the Joy Luck Club and the Kitchen God's Wife, but not a Hundred Secret Senses. I really enjoyed the first third about Ruth, because there are many elements that sound very authentic (making me believe that this part was autobiographical). Some parts also happened to be very funny, which isn't something I would normally expect from a Tan novel, since her novels tend to be pretty serious. The second and third parts don't have the same punch as the first. Also, although I was happy everything worked out for Ruth and her mom (haven't they been through enough?!), I have to admit it didn't feel as authentic as the first part. Overall, not a masterpiece, but worth reading.
Rating: Summary: A Book That Proves Lives are Individual and Precious Review: The story of The Bonesetter's Daughter is yet another 'come to terms' with your Mom and your life story. But that is okay, because this story also brings with it history, emotion, culture, multi-culture, saga, and just plain great story telling. Ruth, the main character and the one who narrates the book is a 46 year old Chinese-American learning to come to grips with her life, including her live-in American boyfriend of 10 years, his two daughters, her career as a ghost writer, and finally, her aging Chinese mother, Lui-Ling. The story grabbed me for several reasons. One, because I could relate to Ruth as an American, two I could relate to Ruth as an American who feels 'different', and three, the journey this book takes you on is like one of an exoctic vacation... to China. However, this China is not present day, it is China during the early 1900's when Ruth's Mother, Liu Ling was growing up. All of these subjects within the story line propelled me to read this story faster than most books I read. I am so very fascinated with family saga, relationships, and ultimately how our history affects who we are today. This book did it all for me and I recommend it highly.
Rating: Summary: Amy Tan fan, but this one was disappointing Review: Ive enjoyed all of Amy Tan's books except this one. Ruth and her boyfriend Art are boring and unlikable characters. The way their dead relationship suddenly turns all perfect was ridiculous and sappy. their dialouge was like something out of a bad harlequin romance. I did enjoy reading about Lu Ling's past and was disappointed when it returned to the dumb story about Ruth and Art. The ending of this book was extremely sappy. Very unsatisfying book.
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