Black and Blue

Rating:
Summary: rare insight in the life of an abused woman
Review: I read this book in one day, it was facinating!! Rarely have I read a book that shares the most intimate and frightening situations that a woman can be in. I found myself praying and urging Fran to leave and make a life for herself and her son. I would very much like to read a sequel to Black and Blue.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding very good
Review: This book was magnificent the way Anna quindlen describe the tention and feelings by fran this is my first oprah's book club book and I couldn't put the book down. It was fulfeeling and good i'm going to read more books from the book club.

Rating:
Summary: Incredible insight into abused wives
Review: Anna Quindlen clearly researched the battered wife syndrome. Overall, the book is well written, with just a few confusing sections where she jumps around without a segue. I read this book in a day - could not put it down.

Rating:
Summary: ...and YOU are there...
Review: This book begins quickly and keeps up the pace. I liked the believability of the characters and how I myself felt able to be put into the situation of the main character. Yes, it has some predictability, but not entirely. The title alone is captivating, haunting, and right on. I'll read more from this author.

Rating:
Summary: Black and Blue
Review: Read it. . . hated it. This book should have been the screenplay for a TV movie. Too predictable, unsatisfying. I can't believe this was given such a high rating by Oprah's Book Club! She must be kidding.

Rating:
Summary: Predictable,after initial stirring opening book becomes dull
Review: Book grabs reader in the beginning as mother and son go into a sort of "witness protection program for abused wives." However, the story then gets duller and duller and more or less predictable, with a contrived ending to gain reader's sympathy.

Rating:
Summary: Good story despite being sabotaged by poor editing.
Review: From page one I was hooked on Anna Quindlen's compelling tale about the sensitive and timely subject of domestic violence. The story stirred up all sorts of emotions - fear, suspicion and dread mostly, but although her characters ring true some of the situations appear contrived. My biggest disappointment with this book was being distracted by the numerous misspellings and typographical errors. It's too bad Ms. Quindlen's publisher didn't appreciate her effort and her talent enough to insist upon the quality of the printed word. So even though I rate the book 3 stars, I believe the readers and the author rate an apology from the publisher/editor.

Rating:
Summary: incredibly realistic
Review: I'm still not over my reaction to this book. It was an incredible tale told by an incredible author. I'm 18 years old and I had to pick a book to read for a class, and I chose Black and Blue because it was one of the shorter ones on the list. Now I wish it had been longer, because this book was heartbreaking. Not only is it realistic, but this kind of thing actually happens in the world. That says something about all of us.

Rating:
Summary: Horrifying and Fascinating
Review: I cannot stop thinking about this book -- I thought it was excellent and do not understand the criticism it has received by other readers. This kept me on the edge of my seat, turning page after page.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: This was the first book I've read from Oprah's Club. After hearing rave reviews about her choices, this was a total let down, making me wonder if I should even trust her opinion again. The book was full of self pity, predictable. I kept turning the pages waiting for the husband to show up. They should have called it "sleeping with the enemy".