Black and Blue

Rating:
Summary: I HATED this book!!!
Review: What a lousy read! I expected so much from it; I'm a regular IMUS listener --- and for some unknown reason, he promoted the hell out of it. Well, it was a terrible book. I couldn't wait for it to end. Agony! The book is a feminist take on a tragic topic. Liberal themes abound. But beyond all else, it is terribly written! Quindlen may have been a fine newspaper writer --- may still be --- but I for one will NEVER read her!

Rating:
Summary: The reality of domestic abuse, it can happen to anyone.
Review: This book was excellent! A definitely page turner. It brought to light alot of the myths of being an abused women. It showed that you can be a succesful, educated carreer women and still be affected by this abuse, no matter who you are. It was informative and totaly interesting. I could not put it down. I just had to know what was going to happen next.I whole heartedly recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: A poorly written disappointment
Review: Very poor use of grammar. Someone should have proofread this thing before publishing. A typical Oprah favorite - each one's more depressing than the last.

Rating:
Summary: "B&B" oozes emotion.A must for chicks who love Bad Boys
Review: The first of Quindlan's books which are now on my reading list, "Black and Blue" is beautifully, concisely written. It was as if I was inside the psyche of Beth. The signs of abuse are often clear-in hindsight. Beth's struggle with her inner love/hate dichotomy for Bobby struck me deeply. I can relate. It isn't easy to leave someone when you love them or when you hate them. No matter how rotten they are, or what your friends tell you to do. Plato argued that love and insanity are synonomous. Quindlan's tome illustrates Plato's thoughts well. Quindlan also provides insight about what relationships are about...it isn't always passion; passion can make us crazy! Beth's relationship with Mike, while not filled with lust, was very beautiful. I was moved by this book, I felt Beth's pain. I ran out and bought "One True Thing" as soon as I finished "Black and Blue" I cannot wait to get into bed and get lost in it! Thanks Anna, you're a true sister.

Rating:
Summary: I couldn't wait for the book to end!
Review: I picked up this book because I have read Oprah's other picks and have been very pleased, but this one was so so boring...... It took me months to finish this book, I dreaded picking it up but wanted to finish it because i spent the money for it. The characters were boring and the whole narrative was repetitive and read like a diary as another reader said. I just couldn't get into this book at all, the only time it was exciting was when I was getting close to the end knowing that I was almost done! Bad pick Oprah!

Rating:
Summary: A heartbreaking story of courage and motherly love
Review: While I found "One True Thing" to be a better developed novel, this other Anna Quindlen book is also very good. The story focuses on a battered woman who leaves her abusive police officer husband and changes her identity in the hopes of escaping his anger and hiding their son from his negative influence. It has a nice rhythm to it and will keep you turning the pages. Don't look for a happy ending, though. Anna Quindlen seems to have an uncanny ability to make you cry.

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down.
Review: I love the book. Anna Quindlen makes you feel what frances is going through and how she deals with it. i wish the ending was different.

Rating:
Summary: UNEASY WITH THIS ONE
Review: JUST DON'T THINK IT SO SIMPLE OR EASY....

Rating:
Summary: GREAT
Review: THIS WAS MY FIRST OPRAH BOOK CLUB EXPERIENCE AND I HAVE BEEN WELCOMED BACK TO THE LAND OF READERS WITH OPEN ARMS. I FOUND THIS BOOK INSIGHTFUL AND TOUCHING AND COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.

Rating:
Summary: I kept turning the pages....
Review: I caught a bad case of the flu and thought this book could provide some entertainment while I was recovering. After reading other readers' reviews, I have to say that I had a hard time putting the book down. Ms. Quindlin did a great job describing the horrors of a life of abusive and gave me a lot of insight into that type of life. As I kept reading, I felt as if something more should have been going on (i.e. Bobby should have found her sooner) and the book lacked a lot of action throughout the first half. The second half of the book was amazing! I loved the twists and turns, but was sad to see what happened in the end! Hopefully Robert will call! Andrea R., teacher from Missouri