Rating: 
Summary: I loved the book.
Review: I was spell bound by the book. I found myself caught up in emotions stimulated by the story. It is astounding to think that there are many women who walk in "Beth's" shoes every day. I found myself cheering for her and wishing her happiness. I thank God for my wonderful husband but feel for those who are not so lucky. I am more thankful after having read this book.
Rating: 
Summary: I just don't get what all the fuss is about?!?
Review: It took me several months to read this book! I just found it very easy to put down and dreaded picking it back up again. I found myself noticing the writing and the style more than the story. I guess it just never "hooked" me. It is interesting because I love Alice Hoffman and Anne Rivers Siddons--and their styles have some similarities, but I just don't get why so many people raved about this.....
Rating: 
Summary: EXCELLENT READ
Review: KEPT ME INTERESTED FROM BEGINNING TO END. HAS EXCELLENT PLOT AND STORY DEVELOPMENT.
Rating:
Summary: I AM WISHING FOR THE SEQUEL...
Review: I thought that this book was good enough to read in 3 days, but when I got to the last few pages, I was greatly disappointed. I wish that there was a sequel because Anna Quindlen left us all in a bad spot. She needs to continue with the story of "Beth Crenshaw" and include Robert.
Rating:
Summary: excellent insight into women's psychology
Review: Quindlen has the talent of making the most complex issue in human psychology into a general story that everyone understands. The story also indirectly teaches us how the daily stress is reflected in our most personal life, namely family. Quindlen not only is shouting that abused wives need help, but she is also calling for sttention to men who abuse.
Rating:
Summary: INTENSE!!!!!
Review: In "Black and Blue," Anna Quindlen is able to show women everywhere that they are allowed to be strong no matter how hard life may be. A MUST read for all women...young and old. Especially those who think "love" is shown through an open hand. I was so enthralled with this book that I couldn't put it down.
Rating:
Summary: Very enjoyable !!
Review: I think that this is a good summer book. As a woman, it makes me realize just how lucky I am to have chosen a wonderful husband. This book reminds me that there are women out there not as lucky as I am, and there are ways to get them help. It is amazing how much energy we can encompass to overcome harsh treatment and/or hard-times.
Rating:
Summary: moving disturbing and powerful
Review: I read this book in three days. I loved it. I particularly loved the line towards the end of the book that you can't have regrets about a relationship if children were a result.
Rating:
Summary: A Fresh Perspective
Review: What I love about Anna Quindlen's writing is that the character's are believable and exist outside the situation they are in. While I have a new understanding for Spousal Abuse I wouldn't necessarily categorize this as another book about that subject. Yes, Fran is an abused wife, but she is so much more. The story is so much more.
Rating:
Summary: Topical Issue Well Presented
Review: Ms. Quindlen has a lot of writing talent, and she provides us with a good story of one woman's attempt to escape an abusive husband. While the reader will be quick to sympathize with the mother, there is the ethical question of whether this is the correct action to take when a child is involved. The author doesn't delve into this issue. We are certainly never given reason to believe that the husband, while unquestionably abusive to the wife, would provide any threat to the child; indeed he seems to be a reasonably good parent. The book is well worth reading, and the reader can come to his own conclusions. I would make one comment regarding the protagonist. She essentially seems to be an uninteresting person with no strong interests or hobbies. I can't imagine her picking up this or any other book and reading it. One can have strong empathy for her situation, and wish her well, but she is someone we really don't have much interest in knowing personally.
| 
