Rating: 
Summary: Most over-hyped book-EVER!!
Review: I recommened this book for my book club, and was absolutely humiliated and embarrassed that I wasted everyone's time with this selection.What a waste of $28...
Rating:
Summary: AVOID THE 1 star
Review: VERY DEAD!!! I READ THE FIRST 21 PAGES IN 10 MIN AND ALREADY KNEW THIS BOOK WASN'T WORTH A LOOK AT. GOOD THING I DID GET IT FOR A $1.50. IT'S NOT INTERESTING AT ALL AND VERY BORING. I WOULDN'T RECOMMEND THIS TO MY DOG.
Rating:
Summary: Just didn't get it, and I'm upset about that.
Review: Disappointed? I am. I really am a fan of Morrison's work--for many, many years, but I thought there was too much going on with too many characters, and the story gets lost, hidden, whatever. When I invest time in a book, I should be able to understand the ending, that shouldn't be a priveledge because I've taken notes during the reading. The plot format and structure was really interesting, but somehow, some way, it sadly didn't work.
Rating:
Summary: Don't bother with this one.
Review: Toni Morrison has too many characters in this book. It reads like the family tree for this whole Oklahoma town. Toni Morrison has been slowly going down hill from her first book. She just gives too much detail of stuff that has no relevance. Stick to the facts. I will never buy one of her books again. What a waste!!!!
Rating: 
Summary: questions and confusion are good
Review: I like answers. I like to know what happened. I was not satisfied with the resolution. I wanted 500 or 600 more pages so I could roll around in the story. I am gluttonous. I wanted her to retell the story several different ways (some chronological) so I was asbolutely positive that I didn't miss one tasty morsel. However, since this is not what Morrison gave me, I had to run a marathon and build a palace inside my head. Thanks. I will reap benfits. This is one of the best books I have ever read. I can't believe what the author has done to the narrative structure. I'm still reeling. Sorry if this is a bit pretentious. I feel strongly.
Rating:
Summary: The best book I have ever read!
Review: This is the first book I've read by Toni Morrison and now I'm dying to read the rest of her books. I was dissapointed that so many people gave it one or two stars because it was confusing. I had a little trouble following it at first but I understood it, and I'm only 13. I love how Toni Morrison presents her charachters. She shows them from many different angles and each time the reader encounters them, their complex personalities become clearer. Overall this book is a great piece of literature.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed!!!
Review: I'm one of those avid Toni Morrison fans who has read and enjoyed all of her books, so you can imagine my disappointment when I finally struggled my way through "Paradise" and realised that I didn't get it! Can anyone PLEASE explain the ending? Maybe the intelligent 18 year old from Ontario could illuminate our ignorant brains. Honey, you'll grow out of calling other people stupid as soon as you hit my age. Wisdom is a gift bestowed upon a few lucky ones.
Rating:
Summary: best modern American novel
Review: 'Paradise' is Toni Morrison's highest achievement so far (I hope she will write many more facsinating novels). I liked it more compared to 'Beloved' and 'Jazz', and I think all readers who enjoyed Morrison's early writing will not be disappointed on reading her latest novel. Her characteristic style is at her best in 'Paradise'. Her writing evokes very vivid pictures, though develops somewhat chaotically - in the same way life does. The story is told in beatiful language, and gives bright and colorful descriptions of life in a small Black community in Oklahoma. The author looks closely at the development of this small town, which has many miles between itself and any other settlement. So on one hand the book is an account of the town's interaction with the rest of the world. On the other hand, it gives insight into the nature of human relations within the community. It is a story of building-up tension and the resulting conflict. I found it very captivating from the very first lines; firstly, because the story is so masterly written; secondly, because of the suspense present in it; thirdly, because of the wonderful descriptions of everyday life. One of the author's greatest talents is her ability to give fascinating true-to-life images of trivial events. Her book is a great adventure - just like life is.
Rating:
Summary: I'm not ashamed to admit I didn't get this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: I heeded all of the warnings , took this book very slowly, kept track of all of the characters, took notes, went back to previous chapters to understand characters and situations. I thought I was doing very well until I got to the end. WHAT WAS THAT ALL ABOUT! I didn't get it! I felt that all of my hard work and time had been wasted. Please somebody explain to me what the ending was all about! I am an avid reader and take great offense to previous readers claiming that If you didn't like this book, you're not intelligent. To the charming 18 year old reader who basically said that if you don't like this book you're stupid, soley is spelled s-o-l-e-y not soaly. Honey, just because you claim to like and understand an Oprah recommended book, it doesn't make you intelligent or mature.
Rating:
Summary: Avoid like the plague
Review: I would've never read past page twenty if I wasn't forced to read this for my college English class. For a writer as prestigious as Tony Morrison one would assume that she has mastered the craft of novel writing. But it is clear that Tony Morrison still doesn't understand how to develop a strong plot as well as a clear theme. The story is misguided from the beginning as Morrison jumps back and forth from the town of Ruby and the characters of the convent. There are a million undeveloped characters and a number of confusing family trees. Morrison leaves it up to the reader to follow along with her shaky stream of consciousness, leaving the reader overwhelmed and bored. It is obvious that Morrison has taken advantage of her place as literary master. She has used her popularity and prestige to sell another book. All I can say is that I am glad I checked this book out at the local library instead of wasting money at the university bookstore.
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