Rating: 
Summary: I need a sequel
Review: I picked up a copy of this book while on vacation, at an airport shop with a very limited selection. I didn't expect to like it, but I honestly could not put it down. I was, however, dissapointed in the ending. Did March return to Richard? Would he actually take her back? Could she and her daughter ever again have a parent-child relationship?
Rating: 
Summary: Lacks likable characters
Review: This is the first book I've read on Alice Hoffman. However, I will read more of her books because, as an aurthor, she is very descriptive and moving. She paints beautiful pictures with her words. In Here on Earth, the only good thing she's missing is good characterization. You can have a wonderful plot in the book, but without characters you care about, the book can tend to fall flat. In this particular book, the main character, March, is just as drab as any character I've read about. Her ex-love, Hollis, is the kind of guy you'd kick out and leave by the side of the curb. I hated him, but at least I had an emotion about him. I did like March's daughter, Gwen, who seemed to be a tough girl on the outside, but on the inside she seemed to have quite depth. I would have liked to have seen how this girl grew up. Hank, March's newphew, was another likable character -- one of those hard-working, fine young men with a lot of soul. March's brother, who called himself The Coward, throughout most of the book due to his drinking problem and the manner in which his life fell apart, was pitiful. You felt sorry for him, but he wasn't in the story enough for you to join his cheerleading squad. All in all, a decent book that could have been an excellent book had the main character had more to her.
Rating: 
Summary: I really liked this one
Review: "Here on Earth" rivals "The Triumph and the Glory" in my heart as the best novel I've had the privilege to read this year. It warmed my heart, made me think, and left me with a hunger for more in the future from such a gifted writer.
Rating:
Summary: I was pleasantly surprised...
Review: I had been told by a friend that this book was far from an entertaining read, and had similarities to The Horse Whisperer, a book I disliked, mainly because I am allergic to all things horsey, and am not a big fan of the animal. I started with fairly low expectations, but as the novel progressed I was amazed at its ability to entertain and capture my attention. Whislt I found the similarities between it and the Horse Whisperer were few and far, I must say that I felt that its despondent outlook on love and the passing of time left me thinking that maybe ignorance is bliss, as I was confronted with issues that really started me thinking about things I'd generally had a positive outlook on, and left me feeling a tad bleak. I would recommend this book, however, simply for its attention capturing, twisted and somewhat abnormal plot (incest, deception, adultery..this book has it all) as well as its vivid imagery, and its hard up approach to the problems some face.
Rating:
Summary: Dark, haunting, beautifully written
Review: Based on the same plot outline as Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights", "Here on Earth" draws its power from the same bottomless source -- the dark side of love and the human soul. Set in the stark beauty of the New England countryside, the drama plays itself out through a collection of characters who appear at first to be very much of our own time, yet eventually acquire some of the truly timeless psychological impact of the originals. "Wuthering Heights" established Heathcliff and Cathy as archetypes of their kind -- lovers not so much star-crossed as self-crossed, doomed to mutual destruction by the collision of their passionate, intensely self-willed personalities. While Hoffman's novel doesn't pack the same punch as the original, it nonetheless evokes a similar sense of tragedy and despair as the leading characters sink beneath the weight of their flawed inner selves. A bright spot of hope is provided -- as in "Wuthering Heights" -- by the younger generation, who promise to rise above the faults of their parents. "Here on Earth" is unlikely to become a classic of English literature, but it is nonetheless a very fine contemporary novel -- certainly my favorite of Hoffman's works to date. She succeeds in striking a deep, resonant chord of feeling that remains with the reader long after the book is closed. That alone qualifies the novel as a worthy successor to its illustrious forebear.
Rating:
Summary: A page-turner!
Review: Our everyday, normal, run-of-the-mill problems seem like nothing compared to what March faced in this novel. It made me feel lucky to have what and who I have in my own life.
Rating:
Summary: couldn't put it down
Review: This was truly a captivating novel. My heart broke with March's in her time of sorrow, and I rejoiced with her in her times of happiness. It's a wonder how someone with that much hardship and dissapointment can pick themselves up and make the best of it. Well done. It left me wanting more.
Rating:
Summary: What a heartwarming wonderful book!
Review: I could not put this book down. What an amazing story!! This was the best book that I have ever read, everyone must read this excellent book!!! All I can say is BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: GRABBED MY ATTENTION FROM PAGE ONE TO THE FINISH
Review: Its the worst new beginning but it is a beginning. Where some are ending lifes, this one is starting. The characters are strong and mystified, they hold you capured on a transperent way. Being there to feel there feelings. Sitting with them in there most cried for situations and laugh with them on occasion. I read this book because I heard of it in the Opera Book Club. Its always an adventure for me to read english written books. Its a fine book for evening reading. It takes you to remember where your history is...
Rating:
Summary: Once you start reading this book you can't put it down.
Review: I never really read but something made me pick up this book, I just could not put it down. I loved this book I hope they make a movie out of it i would love to see it come to life on screen, but I'm sure it wouldn't be as good as the book. I told everbody about this book and I am passing it to all my friends a few went out and bought it and loved it.
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