Here on Earth

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't Put It Down!!
Review: I loved this book from the very first page! I loved the descriptions of the New England courtyside in fall. I do think that it was dark, and that's probably what I liked most about it. There are two many books about women being "good" and resisting the urge to return to an old lover. This was not that kind of book. I loved that she was all caught up in the emotion of seeing her old lover, and wasn't thinking straight. There are only a few people in your life that make you feel that way. I loved the line when Hollis says to Gwen 'tell your Mother I'm waiting', very dark and sexy. When I finally put the book down to go to sleep, I couldn't get them out of my head. Maybe it wasn't the most realistic, but if I wanted that I would read Non-fiction! I highly recommend this book!

Rating:
Summary: Definetly hard to put down!
Review: I loved Alice Hoffman's writing style. It was definetely unique in the sense that you could see what each character was feeling/thinking before the other character's did. In the beginning you are drawn into a captivating tale about love that's lost. However about 3/4's of the way through I began to lose interest, because it's apparant that it's going to be bittersweet at the end. I was hoping for a unusual ending for a used theme, and was therefore disappointed. But it is well worth the short time it takes to read this story.

Rating:
Summary: Real life drama!
Review: I read this book while on a plane and for the first time, wanted my flight to last a little bit longer so I could read more. The characters were real to life and spoke to me. It really met my expectations, and I would strongly urge people to read it. The book also ended the way I felt it should, which is rare in most modern day novels, which are at times written only to be movie scripts.

Rating:
Summary: Difficult to put this one down
Review: I am so glad that I didn't get caught up in the "Oprah" aspect of this selection as so many others did. I prefer to read a book without first considering an outside opinion. I chose this book because of Alice Hoffman's fine reputation as a writer. Some readers are so critical of March and don't find her a 'likable character.' Not every character has to be candy-coated, falling into our concept of a typical married woman and mother. March is very real. This kind of blind lust and passion happens. Abuse is out there all around us with the effects trickling into all aspects of the family and community. I thought the story was descriptive, well-written, and captured emotions dealing with a very complicated yet real situation.

Rating:
Summary: characters are neurotic yet draws you in
Review: I really enjoy Alice Hoffman's books. The first one I read was The Drowning Season. I have been slowly making through the rest of her list. I find her characters depressing and sometimes pathetic and yet their lives (or the way she describes it) draws you in. "Here on Earth" had the same sort of style. The characters are describe in such depth that you can easily identify with them. I felt sorry for most of the characters and it was that pity that kept me reading the book so I could see what would happen to them. Great book. Another favorite.

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down, but frustrating all the same
Review: The writing style was good. It was hard to read of the scenery in early spring. The characters were not relatable for me and I didn't think any of them were worth rooting for, save Gwen. I was frustrated by the victimization of a strong woman. Seems like so many of the Oprah books have the SAME theme. Smart woman being victimized by some man. I want a happy ending, not a woman-getting-out-of-it -before-she-gets-killed ending.

Rating:
Summary: An o.k. read but not Alice Hoffman at her best
Review: I was very excited about this novel especially since it was an Oprah pick. However, I was disappointed by the book. I did not relate to the main character's attraction to a very cold and sick man. There was nothing redeeming about the story, perhaps because I expected so much from the author. I liked Practical Magic much better. If you want to read Alice Hoffman read Practical Magic and skip this one. It really wasn't worth it.

Rating:
Summary: Atmospheric, Intense
Review: In response to the reader from Texas who described the atmosphere as "dreary", you have obviously never spent an October in New England. It is anything but dreary, but it is bittersweet, invigorating, and by November, melancholy. I have always found it to be a magical time of the year. I thought the best part of this book was the way the atmosphere was another character.

Rating:
Summary: Loved the book, but not the ending
Review: I happen to be a real "book snob" and I was surprised that I liked this book so much after reading some of the reviews, but then when I noticed one reviewer that hated it had been very emotional of "the Bridges of Madison County" I had to laugh. (Speaking of pure drivel and a waste of time). What I liked most about this book was the atmosphere that was protrayed, the New England autumn and early winter were so much a part of the story. I was not crazy about the ending, however, she really left us hanging. I really would have liked to have known what happened to Gwen, although I did feel as though she had been transformed during her stay in Massachusetts and would go back to California with self-respect, something she had clearly been lacking. Also, March was one lousy mother!

Rating:
Summary: beautiful and enrapturing
Review: this is one of the best books i've ever read and there's a reason that every starbucks in the country stocks it, and that's it's on the oprahs book club list. the characters were so real i feel i know them and the story so utterly true to life, yet so amazing it belongs in a film...it was good.