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Summary: I expected more from this book
Review: Maybe my experience with this book was spoiled because I saw the movie first, then decided to read it, but I was quite disappointed. I'd read Quindlen's Black and Blue earlier this year, and it was a total pageturner -- couldn't put it down and read it in less than two days. But I found myself slogging through this maudlin thing, and finally handed it off to my mother-in-law without even finishing it. Granted, I did that because I'd seen the film, but even so I hear the book has a different ending. I just didn't care about it. It was annoying and cloying, and the mother comes across like some kind of Martha Stewart caricature. There are mothers like that, but this one was too hyperbolic. Too extreme. And as a professional magazine writer (for a major national consumer magazine) who works in New York, I was personally aghast at the depiction of Ellen. I know no one like her, nor her boss. Perhaps Anna Q. should research her sources better.
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Summary: Ups and downs, but a great piece of writing
Review: Quindlen is a phenomenal writer, and is capable of providing vivid insight to the most boring events. Characters are especially memorable. The only rough spot in this one is Quindlen's dancing around the theme of euthenasia. She presents only one side of the argument (the "right" to kill yourself whenever you want), and she does so only superficially. The legal stuff in the book is simply glossed over, although researching the protocol of a trial is rough. Besides these little minor annoyances, buy this book. A powerful read.
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Summary: Book is real and heartwarming.
Review: Deep feelings and a page turner.
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Summary: Beautifully crafted writing...
Review: With "One True Thing" Anna Quindlen has written a novel of great power and insight. Her writing is beautifully crafted, deftly capturing the fragile threads of relationship. Yes, this is one of those books that one is tempted to read right on through in one day...it's that compelling. But I urge the reader to slow down and savor the words. I recently viewed the film adaptation, with the usual mix of emotions one feels when seeing a favorite book interpreted on screen. The film was visually evocative of the mood of the book, and true to the essential spirit of it...but I missed Quindlen's skillful writing. I missed the keenly observed interior dialogue of Ellen. When I came home from the theater, I immediately picked up the book, thumbed through and stopped to read:"But in the end what was important was not that we had so misunderstood one another, but that we had so misunderstood her, this woman who had made us who we were while we barely noticed it". Perfect.
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Summary: I'm a Guy And Even I Love This Woman-Based Gem!
Review: I watched the movie and I was startled witih how wonderful it was. There wasn't anything I didn't like about the movie. The characters coming to grips with so many things. The characters with so many facets in their lives that were in need of repair and/or growth. So I got the book. AND IT WAS EVEN BETTER! This book touched me in so many ways, it's life affirming, strong, and beautiful.
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Summary: This is one of the most powerful books I have ever read
Review: My mother died 5 years ago of a rare neuromuscular disease; it took 7 years. While she had my father at the time and a 24 hour a day caretaker, I was instrumental in taking care of her as well. The story, the characters and the relationship that I had with my mother and father and the relationship that my sister had with my parents made this magnificent book even more poignant for me. It is a superb piece of writing. It has had a profound effect on me and now, having just seen the movie, I am quite moved. Anna Quindlen is not just a writer; she is a philosopher and all I can say is thank God for Anna Quindlen. Cynthia Adler Luzon
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Summary: This book is very real...except for one small thing
Review: I ran out and grabbed a used copy of this book because I saw the movie previews a few weeks back. I wanted to read it before screening the film. Most importantly, however, I could very much relate to Ellen's character. I am a newspaper reporter and live far from my mother, who is in the final stages of cancer. My father died 13 years ago today of cancer. Unlike Ellen, I would not quit my job. Not because I don't love my mother, but it's not practical. Anyway, I have shuttled back and forth a lot this summer. This book has sooo many little, accurate details, like using a wheelchair on uneven sidewalks and wanting to talk to the doctor about the proverbial "when," that I felt like Quindlen really got it. The one false thing I found, however, was Ellen's determination not to hire a nurse or get help. That is a fantasy as far as my life experience has been. You need help. Anyway, overall I loved this book and found it a comfort in light of my current situation.
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Summary: A Wonderful Touching Story
Review: I adored this book. It broke my heart, but also filled my with hope. Get out the tissues and prepare for an all- nighter!
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Summary: I wish every book was like One True Thing...
Review: One true thing got me hooked from the very first time is saw the preview for the upcoming September Meryl Streep/Renee Zellweger movie. I went to a New York City bookstore "Books Started with Papyrus" with high hopes. To my excitment, I found the last copy, and finished it in three days. I would have finished it in one night, except I wanted it to last. Anna Quindlin is a goddess and she should be awarded for this masterpiece. As it turns out, to my surprise, not only have I enjoyed, but so did my Grandmother! I hope she watched over me, reading every word with me, enjoying her twelve year old grandson she never had a chance to know. Everyone should read this!!!!
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Summary: Don't miss this great book!
Review: I have read all of Anna Quindlen's books. This one was truly wonderful. My brother-in-law died of cancer and after reading this book, I got a glimpse of what my sister went through when she took care of him. I hope never to have to face anything like this in my life. This book is one that makes you cry but also makes us stop and take notice of the things that are important, or should be, important to us: family!
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