Rating: 
Summary: Lulled Along
Review: It was very easy to get in to this book. The short chapters could be consumed in a five minute break. The character development moved along, but I wanted more from the author. For a story that dealt with a lot of very difficlt issues, mental illness, teenaged pregnancy, and marital breakup it just moved along. Yet, it was a good story and one I would recommend.
Rating: 
Summary: Heartfelt, moving story
Review: I dont know how Haruf did it, but he made me care passionately about his characters, and their stories. I am so different than the two older brothers in the novel, yet I felt that I knew them. The quiet stories linked together in this novel are emotionally deep and satisfiying. A REWARDING READ!
Rating:
Summary: Plainsong
Review: While reminiscent of Annie Proulx and Willa Cather, this book's voice is all its own. Haruf's quiet authority and sharp eye draw the reader in from the first page. If you liked Cold Mountain, you'll respond to Plainsong. This is everything a book should be. I'll be buying copies for all my friends.
Rating:
Summary: An eloquent yet simple taste of Americana
Review: Kent Haruf has created a book that is closely aligned to the works of our country's icons Edward Hopper, Aaron Copeland, and Robert Frost: spare, lean distillations of place and person that become quintessentially American. By confining his attention to a very small town in the middle of this vast country and isolating characters who, individually, represent our foibles and attributes but who interconnect by fate and by need, Haruf has given us a tool as manageable as one of those glass balls that when inverted swirl artificial snow on imaginary scenes - mesmerizing, wholly absorbing our atttention. With a writing style that excludes quotation marks, long sentences, and wordy diatribes, he crisply draws identifiable simple people from birth - the newborn infant through wide-eyed children, confused adolescents, deserted middle-aged loners, the elderly - to death. "Plainsong" is a clear, unfettered story, one that gives the reader a warm sense of understanding the purpose of the cycle of life. If you can put this novel down before finishing the last page in one sitting, you've a strong will!
Rating:
Summary: An uncomplicated delight
Review: As I was reading this book, I found myself waiting for 'something big' to happen. When I was finished, I realized that what had happened was not anything 'big' but rather an array of smaller life events of enduring significance. The rendering of the eastern Colorado setting was wonderful. While I found one or two of the storylines to be a little shallow, the way the author weaved them together was excellent. It's worth a read.
Rating:
Summary: not too plain
Review: This small book packs a big punch.Good,quiet,and strong characters throughout. I especially like the chapters concerning the young boys and the older brothers.
Rating:
Summary: Plainsong is anything but "plain!"
Review: "Plainsong" was a good book. I especially felt connected with Victoria. She just reached out a grabbed your heart. Sure, she was 17 and pregnant, but she was mature and quiet. The McPheron brothers were also great. They went from old, opinionated farmers to kindhearted guardians to Victoria. I was very into this book and I wish it had been a bit longer. Well, maybe there will be a sequel!
Rating: 
Summary: Plain alright
Review: This book was an quick and easy read for me, reasonably enjoyable and not too mind taxing. The central characters were likeable enough, especially the two adorable little boys, and the dialogue and insights into farmlife were definitely the main strengths of the book. There wasn't much of a plot, and the book, like life in most country towns like Holt I guess, just meandered along. There was no conclusion as such, the story was just a short glimpse at a piece in time of these people's lives. I would have liked more emotional depth and insight into the characters, a bit more complexity. I felt annoyed when Victoria left the McPheron brothers to go and live with Dwayne, without ever calling them to let them know where she was and that she was alright. I felt that was selfish and my opinion of her changed from that point on. Obviously she wanted things to turn out between herself and Dwayne for the baby's sake, but she could have at least called! And as for that revolting and completely irrelevant sex scene, what the hell was that!
Rating:
Summary: Plainsong Sings
Review: Kent Haruf's Plainsong engages the reader to learn about his smalltown cast of characters. The two confused high school teachers, the two plain-living farmers, the two brother paperboys trying to cope with growing up, and the pregnant teenager. Haruf weaves his various plotlines so expertly, the reader has no choice but to read and read. Haruf's Plainsong makes for a satisfying melody.
Rating:
Summary: Funny farmers sing a "Plainsong"
Review: Author Haruf works wonders in "Plainsong," describing little people's lives in a very big way. My favorite characters were the McPheron brothers, two eroding farmers who allow a homeless, pregnant teenager to live with them on their country farm. The girl, Victoria, brings a warmth and happiness to their home they haven't experienced in years. Victoria's treks to civilization with the McPheron's on her heels lead to unruly, utterly compassionate and very funny responses by the brothers to the modern world. The other characters' stories are enticing as well, sparse yet filled with emotion. "Plainsong" is an intriguing, often comedic novel that's a fairly quick read and time well spent.
|
