Rating: 
Summary: You either love it or you hate it.
Review: It took me three serious attempts to read this book, and I never would have made it to the third were it not for one of the most poetic "preludes" in contemporary fiction. I loved this book, but it's not for everyone. The reader who comes from a fully functional family will probably wonder if it's all a construct. But for the gentle reader from a dysfunctional family (meaning all of us), this is a compelling, and deeply satisfying read. I couldn't put it down. This is Conroy's best work by far.
Rating: 
Summary: Absolutely, the best book of all time.
Review: This book grabs the reader & does not let go. An awesome array of words that you can actually feel while reading. I read it once a year.
Rating: 
Summary: Too Much of a Good Thing
Review: My first impression was "Wow, the author drastically improved his literary style since writing 'The Water Is Wide'. His prose has become beautiful in addition to being humorous and interesting."My second impression was that the depiction of an abusive father, of whom his family says they are terrified, does not seem authentic. How many cringing adolescents or battered wives speak to abusive fathers/husbands this caustically without bringing on a beating? Are children really ever this witty while denouncing their fathers to their faces?? My third impression: the story drags after the first 350 pages.
Rating: 
Summary: gripping, but not great literature.
Review: Prince of Tides would have been a much better read if it didn't show its age so badly. Conroy's fixation on politically correct themes (the white southern boy constantly emphasizing that he's unfairly labeled a racist) and the classic disfunctional family model (abusive father, enabling mother) easily allow you to place the publication date smack dab in the middle of the eighties. If these two themes hadn't been hammered at constantly throughout the book, it might make it more enjoyable to read 10 years after it was published. The dialogue also needs some work. Tom Wingo is simply too clever in the biting exchanges with his mother or the witty sarcasm which so successfully woos the icy therapist. I found myself cringing at some of the contrived interaction in this book.
Rating:
Summary: A moving story.
Review: Pat Conroy writes a tale of tragedy, heroism and comedy. It is a book about violence "that has no seasons and is always ripe, evergreen, and sends roots deep into the heart" The book's main character, Tom Wingo, struggles against the forces of small mindedness, ignorance and hate. Growing up in the lowlands of South Carolina he has a father who beats him and a mother who is more concerned about appearances than the health and safety of her family. Yet Tom and his siblings grow up and appear to do well in life, yet they cannot escape from their troubled past. This is a wonderful book filled with suspenseful stories and wonderful dialog.
Rating:
Summary: An epic novel for our time that truly touches the heart....
Review: Finally, when someone asks me: "What is your favorite book?" or "Who is your favorite author?" I don't even have to think about my answer. Without a doubt my favorite book, The Prince of Tides, favorite author Pat Conroy. This is an amazing book. Pat Conroy writes from the heart and is able to lure you into the depths of his characters and put you in the locations of the story. His writting is so convincing I could smell the salt air and feel the South Carolina heat. Its a must read for anyone, men and woman alike can relate. Don't pass this one up! Also, check out Beach Music. An excellent follow up novel from Conroy.
Rating:
Summary: Conroy's book is truly the most fantastic novel of our time.
Review: After reading only the first few pages of the book I was able to realize that the author is an obvious poet. The language captured the reader into his own world with the incredible Wingo family. Anyone who has suffered can relate to every character in the novel, especially Tom Wingo. I would recommend this book to anyone. I am reading it for the third time and I am still fascinated.
Rating:
Summary: Compelling, Entertaining, Picturesque
Review: I first read this book in the winter of 1988 -- along with a majority of my friends. At that time I proclaimed it to be my favorite book of all time and hurried to read all of Pat Conroy's other works. I just finished The Prince for the 3rd time a few weeks ago. While Tom Wingo's images stayed with me for ten years (Tolitha laughing with her legs in the air, sibling love and devotion), I found myself getting more out of this book than I ever had before. I like Conroy's writing a lot, and am able to overlook his five-dollar words to get to the heart of the story. Pat Conroy writes a beautiful story about a boy's love for his brother and sister and his strange relationship with his parents. This book touches upon all our raw emotions -- love, hate, friendship and lust. You will dive into this book and feel what Tom Wingo feels, cry when Tom Wingo cries and laugh uproariously at the foolishness of some characters. As I say to all my friends, read The Prince of ! ! Tides, then let's talk.
Rating:
Summary: May be the best book I've ever read!
Review: Pat Conroy is one of those authors who manages to engage both male and female readers. This book is his best - it touched every single emotion, making me both laugh and cry. Isn't that what life is? And, make no mistake about this - if you saw the movie, you know little or nothing about this book! This is the story of a family struggle for survival - not a love story of a doctor and her patient! Ugh! Can you tell that the movie really misses the whole point?? So, if you have not read this book yet, read it now. It's a must.
Rating:
Summary: Conroy is the Prince of Prose-Poetry...
Review: The Prince of Tides was truly a stimulating and profound novel. Aside from Tom Wingo's obsession with fine wines, french food and gorgeous women, the characters were an eclectic but passionate collection that lent themselves to a suspenseful and exhilerating read. The relationship between the siblings was one of the most compelling and beautiful relationships I have ever seen in a novel. Although depressing at times, the novel embodies our world's dual nature of pain and joy. Conroy's poetic descriptions are filled with lyrical grace while the love between the siblings reflected a peace and understanding that was simply inspiring, reminding us that courage and love can overcome all obstacles...
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