The Prince of Tides

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Summary: What a story...
Review: The combination of Comroy's complex, lovable, and realistic characters, his beautiful imagery and language, and the sometimes hilarious, sometimes gripping anecdotes make Prince of Tides a wonderful read. This book sucks you in until you feel like a part of the Wingo family. Tom's experiences in New York tie in perfectly and his relationship with Lowenstein is subtle yet appropriate. I want to go back and read tis book again when I can afford the time to really enjoy it, becuase it deserves to be savored.

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Summary: A Tale of Southern Life
Review: The book captivated me almost right away. I was sent on a journey through Tom Wingo's eyes. I was there reliving his life. The stories he shared of his horrible childhood made me appreciate my life. However, I was disturbed by the ending. For Tom to have such a horrible life and have the book end so quickly, I felt cheated. All in all, for a book I had to read, it wasn't that bad.

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Summary: Interestingly Funny
Review: I was expecting more from this book. My mother and my friends had told me it was one of the best books they had ever read. The book was extremely funny when it was supposed to be, but that's all that did it for me. The prose may have been excellent writing style, but I got lost in all the imagery. Good book, but not for me.

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Summary: Prince of Tides: Master Wordsmithing
Review: The novel Prince of Tides that I read for my high school english class was an example of some of the most masterfully constructed sentences I've ever had the pleasure to read. The lines of the book grab you, and turn it into a virtual kaleidoscope of imagery, it reads like a movie and once it grabs you, never lets go. The characters start off as stereotypes and evolve into real human being sby the end of the book. Through this turbulent tale the complex character interaction remains, and and the dialog is well writtenwith splashes of humor mixed in. A reccommended read

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Summary: It was GOOD...Would have been better if I read it
Review: From parts of the Audio and parts of the book, I was stunned by the great imagination that Conroy sent through to me. I believe that now I will raed the book. Bye.

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Summary: Twisted but gripping
Review: I usually watch the movie versions of books, but when I watched it after reading the book, I realized that I was so impressed by the book that I was extremely disappointed with the movie. Conroy's writing was so amazing that his description and unusual organization in telling the story always drew me back to the book for more. This book was an assignment, and I have to admit that I would never have Prince of Tides under normal circumstances because it appeared to be a mushy, sappy love story that described some guy's southern life in the process. I liked the story once I got into it, but I found it difficult to like any of the characters because Conroy's opinion of each was often negative and pessimistic throughout the story. He seldom had a good word to say about anyone in the book, and each character was introduced in a negative light. This made it difficult for me to identify with any of the immediatlely flawed characters, but the people fit with this depressing story. Conroy often lightened the story with humor, such as the dog food story, but there even sadness behind his comic relief. I liked the book and would recomend it, but be prepared for an emotionally schitzophrenic tale.

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Summary: Wow... I am now a Conroy fan for life!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: OK!!! I admit it...when I started reading, I kind of cheated; I listened to audio selections of Conroy's southern drawl, each syllable enticing me to read this beautiful prose for the full literary effect. After hearing the begining of the cassette chocked full of mystical words, I struggled to not only memorize all that he said, but to merely shut the book. (Eventually, I realized that sleep is essential.) But I found my self sucked into Tom Wingo's stories, the horror, funny and reflective. If you loved this book, full of unforgettable description and gripping action, may I suggest reading Boy's Life by Robert Cormier? I will reread this and I suggest you should too.

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Summary: Finally! A novel with more drama than my own life!
Review: Excellent! This book is a definite page turner from the go. I found myself turning the pages with celerity and forgetting to stare at the clock. Conroy has captured the heart of the south and entangled it in a web of bizarre family secrets. This novel gnaws at your heart with it's descriptions of southern life, and tales of repeated abuse. Conroy is a wizard! He enables the reader to walk hand in hand with Tom Wingo through the abuse, keeping still a view of the changes that allow Tom to become a loving man.This novel is brilliantly crafted! I hold it in highest esteem. Read this!!

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Summary: a roller-coaster ride for the emotions
Review: I didn't want to read this book but it was required reading for my english class. At first I was intimidated by the length of the book and Conroy's prose, but once I got into the story it wasn't so bad. Conroy's characters are engrossing and human, and I found myself sympathizing with them. The only problem I had with Conroy's novel was his underdevelopment of the relationship between Tom and Lowenstein. I also felt there was not enough about Tom and his family in the present. The ending was a little too blunt for me--I wanted a little more explanation of Tom's actions. I loved Luke, though. I would reccommend reading this, but don't be expecting too much.

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Summary: a good story, just too long
Review: I found the story of Tom Wingo's abusive and fascinating past to be thoroughly entertaining and a story that made me want to keep reading. Conroy uses words masterfully to describe his story and to keep the reader enthralled. Conroy uses images and foreshadowing greatly to make the reader keep reading to find out what happened to Luke, or what Lila had done to make her children hate her. When I finished the book I wanted there to be more. It was a great book to read, only it was too long for me, as it contained some scenes I thought were unnecassary. I would suggest it to anyone who likes an entertaining story and has time to read.