Rating: 
Summary: A fine first novel
Review: Skimming through the more recent reviews of the book, it occurs to me that many have approached the novel in a similar fashion to those who go see Charlie's Angels expecting a film worthy of Oscar contention. These folks, of course, leave disappointed; the movie is funny and has great action sequences, but it's not much more. Similarly, Drowning Ruth is a well-written novel replete with well developed characters. But it's not a period piece nor is it a mystery. Those who wish to gain insight into early 20th century America will be disappointed, those who are looking for a suspensful thriller will be disappointed. C'mon. It's an Oprah book. And that means one thing -- it's going to be about feeeeeelings. It's one of Oprah's better selections, though. I found the characters to be engaging and the relationships between them real and accessible. The novel was well-paced and thoughtful -- an enjoyable read.
Rating: 
Summary: Stay with it, it is well worth your effort!!
Review: If you have read the editorial reviews, you know this is a story of Amanda and her niece, Ruth, and the secret they share about the drowning of Ruth's mother. Ruth insists that she too, drowned that night. The mystery, and the wherefore and why, lies in the pages in between. The story is narrated alternately by Amanda and Ruth, in the past and present tense. At first, this can be a bit confusing, but you will get used to it and it will be worth it, I promise. Sometimes Oprah tends to pick grim stories, but I did not feel this was grim as I read it. It was more along the lines of a fascinating mystery. As more tidbits were revealed along the way, the reader is pulled in and hooked. This is a great first novel...I look forward to more!
Rating: 
Summary: disappointed
Review: I read this book and can't see why it is so highly praised by Oprah. What disappointed me is that I couldn't really get a mental picture in my head of the things the author was describing, especially the landscape. The plot was very boring, and the characters were not developed well. I think if the story was told from Carl's point of view it would have been a better story.
Rating: 
Summary: never been more disappointed
Review: I really tried to finish this book so I could write a decent review. I felt as if I should finish it considering I paid money for this book.(Something I wouldn't advise you to do). But why should I finish a book that you already know what happens after this first three chapters?Even though the ending was predictable, I still didnt want to see how or why it ended that way. The book just wasn't very engaging. It seemed to drag on. Schwartz didnt do her homework for this book. There is no mention of anything from this time period. (except maybe a couple of articles of clothing). This book was put together rather poorly. She just didnt seem to master phasing in and out in time. Here is a few words to sum this book up - grim, simple, bleak, and boring.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't tell anyone the secret!
Review: Drowning Ruth is one of those stories with a plot that hinges around a secret to be revealed. In general, I have never liked these kind of stories, and here's why: although they may capture your interest, once you've figured out the secret, you realize that the rest of the story is nothing special. In this case, although I was fairly interested in finding out the secret, it seemed that character development really took a back seat. So, if you're like me, and you prefer books with strong character development, this book is not for you. However, if you don't mind a plot-driven story, you'll like it. Just don't tell anyone the secret before they read it! Reading this book reminded me of watching the movie The Crying Game a few years ago. The first time was good, because the secret was such a shocker. The second time was at best boring, because knowing the secret, you notice how weak the rest of the story is. I imagine that Drowning Ruth would be the same way.
Rating:
Summary: A surprising disappointment
Review: I didn't expect to be so terribly disappointed with this book, I purchased it even before Oprah chose it for her book club, based simply on what I read on the front inside cover. One would expect this book to be powerful based on the reviews it's receiving, yet I found it incredibly dreary, slow and uninteresting. I felt no empathy whatsoever for the characters, and getting through this book was basically a chore, but I'm stubborn like that. Needless to say, the glowing reviews and the position on the bestseller list puzzle me. . .
Rating:
Summary: A very compelling tale
Review: Drowning Ruth is a beautifully written story, with a plot that will have you on the edge of your seat. The way in which Schwarz unravels her tale could be likened to William Faulkner. Each chapter revealed a new layer in the plot, and I relished every one. I found myself concocting many possibilities for Ruth's drowning; it was only at the end that I could fully comprehend what happened - I can't say that about many books I read. The raw emotion I felt reading the ending of the book therefore felt real, not "manufactured" or sentimental.
Rating:
Summary: Nothing new
Review: Yet again, based on glowing reviews, I bought this book and staggered through 338 pages trying to determine specifically why it's been so lauded. While the writing is just fine, crisp and tidy, and the characters are well wrought, there's really nothing new here. Certainly, there are no surprises. The book begins in 1919 and ends in 1941. I don't know why. There are no definitive period details that set the era for us (aside from brief mentions of corsets and hair bobbing). No one seems to suffer any of the ill effects that so many suffered in that period between the two world wars. It's a tale, often told, of history repeating itself. Everything is telegraphed, so that one expects exactly what is delivered. The character of Amanda, whose voice is predominant throughout, is so irritating that it's difficult to be sympathetic. And her niece, Ruth, who starts out an interesting, quirky and determined child who often thinks how wonderful it would be to have her own store (a lovely touch), deteriorates in the latter part of the book into a variation on a theme of Amanada and ultimately is just as irritating as her aunt. The secondary characters, Ruth's father, Carl, and the farm help, Rudy, are more interesting and sympathetic. But the author disposes of Carl about midway through the tale (and doesn't mention him again until the final few pages; and Rudy is merely retired off without ever being allowed any significant input--despite the fact that he's featured throughout the book). From that point on the narrative lumbers to its very predictable conclusion. As a first novel, it's a solid effort, but it suffers from a lack of oxygen. It's like spending a very long evening in a dimly lit room, on an uncomfortable sofa, with people you've just met, who are not gifted in the art of conversation. You can't wait to get outside and gulp down fresh air.
Rating:
Summary: Not suspenseful, not worth the read
Review: The writing is not bad, but the plot is worn and none of the characters merit real interest or concern. I just couldn't care what happened to these people and there were no surprises in this bleak work.
Rating:
Summary: A story that grabs you, and you can't let go until the end.
Review: I read this book in two days since I couldn't put it down. It has been a long time since I have read a book that was so easy to get involved in, that sucked you in to the plot and kept you there...the ending was just as good as the entire book. This book just does not let you down!
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