Ashley78

• Rated 4 stars

“I am surprised this book doesn't receive more attention. Ever since "My Sister's Keeper" Jodi Piccoult books have been enjoying a fair amount of promotion. She is one of my favourite authors but I feel this one really is her best. If you read it please give it a chance... it begins much slower than most of her books. The complexity of the story creeps up on you - what starts out as a fairly ordinary novel slowly evolves into a very interesting and layered story. ”

Ashley78 wrote this review Tuesday, March 13, 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 3 stars

“I can see why some didn't enjoy this book and I recognize its flaws. However the story, even years later, stays with me - while other "better" books are a vague memory. I like how the book explored the complicated mother-daughter relationship, particularly how daughters often know relatively little about their mothers. But what really sold me was a personal one - I grew up with a very close group of eccentric friends and this book reminded me of just how much they influenced my life. This is one of those books I almost wish hadn't become a bestseller and movie as the publicity around it seems to have taken away from what I think began as a very quirky story. ”

Ashley78 wrote this review Tuesday, March 13, 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“I read this book years ago - but I have never forgotten it. A sweeping story of farmer life in China it took me away to another world and I journeyed through the struggles and triumphs of this family like it was my own. So many love stories in literature are heart wrenching and dramatic. Yet this love story is so real - one that grows over the years of shared hardship, dedication, work and joy. ”

Ashley78 wrote this review Thursday, March 1, 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Probably the most real and interesting character I have encountered in a novel. Many people point to how daring it was of Flaubert to explore the possible dissatisfaction of women at that time. But the story is still as relevant today. Emma represents the very widespread desire in our society to fill our soul with excitement and material goods – and demonstrates the disappointment and emptiness that will come with such a quest. While Emma is not a likeable character she is a very genuine and multilayered one and for that I would call her my “favorite character”. ”

Ashley78 wrote this review Thursday, March 1, 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“I couldn't put this book down! Picked it up and read in a day and a half. Admittedly the writing style was not extraordinary but the strong story and powerful imagery make it a memorable read. While some people seem to find the page-turning techniques used by the writer as clichéd, the depth and compassion of the characters is what really stands out in the end. ”

Ashley78 wrote this review Thursday, March 1, 2007. ( reply | permalink )

2 of 2 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 5 stars

“The best book I have ever read. That is a huge statement to make but I cannot express just how magnificent I thought this book was. The story swept me up - Alex Haley brought me into his world and I followed this family through the generations, feeling a deep kinship with each character. That is what made it a good book. What made it a great book is how it changed the way I saw the world. I read it when I was 14 and it moved me in a way no other book has, making me understand the concepts of basic human rights and dignity. Perhaps if I had read this when I was older it wouldn’t have had such an impact… but this is the one that did it.

”

Ashley78 wrote this review Thursday, March 1, 2007. ( reply | view 1 replies | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“I will never tire of this book - it is an epic story which I return to every few years. When I first read this as a teenager I was completely engrossed in the love story and the glamorous Scarlett. As I grow older I find myself enjoying the book for different reasons. What fascinates me now is the way Mitchell demonstrates the effects of war - how an entire world, people and way of life can be erased. However, I find it increasingly difficult to ignore the treatment of slavery. It is somewhat unfair to judge Mitchell, a southern white woman writing in the 1930s, by today’s political correctness. But the picture of a world supported by slavery as kind and dreamy is shocking and it is difficult to understand how any one at any time could portray it as such. Nevertheless, the character development and sweep of story is unforgettable and always carries me away. ”

Ashley78 wrote this review Thursday, March 1, 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“I couldn't help but be profoundly touched. The writing style is not remarkable and its bestselling status may make it a little cliche... but when I read this book I couldn't stop crying. Some people may see it as an easy target, too much of a "hallmark moment". Perhaps it is but considering its small size it made a powerful punch. In a world where the rich and famous are idolized I found the premise of this book very basic but very sincere - that every life is of value and has influence. I don't believe a person has to be spiritual or religious to enjoy this book as it is much more about life than what happens afterwards. I have loved many books but they rarely make me reflect on my own life as much as this one did... which is why I consider it one of my favourites. ”

Ashley78 wrote this review Thursday, March 1, 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“A beautifully written novel that takes a small part of the world in a specific period of time and creates “the known world.” The novel is non-linear and covers a number of different stories and characters, weaving in and out of each other. To say it is about black slave owners is simplistic as this is only part of life in Manchester County. Jones has a beautiful writing style which drew me in and held my attention throughout the book. The strongest aspect, I felt, was his ability to create an instant sense of intimacy with the many characters – he described their backgrounds and thoughts in such a way that you immediately identified with them. I was sad when I finished this book as I felt I was leaving a world and characters I had come to know inside out. ”

Ashley78 wrote this review Wednesday, February 28, 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Much more than just a "Hollywood memoir" the most fascinating aspect of the book is Chaplin's description of growing up poor in turn of the century London. This is one of the very few Hollywood books I would recommend to a non-film-fanatic as Chaplin’s life is an incredible story through history, politics and the arts. His tale of Hollywood is far from sensational but he does offer an insightful and detailed account of the early studio system. Some may find it disappointing that he doesn’t delve into the more scandalous aspects of his life. I would argue the only weakness of the book is Chaplin’s refusal to address the many questionable personal decisions he made (if this were to be your only source on Chaplin you would think he was somewhat of a saint). But – the storytelling is strong and it offers, in my opinion, an engrossing tale of one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures.”

Ashley78 wrote this review Thursday, March 1, 2007. ( reply | permalink )