I Know This Much Is True

Rating:
Summary: what a great book
Review: I Know This Much Is True is an amazing book that can't really be described in words. At best, I can only say that the story is about twins- one of the twins is afflicted by schizophrenia and the other who is a healthy boy. But the healthy brother seemingly wants to be like his sick brother and does everything possible to make himself mental like his twin brother, a process that is pursued with deliberate actions of madness that affects all around him. Why? We may ask. Simply, the healthy brother is obsessed with guilt and responsibility for the state of his sick brother

This book is just overwhelming. This hair-spinning story will make you laugh, cry, smile gasp, and sigh until the very end. It is so fulfilling. You will be doing yourself an advantage by reading this book. It says a lot that you never knew about.

Also recommended: Disciples of Fortune, Black and Blue, While I Was Gone, The Usurper and Other Stories

Rating:
Summary: The Best Ever
Review: This book was my all time favorite. Wally Lamb is a masterful story teller and George Guidall brings this book to life, George is a genius at storytelling, and he was so deserving of the award he received for this book. While listening to this book, you actually live it, you do not want it to end. There are many thoughts to ponder in this story. Having a challenged son it really hits home. I've listened to it 3 times and I own the hardback.
All I can say it is A MUST READ for all who cherish a GREAT BOOK. I listen usually to about 4-6 books a week, and I have passed it on to many friends, they have all loved it.
It is time for another from Wally, but this one will be hard to top.

Rating:
Summary: honestly my favorite book
Review: the word inspiring (to an aspiring writer) does not sum up this novel enough.

other completely fitting adjectives include: beautiful, thoughtful, intense, incredible, well-crafted, insightful, brilliant and BRAVO!

Wally Lamb's novel I Know This Much is True completely blew me away. the story tracks the tale of two identical brothers who have led anything but identical lives. Dominic (the protagonist) must come to terms with his past, his family history and secrets and the fact that his identical twin brother suffers and struggles with mental disease while Dominic has to somehow struggle with reality and life.

this book is touching, amazing and so very well done. I cannot say enough of it or praise it as much as it deserves.

the 900 pages are nothing to fear, in fact, the more you read, the more grateful you are for the length of this book -- you never want it to end!

do not hesitate to purchase this novel and read it -- it's one of the best things you can do for yourself!

Rating:
Summary: Characters Unforgettable...Story Line, a Bit Hazy
Review: In this book as well as She's Come Undone, Wally Lamb introduces these characters that become so engrained in your mind that you feel as if they are your long-lost friends from high school. You cannot forget the trials and triumphs that they encounter. The real drawback that I found in this book was the ever-compiling plot, at times I felt like it would never end. This not only becomes monotonous, the reader cannot physically remember important ideas from the beginning of the book. Coming from an English background it is hard to find literary theories and themes however Lamb may not have been targeting that kind of audience.
Overall the book was interesting if taken in small doses but there was nothing in the book that moved me.

Rating:
Summary: Exhausting
Review: This book was just OK to me, nothing special. The endless life tragedies befallen on the main character was very taxing and eventually unbelievable. Would have been a lot better had it been edited down about 200 pages. Worth a read if you have time and nothing else on the shelf.

Rating:
Summary: Five Stars Plus Another Five Plus Another Five. . . .
Review: I will never forget the character, Dominick Birdsey, the one we live the story through in this book. I'm not a man, and yet I felt I was living Dominick's life through the words on the page. He feels more real to me than some of the people I know, such is the power of Lamb's writing.

I will also never forget Dominick's brother Thomas, his mother Connie, his step-father Ray, his ex-wife Dessa, her dog "Goofus," his embarrassing friend Leo and the rest of the vividly-drawn characters (Dr. Patel is a classic; you'll love her to pieces). I've spent many a night of insomnia reliving scenes from this book and still never tire of it. Despite its 900 pages, I've read it twice and will no doubt read it again once enough time has passed.

Don't let the length of this book hold you back. If you do, you'll be missing the novel of a lifetime (besides, you won't want it to end). To say that this is the best novel I've ever read doesn't say enough: This book changed my expectations of novels forever. Everything has to measure up against this one now.

A little word of caution. If, like me, when the book is over you just *have* to have more Wally Lamb, don't go straight to his book about Dolores the overweight girl (SHE'S COME UNDONE). Give yourself time first. Plenty of time. I know SHE'S COME UNDONE is an excellent book in its own right, but reading it straight after Dominick Birdsey invaded my psyche was like trying to get a deep tan in winter sunshine. I just couldn't let Dolores into my heart. Dominick was hogging all the space.

I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE is a masterpiece.


Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: This was my second book By Mr Lamb, All I can say is WONDERFUL!Wally Lamb has a very unique gift! I could not put this book down!It tells the story of twin brothers one with a mental illness and one trying to deal with it and live his life..Its a great book for Everyone! I recommend this book Highly!

Rating:
Summary: Joy for the mind and soul
Review: I'm 40 years old, black, and a lesbian. I had long ago given up on American fiction due to the limited character development, the incessant emphasis on sex (usually in the form of rape), and the sameness of the stories. I picked up "I Know This Much Is True" on a lark but found myself captivated.

Who would have expected me to feel such a connection to a 40ish, straight, white male twin. It's a testament to the lyrical nature of Wally Lamb's writting and the depth of the characters in this book.

I have to go know. It's time to start "She Come Undone".

Rating:
Summary: Best Book I've Ever Read!
Review: Wally Lamb blew me away with I Know This Much is True! The characters are so real and each pulls at your heart in a different way. Although the book is long I never wanted it to end. I read it in about 3 days, and immediately became a Lamb fan. If you are looking for something meaningful that will stick with you long after the book is closed, this is it. A true literary masterpiece.