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Summary: journey into family relations
Review: I enjoyed the length of the book, in fact, I enjoyed growing attached to Dominick. I enjoyed being able to continue the journey with him as he learned about his past, present and future. I found Wally Lambs book an insightful glimps into a modern man's journey of self discovery. I especially enjoyed being led throught this journey by a man who is trying to come to terms with himself and his family. It isn't often we are granted the gift of a man's perspective as he struggles with his own emotions and turmoil. I found myself lanughing, crying and even urging him on as he draggeed himself through it all. I really liked the end, even though some may critize it's humbleness. I belive that there are no parades for or finish lines in victory, just priceless self understanding. This book is for those who appreciate the subtleness of growth and change.
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Summary: Unfortunately, it had to end.
Review: This book is by far one of the best I have ever read. It continues to keep you in suspense despite its extraordinary length. The beginning captures your interest once you realize the condition of Thomas Birdsey. Anyone who has ever had to deal with health institutions can relate to the powerlessness that Dominick faces while trying to cope with his brothers situation. In addition, the relationships that are depicted in his nuclear family are ones that capture your heart. A stepfather, mother and grandfather who you don't know whether to love or hate(neither does he). As the book unravels the twists and turns keep you wanting to read more yet not wanting the book to end. It was a very refreshing and atypical storyline. Unfortunately, the end was tied up too quickly. I am a big fan of Wally Lamb's books and it will be a very hard feat for him to top this one.
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Summary: Too Long !!!!
Review: I bought this book as soon as it came out because I had read "She's Come Undone" and liked it . I have tried many a time to try to read this book. But each time I try I feel as though it will never end. I would like to read the whole book or at least know how it ends but, everytime I try I get so bored I fall asleep. This book moves way too slow for me! I feel they take way too long to get a point across in this book. I hope his next book is shorter or at least faster paced. I gave up on it. Maybe his next book will be better.
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Summary: Lamb and Howard in audio format equals a winner
Review: Wow! This is a wonderful story about two very different twin brothers, Dominick and Thomas, read by Ken Howard. The story, about the dysfunctional Birdsey family, combined with Howard's reading, was extraordinary, and a true five star experience. The author, Wally Lamb develops very strong characters then provides a rich setting that brings the story to life.This has to be one of the best audio books I've ever listened to, however I am hesitant to recommend it. In retrospect, I wish that I had listened to the unabridged version instead, so that I could have enjoyed the work longer.
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Summary: ONCE AGAIN, I WAS SMILING THROUGH TEARS
Review: I read Wally Lamb's first book, She's Come Undone, as my first "Oprah" book, and decided that this was my new favorite author! When this book was released I could be seen trampling people to buy it, (well, not really, but you'd think so!)
With his first book, I related to the character, with some self-esteem issues, but I was amazed and inspired by the character's will through all of her strife. (I had to keep looking at the cover, because I couldn't believe a man had written this book, from a women's perspective, in first person voice!) Even though the issues he addresses with the character are real and saddening, he had the best timing with respect to throwing something into the mix that had me laughing so hard I was crying and my stomach hurt.
With his second book, I enjoyed a continuing maturity in the narrator/main character. He (Lamb) made all of the characters human, with all of the tragic flaws that we all, in fact, do have(whether we'd like to admit it or not!) I would agree with other readers that the ending becomes tidy rather too quickly for my taste. I invest time in reading and expect it to be more rewarding as far as reaching the ending of a book than this read was. Overall, I would still rate it a 5 of 5 stars though because I loved the story of a family and all it's secrets, that really aren't so bad after all, the excellent prose, and the satisfied feeling I had after. Definetly, a story that made me, with tears on my face, mentally list the "Truths" in my own life.
Coincidentially, I had just moved to the Groton/New London area of Connecticut when I read this book, and it was nice to see that the geographical descriptions were accurate. (Even though some of the names of places that were very obvious were changed by one or two letters...)
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Summary: Amazing
Review: This book is nothing short of amazing. I was hooked by the first page and would have read it straight through if it wasn't so long. In this case, length is a good thing; it's never boring, and I looked forward to picking it up again when I had to put it down. It's on my shelf with other books I intend to read again, something I rarely do.
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Summary: From the ridiculous to the . . .
Review: Well, to the more ridiculous, actually. I felt my first attack of bulemia coming on during the reading of this cesspool of psychodrivel. It's success proves that the the ore of human gullibility is inexhaustible and that Oprah and her readers are its dependable miners. This baby is the mother lode!
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Summary: Takes one to know one
Review: Being a twin myself, I have always found myself short of words in describing just how deep, complicated and haunting it is. Now it seems like all I have to do is hand out this book to whom ever asks me for the upteenth time - "What is it like to be a twin ?" (as if I know any different...). This books tells it as it - the competition, the fear, the struggle for independence, the love and the hate, the push and the pull. When I finished this book I felt drained out. Its like the book put a mirror at my face and made me confront my true self. Besides being a wonderful, well written novel on the test of faith, this is a must read for twins and anyone who wants to understand what being a twin is really about. Now all I have to do is gather the courage to let my twin read it...
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Summary: Read this, not Correction
Review: This is a wonderful, healing book. It is complex, well written and records the multi-generational impact of family. Lamb has done his research and presents a realistic look at schizophrenia, nature and nuture. He also pulls off an ending that I didn't expect, but enjoyed. This is the book that should have received the awards, not Franzen's "Correction."
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Summary: Transported into the lives of others...
Review: Wally Lamb is a fabulous writer. Inside the front and back cover of this book lies a world into which you are transported and don't want to leave. The lives and emotions of the characters grab you. This book touches many aspect of the human life, which if you are familiar with, seems as if he's actually lived every moment. Read it. Experience Dominick and Thomas.
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