I Know This Much Is True

Rating:
Summary: too big an investment with too little return
Review: I loved Wally Lamb's previous book- She's Come Undone. I looked forward to this book with grerat anticipation. I was rewarded with a disappointment. If you are going to invest the hours necessary to read a 900 page book, you want to make sure that it will be an interesting and enjoyable experience. This was not the case. The story was an interesting one, but could have been easily told in half the space. The story was bloated and inflated with a lot of unneccessary kvetching and whining on the part of the narrator. It made me want to say to him...get over it and move on!

Rating:
Summary: A masterpiece...even the second time around
Review: I had just finished this book for the second time. I read it in November 1998 and have not been able to read another book since then. As an avid reader, I have been unable to find anything that has been so thought-provoking and masterfully crafted. The literary world has a new standard...Mr. Wally Lamb. Bravo!!!

Rating:
Summary: Both my husband and I couldn't put it down!
Review: I started reading "I Know..." on our vacation as my husband was reading another book. I was so enthralled that the minute he finished his book, we tore apart "I Know..." so he could begin it. A deeply emotional and thought-provoking work. I have recommended it to everyone!

Rating:
Summary: I couldn't put it down.
Review: This book had me so enthralled, so eager to find out what had, and was, happening, that I read it in one day. The author captured so compellingly what the main character was feeling, as a child in his memories, and in the present, while trying to cope with everything that was happening. He is truly a terrific storyteller.

Rating:
Summary: Felt more like an assigned read ....
Review: Shame on Wally Lamb for enticing his readers with a somewhat enjoyable first half....only letting them down with a droll, lackluster second half. The only reason I finished the book was due to my desire to "finish what I've started". After tossing the book to the wayside after attempting to comprehend what I had just wasted two weeks reading, I could only surmise that Wally Lamb didn't want to continue with the book either...that's why he took the easy way out with the second half, allowing his characters to become inconsistent and shapeless and the plot to take a serious nosedive. ONE BIG LETDOWN!

Rating:
Summary: A Fabulous Read!
Review: Mr. Lamb, "You Go Boy!" I am so looking forward to your next book. Dominick & Thomas will remain with me until then.

Rating:
Summary: Loved this book!!I loved the way
Review: I loved the way this author brought out the different storylines and characters. This book deals with a variety of things that many of us deal with in our lives. It wove a story of one man's attempt to face what life handed him.

Rating:
Summary: The best book I have ever read!
Review: Wally Lamb's style of writing is wonderful. I was captured throughout this novel...I only hope that he continues to write!

Rating:
Summary: Size DOESN'T matter!
Review: Remember your first reaction when you heard how long the movie Titantic was? Yet you saw it, and when you did, you couldn't believe how quickly the time passed. That's how to think of this book. Do not be daunted by the 900 pages. You won't be confused or "lost" along the way. Lamb utilizes a neat writing trick -- when he brings up a character that hasn't been mentioned lately, he casually "reminds" reader who it is. A subtle but very effective way of keeping the reader from being distracted or confused. Don't miss this book!

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down & then was disappointed at the ending.
Review: I was eagerly awaiting my Amazon delivery of this book. Got it Monday afternoon, started reading Monday evening, made the remainder of the weeks plans around my read. It was compelling. I was giving daily updates to my co-workers. I couldn't wait to pass it on. AND, then the end! I felt like Lamb got tired and just opted out. The tension he had created was so exciting and then it ends up like a Danielle Steel mini-series - they all live happily, prosperously, everafter. Quite disappointing after all of the complex character and plot developments.