I Know This Much Is True

Rating:
Summary: Best book I've read in a long time
Review: This book was never ery long out of my hands. I think the story about the monkey was fascinating and the opener/shocker about his brother in the library was incredible. The twists of the plot kept me riveted.

Rating:
Summary: Captivating
Review: I Know This Much Is True is a journey into the psyche of twins. Wally Lamb does a magnificent job of letting you "into" the characters. You begin to think that the characters in the book are somehow related to you and you dread the moment you will reach that final page. When I first got my hands on the book,I cringed. I thought, there is no way I will be able to get through a book this long. Believe it or not I got through it in just four days. I could not put it down. As the wife of an Italian-American with "off-the-boat" parents, I could totally identify with the life story of Domenico Onofrio Tempesta. If you're wondering who this is, read this magnificent story and you'll find out. The best feature of this book is that there are no loose ends at the end of the story. All the characters and storylines are put to rest by the last chapter. You are not left wondering, whatever happened to so and so? Many books leave you with a feeling of being in limbo. Not this one. I highly recommend it!

Rating:
Summary: This is not a book to be read, but a book to be savored.
Review: Although this was an Ophrah Book Club book, my Mom had been handed this book that had been given to her by a fellow book lover who told her she had to read this, then she called me saying the same thing. This book hit close to home, as I have been in a family that was plaged by mental illness, before these things were never talked about. It was something I grew up with and never really knew any other way of life. I did know most other kids would make fun of me if they knew of my "secret". But I never questioned the fact that I was my responsiblity to help these family members because somehow I had escaped and was needed by those who had not escaped it. My worst fear was that by growing up with this legacy, I would "inherit" their insanity. So I too was like Dominick, was always the strong one, the person people called when they were in trouble. So to Mr. Wally Lamb, wherever you are, your book was like looking back at my past and seeing it in a much more healing way. I didn't feel that shame and embarrasement and of course guilt because these people were related to me. Sometimes, I would put your book down and feel a lump in my throat and sometimes not wanting to continue, the reason being your gift of writing is so truthful and wonderful and yet simplified those things that I had never allowed myself the luxury of looking at too closely. Your writing allowed me to bite the forbidden fruit without it tasting bitter. It is truly amazing the things that are not said in families with many members who suffer from mental illness. My family has sometimes treaded lightly on these topics with the ones not affected changing the subject as quickly as possible. So thank you, Mr. Lamb. I have always been an avid reader who avoids anything to "heavy". After reading this wonderful, beautifully written book, I feel like a layer of onion was removed and want read more of your stuff because as many books that I have read, I usually read Mystery novels, never wanting to read anything that might reach that secret pain so hidden I did not really know it was there. I can truly sayh that I don't thing I hav read someone with a talent that matches yours. I know this is a review, but if I could I would love to write to Mr. Lamb. If you are out there, Mr. Lamb, thank you, for opening up old wounds but healing them with your words and insights. You are very talented and I hope you continue with your wonderful gift. To anyone thinking this is a thick book, I don't want to read a book that long, trust me, you will wish there was more pages. So once again, thank you for lighting my love of reading all over again. Jill Guenther [e-mail]

Rating:
Summary: I CAN ONLY SAY, LISTEN TO ME AND READ IT, IT'S WONDERFUL!
Review: I JUST FINISHED IT. I AM SAD I AM THROUGH WITH IT AS I FELT LIKE I KNOW ALL THE PEOPLE AND HAD TO SAY GOOD-BYE. IT WAS A GREAT BOOK AND A WONDERFUL EXPERIANCE. I TRULY FELT SAD BUT HAPPY FOR DOMINICK. AND YES, I DID CRY AT THE END AS IF IT WERE A MOVIE AND I WAS IN IT! BEST BOOK YET!

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely amazing.
Review: The best book I've ever read

Rating:
Summary: This book was too short. I could've read another 900 pages!
Review: Reading "I know this much is true" is an event! Wally Lamb knows how to dig deep inside the emotional life of his characters. As the mother of twin sons, I am curiously aware of their special tie and often wonder, while one struggles to break free of his brother, if they realize the intensity of their bond. "I know this much is true" gave me a better insight into their special relationship. Aside from my personal interest in the story of twins, this book was just plain GREAT. While seeming to be a somewhat dark tale , the light of hope is there all along and as you think that things can't possibly get any better,or any worse, you"ll find yourself rooting for Dominick and hoping to find that light at the end of the tunnel. After finishing it, I couldn't stop caring. When's the next Wally Lamb book coming out?

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It's characters are well developed and touching. Dominick is a well balanced character and his stories ring true to life. Lamb wrote this book in such a way that he made it easy to relate to Dominick and his trails, he succeded. Please read this book you will be glad you did.

Rating:
Summary: A deep soul search for forgiveness.
Review: i know this much is true gave me a new sense of how to forgive and forget the past. I connected very well with the story. I am also a twin. This story has given me a new sense of hope.

Rating:
Summary: An Unforgettable Read
Review: If there were more than 5 stars, this book would deserve every one of them!! Mr. Lamb has the gift of communicating the written word that I have only experienced in the past in Pat Conroy's work. I applaud Mr. Lamb's careful research and accurate portrayal of the plight of the families of the mentally ill. I anxiously await his next book, and am recommending I Know This Much is True to anyone interested in the human experience.

Rating:
Summary: A Must Read.
Review: Wally Lamb captures the perils, joys and sadness with his tale of one healthy brother taking care and looking out for his sick twin. A wonderful book that will make you mad followed by happiness and sadness for this man who is only trying to better his twin's life. A truly wonderful book that I could not put down.