Journey

Rating:
Summary: Inspiring...
Review: I am an aspiring broadcast journalist and this is why I got this book. I have never read anything by Danielle Steel and I absolutely loved this book! It was very inspiring to see this girl, Maddy, rise from nothing into a famous news anchor, and battle the everyday life with her control freak husband, Jack. This book takes many twists and turns, I could not put it down. It is a great ending and sure to be a great read whether getting into TV or just looking for a great book!!

Rating:
Summary: Best Work Yet
Review: I am an avid Steel reader and couldn't put this one down. Not only is the subject one that needs addressing but the characters and story line pull you in and put you in Maddy's place. I believe that Ms. Steel only gets better and this book defintely proves it.

Rating:
Summary: A Pleasant Surprise
Review: I didn't know what the subject matter was when I first picked this book up, I'm not a big reader of cover notes, as they tend to give away too much. This book kept my interest! The subject matter was serious and I think Ms Steel covered it very well. She shows how easy it is to not notice the signs of mental abuse and why so many women find it hard to remove themselves from the situation. I think "Journey" gave me a better perspective on the subject, and perhaps I am more knowledgeable because of it. I am recommending this book to all of my friends.

Rating:
Summary: Big disappointment!
Review: I generally can overlook Steele's run-on sentences and stereotypical characters, but in "Journey," the storyline is so weak and predictable, the grammatical issues simply jump out and scream at the reader. I mean, some of her sentences don't even make any sense, such as, "...he was still standing on the sidewalk walking as she drive off..." Huh? The characters are like formulas, and none are too likeable, either. Ridiculous story, unlikeable characters, and bad grammer. Geez.... I won't read Steele's work anymore, even when I am looking for a mindless read for the beach of pool...

Rating:
Summary: It hit home
Review: I have just gotten out of relationship similar to Maddy's in December. This book really hit home for me. It was a great read about being in mental,emotional abusive relationship. When most people here the word abuse they think physical,that is not always true. When Jack had rough sex with Maddy that also reminded me of my relationship with my ex. Well the book is really great read and a fast one too. I finished it in about 3 hours.

Rating:
Summary: not her best
Review: I have read all of Steel's books over the years, and I have been increasingly disappointed with each new attempt. Journey was no exception. Though her portrayal of domestic abuse was well-intentioned, I found the character development weak. The reader gains no insight into Jack's life, including his childhood or background. Maddy's discovery of her long-lost daughter seemed too sudden and coincidental. Amazingly, Lizzie had no negative feelings toward her mother for abandoning her and never attempting to find her. The plot was overly simplistic; such a serious topic as domestic abuse deserves more in-depth exploration without the wealthy, fantasy life overtones found in all of Steel's books. Definitely not one of Steel's best.

Rating:
Summary: BIG Disappointment
Review: I have read every Danielle Steele book she has every written, this one is just your typical woman in trouble story. Ms. Steele's writing of late has become encreasingly predictable. She always has a woman in peril, she finds her way out, falls in a bad situtation again, and finds a man to help her get out of it. This book does do a very good job of addressing the subject of verbal/emotional abuse but the rest of the story is a waste of time. I read Ms. Steele's books for what I call escapism not to have a moral lesson shoved in my face, when I want that I will read my bible.

Rating:
Summary: A quick read
Review: I have read every one of Steel's books and truly enjoy the stories for what they are----quick reads. I enjoy the characters even though they're not very "deep" people. It's the kind of book to read on a plane or at a beach---a "fluff" book. This story about abuse is done very well overall----but I do agree with one reviewer that she just goes from one man to another. It would be better to show Maddy not needing to be rescued by a man every time. She can learn to be on her own. And that's an important part of therapy-"to love and accept yourself first" before getting involved in yet another relationship. But that aside, I also think Steel's books are written too fast. She's trying to do too many per year----she has too many "and" and "but" words in the story. She's writing like a child---and I know she can do better if she took the time. Perhaps it's because I also read a lot of books by authors who not only write a great story line but also use correct grammar and style. Steele is lacking in this----to just have a fun, quick story line. However, I read it for what it's worth---quick and easy--and will continue to read all her books for the joy of the story.

Rating:
Summary: Even more cookie-cutter than her other books
Review: I have read many of Danielle Steel's novels, and have actually really enjoyed most of them. You can't expect anything deep, but they are entertaining and relaxing. However, I have found that she is beginning to rest on her laurels a bit. Not only is she sticking with the same basic formula, she's starting to reuse characters. Maddy, the successful network anchor in Washington, D.C. is practically the exact same character as Mel, the successful network anchor from New York, as in Changes, which came out several years ago. That gets boring. Plus the endings get tied up in a pretty bow too quickly now. Stick with her earlier works for the best reads (even the relatively recent Accident and Lightning are better).

Rating:
Summary: Wish I'd written this book...
Review: I have to hand it to Danielle Steel; in spite of some writing flaws, she keeps the reader reading. I liked this novel better than "Malice" (unconvincing) and the few others I've read (except the one about The Titanic). "Journey" hung together pretty well, with enough minor suprises to keep the reader interested. Why is it, though, that the heroines (who are all beautiful and sweet) invariably end up with **won't give it away** (who are all handsome and successful)? I know, I know. I may have not read the exceptions. My, what a prolific writer she is!--Sophie Simonet, ACT OF LOVE, a romantic suspense novel (Fictionwise)