Rating: 
Summary: The Great American Novel!
Review: My uncle took me to see the musical of Ragtime in New York and I liked it so much that he then bought me the book. I finished it in 2 days and although sometimes it's very different from the musical, I would put it as Number 1 on the list of my favorite books. Buy this book and the Ragtime double-CD NOW!
Rating: 
Summary: This book is way over-rated!!
Review: The book was nice. I must admit, but to call it the "Great American" novel or even to include it on the list of the century's top 100 books gives it far too much credit than it deserves. I felt as if some one told me a story about people I've never met. The characters were very two-dimensional. His description of media sex symbols was way out of context. Why bring up Maryln Monroe? This is a book about a time long before she was born, written in a period before she was born, supposedly. One review mentions that he/she read the book when they were in the sixth grade. That is about where I would place this on a reading list. It is okay for some one in junior high, but I think that perhaps some one looking for a story with substance best look elsewhere.
Rating:
Summary: MY FAVORITE!!!!!
Review: This book is so profound and beautiful - I've never read anything quite like it. It is accurate in it's description and the imagery is subtle and spine tingling. Doctrow's writting style is incomparable; it's just a wonderful story. A novel that I chose to read - was not forced to for English and will read again and AGAIN!!! See the musical!!! It's even better!
Rating:
Summary: The Great American Novel (in a warped sense)
Review: This novel is by far one of the best books I have ever read. The writing style is very lyrical and sweet and lovely. The author keeps the characters blank and nameless to allow them to be anyone (which is a brilliant idea). Also, we can see, through the one-dimensional characters, certain aspects of society. Father-the all-american type. Mother-the stay at home and dream woman. Etc...PLus, it beautifully deals with racism by having a protagonist (Coalhouse Walker) meet the Chief Conklin! And what happens? Booker T. Washington comes in and advocates nonviolent protest. Furthermore, it deals with (one of) the trial(s) of the century:Stanford White. All in all the novel is quite well researched and well done. PLEASE ignore the commentor who complains about Freud. If you want a book with Freud, read a book about Freud (doesn't sound TOO odd).
Rating:
Summary: This was an amazing piece of literature.
Review: I saw the musical production on Broadway. It blew me away. Then, when I got home from New York, I went to the library and got the book. I was stunned. It is probably one of the best books I have read in a long time. The story of Coalhouse is absolutely fascinating. This book grips you and doesn't let you go until the end. I couldn't put it down once I started and read it in one night. I think this is one of Doctorow's best works and he should be proud that such an excellent stage production is introducing this fabulous work to a whole new generation of readers.
Rating:
Summary: Simply the best book ever written about the Ragtime era
Review: A wonderful book with well developed characters, and a great plot. E.L. Doctorow perfectly intertwines fact and fiction throughout the book. The charachters-especially Coalhouse Walker Jr. were perfectly written and described and worked perfectly together like a well oiled machine.
Rating:
Summary: RAGTIME ON AIRPLAY AUDIO READ BY THE AUTHOR IS OUTSTANDING
Review: THE BOOK IS EVEN BETTER THAN THE MUSICAL. IT CAPTURES YOUR IMAGINATION AND PULLS YOU FORWARD. LISTENING TO DOCTOROW READ HIS OWN WORK, AND ITS UNABRIDGED, REALLY ENCHANCED THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE.
Rating: 
Summary: Hm....
Review: I'm currently re-reading this book, since the first time I read it, I was in the 6th grade and, having no older siblings, had to ask my teacher what a "fellatio" was -- very embarrassing. Mainly I'm re-reading it because of the scenes with Sigmund Freud, whose theories I have read so often, and yet of whose personal life I know so little, (absolutely nothing, in fact) that it never fails to intrigue me. So far, there's been a disappointingly small amount of appearances by Sigmund Freud, and, since I'm nearing the end of the book, I have a feeling there won't be too much more. As for the rest of the book, it was reasonably engaging, but nothing to write home to Mother about, so to speak. Maybe I should just stop and read a biography of Sigmund Freud.
Rating:
Summary: I loved everything about this book
Review: Doctorow has to be one of the greatest writers living in America today. His power of description is remarkable. All of the characters came alive for me and I really could understand them.
Rating:
Summary: Or maybe 3 and a half
Review: I didn't enjoy this book until after I'd finished reading it. My first impression was dissatisfaction. But after a bit of pondering I understood all the conflict and change the book represents. I didn't really enjoy the additions of the real characters. It would've been better off without them. And some of the plot did seem rather cliched. But I think it was an interesting read.
| 
