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Rating: 
Summary: A Great Book
Review: At times, this book left me stunned. This is a well written autobiographical account of the author's life, but also, in many respects a social history of a section of post WWII Los Angeles. See takes her own life and places it within the broader context of the history of California and America. I am sure that her experiences are common, but this seems like a device to lessen the shame and sting of coming from a poor, dysfunctional background. Although See attained career success, the book is organized around her personal relationships and at times you just wonder how she survived emotionally. What also struck me were the educational and economic opportunities available to poor white people in Los Angeles back then. But See doesn't seem to acknowledge that there was a social structure in place to make sure that she had opportunity so that her hard work would pay off. This is a great book and I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Great book, wonderful person behind it
Review: I loved this book; it tells tragic stories so initimately. The author feels so human, loving the people she so much wants to hate, but forgiving them over and over again. I would love to read about what has happened to the characters in this book since it was written. Great visual references; connecting faces with names makes me feel as if I know this family. A very good read.
Rating: 
Summary: Dreaming--not quite a nightmare
Review: I was assigned this book to read prior to a memoir writing class at a summer workshop, just over. Both I and the other class members found the book unsatisfying because of its erratic organization. The pictures were helpful, but the inclusion of material not written by the author detracted from her story. The final somewhat hopeful epiphany at Clara's wedding was worth reading, but it took too long to get us there. And she's still drinking. I could not help comparing my own life on the east coast during the same years with hers; I worked hard, didn't abuse alcohol or drugs, and stayed married to the same spouse for 48 years (at last count). My career in medicine was very satisfying. I can't understand how her account of such a dysfunctional family and culture receives such applause, especially when it's difficult to follow as written. I guess we all face different choices in life.
Rating: 
Summary: GOOD IDEA, POOR EXECUTION
Review: The idea is good, but the execution isn't. The book is poorly written.
Rating:
Summary: GOOD IDEA, POOR EXECUTION
Review: This book left me with that feeling that you get after a long ride on a bike - wrung out and exhausted, but glad I went. Carolyn See holds nothing back, and this is at times a harrowing story. But it's ultimately about redemption, and of walking through fire and coming out the other side a better person. It's also beautifully written, with a style that is unpretentious and effortless. If you grew up in a "perfect" family, or even one that's relatively functional (bad pun - sorry!), you probably won't appreciate this book. If you grew up with alcoholics and divorce and police coming to the door and living out of cars, and like that, then you'll recognize a lot of the people in this book. I loved this book for Carolyn See's honesty, and also for her wit; she is a joy to read, and I would recommend this book to anyone (except maybe the Cleavers). Enjoy!!
Rating:
Summary: Real life!
Review: This book left me with that feeling that you get after a long ride on a bike - wrung out and exhausted, but glad I went. Carolyn See holds nothing back, and this is at times a harrowing story. But it's ultimately about redemption, and of walking through fire and coming out the other side a better person. It's also beautifully written, with a style that is unpretentious and effortless. If you grew up in a "perfect" family, or even one that's relatively functional (bad pun - sorry!), you probably won't appreciate this book. If you grew up with alcoholics and divorce and police coming to the door and living out of cars, and like that, then you'll recognize a lot of the people in this book. I loved this book for Carolyn See's honesty, and also for her wit; she is a joy to read, and I would recommend this book to anyone (except maybe the Cleavers). Enjoy!!
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