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Summary: A really great novel
Review: This is one of the best novels I've ever read. Not many writers can portray fantasy realistically. We really get to understand the family's pain, the torment of loss, the purifying power of healing. Another novel that I liked is Paul Omeziri's descent into Illusions, also deals with some of the same themes, but from a different perspective.
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Summary: Empathic Connection
Review: Novels that create strong emotional responses and an empathic human connection with their readers do not occur often. When they do, readers long to spread the word in a desire to share their reading experience with as many friends and family members as posible.Such is the case with THE LOVELY BONES, a story about the rape and murder of 14 y.o. Susie Salmon and her observations from her heaven during the ensuing years, as her family and friends cope with the loss. At times funny and other times sad, it is always poignant and insightful with the ability to make the reader reflect on how s/he would think and feel in similar situations. This beautiful story is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, especially for those who need to slow down and reflect upon the gifts of life and the love of family.
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Summary: A beautiful book!!
Review: I already want to read this book again, and I only finished it 2 days ago! What a beautiful, beautiful novel written by Alice Sebold. I could not put it down. The story takes place from Suzie Salmon's point of view from heaven, and goes into what happens on earth after she is killed when she is 14. The characters were so perfectly developed, and her writing is so perfect, that I actually read certain sections over and over again, hoping to commit her words to my memory. I cannot wait for her to write another novel. I've just started "Lucky", her non fiction account of her own rape. I am loving that one too...but I yearn to read "The Lovely Bones" again.
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Summary: Judge For Yourself
Review: I thought this book was moving, sentimental, heartwrenching, chilling, soul-moving, and heartbreaking but inspirational. Best of all, like the book "West Point.." by Norman Thomas Remick (another "heavenly" type book every American should try not to miss), Alice Sebold uses that unique and fascinating presentational format that has made "The Lovely Bones" a bestseller. The Sebold book has received a wild variety of comments and ratings here on Amazon.com. Personally, I think many are unfairly too critical. But, all I can say is, read it, and judge for yourself.
Rating: 
Summary: A Must Read!!!
Review: This is one of the more well written books I've read lately. However, it remains a little odd as to why the bad guy eventually got his due via an "icicle"... Regardless...a must read. Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Great read
Review: This is an excellent book. The viewpoint is one that you don't normally find. The ending is a little disappointing, but the rest of the story more than makes up for it. A definite read!
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Summary: ART IMITATING LIFE (AND DEATH)
Review: In real life terrible things happen like little kids being abducted and killed. We all grieve. We all believe that our loved ones look down on us when we die. This is a story of a young girl who meets a horrible demise and then tells the story of what the people she left behind go through as a result. I loved this book. But, of all the Oprah recommended books I've read, I Talked To God And He Wants To Talk To You is by far the best. I recommend both. As for Lovely Bones, get it. What an imagination on this author.
Rating: 
Summary: A sketchbook rather than a painting
Review: Unsatisfying and manipulative. Learning this was a debut effort explains a lot. I didn't feel the narrative voice was convincingly close enough to a 14 year old's and I suppose the omniscient parts about what her mother/father/siblings/friends are feeling can be ascribed to the heaven vantage point. I found myself asking "what was the author intending?" more than I should, especially considering with a really compelling story, one forgets about the writer's existence entirely. The plot seemed to be advanced mainly through a desire for justice rather than interest in individual characters and the ending was just too Touched by Angel for my taste. There are so many better authors who can show rather than tell. I wonder if this book is so popular because of the subject matter, and to find fault with it is somehow an indictment of personal grief?
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Summary: Wonderfuly written
Review: Once I started I couldn't stop reading this book. This is a totally different perspective in that it tells the story through the eyes of the victim of a brutal murder. The writing was outstanding in that you can visualize the places and people along with her perspective of what "heaven" is. You will laugh and cry as you see what happens to the lives of Susie's family along with her experinces past and present. I am looking forward to reading more of Alice Sebold's works she is a gifted writer.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't Judge a Book By Its Bestseller Status
Review: I was reluctant to read this book because I thought that the subject matter would bother me and also that the book would be more literary than I usually enjoy. However, by page ten, I was engrossed. The storyline was excellent and suspenseful. There were even elements of humor and flashes of pure joy. Unfortunately, I felt that the ending was contrived and seemed as if it had been written by a completely different person. The story begins with a 14-year-old girl, Susie Salmon, telling about how she was raped and murdered by a neighbor. The neighbor's guilt is known by the reader throughout the novel, so that element of mystery is taken away. The story is told by Susie of her family and friends' reaction to her death over an eight-year period following her murder. Susie also talks about her heaven, where she is. Her heaven features things that she wishes for - the high school she never went to, a duplex where she can live with her roommate, Holly. Overall, the story holds interest, however it is literary and full of symbolism and all those things we learned about in English class. If you are looking for a mindless read, this is not it. But do give it a chance even if it's not the type of book you typically read.
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