The Book of Ruth : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Disturbing but wonderfully written
Review: I had this book sitting on my shelf for sometime since Oprah first recommended it. I happen to pick it up recently to take to the beach. I must admit it was not an easy read and there were many times when I wondered why I was reading it because it was so painful. The ending was not unexpected for me because I felt like we were always leading to a crescendo only I was secretly hoping it would have been a happy one. Needless to say, it was certainly more appropriate than anything sugar coated. I was truly emotionally touched by Ruth's wonderful ability to look past the imperfections of those around her. I completely agree with other reveiwers in that this is not a light read but one that will never totally leave your heart and soul. The book is well worth the effort.

Rating:
Summary: A Terrible Beauty
Review: I finished "The Book of Ruth" last night and today I miss her terribly. I read some of the book's reviews on Amazon.com today, and I am amazed at how differently we see things, we humans. Because I cherished the experience of reading this book so deeply (and no, I wasn't abused), I can't imagine that those who didn't care for it could possibly have read the same book.I make an assumption about Ruth from the very first chapter: that she is very mildly retarded or in some way subtly disabled. For me, her behaviors and perceptions are off just enough to imply some missing cerebral link. And this is what is so extraordinary to me: that someone without all resources at her disposal can yet perceive herself and her world with such precious, ingenuous, brilliant vision ... well, I would feel honored to have her as a friend.To write from the point of view of a retarded person makes for such creative use of language and imagery. Ruth is like an idiot savant. She is all the best a human being can be, tireless in her effort to find good and truth in her experiences, resilient beyond belief. I think she puts us all to shame, "healthy" though we be.Depressing? No, no, no. That's too easy. I am reminded of Yeats: "...a terrible beauty is born." I am in awe of Ruthy. I laugh through my tears and am comforted.

Rating:
Summary: Great book! Just finished...
Review: This book was absolutely fantastic. I'm working my way through Oprah's book list and I haven't been disappointed yet! I put this one near the top, though. The narrator is so likeable, such an "everyman" despite her many faults and "lack of intelligence," that the reader can't help but sympathize. You get to know this character closely and personally, and because of that, the story draws you in, almost in a Holden Caulfield kind of way. The END is shockingly surprising and unexpected, but makes sense, and leaves the reader rooting for Ruth, even in the very end.

Rating:
Summary: The Book of Ruth
Review: A really warped book. It was interesting, but I did not like the end. It tells of a young girl's stuggle in a poor and dysfunctional family. How she tried to gain independence and fell in love. Her husband was strange and in the end was even stranger! A bit too morbid and violent for me.

Rating:
Summary: Disturbing but wonderfully written
Review: I had this book sitting on my shelf for sometime since Oprah first recommended it. I happen to pick it up recently to take to the beach. I must admit it was not an easy read and there were many times when I wondered why I was reading it because it was so painful. The ending was not unexpected for me because I felt like we were always leading to a crescendo only I was secretly hoping it would have been a happy one. Needless to say, it was certainly more appropriate than anything sugar coated. I was truly emotionally touched by Ruth's wonderful ability to look past the imperfections of those around her. I completely agree with other reveiwers in that this is not a light read but one that will never totally leave your heart and soul. The book is well worth the effort.

Rating:
Summary: A stunning novel
Review: This book is definately set at a slow pace and rich in confimration of Ruth's harsh reality. It is incerdibly well written and thorough of this woman's life. I began reading it with no prior information, and was constantly looking for signs of a positive turn in Ruth's life. Don't read it and expect to feel warm and fuzzy. I think that the redemption in The Book of Ruth is that each character is subtle in showing their selfless qualities. The end does contain a note of guarded optimism and leaves the future open for readers.

Rating:
Summary: Very well written
Review: I read this book many years ago but it left such an impact on me. I still remember the words from the first paragraph and the horrific ending. I didn't find it to be an easy read but it was well worth it. I felt it made such a powerful statement. Would highly recommend.

Rating:
Summary: Did not like the book
Review: I didn't like reading this book. I'm glad I'm finished.
What's the point???

Young girl is born into a disastrous family,
gets involved in a disastrous marriage. The only good thing she has to show for it is 2 sons. This was definitely a book of survival!!!