Rating: 
Summary: A good Read
Review: This book was a good read - I particularly liked the writing style and prose as told from the Colonel's point of view - I definately felt what these characters were going through - the feeling of helplessness - the feeling of not having any control over your own detiny - Each character tries so hard to take control of their own lives and in the end - they are unable to - The only criticism I have of this book is that it 2/3 of the way through the book it becomes redundant and dragged out - I found myself getting annoyed - Definately a book worth reading but not for its uplifting plot or ending!!
Rating: 
Summary: A Page Turner
Review: I went to the beach with my partner last weekend with book in hand, but was mostly intent on having fun and exercising a lot. I made the mistake of reading the first chapter of this book and the rest of the weekend was dedicated to finishing the book. I simply could not put it down. It is right up there in the top 10 books I have ever read. It was heartbreaking to see what the fine and honorable gentlemen from Iran had to deal with after the purchase of his new home. Some other reviews indicated that they were equally compassionate for Kathy and her boyfriend, Lester, but I began to despise them.
Rating: 
Summary: What was Ophrah thinking????
Review: Don't get me wrong - I love Oprah, but where does she come up with these books? This is one of the most awful, disturbing books that I've read and I can't wait for it to END ALREADY! The characters were all self-absorbed and I never cared about any one of them, even when Andre Dubus III was desperately trying to coax me to like this bunch of losers.Don't waste your time or money on this one. If you want to read a really good Oprah pick, choose one of the Wally Lamb books. At least he has a sense of humor.....
Rating:
Summary: Engrossing
Review: Couldn't put the book down. Grabbed me from the first page and held me through to the end. Was wishing for a happy resolution, but suspected it was not to be. Loved the characters and the way each described their feelings. All said, a great read.
Rating:
Summary: Oprah is on a roll!
Review: I got into this story immediately and found it hard to put down. The three main characters in the book were all identifiable. I could see how Kathy felt so helpless as her house is taken away from her through no fault of her own, but at the same time I felt like Behrani should be allowed to keep the house as it also was no fault of his that it was put up for auction. When Les came on the scene I had a feeling he wasn't going to help matters any which he sure didn't. I didn't find the ending to be a letdown as some did, it was full of twists I hadn't expected, but I was wishing for a happier ending. I will be looking for more work by this author.
Rating:
Summary: GOOD MATERIAL FOR QUENTIN TARANTINO
Review: As I continued to read this book, my mind kept saying "Boy, this reads like a cheap novel". After having repeated this phrase to myself numerous times, I concluded that it is a cheap novel. For the most part, the characterizations are trite, the plot highly contrived, and the turns of events unrealistic. With the exception of some informative material on Iran, this book easily qualifies as "Pulp Fiction II".
Rating:
Summary: You won't be likely to forget this book.
Review: This book was interesting from the first paragraph. True to form, Oprah has picked yet another dark story of dysfunctional people. This book was different because there were two main characters- both on a collision course with each other. There were times I didn't care for the characters- that is their actions, thoughts, and motives. This is particularly true of Kathy and Lester. But like them or not, they were fascinating and unpredictable people. There were times when I didn't like the view Dubus paints of how we treat foreigners- maybe it was too close to the truth to be comfortable. But it was a compelling portrait. This was a real page turner. This book was shocking at times. I would have never guessed how things were would progress to the the utter chaos of the end of the story. I haven't stopped thinking about this book since I finished it. I'd recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: House of Sand and Fog
Review: This book had me mesmerized. Reading from the 2 main characters point of view was intriguing. This book reminded me of a Frank Norris novel--McTeague comes to mind--in that these people were in a collision course with fate--a sad fate. This book also made me feel more sympathetic to the immigrants' plight. Ok, that was my 2 cents. Thanks.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointed and Surprised
Review: I was not enthralled by this book-like others with similar feelings, I only connected with the Persian family and sympathized with their situation. The other characters remained shallow and lacked depth. I didn't care about them or their situation or how they ended. There was little movement or growth of the characters, but there was plenty of wallowing in self-pity and a great deal of self-indulgence and irresponsible behavior. It was looooong and monotonous, with mediocre writing. I've visited the area, and still through description, felt that I didn't know where the author was trying to take me. This may be a slice of American life, but I certainly won't be back for seconds. I'm sorry I spent the money for the book-I've better luck with some of Oprah's other suggestions. I am baffled by the praise-though perhaps I am blessed that I don't "get" it.
Rating: 
Summary: Talk about a downer!
Review: I was really disappointed in this Oprah pick. I'm not sure that I will be able to force myself to read the last 30 pages that are remaining in the book because I am really getting tired of all the mess ups that everyone is making in the book. Kathy goes into a downward spiral that isn't totally believable. And what's up with Lester? He started out being pretty ok but has lost all reasoning to give up a family and career in a matter of days. I don't buy that. I liked the book at the beginning but about 1/3 of the way through it got so slow and boring that I've only continued to read it in an effort to get a return on the purchase price. Sorry Oprah!
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