Rating: 
Summary: Slow to build, but has a gritty realism
Review: When I first started the book I thought it was very slow to build and wasn't sure whether I liked it. As I got farther along I began to appreciate the slow, first person-like narrative. The story is told the way it would have been experienced -- the way it would have been told to you in person. As a Catholic, I could totally relate to the guilt, the stoic control and the insane need to keep the dirty family secrets secret. That kind of upbringing is overcome slowly by small insights (just as Dominick does). [Although I thought the fixation with the ex-wife was a little romaticized.]Overall good book.
Rating: 
Summary: Awesome, Breath-Taking, Heart-Wrending, Emotionally-Gripping
Review: Just when you think it is safe to put down--WHAM--there is another revelation or trial for the Birdsey twins. THE perfect summer novel--big, rich and intelligent.
Rating:
Summary: Good book; slow toward the end
Review: Overall I liked the book. I got a little bored with the grandfather's diary -- I would have enjoyed the story without that. It's definitely a book I'd recommend. Very well-written.
Rating:
Summary: well drafted, creates enough interest to read 901 pages.
Review: Lamb does a superior job at giving us the feelings of his characters and presenting reality in fiction. The ending was a bit disappointing - everything tied up neat and pretty is too unbelievable and unnecessary.
Rating:
Summary: an emotional page-turner!
Review: This is one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I finished the book in exactly five days because I couldn't put it down. It is an emotional roller coaster that will keep you up at night. I felt I knew Dominick. Lamb is a fine researcher and really knows his stuff. Growing up in an Italian home (both parents born and raised in Palermo, Sicily), I was amazed at the extreme, true to life approach of this book. I just can't wait until Wally Lamb writes something else. I bought this book the first day it went on sale, and anyone who takes the time to read it won't be sorry.
Rating: 
Summary: depressing, definitely not light summer reading
Review: Depicts the worst depravities of life: suicide, murder, AIDS, SIDS, self-mutilation, spousal abuse, ad nauseum. Is this a case of the emporer's new clothes, because it was recommended by Oprah?
Rating:
Summary: Deeply researched; cunningly presented - get it
Review: This guy does for books what Billy Bob Thornton did for movies (Slingblade). A deeply penetrating look into a few human minds. There's a little of all of us in him, and a little of him in all of us.
Rating: 
Summary: Tedious, VERY tedious. Soul searching the last few chapters
Review: It's strange to be saying this about a book I actually read to the end. I didn't want to finish it but I HAD to. The last three to four chapters made a real impact on me but the rest, it was..........was..................TEDIOUS!!!! I can't say I didn't like it but I can say it's not a book I would recommend to many people. I think there was more than enough detail about "old" Dominick and his life story. Although it did shed light on things, I think it could have been done in a much less TEDIOUS way!
Rating:
Summary: WORTH THE WEIGHT AND TIME!!!
Review: After reading 'She's Come Undone' and enjoying it but not truly understanding the hype- I was skeptical but yet interested in reading the next of Wally Lamb's books. What an excellent choice!!! I love to read, but am often weary of a book that long. But once I started it and began to feel Dominick's pain, as well as his brothers, I was hooked. The length no longer worried me, in fact I could have kept reading once it was over. . .I don't know any one who is schizophrenic, but I myself struggle with psychosocial issues that have me on medication, so this really hit home for me. I stayed up late, woke up early, and read through many lunch breaks to finish it. And when I was done, I was more truly sad that it was over. I actually told my parents that I was going to miss Dominick and everyone who helped make this story what it was, because there is now way after reading a story like that, you cannot help but become attached to the characters. I left it with my mom and have a waiting list of friends who want it next! Thanks Wally Lamb- looking forward to more!!!
Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT!! PAR FOR WALLY LAMB!!
Review: This book was simply breathtaking! If you think the obstacles you have are too difficult and it couldn't possibly be any worse--read this book! If you don't think you have any reason to to appreciate life--read this book! I read it with a friend and all throughout the book we called each other to share & through it all we learned to be grateful for the life and the obstacles we have. I would recommend this book, HIGHLY!
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