Rating:  Summary: Extremely touching Review: This book is riveting from beginning to end. To people who say "they breezed through," you missed much. This is a book which catches your breath, and you must stop and think and cry a bit. No, you don't want it to end; yes, it is tempting to "breeze" to find out what happens. But there is so much wisdom in this writing.To the person who said "this many bad things cannot happen in one person's life," you are wrong. They can, and they have to me and many other people. Lamb's plot and writing are haunting. So much for the people who said there was no plot. There is a beginning, middle, and end which is the most simple plot. The novel is also an example of the "slice of life" genre. What happens in the lives of the characters is the plot. To those who want "action" thrillers, read something else. This is a thinking person's book. The storyline encompasses, especially in its dialogue, the deepest feelings a person can have. Dominick is a sympathetic character from the beginning; that his brother is schizophrenic is not of his doing. He reacts as any little boy or teen would. He is trying to live the best he can in a home with a weak mother and an ignorant, cruel stepfather. Tell me about it! He is not intentionally cruel to his twin. Throughout their lives, Dominick takes care of him, accepting him through the pain it has caused to himself. Readers who do not sympathize with Dominick have not lived very long nor suffered very much or have a basic ignorance of fundamental psychology. The ending is not a happy one; there are none, except for a little while. Lamb perhaps does not plan a sequel, but discerning readers know there is always one in life. Mr. Lamb's narration in painful, honest dialogue will make you laugh and cry and, perhaps, stop in your "breezing" and think. Many words from this book stay with me, notably, "You cannot go forward without going back." To that I would add, "One cannot let go of the pain as long as it still hurts." I think Dominick (and Lamb) would agree. .This review is of the hardcover edition I got from Amazon. There was no narrator. Thank you; perhaps I had a PIBKAC (problem is between keyboard and chair).
Rating:  Summary: The characters live! Review: Wally Lamb's characters live. I don't think I have ever read such a lenghty book that was so evenly metered. Never once did I lose interest! I especially liked the way the book tied together past and present. And, for me, the ending of the book in which Dominick told us what he learned from life was wonderful. It was great to read something which dealt with realistic, painful themes and yet ended so hopeful. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:  Summary: Wally Lamb is a genius Review: He has done it aain. I can't wait until the next. -A former student...
Rating:  Summary: This book was a disappointment to me. Review: Wally Lamb has a tendancy to overdue things. I found the novel annoying and ridiculous. I thought the quality of writing was fair and not worth the over 800 pages. I was happy to be done with this book and move on to something else.
Rating:  Summary: Cannot wait for your next novel! Review: Wally Lamb, you are a talented writer of the highest caliber. This book was immensely satisfying, as was She's Come Undone. I am an unabashed fan of yours, and I will await your next book (hurry please!), whether Oprah chooses it or not--Thank you for sharing your incredible talent with us!
Rating:  Summary: From realism to surrealism and everywhere in between... Review: This book was very difficult to put down. I read She's Come Undone several years ago and was fascinated by Lamb's ability to capture the essence of complex characters. He's gone way beyond that point in his new novel. His characters are likable and despicable, pitiful and courageous, pathetic and inspiring. His description of the mental health field, the compelling problems of schizophrenia within a family and the social customs of a community are all brilliantly crafted in fascinating language and imagery. I will wait anxiously for what lies ahead from Wally Lamb.
Rating:  Summary: Unbelieveable.....The best book i have read EVER..... Review: Wally Lamb is a great story teller.. His books had captured many emotions, each one touched my heart..I know this much is true, is the best book I have ever read. All 1000 pages kept me reading, to the point where i would not put the book down..Wally your the best,...
Rating:  Summary: 16 and this is my fav book Review: I couldn't believe how good this book was! It was my Mom's novel and one day it was lying around and I just picked it up and started reading away. I don't want to tell you any of the details within the plot but it was so real.; the context in which it was written. So very understandable. It's like those jokes that are so funny because they're what you yourself do. I laughed and cried. I loved Dominick's realness. I had so many dreams at night about that book. Definitely read it, I recommended it to all of my teenage friends.
Rating:  Summary: It's on my all time favorite list Review: I keep saying I don't have any time to myself, but I got into this book so fast that I read it in 2 1/2 weeks. I couldn't wait to pick it back up when I had to put it down for little annoyances like eating, sleeping and working. I loved She's Come Undone so much that I couldn't wait to read this one. Well, it didn't disappoint. I highly recommend it. When will Wally Lamb's next book be out. Waiting impatiently.
Rating:  Summary: One of the best summer reads to come along in a long time. Review: Wally Lamb does it again! This book should be on every Lit 101 college course. This book is filled with real emotions that makes you feel for Dominick Birdsey. A compelling story, masterfully told. A definite "must read" book. Oprah, you made a great choice.
|