I Know This Much Is True

Rating:
Summary: Worth every minute I spent reading it!!
Review: I normally don't buy books in hardcover but when I saw that Wally Lamb had a new book, I immediately broke that rule. Like She's Come Undone, Mr. Lamb has given us a wonderful narrator who becomes a part of us. This book consumed my mind even when I was not reading it. A PERFECT summer read!!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent character development
Review: I read "She's Come Undone" and loved it for the character development, I loved Wally Lamb's newest effort for the very same reason. Lamb seems to love these characters more than anyone in the world could, and builds a great story from that. Another aspect that that works very well in this novel is the parallels between Tempesta's life and that of the Birdsey twins. At first I found the Grandfather's story tiring, but it soon drew me in. This novel could have probably stood alone with out the "story-in-a-story", but it makes the end so much more poignant. Great use of imagery throughout-- monkeys and rabbits have been swimming in my dreams ever since my marathon reading of this book (4 days). My only beef was the ending. I was very happy to see Dominick pull through, but felt that cramming all those good things into that tiny last chapter was a bit too much. Overall, this is a great read. I highly recomend it.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding and a Touch of Magical Realism to Boot!
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it! I completely agree with all of the other comments concerning the depth and richness of the characters and themes. While reading, I was also reminded of another one of my favorite authors, Gabriel Garcia Marquez (in fact, Marquez is mentioned in the book as one of the authors that Dominick reads). As I read the "story within a story" as told by Dominick's deceased grandfather, I couldn't help but be reminded of some of the incredible characters and events of a Marquez novel. This was truly a fascinating, touching and well-written book!

Rating:
Summary: His second is better than his first.
Review: I loved Wally Lamb's new book. I have to admit, the 897 pages intimidated me, but I finished it in less than two weeks. I was engrossed with the storyline and emotionally attached to his characters. I could see a little of myself in Dominick. I could see my family having a lot in common with the Tempesta family. It made me realize how we make ourselves believe that the end of our family tree is truly a dead end. Reality states that what we would find on the other limbs would probably surprise us.

Rating:
Summary: Not bad . . . in fact, pretty darn good!
Review: Hardly the rib-tickler that "She's Come . . ." was. Deeper, darker, and more involving to this reader at least. Mr. Lamb seems to be aiming higher this time . . . and he largely achieve his target. Still, my attention occasionally wandered. And I would have enjoyed a bit more levity -- and a lot more of the author's proven wit and acute observational skills. (Maybe next time, okay Wally?) But again, all in all, it's a pretty darn good read which I would "highly recommend!!"

Rating:
Summary: An honest view of family loyalty and sacrifice.Wall
Review: Wally Lamb continues to mesmorize his readers with emotions and provocative problems faced by his characters. The book was so intense that it was difficult to put down.The author takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride of family loyalty, secrets, and history. It's easy to get caught up in the feelings of the characters, one can understand the frustration and pain that tears through families with mental illnesses. Mr. Lamb has a gift.

Rating:
Summary: Without a doubt, one of THE best books I have ever read.
Review: I checked this book out of my local library and started on it that night. The next three days were a marathon of reading. I simply could not put it down. The rest of life would have to wait until I found out if Dominick could make peace with his past and find some measure of happiness. I was interested in each and every character- from Lisa Scheffer to Ralph Drinkwater to Prosperine. Dominick's connection to his brother Thomas was at times painful to read about but was also able to provide some much needed comic relief. I think it takes a very special writer to do that- make you laugh and cry all in the same book. The last time I wept while reading a novel was when I was twelve years old and read "Jane Eyre" for the first time. I just plain cared about Dominick. Reading his descriptions of his lost love Dessa were heartbreaking. Yet, even when you can't agree with his decisions, you are able to at least understand them. You find yourself rooting for him to start making some good decisions. As I mentioned, I couldn't put it down- and when I finally turned the last page, I was sorry to put it down. Not to worry, Wally Lamb-- I plan on buying my own copy later this summer and starting all over again.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent and amazing
Review: I loved this book! I found myself becoming more and more awestruck that this was a work of fiction because the story had such a ring of "truth" to it. The villains and heros alike were multi-dimensional giving the reader a front row seat to the incredible life story of Domenick and his brother Thomas. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sinking their teeth into a fascinating, interesting book that grabs you from page one!

Rating:
Summary: Great read, but hold the therapy, please!
Review: This book is an admirable follow-up to the splendid She's Come Undone. Wally can definitely spin a good yarn, we know this much is true. The characters are vivid and likeable. The range of emotions is vast, and Wally shows a deeper understanding of the complexity of human nature than most novelists. But the countless therapy sessions are too much for a reader to bear. Introspection, yes. Overblown psychotherapy, no. The conclusion, however, is sweetly satisfying. Stick with it.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Summer Reading!
Review: Great book. Gives you great insight to your own thoughts about your family of origin. Couldn't put it down!