Rating: 
Summary: hauntingly wonderful
Review: In the Lake of the Woods is easy to read, but is filled with concepts that point torward complexity of the human soul. In this outstanding novel, Tim O'Brien explores a love that consumes itself, the terrible simplicity of truth, and human's ineffective desire and attempt to change reality.
Rating: 
Summary: Mystery at its best!!!
Review: I had a difficult time putting this book down. O'Brien has a real knack for drawing the reader into a story that keeps you guessing even after you have finished reading the novel. His ability to keep the reader guessing in this novel makes me wonder if the real magician in this story maybe O'Brien himself. A fast paced entertaining read.
Rating:
Summary: I couldn't stop even though I knew...
Review: This book has a unique structure, not least because the author tells you early on that the mystery won't be solved. Nonetheless, I was completely drawn in. It is the story of a marriage on the brink of collapse as a result of the husband's Vietnam experiences and his subsequent repression and cover-up.
Rating:
Summary: I now know a great deal more about how politicians are made.
Review: I loved this book, as I have all of O'Brien's works. While this book was not as shockingly powerful as The Things They Carried, it was, nonetheless, an extremely moving portrayal of a person scarred by his childhood and war(which are often not much different). Perhaps it was just where I was at the time I read it, having just been through my first major political campaign with a friend, but it helped me to understand people who go to into politics. It was a very important book for me.
Rating:
Summary: Not a 10 because of TTTC
Review: This book certainly desreves a 10: it's far better than at least 97% of other literature. However, it can't hold a candle to such moving works as O'Brien's own The things they Carried or Doyle's Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha (my reviews of which see), both of which I wanted to rate higher. This book would be the pinnacle of any other author's career (and, if not for TTTC, might be considered the best work ever on Vietnam), but for O'Brien it is only a great book among Greater books. I eagerly anticipate his next, and hope his Nobel comes soon!
Rating:
Summary: A haunting classic
Review: John Wade compensates for a sad childhood by developing an obsession with black magics. When his wife disappears, her disappearance opens up the many doors in his mysterious past. One of the most intriguing, bizaare and thought-provoking novels of recent times. A mystery that will constantly leave you guessing. For God's sake, read it!
Rating: 
Summary: I was disappointed with this book.
Review: This novel does not have enough thematic substance or emotional resonance to carry our interest. The symbolism is heavy handed and the protagonist lacks sympathy. His parents are charicatures, as are the other supporting characters. Kathy, the missing wife, is not developed as a character enough nor is their marriage compelling enough to induce our interest in their fate as a couple or as individuals. The Vietnam War flashbacks lack currency since O'Brien has used more powerful vehicles before. I wanted to like this book because I appreciate O'Brien's vision and humanity, but the book is a major disappointment.
Rating:
Summary: A deeply moving, agonizingly sad piece of "history."
Review: This book was first published over three years ago! Not only is it still in print (!), but large numbers of people are still being profoundly affected by it. Look over the numerous comments here. Most of them were written within the past six months, years after the glow of the reviews has died down--and ample testimony, should anyone need it, to the staying power of this superb novel about a period which permanently scarred a whole generation of young men!
Rating:
Summary: A different novel.
Review: In the Lake of the Woods possesses a different style of writing compared to what the average high school student reads. Normally, an author seems afraid to talk about certain topics, but O'Brien goes deep into these topics to explore them. For example, the author goes in depth talking about how Vietnam changes peoples' lives. He mentions the way John Wade feels about killing people. Some authors would be scared to address this topic. Another topic O'Brien mentions that seems different concerns John losing the elections. This topic contains touchy points which most people would seem sensitive to. Overall, this novel holds a readers attention and forces them to use their imagination. Especially at the ending, a reader must use their imagination and consider an ending to this questionable-ending story.---Amanda B.M.
Rating:
Summary: Experimental Fiction that succeeds!
Review: O'Brien has succeeded with something that very few serious writers have ever come close to achieving. He has written a book which experiments both with time & perspective (literary cubism of sorts) yet is never ponderous and maintains a very lean and quick prose. An important book!
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