Rating: 
Summary: you won't sleep while reading this
Review: A long time ago, I promised myself that I would not read any more novels or see any more movies that touched on the subject of capital punishment; the topic was simply too important to me to see it as "entertainment." But the reviews of Amanda Eyre Ward's book were so strong that I couldn't help myself and oh am I glad I read this book. It is an even-handed, thought-provoking look at an incredibly difficult subject. Her characters, coming at the issue from all different angles, pop off the page in stark relief. It is that most rare of books: not just a well-told story, but an important book as well.
Rating:
Summary: One to Keep on your Bookshelf
Review: Don't give this one to your friends. Keep it on your bookshelf. It's one you'll want to read again. Ward tells the story of a death row inmate and the lives she affects up to her last minutes in her cell. The characters are woven together in compassion, anger, and even happiness in a unique way. There is no trite way the three meet in the end of this book. Buy it, keep it, and read it again.
Rating:
Summary: Captivating!
Review: For a first book by an author,this is very good.The only
objection I had,was the style of the linked characters
each telling their story.I thought it jumped around in the
beginning and I had to go back and check their status,with
each chapter.
That said,the story draws you into the failed romance of
Dr. Fran Wren,a New York City physician,and her failed
medical mistakes.Franny decides to leave her fiance,and
return to her roots in Waco,Texas.
Outside of Waco,is a women's prison where Franny's
Uncle,Dr. Wren,spent some of his time attending to
the patients.Dr. Jack Wren,dies suddenly and Franny
is asked to temporarily take his place.
Reluctantly,Fran agrees to treat the women,some who
are on Death Row.The women she finds herself assigned
to are distinguished by names like Satan Killer,The
Black Widow,(a serial bride who poisoned her husbands),
and Karen,who is HIV-positive,and sentenced to die.
Karen was terribly abused by men all her life-but she
also took innocent life and that is debated in this
book,along with Capital punishment.
It ends with almost an O.Henry ending,impossible
to guess.
I hope Ms. Ward writes more books.I am waiting
Rating:
Summary: A difficult subject matter beautifully explored
Review: For a first novel this is without question a stellar performance. The story of three women ( a doctor, a widow and a death-row inmate), and how their lives become intimately entangled one hot Texas summer, is both heartbreaking and strangely uplifting. Forgiveness, retribution, lonliness and love in all its forms are told with an aching and unflinching voice. An added plus to this story was the ending. In my mind it was perfect, unexpected yet totally plausible. This book does not disappoint.
Rating:
Summary: Sensational!
Review: How can one feel compassion for a killer? What goes on beyond those walls and fences? How do you spend your hours, knowing that your own untimely death is days away? Ward answers all these questions, and addresses all your curiosities about life on death row. But the real intrigue unfolds as we discover how they got there, whose lives they've affected, and the painful revelation that there is a bit of each of us within them. This novel is a gripping ride of laughter and tears and I can't wait for the next one!
Rating:
Summary: A striking novel!
Review: I couldn't put this book down. Amanda Eyre Ward doesn't just tell a story, she brings you to Gatesville, Texas--the sounds, smells and sights are all so real. But most of all, the emotions that this book stirs up in the reader are incredibly powerful. The storyline is gripping, the characters are shockingly fresh and engaging. This book makes you think about forgiveness, freedom, love, and the loss of all these things. Wow.
Rating: 
Summary: Unexpected
Review: I didn't expect to like a book that centers around a women's prison, but Sleep Toward Heaven is really a beautiful book. The women's lives are heartbreakingly intertwined. It's hard to think of anything that hasn't already been said, so I'll just contribute that you shouldn't be turned off by the prison setting.
Rating:
Summary: Captivating!
Review: I fully agree with the reviewers who gave this wonderful book 5 stars. I began reading this book in the afternoon, read off and on the rest of the day, and couldn't go to sleep until I finished it. The way the author weaves together the three women and their places in the story is engrossing. If this is Ms. Ward's first novel, I can't wait for more.
Rating:
Summary: Sleep toward heaven
Review: I have been preoccupied with pregnancy and a new baby. When I started this book, my attention span was at it's worst. I picked this book up and I could not put it down. Please write more!!!!! Incredible and beautiful story!
Rating:
Summary: Awesome!
Review: I have been preoccupied with pregnancy and a new baby. When I started this book, my attention span was at it's worst. I picked this book up and I could not put it down. Please write more!!!!! Incredible and beautiful story!
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