Rating: 
Summary: Slow in the beginning but worth forging ahead...
Review: This book begins very slowly but is definitely worth reading
Rating:
Summary: Interesting Story but a little slow
Review: This book does draw the reader into the suspect's mindset and lets you view the world through his eyes. It was just too slow--it dragged until about midway through the book where it seemed to pick up and we were finally exploring the mystery behind the "murder". I loved the story though--the author really gives you an idea of the social injustice that this culture inflicted on fellow citizens. Also if you are from this area it really gives a good history of this area. ;)
Rating: 
Summary: Why are so many readers dumping on this book?
Review: While I don't believe that Snow Falling on Cedars is the great American novel, I certainly had a fine time reading it. It was easily my favorite read of the summer and one that I will continue to recommend to others. I actually look forward to read his second novel. Sorry for spoiling the attack party!!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Snow Falling on Cedars was enjoyable & kept my attention
Review: I would definitely recommend Snow Falling on Cedars by David Gutterson to anyone who loves a complex murder mystery. This novel is filled with realistic courtroom scenes, multiple flashbacks, and intriguing characters that kept me reading. Snow Falling on Cedars is one of those books you'll love to finish reading just to see how it ends. Though some might say it was long, I enjoyed reading it because everything was well described and I never had any question as to what was going on. As I said, the book was filled with flashbacks. In the beginning, I was a little leery as to where the book was heading for it kept going back in time, but after the first few chapters you get use all of this. Personally, I thought the book was excellent and encourage anyone, who is able to, to read Snow Falling on Cedars.
Rating:
Summary: Not perfect, but a worthy read.
Review: Vivid character and setting development are what makes this novel worthy of your attention. True, as my forebears have mentioned here, the 'whodunit' plot is somewhat weak and predictable. Guterson, in as far as using the court room as a vehicle to tell his story, did nothing to enrich the increasingly bloated library of contemporary legal thrillers. But, to his credit, the author seemed more concerned with carrying on a dialogue with the reader through his able characters about humankind. In this capacity, Gusterson was most successful.
Rating:
Summary: In its defense
Review: I am surprised at the negative comments I am reading here. This book was well composed and at least has a beginning, a build-up, and a conclusion that should earn it at least 2-1/2 to 3 stars for having all the necessary parts.In addition, I enjoyed the information on the private lives and motivations of the characters in this book. I think of the sex life of Carl and Susan Marie. I didn't need to know it but I enjoyed it when I did, not in a perverted way, but just like gossip about the characters, in fitting with the small-town nature of this book. I may have had to force myself to read the book(propelled by its awards and excellent reviews) up until the testimony of Etta Heine, when I finally realized the motives in the murder case and then I was compelled by my own desire to know whodunnit and why from that point on. I give the book points for having an original ending, one I never suspected. I read a review where it stated that of course Ishmael had to submit his evidence, and I agree with this. This book would not have been worth reading if he had not because it would not have been a positive ending. He would not have healed himself and would have turned into a bad guy.
Rating:
Summary: Predictable and forced, but it kept me reading
Review: My teacher assigned this book as part of our required summer reading (re: She's crazy). While this book does have its moments, most of it seemed to forced, like the author was trying to impress us with his knowledge of Japanese words and, oftentimes stupid, similies and metaphors. There aren't any good characters in here either. Every single one has some sort of glaring personality defect that just makes you get annoyed with them (re: Hatsue is a b***). Plus, what happened with the ending?! Predictable, cliche, hollywood come to mind. For all the hype my teacher gave this book (granted, she IS crazy) I thought it was mediocre at best.
Rating: 
Summary: HOLLYWOOD
Review: Overall the book is OK I guess. Not a complete waste of time. It is suspenseful, but the ending made me sick. It was so predictable that Ishmael would turn over the evidence that I was sure no great writer would ever have that happen. It would have been far more depressing, but far more realistic to have Ishmael just toss the evidence into the water. It was like the writer was in a hurry to finish up this book and send it off to Hollywood to make a film. The 'feel good' ending is sometimes the worst.
Rating:
Summary: Very enjoyable....
Review: After reading some of the other reader's reviews I was a bit surprised that they didn't enjoy it as much as I did. The obvious reason being that most of those who rated it poorly went in with preconcieved or hyped-up notions. I had none of these obstacles. I went in thinking I was going to read a novel about the Japnaese/American's treatment during World War II. What I wasn't expecting was a court room drama & continuing saga that spanded generations, races & cultures. I was impressed with it and I recommend it, admittedly I didn't give it 5 stars because the ending did leave a bit to be desired...but just a bit.
Rating:
Summary: beautiful but depressing
Review: I loved the way this book is written. It is both lyrical and suspenseful. My only complaint is that the character of Ishmael is given short shrift. His stunted promise and life add a real darkness to the book. Mr. Guterson does endow him with heroic possibilities by the end of the novel, but it does not seem like Ishmael will ever get married or have children.
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