Rating: 
Summary: I loved this book.
Review: I could not put this book down. I had to leave it in the other room so that I could get some work done. Although the sexual encounters seem to be written by a man, which they indeed are, there is a sensitivity that is very real. The internment is a subject that needs to be further discussed. explored. I was pleased to find a book that addresses many of the emotions involved in the whole mess. Read this book!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent read - a delight
Review: I was frustrated and a little bored right when this book began. I wanted to read about the trial, not every minute detail of these people's lives. Very quickly, though, the book drew me in and I was more inclined to rush through the trial part and go to the history. I was interrupted near the end, right before the resolution, and I didn't care in the slightest. At that point, it no longer mattered to me who had done it or who got arrested. The journey is the beautiful part of the experience. In addition, the situation of Japanese immigrants during the war is something I was always vaguely aware of, but not really interested in studying further. This book made me so interested in the topic that when I went to Washington, DC and visited the Smithsonian Museum of American History, I spent the whole afternoon in the exhibit on this rather embarrassing era in our past. The book is fabulous.
Rating: 
Summary: A+ for the descriptions of nature; C for plot development
Review: The author's descriptions of nature are beautiful and some of the best I've ever read. His character development of Hatsue is also excellent. The plot, and development of Ishmael are another story. I found myself very short on sympathy for the main character by the end of the book, and I didn't find the solving of the mystery very realistic, either. I don't think a sheriff could miss so many details or loose ends as this one did, even back in the 1950's. Overall, I guess I was a bit disappointed with this book. The cover and title held great promise, but the author didn't quite deliver.
Rating: 
Summary: Very good plot.
Review: I found the book very entertaining but was totally confused by one line on the last page. Who did the sheriff arrest and why? What did I miss? BobS
Rating:
Summary: heard taped version and enjoyed it...
Review: but think this is one book that i might have preferred reading . . . interesting story that seemed to be very well-written.
Rating:
Summary: Great Character & Story Line Development
Review: Quite simply, I was sad when this book was over. David Guterson does such a great job of delveloping the characters in this book, you really feel as though you know them once you put it down. This is not a fast paced book in the beginning, however that fact alone serves a purpose as the story unfolds.If you think this book moved to slow for you, then I guess it's time to get back to your "pop-novels."
Rating:
Summary: A mystery that actually deals directly with emotion
Review: I read this book as an English class assignment, and I've never been so grateful for a teacher giving me work as I was while reading this. I felt a very human, personal connection with all the characters and gained insight into the rarely-taught topic of Japanese-Americans' lives during WWII. Most of all, I was moved by Gutterson's eloquent phrasing and message on prejudice and its antithesis, justice. There's also hope at the end of the novel, which is a lovely feeling to finish a book with.
Rating: 
Summary: Yuck
Review: Ok I know all of you "older" folk are going to be saying, "those dumb kids wouldn't know a good book if it smacked them in the face!" Personally I think this book royally bit!! I was forced to read it and make stupid and totally irrelvent comparisons between the book and some corny themes!! I feel this is a 406 page novel about absolutley nothing!! Guterson drags you threw this love sick triangle of obsession, heart break, and sex. Lets just say Guterson has got some serious issues!! I am also extremly disappointed with the ending you make me read all that and then when guterson makes me think things are getting good they start to suck again! I think this is one of those books that when you finish reading it you say "WHO CARES!!!"
Rating:
Summary: SEX! SEX! SEX!
Review: People, don't you see? Guterson used sex to save his novel and it worked. A truly erotic and sensual work. Brilliant.
Rating:
Summary: Seeps in through your skin and engulfs your soul.
Review: This one could change your life! Guterson sets a pace to this story that allows you to live every minute of it. I've rarely been so in touch with characters I have nothing in common with. By the end of the book, of course, I realized I have everything in common with them.
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