Snow Falling on Cedars : A Novel

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Summary: Fabulous!
Review: Very well written - characters are extremely well drawn, really holds your attention to the end. A meaty book - not just a mystery

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Summary: Surprising
Review: Anticipating another tedious court-room effort, this novel surprised me. The warmth with which the characters are contructed in the credible community setting sets it apart from the mainstream

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Summary: The best book I've read in years!
Review: A beautiful story, with every element combined into one book: a love story, a mystery, a courtroom drama, an historical journey, and a travelogue. And best of all, the writing style is truly lyrical... Guterson's words are pure poetry. I've loaned my copy to so many people that the pages are starting to come out from the binding. Without exception, everyone I know who has read it has loved it as much or more than I did. I'm checking Amazon everyday... because I want to buy Guterson's next book just as soon as it's published

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Summary: I have recommended this book to many people.
Review: I was not going to bother to write this review until I saw some of the negative comments that had been written. I disagree with every negative review. I found the book to be excellent; well worth reading. The comment about "knowing that the defendant was innocent" misses the point of the book. It's not a cheap murder mystery where the only fun is trying to guess who the murderer is

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Summary: This book takes emotional maturity to be appreciated.
Review: As a Japanese-American female, and a scholar of cultural diversity, I was impressed with Guterson's novel. He captured the experience of the interment camps, as well as living with one foot in each culture, and not fully being a part of either. As a non-Japanese, he articulated the Japanese spirit well, especially the unspoken etiquette. As an author, Guterson wrote beautiful descriptives of both the scenery and the heart. The love scenes were done very tastefully, something that mature readers should be able to handle

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Summary: Disappointing
Review: I was disappointed with Guterson's novel, after so many had recommended it. Overwritten (he uses the word "miasma" twice in two pages!!) and only mildly interesting, I found that I read it more out of duty than pleasure

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Summary: this IS the Northwest
Review: This novel is probably the most evocative sotry of the Northwest I have ever read. While it falls into reminisce that shortens the actual plot, it's still a powerful story, comparable to TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, but better written. Note--the book does contain some sexually explicit scenes, which are actually mild. After readinga sopho- more's review of this book who, after reading it, got it *taken off her school's recommended reading list,* I really was bothered by people not being able to be mature. Its a 10 novel

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Summary: exceptional writing can still beckon an audience
Review: Fine, atmospheric literature still survives and strives in our basely pragmatic and cynical world, however, it is rarely celebrated. David Gutterson's " Snow Falling on Cedars" is a lonely exception to this modern "rule". Being neither trendy nor torrid it has been embraced by the reading public because it speaks with the classic voice of truth. His detailed charcoal studies of prejudice stand rudely beside his delicate watercolors of young impossible love, and both are equally beautiful. The author's craftmanship shapes both base metal and gold into a new perspective and this is delightful. Stop and be wise, stop and listen to the wind calling to you from ancient cedars , read this book and learn your own heart

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Summary: At least it isn't "Bridges of Madison County"
Review: This book is an entertaining and quick read. It has a predictable, formal structure that feels comfortable. I can't, however, understand why the book is so critically acclaimed. Guterson's metaphors feel clunky and seem tacked on, and though the characters are endearing, they don't quite come alive. However, I can think of a lot of worse books that have become bestsellers. P.S. The sexually explicit passages, though mild, do seem to throw parts of the book out of balance.

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Summary: Story flows as natural as water rushing down a stream.
Review: I've never felt more like I was in a story, observing it from a special secret place, than when I read Snow Falling On Cedars. The characters are all unique and memorable. I caught myself reading slower the longer I read because I didn't want it to end. I'm sure this book will become a classic