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Summary: How conflicts disrupts a family
Review: "Ordinary People" is the story of a family's struggle with death and serious mental illness. Through the loss of the older son in a tragic boating accident, each member of the family grieves in their own way. The hardest struck in the family is the younger and remaining son, Conrad, who was present at the time of the death. Soon after the death of the brother, Conrad attempted suicide. The story begins after his return from the hospital. The process of mental recovery is one that takes a huge toll on the family. The parent's lack of understanding for his illness is cause for a breakdown from within the family. Judith Guest uses conflict to develop the theme that in life we all face internal battles and, though these battles may seem difficult, in the end they mold us into the people we are. Guest's molding process takes place in mainly one form, and that is the mental conflict within the son Conrad. He fights with himself almost constantly throughout the book. After the accident it seems almost impossible for him to control his life. Conrad wishes also for his mental battle to be understood. Most of the problems within the family originate from his will to be understood.
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Summary: I read this novel 15 years ago
Review: This book profoundly affected me as a high school sophomore. I read this book and found it to be difficult and challenging. Though the language and some content are a bit much for young teens the story and the reality of the characters warrants your time. It is emotional and compelling. In Con we see ourselves and he is willing to ask questions which we are not. It is a favorite novel of mine and I still have the original paperback copy I read in High school on a bookshelf in my home.
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Summary: Ordinary People
Review: I don't think this book is good for teens to read. The language is terrible and the situation is not appropriate for teens.
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Summary: EXCELLENT BUT LITTLE CONFUSING
Review: i think this book is great..i love con's character especially the way guest describes him..i think every teenager could relate to this book..guest takes u through the story..the way she describes the character, its so real...CON: confused, guilty BETH: self-possessed, perfectionist, wants everything to be her way...CAL: caring, cant control his emotions like beth... i would definately recommend this book to everyone who enjoys reading....
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Summary: Not interesting at all...
Review: This book is not at all interesting. I cannot get into it. This book, in my opinion, is not exciting enough to read, especially 263 pages.
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Summary: Not as good as everyone says
Review: I thought that this book was terrible. It is written very poorly. I would rather have saved the time and the money and gone out and read a Richard Matheson or Jack Higgins book again.
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Summary: Beth Lawson's review gives away the ending
Review: Beth, honey, when reviewing a book don't give away the ending! Sheesh!
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Summary: Ordinary People have problems too
Review: this book was good, I'm only halfway thru and I think it has made me more willing to finish this book because once I start I can't stop. It's shows the trials and tribulations that people everywhere have to go thru. I lost my mother to suicide 6 yrs ago this feb 28 and i know what it ffeels like to watch from the sidelines.
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Summary: A New Outlook
Review: I'm not making this overly deep or anything, but I thought the book was very interesting. It's the first novel I've read that wasn't first person. I also liked how the chapters would alternate between Conrad and Calvin. It gave you more of an understanding of the situation. But I don't think that Beth, the mom, had to leave at the end. I think the book would still have had a great impact if the family stayed together. But what fun would books be if they were all the way we wanted them...
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Summary: NEVER FORGOT IT
Review: I read this book a long time ago and I never forgot it. The movie was also terrific. The book is a brilliant look at ordinary people living and coping with life's complexities. The author does a fabulous job of capturing the problems of our lives at their heart. But don't read it when you're depressed. Although wonderfully written, it takes a look at the darker side of life. It is definitely not a "feel good" book, although the ending does hold some hope, but it is one you cannot forget.
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