Rating: 
Summary: Glad I read it, even after the poor on-line reviews
Review: I was not cetain I wanted to read Patty Jane's House of Curl after the reviews I read on-line. However, when I found my local library had a copy on the shelf, I checked it out. I am thrilled that I took the time. Yes, the plot is somewhat predictable. However, the book is an excellent example of pulling one's self up in the face of adversity and searching for the silver lining. I read a book or two per week and am not ashamed to say I was moved to tears at the touching "reunion" at the end of the book.
Rating: 
Summary: A delightful cast of characters
Review: It was like making new friends to meet the characters in this book. The book is filled with warmth and love which prevails over heart break and indignity. I have given copies to my daughters, and to friends. It is a book which is worth reading, and rereading. The characters and the story are full of heart warming wisdom.
Rating:
Summary: It's better the second time.
Review: I read the book and it was okay-- a little simple and certainly not great literature. But it was entertaining and I enjoyed the characters and dialogue. I then found the book on tape and listened to it and it was wonderful. I carried the tape and listened at every opportunity. Maybe I just didn't read it right the first time! I cried and learned to appreciate my sisters all over again.
Rating: 
Summary: What is all the hoopla about?
Review: Maybe I missed something... maybe my attention was on something else... This was the first choice of a newly formed bookclub and although all the other members were brought to tears, I found the plot and characters irksomely underdeveloped. I expected to enjoy this authors work so much that I bought both of her novels at the same time; I'm sorry to say the other book sits untouched on the livingroom endtable. By the way, I live in the Minneapolis area, too.
Rating: 
Summary: No doubt you'll recognize several characters in this book.
Review: This story is extraordinarily ordinary. Nearly everyone is badly wounded, but on the way back. I'd expected Patty Jane to practice more psychiatry, but she's so practical she's wise. There are some surprises in the men who come into the lives of House of Curl women. This is a quick read, a good story for a hot summer afternoon.
Rating:
Summary: A "read over & over" novel
Review: What a marvelous book. I have recommended it to all my friends who are looking for a novel with warmth and humor. When I finished, I felt as though I was saying goodbye to a friend.
Rating:
Summary: Amatuer writing!
Review: Am I the only person who thought this book was a waste of time! I recently went to a book club meeting and proclaimed the writing "amateur"....I might not be invited back! I suppose it's fine to read on the beach while baking in the sun, but I simply can't fathom the pull of this book. Predictable fantasy!
Rating:
Summary: The Very Best!!
Review: I read this book several years ago and am planning on reading it again soon. I grew up in south Minneapolis and was a teenager in the 40's where all of this took place. I have been to almost all of the places Patty Jane referred to in the book. I loved it so much that I sent a copy of it to my brother in Colorado. He wrote back that he was getting another copy to send to another boy who lived on our block when we were kids. Even though it wasn't a typical "man's book" they really loved it. My daughter, who is a romance writer (The Beckoning Ghost) and librarian just gave a book review of this book last night in Salt Lake City. She had also been to many of the places when she was a child and could relate to it. She made copies of some of the Norwegian cookie recipes and some other dishes and gave copies to all who attended. They had a great time. You'll LOVE this book.
Rating:
Summary: a Must Read for fans of Fannie Flagg and Sandra Dallas
Review: What a book! Reading the last page was like leaving a good friend. I miss it! I want more! If you loved Fried Green Tomatoes and The Persian Pickle Club, be sure to read this book by Lorna Landvik. It will be a book you'll remember long after you put it down.
Rating:
Summary: What a relief !
Review: I read this book immediately after reading The Book of Ruth by Jane Hamilton. What a relief to read about a family that can pull together. I liked both books, but I hope that Patty Jane's life of ups and downs is more real than Ruth's. Interesting that the mentally disabled men in both books made bird houses. My husband makes bird houses, but he seems o.k.
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