Slow Waltz in Cedar Bend

Rating:
Summary: Read It Twice
Review: I saw Robert Walker interviewed on a Sunday news program immediately following the publication of the now famous THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY. His narrative describing the emergence of the novel fascinated me. He spoke as if the characters were somehow inside him crying for their story to be told. I had to read this book. Next thing I knew, BRIDGES made the best sellers list. This was in the early 90's. The book became a common topic of conversation among my friends. In fact, one friend and I spoke of the book a great deal. It is a book to make one think and discuss.

A year or so later, I came across SLOW WALTZ IN CEDAR BEND - quite by accident. When I made the connection with THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, I immediately purchased the book, read it, then shared it with my friend with whom I had long discussions about Walker's first novel. Frankly, I liked SLOW WALTZ IN CEDAR BEND much better than THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY. I remember seeing myself in the main character. This character, Michael Tillman, mesmerized me.

Twelve years later, I was looking for a book on tape to keep me company on a long lonely drive, I bought SLOW WALTZ IN CEDAR BEND forgetting that I read the novel 12 years earlier. During the second reading (or listening), I found that I enjoyed the author's writing and his imagery, but didn't find any connection between the main character and me. In fact, I didn't realize that I had read this novel before until I got to the part where Michael Tillman finds Jellie Braden on an Island in India. Reading this book for a second time was a fascinating experience. I continued to enjoy Walker's writing style, but the novel had a much different emotional impact on me. I suspect that my two experiences were the result of the author's crafty skill with the written word.

For those, who read SLOW WALTZ IN CEDAR BEND when it first some out, I recommend to read it again. In fact, I think I'll listen to it on my next trip.

Rating:
Summary: A Challenging Love Story
Review: I started reading this book with a preconceived notion that this story would be exactly like Bridges of Madison County (I almost was not let down); I was sure of another tear jerking unhappy ending, so I was happily surprised when I got to the end of this story. I rated this book with three stars. I would have rated it two and a half; you can only rate by whole stars, because I liked it as much as I did not like it. I wasn't sure if I would like this story when I first started reading it but who doesn't love a good love affair, especially if it involves infidelity and a few good sex scenes? If you can overlook the infidelity, you can tell that the author seems like a hopeless romantic and that this story comes from his heart. How refreshing to know that someone from the male gender can be such a romantic! It was a little difficult to really get into reading this book at first, so thank God! it wasn't too long. After getting farther into the story, the more interesting it became. The duck rescue was a very touching. I really enjoyed how Michael went to India to prove his love for Jellie, and how his elderly mother encouraged him to chase after his love (that part also touched my heart somewhat). I also liked how the author tried to make this story seem real to the reader. He used good foreshadowing. I liked how the scenery was always changing. The accident was good because the plot kept you guessing. I had a few tears at this point. One thing I really wish was that if Jellie's name was pronounced Jah'lay, then that should have been how it was spelled. I wonder what the author was thinking when he came up with that name.

Rating:
Summary: MAN FROM "VILLIPURAM"
Review: IT ALL STARTED EXACTLY 20 YEARS AGO.ROBERT J WALLER WAS INVITED BY A MANAGEMENT COSULTANCY FIRM TO BANGALORE IN INDIA TO
TEACH A NEW MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUE BASED ON AN ANCIENT VEDIC PHILOSOPHY "EVERTHING IS CONNECTED TO EVERYTHING" TO CORPORATE
MANAGERS.SINCE I WAS A FACILITATOR FR THE SEMINAR, I HAD THE GOOD FORTUNE TO BEFRIEND ROBERT.

SINCE THAT EVENTFUL ASSOCIATION WE WERE IN CONSTANT TOUCH (HIS WIFE AND MY WIFE INCLUDED). AROUND THE YEAR 1990 ROBERT AND GEORGIA VISITED US IN PONDICHERRY,30 MILES AWAY FROM VILLIPURAM.I HAVE LOST TRACK OF THE EVENTS THAT LED US TO THE VILLIPURAM STATION TO BOARD THE TRIVANDRUM MAIL. I WILL COME BACK THAT AFTER I CHECK WITH MY WIFE I HAVE BEEN URGENTLY SUMMONED BY MY STUDENTS WHO ARE LEARNING ENGLISH FRM ME TO CLARIFY SOME COMPLICATION WITH AN ESSAY COMPETITION DEADLINE NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.
I WANT TO SHARE WITH READERS OF THIS BOOK MANY MORE DETAILS. AND PROMISE TO COME BACK ON THAT AS SOON AS I CAN.

I AM REACHABLE ON THIS ADD. kleep50@

Rating:
Summary: MAN FROM "VILLIPURAM"
Review: IT ALL STARTED EXACTLY 20 YEARS AGO.ROBERT J WALLER WAS INVITED BY A MANAGEMENT COSULTANCY FIRM TO BANGALORE IN INDIA TO
TEACH A NEW MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUE BASED ON AN ANCIENT VEDIC PHILOSOPHY "EVERTHING IS CONNECTED TO EVERYTHING" TO CORPORATE
MANAGERS.SINCE I WAS A FACILITATOR FR THE SEMINAR, I HAD THE GOOD FORTUNE TO BEFRIEND ROBERT.

SINCE THAT EVENTFUL ASSOCIATION WE WERE IN CONSTANT TOUCH (HIS WIFE AND MY WIFE INCLUDED). AROUND THE YEAR 1990 ROBERT AND GEORGIA VISITED US IN PONDICHERRY,30 MILES AWAY FROM VILLIPURAM.I HAVE LOST TRACK OF THE EVENTS THAT LED US TO THE VILLIPURAM STATION TO BOARD THE TRIVANDRUM MAIL. I WILL COME BACK THAT AFTER I CHECK WITH MY WIFE I HAVE BEEN URGENTLY SUMMONED BY MY STUDENTS WHO ARE LEARNING ENGLISH FRM ME TO CLARIFY SOME COMPLICATION WITH AN ESSAY COMPETITION DEADLINE NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.
I WANT TO SHARE WITH READERS OF THIS BOOK MANY MORE DETAILS. AND PROMISE TO COME BACK ON THAT AS SOON AS I CAN.

I AM REACHABLE ON THIS ADD. kleep50@

Rating:
Summary: I have a copy in every room
Review: Quite literally yes! I do have a copy in every room. There are certain passges that I love to re-read again. The moment in Beanos and the respectful waitress turning the volume up so an intimate conversation between Michael Tillman and Jahlay can ensue. The Thanksgiving Dinner at The Bradens where you feel you are in the room with the characters witnessing a potential affair develop between them both but, somehow, you feel you are the only one who sees it. There are so many passages that I love about this book that, by their very power, they could be miniature essays in their own right. The fact that they all come together to make an all-round belter of a romantic novel makes the book a classic in my opinion. If Zen and the Art.... Catch 22...The Catcher in the Rye...are books you feel you should have due to popular opinion, then listen to me and buy this as it is in a class of its own in this genre.

Rating:
Summary: A great novel that fits my taste
Review: The best book I have ever read.. just loved it. Read the whole book in one day, could not put it down. Hooked now on Waller and back to find another one. Buying this book for all who I know that love to read a great romantic book.

Rating:
Summary: Only 50,000 words, thank God!
Review: This is a simple story of love and lust, told without using big words or graphic sexual descriptions. A child of twelve could read it and write a book report in about four hours, and never have to think too hard. He/she might wonder why grownups in the story were acting like teenage Romeo and Juliet, but other than that, it holds no surprises. Good clean fun for a short airplane ride or a rainy day on vacation.
Charlie

Rating:
Summary: POIGNANT AND SENSITIVE READING!
Review: While this book does not bring forth the strong, charismatic emotion as "The Bridges of Madison County," it does contain the same gentle flowing writing style and vivid drama. From Iowa to spectatular India, the author weaves a tale of love and loss with a blend of strong down-to-Earth characters and a sense of mystic wonder. "Slow Waltz in Cedar Bend" is not a deep, intense read, but it is still enjoyable and can easily be read in an evening. I have been hoping it would eventually become a movie, but to date, I do not believe that has happened. The setting would make for some breath-taking photography, particularly those scenes shot on location in India. Waller's writing style is somewhat similar to that of Nicholas Sparks; however, Waller writes with more passion, realism and conviction.

Rating:
Summary: POIGNANT AND SENSITIVE READING!
Review: While this book does not bring forth the strong, charismatic emotion as "The Bridges of Madison County," it does contain the same gentle flowing writing style and vivid drama. From Iowa to spectatular India, the author weaves a tale of love and loss with a blend of strong down-to-Earth characters and a sense of mystic wonder. "Slow Waltz in Cedar Bend" is not a deep, intense read, but it is still enjoyable and can easily be read in an evening. I have been hoping it would eventually become a movie, but to date, I do not believe that has happened. The setting would make for some breath-taking photography, particularly those scenes shot on location in India. Waller's writing style is somewhat similar to that of Nicholas Sparks; however, Waller writes with more passion, realism and conviction.