Rating: 
Summary: Not for schoolCHILDREN
Review: It takes a mature mind to really appreciate the depth of detail the author uses in all aspects of this story. I picked up this book off the "new books" shelf in the library in Ewa Beach, HI just because of the title. I'm a slow reader, but had a very hard time putting this book down, and when I finished, I thought "they've got to make a movie of this, but how can they ever do it justice". Now, two years later, I've seen the movie and it was true to the story. But I'd still say read the book FIRST. If you love descriptive novels, you'll enjoy the read. If not, stick to Cliff Notes!
Rating:
Summary: A journey inside the human spirit and mind!
Review: Being in Japan I have not been exposed to the hype that seems to surround the movie in North America, in fact I know little about it. However, this book was recommended to me by a friend and I picked it up recently and as soon as I began to read it I couldn't put it down. Snow Falling on Cedars captivated me from the very beginning. I found the characters to be deeply written and well developed. The author manages to touch on so many aspects of the human spirit and mind: love and hate, betrayal and forgiveness, fear and jealousy. The focus of the book is obviously the setting, of which the author has intimate knowledge. However, I did find at times that he would dwell too long on the imagery and at times it tended to drag on a little too long and a little too eloquently. That being said, it is an essential part of the book and its importance is reflected in the characters themselves. They are a part of the land and the land a part of themselves. This book allows us to dig deep into their minds and in turn allows us to look deep into ourselves. I believe each of us can easily relate to some (if not all) of the characters in this book. We have all lived their experiences at one time or another.
Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyed it, but had a concern
Review: I was looking for SOMETHING to read, and saw the movie previews for Snow Falling on Cedars. Thought, what the heck. The previews look good. And actually, I enjoyed the book. We get rich characters and scenery. I felt like heading down to the docks after reading some of the fishing scenes. The main character did something I found annoying (can't reveal it -- that might spoil the book) but the main character doesn't have to be infallible. My one concern was the author's inexplicable preoccupation with the male sex organ, specifically, in mentioning it several times when it was unneccessary. For that reason, and the descriptions of sex, I wouldn't recommend this book for teens.
Rating:
Summary: Snow Falling on Cedars
Review: Guterson has proven himself to be a great writer. The setting and dialogue are vivid, stimulating the corners of my imagination. I can still see the faces of the characters and feel their emotions. I cannot imagine how a movie could be made from such a book, no director could capture Guterson's images. Snow Falling on Cedars isn't just another book, it's a multi - sensory experience. I am currently reading East of the Mountains, by the same author. So far so good.
Rating:
Summary: This is NOT your typical murder mystery
Review: I am not generally a fan of books with murder or crime themes, so I had initially approached SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS with trepidation. However, within a few pages I was unable to put the book down. The author's narrative was compelling and the imagery of the Pacific Northwest were almost lyrical in structure and cadence. The plot moved along swiftly yet the depth of the story was something that stayed with me for quite some time. The book is certainly a mainstream best seller, yet it a fine piece of literature by any standard.
Rating:
Summary: Beauty
Review: Beautiful, evocative, and a plot that keeps the reader interested until the end.
Rating: 
Summary: nothing generic here
Review: Much of what has been said about the verbosity of the author is true. However, I was pleased with his commentary on human nature and the attention he pays to smells.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully evocative writing, shame about the plot
Review: It helps enormously that David Guterson lives in the part of the world he decribes in this book, since it enables him to give a hauntingly evocative description of the physical landscape in which his characters have to struggle. The first two thirds of the book are quite gripping, but the ending is just awful. A five-year-old could see through it and this denouement spoils what is otherwise a very good book
Rating:
Summary: Rate it on it's owm merit
Review: The novel is a modern day classic. It is written in uncommon prose for our times. Evaluate it as if no other book existed that is the true test. Long: Sometimes. Predictable: Sometimes as well. Yet, moving and desciptive like you will seldom find among a new release. Narrow in the description of the Japanese during WWII, yes it is but, remember this book is a murder mystery first, Love story second NOT a historical novel. Wait until the movie hype dies down....read it on it's own.
Rating:
Summary: A Modern Classic
Review: I am appalled at the number of middle school and high school students who are reading this book. It isn't really appropriate for many of them because they aren't ready for books that make them think. I teach English, and though I admit some of my middle and high school students would truly appreciate the beautiful prose and touching characters, most would believe it lacked action and a distinctive plot structure. Those who are ready seem to enjoy it and understand the point of reading it. It's like a grown-up To Kill a Mockingbird -- the trial is interesting, but it isn't the focal point. The focal point is the ethical development and disillusionment of Ishmael and Hatsue as they mature in different ways at different times of their lives. Ishmael must come to understand Hatsue's Japanese heritage and what that means to her in the 1950's. I truly believe this is a modern classic because it speaks to a time that many of us don't remember or don't want to remember. Yet it doesn't offend us . . . instead it draws us in and shows us the horrors of society and the beauty of individuals at the same time.
|
