Celestialagape54 Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 Has anyone ever read this? A friend gave it to me and I am wondering what people thought of it. I know it is being made into a movie so I am curious! Thanks in advance! Link to comment
itsallgrand Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 Yes, though it was one of those rare books I've not read all the way through. You can have my copy. lol. Obviously I wasn't impressed. Link to comment
redrose85 Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 I'm the opposite. I loved it. I bought another of Alice Sebold's books, but it wasn't so great. Link to comment
girl friend Posted November 24, 2009 Share Posted November 24, 2009 I started it but never finished it. Its on my to do list, but books like "Purpose for the pain" which are sitting on my shelf look more exciting... it wasn't one of those 'can't put it down' books in my experience. Link to comment
AmyeMae Posted November 27, 2009 Share Posted November 27, 2009 I got it when it first came out because the reviews for it was amazing. But honestly, I didn't like it at all. I finished it, but i skipped through it. I didn't it was all that great. Link to comment
onewithbooks Posted December 14, 2009 Share Posted December 14, 2009 There are VERY few books that I start and purposefully never pick back up. I can count 2, and one of them I did pick back up again. This one will never be opened by my hands again. Link to comment
Ellie2006 Posted December 14, 2009 Share Posted December 14, 2009 I thought the premise of the book was interesting but I found my mind increasingly wandering as I read through the rest of the novel. I dont think I'd necessarily recommend the book to anyone UNLESS they are bored and have nothing better to do. Link to comment
_Asti_ Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 It was ok. Certainly not a favourite, nor one that I sit and remember fondly...or go around recommending it either. Not even sure I will see the movie. Don't really get the hype surrounding it. Link to comment
jengh Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 I read it back in high school and I really related to it. Not to the dead part obviously, but the raped part. It did make me think, 'what if I had died?' and question a lot of my depression issues. I ended up buying a copy and I've read it a few times now. Link to comment
HealingHandsWarmHeart Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 I'm reading it right now .. i'm about a 1/4 of the way through ... i think its good. the first two chapters are hard to get through for a few reasons... i found it boring .. and it was just a hard read. Link to comment
onewithbooks Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 I read it back in high school and I really related to it. Not to the dead part obviously, but the raped part. It did make me think, 'what if I had died?' and question a lot of my depression issues. I ended up buying a copy and I've read it a few times now. I am so sorry to hear you went through this. This was the part that I could not get past, I tried and I just couldn't. It was too much. Link to comment
mandyc Posted January 8, 2010 Share Posted January 8, 2010 it was decent, not great or anything but not painful to finish. I didn't like the ending. The author of the book was raped (not to spoil, but it happens very early on) so it made it more interesting for me knowing she had been through some of it and had to cope. Link to comment
browneyedgirl36 Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 I liked the book. It isn't for the fainthearted, though -- it's difficult to get past what happens to the protagonist. I can see where some might find it boring; it does drag in places, but for me, there were some very well-written passages, and I cried in a few places. I just bought Alice Sebold's most recent book -- can't remember the title offhand -- and plan to read it as soon as I finish the one I'm currently reading. There's a big controversy about the movie not being *true* to the book because the sexual assault aspect is left out of the film version, and the book is more about the protagonist's father's search for her killer as opposed to being about the protagonist. I'm curious to see the film, though, and I probably will. I actually am not upset that the rape aspect was taken out, simply because it's pretty heavy, and I think it would be very difficult to watch. It's awful enough that the protagonist gets murdered, and I think the essence of the story is still the same -- about what happens to those left behind when a loved one is murdered, etc. Link to comment
_Asti_ Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 I liked the book. It isn't for the fainthearted, though -- it's difficult to get past what happens to the protagonist. I can see where some might find it boring; it does drag in places, but for me, there were some very well-written passages, and I cried in a few places. I just bought Alice Sebold's most recent book -- can't remember the title offhand -- and plan to read it as soon as I finish the one I'm currently reading. . Almost Moon? I really didn't enjoy it all that much. The premise and idea for the subject seems good, but I just remember not being overly impressed with it. Link to comment
browneyedgirl36 Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 Almost Moon? I really didn't enjoy it all that much. The premise and idea for the subject seems good, but I just remember not being overly impressed with it. Yep. That's the one...hmmm...we'll see how it goes. I haven't started it yet. Link to comment
itsallgrand Posted January 17, 2010 Share Posted January 17, 2010 They made a movie now?!?! Watch this thread take off now!! lol. Link to comment
Perfect Dark Posted January 19, 2010 Share Posted January 19, 2010 I have had the book on my shelf for years, I think I will read it. Link to comment
im_the_undead Posted January 19, 2010 Share Posted January 19, 2010 everyone did a monologue piece in drama competitions when i was growing up........ it was good, always made the judges cry! Link to comment
Leighton Posted February 7, 2010 Share Posted February 7, 2010 Sorry to bring back an old topic but I'm currently reading this book.. I like it but it's hard to stay interested in. Link to comment
Momake Posted February 23, 2010 Share Posted February 23, 2010 I read this book quite a few years ago. I remember enjoying the book. I also remember getting to the ending and seeing a bunch of study guides and/or questions... I read an EDUCATIONAL book?! heh. My most vivid memory of the story was the father explaining to the little boy how* his sister died... I think it was with monopoly? Mind you I haven't even seen the book for 5+ years... lol. *Edit: not HOW his sister died... but the fact that she died and what that means in terms of life. Link to comment
VaB Posted February 28, 2010 Share Posted February 28, 2010 I loved the book. I only liked the movie. It was good but no where near as good as the book. Like i did with Dear John, I made the mistake of reading the book first... *Hehe... I've gotta stop doing that!!! lol* Link to comment
Cognitive_Canine Posted April 2, 2010 Share Posted April 2, 2010 The book was pretty good. A few chapters made me tear up. It's not an exciting book. It's about tragedy, family, and how people aren't what they seem. My favourite character was the alcoholic grandmother who ended up being the most noble of the characters. I liked the parts about the sister's coming of age. The friend's sexuality is strange but I thought it was interesting. Some of the imagery is really well done too. She had a lot of scenes where it was the family all doing their separate actions yet all being connected. It had a beautiful flow to it and went well with the books themes. Not the most exciting book or my favourite, but still worth a read. Link to comment
KH26 Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 I've just finished reading this book today (haven't seen the film) and it was quite good I thought. But I was really disappointed with the end (without giving anything away but the bit with Ray in Hal's bike shop). But other than that I thought it was pretty good. Link to comment
andi8172 Posted July 30, 2010 Share Posted July 30, 2010 i took time out to read this and enjoyed the emotional parts but what a dissapointing end! Link to comment
Amzie Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 In my opinion if you hadn't read the book before seeing the movie you would be very confused! It is a brilliant book but very emotional; I suggest having a box of tissues nearby if you are one to cry. Link to comment
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