This is one of those books that once you read it, it sticks with you afterwards, though you're not altogether sure just why.
The story of a Hollywood sThis is one of those books that once you read it, it sticks with you afterwards, though you're not altogether sure just why.
The story of a Hollywood star - the very definition of Hollywood royalty - who, though she has been reclusive previously, suddenly decides to tell the story of her life - to one very specific person.
The seven husbands seems like overkill, but makes perfect sense as you read. This truly is a story built on truth (anyone else thinking about Elizabeth Taylor) that makes you wonder just how much of what we see about dating and relationships among the rich and famous is just smoke and mirrors to keep us away from the sometimes heartbreaking truths they try so hard to hide.
While I wouldn't go so far as to say I pity the struggles of people in the public eye - as in cases like this, they choose very much to be in the public eye and that means accepting all that goes along with this lifestyle - I found myself completely engage with the story of Evelyn Hugo.
The flaws of the story is in the distinct lack of any kind of different voice between Evelyn and Monique. I keep thinking they should sound very distinctly different in telling the story, and they really don't. Of course the story is being told through Monique in a sense, but the narrative just doesn't feel quite right.
The ending...doesn't really satisfy. But ends perhaps the only way it can. That's not to say that I go along with all the choices of the characters in those final pages - I really do struggle with some aspects of this ending. But...that's part of what makes this a book I can't let go of.
This definitely wasn't a book that I would normally have picked up, but it was engrossing in those moments when I was sitting with my sick husband today which got me through some quiet moments while he was napping. This was definitely one of those books that you could not put down for more than a few minutes in the course of reading it. I kept wanting back into the book, throughout. Which leaves me conflicted as to star rating. The voice thing bothered me, but the fact that I was obsessing on this book all day today, has to trump that, doesn't it? So yes, five stars albeit somewhat hesitantly....more
The culmination of the best save-a-friend story that I've ever read. My only complaint with this volume is that the whole thing ended too soon. I realThe culmination of the best save-a-friend story that I've ever read. My only complaint with this volume is that the whole thing ended too soon. I really didn't want to read the bonus manga which took up half this book - I wanted more of THESE characters, and a whole lot of what comes next. I just wasn't ready to let them go!
All the same, this is truly one of the best stories I've ever read. I really loved the premise, the execution was flawless, and while the ending maybe wasn't as satisfying as you would have liked, it at least was the RIGHT ending. And that made everything wonderful.
I really have a hard time in knowing where to catalog a book like this. I need shelves for 'life changing' and 'my heart hurts' and 'sadness' I think.I really have a hard time in knowing where to catalog a book like this. I need shelves for 'life changing' and 'my heart hurts' and 'sadness' I think.
What an intense book!
I picked this up to pass some time in the waiting room at the doctor's office. Then this book ate my day as I fell into it headfirst and could not let it go until long after the last page was read. And still can't let it go, because it's one of those the just becomes part of you.
You take a story about bullying, or about one girl who is just...mean. In such bad ways. And then you add in an aimless drifter, a girl who only wants to protect her brothers, an amazing loving family (even the aunt in her own way) and make it cold and wet and muddy and dire and tragic, and filled with loss and love and...well it's impossible to define. Which is why I'm glad I never read a blurb for this book going in, because then I was given the ability to discover it as I went.
Which is the best way to read it.
So yes, I recommend this book. And I want to own it, though I'm not sure I would read it again anytime soon. I only know this is one of the best books I've read this year. And I want to read a whole lot more by this author. ...more
I read this in bits and pieces over a long period of time and that suited the pacing of this book just fine.
The book opens with Father Tim, a rector iI read this in bits and pieces over a long period of time and that suited the pacing of this book just fine.
The book opens with Father Tim, a rector in middle years, who lives in the town of Mitford. Here you meet a whole slew of delightful and quirky characters, while enjoying a lot of feel good stories that very truthfully reflect life in a small-town church and community.
I read a review once of this series where the reviewer was angry and called this whole series "what's wrong with America" and that this book was "an absolute lie." Their argument was that no one was like this. Communities don't exist of this nature, and no one is this good.
I find it sad that such people haven't had the pleasure of small town life (and yes it can be entirely exasperating, and pastors will get burned out, and bad things sometimes happen). I want to say that yes, there ARE such places. These kinds of people are everywhere. And that maybe we might not be at home in Mitford right now, but books like this take us back there when needed, to comfort and reassure that it's not just us - we all have a longing for this kind of home. And that these places are as real as you and I.
I love Mitford. I wish that everyone could find a home like this....more
When you pick up a book which is written about a dying man, recording his last thoughts on the life he's still struggling to undeI wish I knew Morrie.
When you pick up a book which is written about a dying man, recording his last thoughts on the life he's still struggling to understand, you kind of come in expecting the book to hurt. You don't expect to fall in love with this man and have your heart torn out of your body when the inevitable conclusion is read. I will have to admit to finishing this book, struggling to see the words through a sheen of tears.
Morrie had ALS, and a gift for understanding things, but more than that, he was a gifted teacher. I learned things from him, and because of something he said, I've actually made a shift in my life which has already proven to make me much more happier and content. I especially needed to hear a lot of this, in part because of a recent diagnosis which has changed how I want to spend what's left of my life. Maybe I can trust Morrie to help me navigate these waters too.
So, thank you for that, Morrie.
But we cannot talk about this book without talking about the author Mitch Albom. As the narrator's journey unfolded, I didn't expect him to be quite so honest, and yes, even vulnerable. Mitch, I've got a lot of respect for you. Thank you.
I know this review isn't well organized because I'm reacting still very emotionally to the book. I usually have a format for these things, but it's all out the window. I guess what I'm really needing to say about this, is to read the book if you haven't already. Morrie still has a lot to say. Are you willing to be open enough to become his student in his final lessons?...more
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