My book club picked this one and I did not like it. It seemed kind of precious to me...the characters were cartoon-like, the structure (letters and teMy book club picked this one and I did not like it. It seemed kind of precious to me...the characters were cartoon-like, the structure (letters and telegrams) did not give me real insight into the characters and it wrapped up in a compltely predictable manner. The juxtaposition of concentration camp horrors with cheesy romance and a rather flighty main character was jarring. It also felt crafted for women's book clubs, given the topic, and that was annoying!...more
I LOVED this book. It was totally compelling, believable, a page-turner...I could not put it down. My book club felt the same way. What amazed me is hI LOVED this book. It was totally compelling, believable, a page-turner...I could not put it down. My book club felt the same way. What amazed me is how ultimately inspiring this book was, despite its very dark premise. And it reminded me how strong a parent's love can be, and that we have the power to make things right in our kids' worlds, even under the worst of circumstances. It felt really good to love a book (and its characters) so much, and not just feel so-so....more
So depressing. I feel like Didion leaves so much unsaid. She is such a spare and kind of cold writer, she focuses so much on the minute details of eveSo depressing. I feel like Didion leaves so much unsaid. She is such a spare and kind of cold writer, she focuses so much on the minute details of events. But the emotions....it left me kind of empty feeling. I felt like she did not really draw a picture of her husband or marriage. I would have liked to know more. "Slouching Towards Bethlehem" is one of my favorite books and I always want to like her other writing, but.... oh well....more
I liked this so much more than "Committed," which I unfortunately read first, due to my book club. I found the "Pray" part very interesting. I know maI liked this so much more than "Committed," which I unfortunately read first, due to my book club. I found the "Pray" part very interesting. I know many people have found Gilbert self-centered and narcissistic (I did in "Committed"), but for some reason I found her account of her spiritual journey fascinating. We spent a lot of time talking in book club about whether such a personal journey is worthwhile and permitted, or selfish and navel-gazing. I voted for permitted. Particularly when one is at such a crossroads -- stuck and depressed. Have not seen the movie, and not sure I want to. I fought reading this for so long, I was pleasantly surprised to like it so much. ...more
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