Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of CrowdsOctober 11, 2008 What a waste of time. I regret holding out hope that some meaningful plot would ever develop. It never does, despite many potential flirtations with potential. Hope the author either finds his groove or another livliehood.
Why don't I feel sad?October 11, 2008 I recently finished the novel and what surprised me most is that I wasn't sad or moved by the ending. I just wasn't invested in the characters enough to feel what I thought I should be feeling--and that was a surprise as I thought the book was extremely well written, the story line very creative, the characters were strong and interesting and the dogs and Edgar I loved. So why wasn't I impacted more by the book and the ending? Mostly what I felt was lost and that it was all senseless. And I couldn't help but wonder about Trudy and the future of the Sawtelle dogs. Hamlet and the Greek tragedies are definitely what came to mind when I finished reading. I just see no reason for the ending--I feel it was too empty. Is the message that life is tragic and suffering is never ending? If so--Why? I feel the author could have done so much more with the ending to this excellent story.
Possibly the best book I've ever read...October 11, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I recently took this book on vacation with me after hearing it was an Oprah's pick. I don't get to read a lot but when I do, I expect the book to be excellent. This one exceeded my expectations. I absolutely devoured this book in just a few days, and was begging for more. I love the way the author writes, and the emotion in the story is unbelievable. I was mad at myself for reading it so fast. I definitely will be reading this one again.
Not worth the effortOctober 10, 2008 1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book was not worth the time it took to read its 562 pages. It would have been tolerable at 250 pages. The author spent to much time talking about trivia.
waste of my timeOctober 9, 2008 2 out of 4 found this review helpful
I usually love Oprah's picks, but this was a lulu. I read 275 pages before I gave up. Too much descriptions of weather, forests, dog training, etc. Not enough action. The author could have condensed the pages by at least 50%. I am interested in what happened afterward, but not patient enough to endure the endless writing and descriptions. I am sure that I will find someone who has finished reading the book who can answer my questions.
