1 to 9 of 9
Review Date: 2/11/2009
Helpful Score: 1
This book had been on my "to be read" list for a long time. There are a lot of characters and my book actually came with a guide, there were so many! That was helpful, but I found entire sections of the book incredibly boring. I finished the book to simply say I had read it, but near the end I couldn't wait to put it down finally.
Review Date: 6/14/2009
Helpful Score: 1
The story was interesting enough that it held my interest, but I wouldn't say it was one of the best books I've ever read. The story itself is very good, but there were parts when I think I just glazed over what was going on. Certain areas of the story I figured out long before they were revealed. Both my sister and brother-in-law tried to read the book, but neither got through it. Having said all that, I would not, however, recommend the book to a friend - the story is very slow moving.
Review Date: 10/1/2009
Helpful Score: 2
I ended up getting this book based on the positive reviews submitted by other members. I had read that it was a story based on journal entries and letters and didn't realize until I received it that the whole book was that way. I thought I'd be irritated by it when I started reading the book, but realized quickly how clever the author was to write the book in this manner - it really sucks you in quickly and I couldn't put the book down. I loved it and I loved reading the tale of two best friends who end sharing their lives with one another as the years go on. The book made me laugh and cry, a sign of a good writer! I hadn't read any of Debbie Macomber's books before, but I definitely will now. A great, quick read that will keep you interested.
Review Date: 8/27/2009
I think this could have been a great story if the author had developed the story line in greater detail. Like the other members who have reviewed this book, I also found the story of the mother the most fascinating part and reading the interaction with the therapist was very good. I didn't care for the main character and while I'm usually very engaged in a good story, I couldn't even finish this one. I just didn't care that much. Halfway through I decided to move on to something I could get excited about.
Review Date: 9/25/2009
Helpful Score: 2
This book was on my wishlist for a long time and I finally received it. I was excited to start it, but quickly lost interest in it. The story is about two sisters and their lives throughout the coming years. However, because the author uses virtually the same voice for both sisters (they are supposed to be very different) - there were certain chapters where I wasn't even sure which sister was speaking. At some points, she doesn't actually name the sister until near the end of the chapter, making it difficult to follow. In addition, the author skips ahead by three year increments. She doesn't bring much of the past history with that particular sister (i.e. personal relationships for example). I found myself reading each chapter and trying to get familiar with what was going on with each sister again and not knowing who some of the characters in that actual chapter even were or how they related. Three quarters of the way through the book I finally put it down. I skipped through the chapters to see what happens and have a decent idea, but won't finish it. I looked for other member reviews, but nothing came up. I'm not sure why this book is so hot on the list right now and why so many people are wishing it!
Review Date: 2/11/2009
Helpful Score: 2
This book was okay, but not one of Jodi Piccoult's better ones. I found it predictable, although one of the things I do love about Jodi Piccoult's writing is how close you get to the characters. I find her books slow in the beginning and this one followed that path. There were things touched on in the book that never really developed, and I'm not sure why. True to form, however, Jodi Piccoult puts a twist on things at the end, which makes her one of my favorite writers. Even if it doesn't turn out to be one of your favorite Piccoult books, it's a good read.
Review Date: 6/14/2009
Helpful Score: 2
My 16 yo son read this book and raved about it - we don't usually like the same genre, but I had heard good reviews about the book and decided to read it. I finished it in 5 days (I work full-time). I couldn't put it down. The book is dark, and I think brings to light what some fear may happen one day. The book would leave me feeling dually optimistic and scared at the same time. You are waiting for everything they fear in the shadows. I would absolutely recommend this book to a friend - it was a great, can't put down, book.
Review Date: 11/22/2009
Helpful Score: 6
A haunting story that is painful to read about France during the Second World War in 1942. This is one of those books you will never forget and certainly never the little girl, Sarah, in it. Beautifully written and in the end I was sobbing - very well told story, excellent book.
Review Date: 10/30/2009
Helpful Score: 2
I really loved Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Peony in Love, however, Shanghai Girls was not the same for me. I hate the ending of the book, which leaves a million questions to the reader. If there is a sequel, I won't read it. I liked the main character, Pearl, well enough, but did not particularly care for her sister, May. About halfway through the book, I found it so boring that I almost put it down. I did continue reading it and finished it, but I could only give this book two stars. Lisa See's two previous books mentioned earlier were much, much better - this one was a disappointment.
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