The Lovely Bones: A Novel by Alice Sebold Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Lovely Bones: A Novel
Book Review: This book took my breath away
Summary: 5 Stars
Susie Salmon, a 14 year old victim of a serial killer narrates her tale from heaven in one of the most imaginative tales I ever read. She spends much of her time exploring the nature of heaven, though paradoxically, her true idea of heaven is just to be alive with her family and be able to grow up. The dead girl is constantly trying to communicate with her family and friends and to monitor their progress through life. She also wants to lead them to her killer. Interestingly, only those who are outsiders in life are able to understand Susie's missives, which is perhaps not surprising, since Susie herself is the ultimate outsider.
To me, the most poignant chapter in the book describes a meeting of all the little girls currently in heaven who were murdered by this man, trying to heal themselves and each other. Ultimately they succeed, and the book ends Susie's invective to those on earth: "I wish you a long and happy life."
Book Review: Easy read, but worth it
Summary: 4 Stars
This book was a bit over the top - and the ending feels rushed - but it really was a worthwhile read. The narrator is fun, witty and very likeable and the author tells the story with feeling, and good emotion. The writing is clean and crisp, with some flowery prose - but that's expected from a 14 year old narrator so the flowery prose is believable. I enjoyed the book and finished it in two days, reading several hours per day.Book Review: The Best Book of the Year
Summary: 5 Stars
Life. Death. Love. Family. Murder most foul. Ms Sebold has woven a tale to warm the stoniest of hearts. Such a pleasure to read a well written story about characters you can care about. Warm. Funny. Chilling. The "hype" is absolutely justified. Call me prejudiced, but I love Alice and I loved the The Lovely Bones.Book Review: Couldn't put it down
Summary: 5 Stars
I LOVED this book! Unlike the previous reviewer, I didn't really pay attention to the pre-release publicity so I had no expectations going in. I thought this was one of the most cleverly written books I'd read in a very long time. I loved the narrator's perspective of her family and friends and the all-too-human characters, but I was truly blown away by Sebold's ability to convey the essence of a 14 year old girl. It was perfectly imperfect - at times whining, at others introspective, occasionally self-centered. The story is at once horrific and sad and humorous and tense; Susie's perspective of her parents' marriage, her sister's relationships and her own killer made me feel like I truly knew these people as she had. The fact that she is forever 14, physically and emotionally is emphasized so subtly by her voyer's view of those she left behind. The Lovely Bones is a winner.Book Review: Incredible
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved this book--if you enjoy reading about interesting people and want for a change to read an uplifting story-yet believable try this.