The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Lovely Bones
Book Review: A lost opportunity
Summary: 3 Stars
An absorbing first half, a pitiful second half. Sebold demonstrates an exceptional ability to get in the heads of her characters and develop them: the gradual maturation of her sister, the slow torment of her father and, best of all, the banality of George Harvey.
**Spoilers** But then Sebold seemingly didn't know how to finish it, and concocted a happy ending: Suzie finally makes love to her boyfriend - in the body of her lesbian best friend! Yuck; Mr. Harvey gets his comeuppance from a falling icicle dropped by Suzie from above - cheap irony and facile justice. Ughh.
Sebold exercises such restraint in the first half of her book I wonder if her editor said to her, "Alice, we need a happy ending for this thing to sell." If so, it's a crying shame.
Book Review: A lovely story and beautifully executed
Summary: 5 Stars
I can't say enough about how wonderful this book is. The Lovely Bones is one of those books that when you finish it, you want to take what you've gleaned and put it somewhere special and close to your heart. This book is touching and heartfelt and you can't help but feel sympathy for all of the characters involved. Susie is 14 years old when she is brutally raped and murdered in her small New England town. The effect is devastating for the neighborhood when no suspects can be found, for her family who struggles to pick up the pieces of their loss, and for Susie who looks down on them all from heaven. Sebold's writing drew me in to the point where I was actually had to sit up and turn on the lights in my house because I was beginning to get creeped out. Her characters are vivid and the the grief that Susie's family is feeling is palpable. I think it's next to impossible to read this book and not feel something. Sebold's writing is descriptive and her characters are haunting. In fact, it was so good that even though I borrowed it from a coworker and have already read it I'll still buy myself a copy. Also, according to imdb.com the book is being made into a movie to be directed by Peter Jackson. I'm both hopeful and doubtful that the complexities of this book will be translated well on screen.Book Review: A somber look at a child's death and revenge.
Summary: 4 Stars
The book is written from the view of the murdered child which is so unlike any book written before. The entire pros make you stop and think of the feelings of the child and the way the child leads everyone in the direction she wants them to go, this time it is all done the child's way. I have never read a more upsetting, yet inticing book in my life. I read this book in one read on a flight from Columbia, SC to Rochester, MN. It is a page turner and then when it is over you wonder how anyone ever harms an innocent little girl.Book Review: A wonderful novel
Summary: 5 Stars
After graduating from college, I was truly looking for a book that was to entertain rather than educate. This novel not only entertained me immensely, but also provided a sense of peace in regards to heaven. I feel lucky to have fallen upon this book and highly recommend it to anyone and everyone. Enjoy!Book Review: Absolutly Amazing
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this bbok because my sister told me to. She said it was amazing so I figured I would try it. I loved it, the first chapter is a bit graphic, but in needed way to add to the rape. The viewpoints are very unique and I love how its true to the way families deal with that sort of an issue. Instead of sticking together as a family they gradually break away. Its a must read on my account and I can't wait for the movie.