From page one, this book grabs your attention and doesn't let go. It tells the story that is the same story many American families would tell if they had a talent like Alex George among the ranks. It traces the saga of the Meisenheimer family's journey from Germany in 1904 to America through the present day. Along the way, we experience little slices of history as they touched this family: prohibition, racism, WWI, WWII, the Great Depression. We see how a given talent, singing in this instance, runs through generation after generation. We see how tastes in food and music evolve through the years. Throughout the telling of this American Story, we laugh out loud at characters like a dwarf attorney dressed in three-piece suits and a spinster aunt with a pronounced case of hypochondria. It is very interesting to trace the Americanization of the Meisenheimers from Frederick and Jette to their great-grandchildren who are as far removed from Germany as four generations can take them. Great read. You won't be disappointed.

This was an okay book. It wasn't a huge cerebral read, more like a beach read. Both the story and the ending were entirely predictable. I cared about the characters so I kept turning the pages even though there were no surprises. It was a typical story of family secrets and guilt and misunderstandings with a slight twist thrown in by a magical dress. I expect to see it on the Lifetime Channel sometime soon.

Whenever I read a historical novel, I'm always afraid it will actually be a romance novel. While I love history, I'm not so fond of romance. This book, has a foot in both worlds. It could have been a Walt Disney movie. All of the bad guys got their come-uppance, all loose ends were tied up and there was some jaw-dropping serendipity. Having said all of that, I truly enjoyed reading about the Palio, the contrade and the Medici. I just wish the story could've been less fanciful and more realistic. It could've been a really good book.

At first, I thought I wouldn't like this book. The point of view keeps changing from one chapter to the next and it was disconcerting, irritating. I just wanted the author to tell the story, but I ended up enjoying it. I got to know each of the characters and the entire story, from each character's perspective, could only be told in this manner. The story was true to life, the emotions real, the characters presented, flaws and all. The ending will be fodder for book club discussions for hours. Everybody has an opinion on infidelity. Women who have experienced it from either side of the equation will recognize themselves in this book. Good read. Well done.

I was very anxious to read this book as I've long been interested in Pearl Buck. I thought because the author was Chinese and a celebrated author, , I would love it. I didn't. The story was interesting, but the style of writing was not to my liking. In my opinion, it read like an essay written by a high schooler. The facts were all there, but laid out in outline form and seemingly copied from an encyclopedia. It wasn't a novel, full of life, brimming with great dialog with a page-turning pace. It was flat and factual. I could've gone to Wiki and gotten the same. Very disappointing.

This will have to go down as one of my favorite books ever. I read it almost straight through. I kept thinking I’d put it down, but then…just one more chapter. I got so caught up in Tom’s story, Jenny’s story, and the evolution of their bond and of Tom’s character. The book reminded me of stories I read and loved in my youth, but it is not a children’s book at all. It’s a book about love, devotion, patience and endurance. Not to be missed.

This book, at times, was a struggle to read. It jumps among characters and generations in random order. I found myself referring to the Lineage Chart in front of the book over and over. I did, however, find it thought-provoking. Are our lives influenced through multiple generations by the actions and philosophies of one of our ancestors? This book would be a good choice for a woman’s book club. The questions it raises and the relationships it explores would open the door for many active discussions. It isn’t an easy read, but it is worth the effort.