I am glad I got a copy of this book. I'm an avid reader and it takes a lot to surprise me these days. Although I already guessed what the "betrayal" was before I cracked open the book, I felt that the author did a good job in handling it. She really captured the voice of Max. What I didn't like was the shifting of perspective. I thought a 3rd person would have sufficed in telling this story. First person would have been too typical, but having so many characters tell their side was a bit tedious. Still, the course of action was well-conceived. This book is not as lyrical as some books of this theme (Levithan's Every Day is a good one), mostly the events unfold without any fuss. But the author is young so there's time to evolve. I am also partial to British authors.

I was very interested in reading this book and it was a satisfying one. For one, the writing is really good--how it flows, what's said, and what's depicted. I rate books poorly even when the plot is strong but the writing is so shoddy. Just like appetizers, this book needs to be savored, you can't rush a fiction book. This book had a huge cast of characters with each of their stories brought to light in each chapter--helpful because each character is given appropriate attention to move the story along. My favorite character is the matriarch of course, her story doesn't have too many twists in it (two of the women had much interesting secrets), but maybe I have a soft spot for great-great-grandmothers. All of the women had great personalities, probably Erin is the least interesting to me, maybe just as well because she doesn't have enough experience and so it is to be expected. This book doesn't highlight the secrets so much as just letting the women's stories unravel. Reading this book feels like a typical gossip session amongst relatives--surprising and intriguing but not too over the top. This is definitely good book club material.

I was crazy about this book. I didn't expect it to be so funny! The writing style reminds me of a book I read before, "Diary of a Mad Mom-to-be" by Laura Wolf. This book was a joy to read. I definitely would read this again for the laughs. I did not care too much for the "survey" or correspondence part since it took away from the story (and they weren't as funny), but I still rated it 5 stars because I liked Alice, the main character and I liked the fun factor that was infused into the story.

I don't know much about the 80s (I identify more with the 90s), so I can't comment on how accurate the way kids thought and felt. All I know is that I got this book yesterday and finished it yesterday. It was like Dead Poets Society without the idealism. I don't like boats or preppy kids, but somehow there was something intriguing about the story that made me want to keep reading. Of course, halfway through, I can figure out what the mystery was all about, but there were some startling surprises sprinkled throughout. There were also too many characters--more than I care to know about that made it a bit of a chore to read. Some characters weren't necessary and it only served to break the momentum of the book. The author was bold with some themes and she wrote about them in such a way that made me reread a few passages every now and then just to be sure I read it right. This book could be used in a book club for sure.

Enjoyed this book a lot. From a parent's point of view, it really makes you think about how some people grow up to be bad or good. I like how the author defended the dad's actions right up till the end.

I am a fan of Tom Perrotta so I jumped at the chance to review his latest novel. In fairness, "The Leftovers" continues the same dreary and mildly shocking narrative that is true to his style. He does not hesitate to include uncomfortable yet real moments. If his aim is to irritate the reader with plausible consequences if a so-called "Rapture" should occur, he succeeded. I did not care for the characters and nothing really happened, which mirrors what the characters felt too in a way.

I finally finished this hefty novel. I like a good time travel story any day, but this book did not leave me fascinated. This book was made in 1991 and it shows. It's very corny in some sections; I imagine those who don't mind soap operas would really like this book (including the grandiose love scenes). The main characters Jaime and Claire are too naive and unrealistic in today's standards. I give it good points though for the research--language, clothing, customs etc. are all convincing and it sets the right mood. Overall though, it's a good effort as far as mashed-up genres go (it's sci-fi, romance, historical fiction, adventure, and so on). It's just not my type.

Finally finished the book. It started out with a lot of promise, but somewhere near the middle, the book was trying to figure out what genre it fell under. At times, it felt like a really good chick lit, and other times, it felt like a tepid book about something else. I was drawn to the character of a stay-at-home-mom ex-spy, but the story was flimsy at best. It didn't hold my interest long and I'm a fan of adventure spy stories and chick lit, alas, the book wasn't able to blend the two well.

A delightful surprise from beginning to end. The major is an unlikely yet supremely endearing hero. I can't count the times I wanted to write down his witty and spot on quips. Each sentence brings so much feeling and depth. The author wasted no words to bring this novel to life. Simply amazing and wonderful. This was our January 2011 book club selection and what a way to greet the new year! Thank you Ms Simonson for this gem. I have to search long and hard for a read-alike such as this book.

I have to agree with the other reviewer who said that she didn't regret reading the book, but it wasn't a page turner. This book is heavy with information - probably too heavy -one might wonder if in real-life, an old woman would be able to remember so many details. But it served its purpose in taking the reader back in time.

I have to agree with the other reviewer who said that she didn't regret reading the book, but it wasn't a page turner. This book is heavy with information--probably too heavy--one might wonder if in real-life, an old woman would be able to remember so many details. But it served its purpose in taking the reader back in time.

I enjoy books on infidelity because there is the potential for the whys. Not so much the "what" because, really, a kiss, a night in bed, flirtations etc. it doesn't matter. I like it that this book gets the reader into the minds of each of the characters. How exciting would it be to get all the juicy reasons to the question "why?" Unfortunately, Ladd is not much of a storyteller. Her sentences are short, abrupt, as if she just wants to blurt out the surprise as if the surprise is the thrill. I felt no sympathy for the characters whatsoever, the dialogue is so ordinary that I can't distinguish one voice from another. All the cliches are here, but none of the searing heartbreak of what it truly feels to be betrayed. I still found myself looking from the outside, not the other way around.

Perhaps I might have missed the point of the story or failed to appreciate the depiction of how dull life was for the Bronte sisters. It had a sluggish start and then about halfway in, just when it seemed like it would pick up when the sisters were published, it paved the way for more mundane events. It was like reading about someone having a hot cup of coffee and the author making embellishments here and there, but it was still about drinking coffee. The narrative was more mechanical rather than lyrical. I had wanted to love this book, but it left little for imagining. Book club members might have a hard time discussing this book.