The story line was very interesting and I read this book as fast as I could-- yet did not want it to end. The author's descriptions of 1900's Paris and its art world are from a woman's prospective and very enlightening. The plot line is exciting and twisty. I am going to recommend this one to all of my friends! Thank you BookBrowse!

Love, love, love this book! As a former 'flower child' I can relate to Helen's mind-frame (as the author so skillfully presents her). Every last character is extremely well developed. I think there is enough meaty insight in this book to last a life time and will recommend it to my book club and to women of all ages. Great read!

I enjoyed this book very much. Loved the images Ms Howe's words painted of pre WWI Boston, old Shanghai and the Titanic. This is the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic and the book is timely. It tied in well with my recent reading of "The Technologist" by Matthew Pearl.

From the very start I was absorbed into the Alaskan landscape with wonderful images painted by the author. Her descriptions of nature made me homesick for the New England of my own childhood. The characters came alive in my mind and are still with me. I loved this book!

This book was disappointing. Being a huge historical fiction fan I did enjoy the details of the time period but it seemed to me the characters were spending most of their lives either being almost beaten to death or having sex ! I don't know if I'll give Gabaldon's next work a try.

While reading this engaging story, I felt as though I was on an unexpected vacation. The hilarious (and sometimes very poignant) descriptions of the tower residents (animals included) was a delight. The Tower of London seems like a character in its own right . The history is fascinating. I would love to work with Hebe and Valarie at the London Underground Lost Property Office! "The Tower, The Zoo, and The Tortoise" hit the right note with me - I found it charming and very entertaining! - Very uplifting.

Ms. Leimbach's vivid descriptions of Vietnam and what it was like during the war are etched in my mind - as are her claustrophobic-inducing depictions of trekking through the jungle . It's as if the country is a main character. She very effectively touched on many aspects and frustrations of this time in history. Her characters were very real to me and I am still wondering who Son is....

This is the first book about surrogate motherhood that I have ever read. How Far Is the Ocean from Here is very well written and thought provoking. The author captured, for me, the real feeling of the desert and the feeling of isolation within Susannah. I enjoyed this book very much although I was frustrated and sympathetic at the same time (confusing for me!) with most of the characters! It would make for a great book club discussion.