What readers think of White Oleander, plus links to write your own review.

As a fifteen year old girl, I loved this book. Even though I have not experienced exactly what Astrid has, I feel a deep connection with Astrid. Each of the characters in the book are portrayed uniquely, and you can tell this in the writing style. I think that this book is a wonderful story of a girl trying to find her place in the world. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good, solid read. Get a box of tissue though, it is heart wrenching. I wouldn't recommended it to anyone younger then I, as of the mature content. I read this book from cover to cover twice, in two days. It is amazing in every way.
Thanks Janet!

I first saw this movie but then i went and read the book and I think this was one of the most amazing books i have read in my whole life.

My three older sister's had read the book and so I decided to continue with the tradition. I liked it so much that I read it in two days non-stop when I was seventeen. This book is amazing, the development of characters takes you on an adventure to remember. I will read it again.
M Siu

I thought that this book was amazing, I read it 3 times since i got it.

All I have to say is wow. I'm fourteen years old, and I am going something very similair as Astrid. Being torn away from an unbreakable relationship with my mother, and taking on things I never thought possible. This book was true inspiration from the will of a girl to fight against all odds in what she believes in. It also exposes the life-style of a girl growing up through foster-care, and that not all unfortunate children are illiterate and cliche'. I honestly think that every female should read this book to see the will-power and tempatations of life, and how to overcome obstacles. This book also greatly illustrates the bond between two females and the path of finding out who you really are. This book is written extraordinarily. Please read it!

White Oleander - Utter Brilliance
i cannot believ one book can move so much. many a review will diss this book pushing it aside as they would a mills and boon. but i assure you this book is no mills and boon yet more a work of art something i will admire for the rest of my times. i am a huge reader yet not much of a writer (as one can tell from my grammer and punctuation not to mention spelling hehe) and i have read many novels although as i have grown older i have taken a fancy to auto biographys as i like to read something that i can become close to that i can attach myself to. this novel may not be an auto biog but it has the power of one. it is so descriptive and well written that it floats like a cloud in your imagination. also do not... i repeat DO NOT watch the film prior to the book, its an unwritten law and should always be followed. but on that once you've finished do watch it but do not criticise it for its lack of this and that and what it misses, yet appreciate it for what it is.... one persons interpritation of the novel, their appreciation of janet fitch;s novel.
an undying classic in my mind which should only be accepted for what it is not condemned for what it is not.

White Oleander is not only a book that can uplift those in a way that was never thought possible, but it is also a book of the brutal reality we call life. Depressing as it is, White Oleander is a truthful portrait of a young girls struggle with the cards she has been dealt in life, and during this period in Astrids life, when she feels as though she is attempting to overcome impossible obstacles that she is helplessly directed to, she finds love, friendships, and a piece of herself. I definately suggest this book to anybody who is still trying to understand the depths of life, anyone who feels all hope is lost, or anyone who has about 3 spare hours on their hands. You wont be able to put it down. :)

I read White Oleander far faster than I usually finish other books of the same length. I couldn't put it down. I have to admit though, one of the key reasons I would continue to read, even when my eyes were tired and burning, was to hear the next thing Astrid's mother would say. I haven't hated a character this honestly in a long time, and it was a breath of fresh air to be engaged by a character like that. I sympathized all too well with Astrid's attempt at strength, sometimes for the right reason, sometimes for the wrong. Janet Fitch, they did your book wrong by that movie they made of it. I should have know to skip seeing it by the PG-13 rating it received.