Helpful Score: 9
This novel beautifully juxtaposes deception with redemption, and makes you question whether or not it's truly acceptable to lie in order correct the wrongs you've done in the past. The theme is similar to that of _The Kite Runner_, but this main character chooses a redemption attempt over the course of a lifetime.
You'll have to decide for yourself if he is successful or if the end of the book is a suitable ending, but you'll be pleasantly drawn in with Hoffman's writing and haunting imagery. Worth the read.
You'll have to decide for yourself if he is successful or if the end of the book is a suitable ending, but you'll be pleasantly drawn in with Hoffman's writing and haunting imagery. Worth the read.
Mystery, love, deceipt. This book has it all. Set in a small town, this story of one mans past is a page turner. Once you start reading, you're hooked.
Helpful Score: 5
What happens when the town hero's secrets are made public? A wife and child are left to ponder the nuances of betrayal and love. Every character is impacted once the arrest of Ethan is occurs in a small town, and each reels from the knowledge in unique ways. The characters in this book are full and rich and leave the reader with many questions to ponder once the last page is read. An easy read that sticks with you.
Helpful Score: 5
A very good story, lots of powerful imagery.
Helpful Score: 5
Haunting tale. A man leaves everything behind to become the kind of man he always wished he could be. But is this enough, or will his past come back to haunt him in ways he could never imagine?
Helpful Score: 4
This was a good read and a quick one. Carried it around with me until I finished because it's one of those books that you want to know how it ends. Great story about love and friendships in life!
Helpful Score: 4
Engaging..The characters and their plight are pure Hoffman. Her command of imagery sets you down in the center of the bizarre.
Helpful Score: 4
Very well written. I love a book that contains details so specific you actually feel like you're a part of the plot instead of just a reader.
Helpful Score: 4
Full of suspense, but better character development than most "suspense" novesl.
Helpful Score: 3
Compelling story as Alice Hoffman spins a great tale
Helpful Score: 2
Interesting novel. It made me ask what is justice and whether rehabilitation or punishment is more important.
Helpful Score: 2
really loved this book...one of those "stay up late to read" books
Helpful Score: 2
This was a great read. Compelling and complex.
Helpful Score: 2
light read and good story
Helpful Score: 2
My first by this author and I am HOOKED. It's suspenseful - hard to put down!
Helpful Score: 2
Great book, beautifully written.
Helpful Score: 2
I found this book both boring and unreal. We never learn who Ethan really is, which is understandable--but neither do we learn much about Jorie or Collie. (What awful names!) Kat is the only interesting character. I wish she had narrated the entire book.
Helpful Score: 2
Good book club book. It generates lots of discussion. The question raised is 'If someone you have known for years as a wonderful and moral human being actually committed a morally reprehensible crime in the past, could you overlook that act and still care for that person?' Lots of strong opinions on this one!
Helpful Score: 1
Not my favorite Alice Hoffman book but all in all still a good read.
Helpful Score: 1
My book club read this as one of our monthly selections and we all enjoyed it. More importantly, the book prompted some lively discussions. I recommend it.
Absolutely loved this book!!
From book jacket: "When Ethan Ford fails to show up for work on a brilliant summer morning, none of his neighbors would guess that for for than thirteen years he has been running from his real identity.. But sometimes locks spring open, and the devastating truths of Ethan's history shatter the small-town peace of Monroe, affecting family and friends alike."
well written, keeps you interested all the way to the end. Good take on the psychology behind relationships
This book makes you wonder how well you really know a person. Great read. Love Alice Hoffman, she never writes a disappointing book!
How well do you really know the people in your life? What would you do if it turned out someone you loved had a past you knew nothing about? In Blue Diary, Hoffman answers those questions in the story about Ethan Ford. I found the novel interesting, with good character development...from the beginning I was drawn into the story, yet could feel there was something else lurking underneath. I would recommend this book.
Entertaining and fast read about how people's lives are affected by the deceit and evil of one man.
very good book. Great insight into how one's life can change in a split second. Characters deal with acknowledging that the person they lived with everyday is not the person they think he is at all. Characters must deal with betrayal, grief, loss of confidence in themselves and social pressures.
Absolutely wonderfull book!!!!!!
This book dealt with some dark topics, deception being the main one, however it was compelling and the ending was right.
Really good book, I read it in one day
This one I really enjoyed. I would recommend it.
Really good book, moving story. Alice Hoffman is good!
I couldn\'t get past the first page.
This is an autographed copy!
This is an autographed copy!
An entertaining story. 2 corners are a little folded but the book is in otherwise good condition.
