Helpful Score: 4
My least favorite of Hoffman's books - speedy read, forgettable characters, but good prose. Dreadfully sad.
My main problem with this book was the lack of a plot. Hoffman is usually so creative with her characters and what they do during the course of a novel; but this was about nothing and the characters were as ordinary as anyone you'd see on the street.
Recommended only for hardcore Hoffman fans.
My main problem with this book was the lack of a plot. Hoffman is usually so creative with her characters and what they do during the course of a novel; but this was about nothing and the characters were as ordinary as anyone you'd see on the street.
Recommended only for hardcore Hoffman fans.
Not like other Alice Hoffman novels; I was a litte disappointed in this one. However, my book reading friends loved it.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Alice Hoffman evokes the world of the Samuelsons, a family torn apart by tragedy and divorce in a world of bad judgment and fierce attachments, disappointments and devotion. Hoffman charts the always unexpected progress of Gretel Samuelson from the time Gretel is a young girl already acquainted with betrayal and grief, until she finally leaves home. Gretel's sly, funny, knowing perspective is at the heart of this collection as she navigates through loyalty and loss with the help of an unforgettable trio of women: her best friend Jill, her romance-addicted cousin Margot and her mother, Franny, whose spiritual journey affects them all. Told in alternating voices, these tales work wonders. Funny and lyrical, disturbing and healing, each is a lesson of survival, a reminder of the ties of blood and the power of friendship.
Alice Hoffman evokes the world of the Samuelsons, a family torn apart by tragedy and divorce in a world of bad judgment and fierce attachments, disappointments and devotion. Hoffman charts the always unexpected progress of Gretel Samuelson from the time Gretel is a young girl already acquainted with betrayal and grief, until she finally leaves home. Gretel's sly, funny, knowing perspective is at the heart of this collection as she navigates through loyalty and loss with the help of an unforgettable trio of women: her best friend Jill, her romance-addicted cousin Margot and her mother, Franny, whose spiritual journey affects them all. Told in alternating voices, these tales work wonders. Funny and lyrical, disturbing and healing, each is a lesson of survival, a reminder of the ties of blood and the power of friendship.
A very quick, easy, enjoyable read.
"Named by School Library Journal as one of the Top Five Adult Fiction Books for Young Adults"
"Named by School Library Journal as one of the Top Five Adult Fiction Books for Young Adults"
I really liked this book but I felt that it lacked a really story. The characters didn't really go anywhere with their lives. I thought Jason would turn his life around but he died instead. I thought that Gretel would find love but seems doomed to be alone. There is always a bit of magic in Alice Hoffman's books, and this one is no exception. I thought that it was funny how the young versions of Jill and Gretel destroyed a neighbor's car. It reminded me of a childhood friend, though we never did anything that crazy.
Not particularly memorable, just an okay read...
LOCAL GIRLS, years ago was my intoduction to Hoffman. At that time, I felt that this book could speak to any female. I love this book and it is one book of very few that I have read more than once.
Immensely sad? At times, Indeed. I have noticed that many of A. Hoffmans books include opium addictions, though that is not the subject of the books. I find that not off putting as seems to me that so many families are affected by addictions.
This book has something for so many as it deals with teen pregnacy, cancer, friends with a parent who has mental difficulties, teens first love, death and the maze of high school and friendships.
I still think this is a wonderful book and I give it 5 stars!
Immensely sad? At times, Indeed. I have noticed that many of A. Hoffmans books include opium addictions, though that is not the subject of the books. I find that not off putting as seems to me that so many families are affected by addictions.
This book has something for so many as it deals with teen pregnacy, cancer, friends with a parent who has mental difficulties, teens first love, death and the maze of high school and friendships.
I still think this is a wonderful book and I give it 5 stars!
Unabridged. Somewhat interesting story of growing up amidst divorce. The main character seemed a little detatched. The book was read by two different readers, which I found rather disconcerting. I liked one of them quite a lot, and didn't care for the other one.
Funny, poignant and lyrical story, beautifully read, about two girls growing up in a Long Island neighborhood.
Wonderful, fast read. Very identifiable. Will read more by this author.
Another enjoyable Hoffman following the trials and tribulations of youth and family relationships.
