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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
It could've been so much better if it were shorter.
For all the hype about this book I was a bit disappointed. I didn't sympathize with the main character as much as I think the author would have liked.
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Such an awesome book. It gives you all the feels. The movie is really good too, the actors fit their roles but there is SO much left out. It's fiction but I know this must be true for someone in foster care, their story, their fears and their experiences.
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
I first heard about White Oleander a few years ago whenever I saw the movie on TV. Whenever I found out that the story was originally a book, I decided that I wanted to read it (which almost always happens).
In general, White Oleander was a well written book. Sometimes, though, the descriptive language was overdone. I'm unsure of whether or not this is Fitch's style of writing or if it's somehow related to this story (Astrid's mother, Ingrid, is a poet after all).
I really enjoyed the story. While it did seem to drag a bit in some places, I understand that it does cover an extensive part of Astrid's life (the better part of nine years, I believe). I also feel like a chunk of the book could be removed (any chunk, just pick a chunk) and you'd still end up the with same storyline.
As far as the ending goes, it wasn't the best. I feel like the ending of the book was very rushed. It didn't really match the pace set by the rest of the story. When I reached the end of the book, I was sort of left with the feeling of "that's it?".
Overall, though, I would recommend this book. Even with its flaws, it's still interesting enough and written well enough to be enjoyed by most people. Keep it mind, though, that's not sunshine and rainbows at all. If that's what you're looking for, you'll be sorely disappointed.
In general, White Oleander was a well written book. Sometimes, though, the descriptive language was overdone. I'm unsure of whether or not this is Fitch's style of writing or if it's somehow related to this story (Astrid's mother, Ingrid, is a poet after all).
I really enjoyed the story. While it did seem to drag a bit in some places, I understand that it does cover an extensive part of Astrid's life (the better part of nine years, I believe). I also feel like a chunk of the book could be removed (any chunk, just pick a chunk) and you'd still end up the with same storyline.
As far as the ending goes, it wasn't the best. I feel like the ending of the book was very rushed. It didn't really match the pace set by the rest of the story. When I reached the end of the book, I was sort of left with the feeling of "that's it?".
Overall, though, I would recommend this book. Even with its flaws, it's still interesting enough and written well enough to be enjoyed by most people. Keep it mind, though, that's not sunshine and rainbows at all. If that's what you're looking for, you'll be sorely disappointed.