Scan barcode
allisondenae's review
5.0
I can understand why someone would not like this book, but I loved it. I read it several years ago and it really touched me. There are parts I hate (trust me), but I loved the journey in this book. I felt so connected with the main character. I have re-read it several times over the years.
book_concierge's review against another edition
5.0
Our book club chose this book because the cover art and jacket blurbs led us to believe it would be "lighter fare." Even though it wasn't what we expected, we really enjoyed it and were rooting for the heroine.
Dolores Price is a pretty pathetic and sad young woman - with good reason! But I liked the writing and had to keep reminding myself it was written by a man. I wish he would write a sequel so we find out what happens to her. I firmly believe Dolores rises above her circumstances in the end.
Dolores Price is a pretty pathetic and sad young woman - with good reason! But I liked the writing and had to keep reminding myself it was written by a man. I wish he would write a sequel so we find out what happens to her. I firmly believe Dolores rises above her circumstances in the end.
ohheytaylorrae's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Death of parent
ashleejoy's review
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
amyjmcmillan's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I first read this book when it came out more than 30 years ago. I must have been a freshman in college. I remember liking it and feeling a bit shocked by the traumatic events that happen to the main character. Reading it now, it feels more realistic. Like I can believe that these things would actually happen to a person. Some parts are a bit dated and it is depressing at times, but ultimately Dolores’s story is inspiring and hopeful. Like other readers, I kept wondering how a man could write such a believable narrative about a woman’s interior life. How does he know what it’s like? In my opinion, he gets it (mostly) right.
casspro's review
4.0
This book was a very enjoyable reading experience. It has a little coming of age, a little mental health, a little body image, a little relationship fodder and mixes it all together to give the reader something that they can get lost in. Kudos to Oprah.
This was the review I wrote the first time I read the book in 2008. I'm re-reading it now, and while I stick by my guns in saying that there's a little something for most readers, I can say with gusto that Dolores Price is an unlikeable character. Whether this has anything to do with a male author giving voice to a female protagonist, I can't say. But I don't think I've disliked a character so much since Ignatius Riley in Confederacy of Dunces. Dolores has very few redeeming qualities, and even as she grows into adulthood, she becomes so pitiful and cringe-worthy. This isn't to say that the book is bad or I regret re-reading it. I think younger readers will find aspects of themselves in Dolores. I however, would rather be Roberta, the tattoo artist who lives across the street and provides advice and secret cigarettes.
This was the review I wrote the first time I read the book in 2008. I'm re-reading it now, and while I stick by my guns in saying that there's a little something for most readers, I can say with gusto that Dolores Price is an unlikeable character. Whether this has anything to do with a male author giving voice to a female protagonist, I can't say. But I don't think I've disliked a character so much since Ignatius Riley in Confederacy of Dunces. Dolores has very few redeeming qualities, and even as she grows into adulthood, she becomes so pitiful and cringe-worthy. This isn't to say that the book is bad or I regret re-reading it. I think younger readers will find aspects of themselves in Dolores. I however, would rather be Roberta, the tattoo artist who lives across the street and provides advice and secret cigarettes.
hazel_oat's review
4.0
i have very bad feelings about the author of this book, but you should (mostly) judge books on their content, not on the author.