Dina

This was definitely a creative story of a young girl's relationship with her uncle/godfather and his partner - both who die of AIDS. It is also the story of intense sibling rivalry. The writing was good, though at times repetitive. I usually love coming of age tales, but there was something about this novel that just didn't work for me. I think it was because most of the story was realistic, while parts of the story required you to suspend reality. I think that the combination didn't work.

Young Adult readers.

Main character.

No, didn't think it was compelling enough to warrant a sequel.

I had never read Molly Harper and was looking for something light after a slew of heavy books. Though the story was somewhat basic and a bit predictable, the writing was sharp, engaging and witty. And, the characters were all quirky and interesting. Amanda Ronconi's narration was spot on. Perfect chick lit!

In this unusual novel, the main character, Ursula, dies and is re-born dozens of times. Upon each re-birth she enters the same life again and again. And, each time, through pure instinct and déjà vu, she tries to fix previous mistakes that led to her death and to the death of friends and family.

The premise of Life After Life, led me to think about our opportunities for remedying mistakes in the life we are currently living. Surely, we can’t go back in time and prevent things from occurring, but, on the other hand, might we somehow shift our memories and the memories of others?

Great writing and a really unique premise. I would have given it 5 stars overall, but I thought the author concentrated on repeating Ursula's lives during WWII way too much.

Not as great as his first book in the series. There were too many characters which made the story confusing. And, the rock and roller theme was a little boring. But, the ending was good. Hoping the next in the series is better.

This book reminded me of the Nancy Drew novels I used to love as a kid. I would call it creepy, mystery light. It was a good story with very tight editing. But, I would have made the main character the daughter instead of the mother so that it would have been considered part of the young adult genre.

If you are looking for a romance, this isn't it. This novel follows the six month relationship of two people that were thrown together by fate. It explores the topic of assisted suicide and focuses on whether those with severe disabilities can still live a quality life. Can love, family, and adventure make up for being a quadriplegic? The main character's beliefs are very different than the scientist Stephen Hawking.

I love Jodi Picoult, but I did not like this book. I actually only made it half way through it. The basic plot was interesting, but the characters flat and dull. And, the same scene just kept repeating over and over. Maybe it could have made a good short story, but there just wasn't enough material for a full length novel. I hope Picoult's next book is up to par with all of her others.

This book had all the elements of a good story...interesting premise, intriguing characters, mystery, romance, etc. I liked the foray into the art world from an alternative perspective (forgery). It wasn't perfect...the characters weren't as deep as I would have liked and, of course, their morals were a bit off, and there were parts that were not plausible. But, all in all, it was an enjoying read.

Alternative art perspective.

She read the main character as tired and depressed.

The main character, Claire. I would want to know what in her childhood, upbringing caused her to be a "pretender."

Yes

I liked Juliette Fay's latest novel. Her characters were well developed and their experiences very realistic. I do appreciate her insight into the trials and tribulations of every day live and how she weaves a bit of the spiritual into an ordinary story. I did have trouble with the main character's cluelessness at many points in the book. It was hard to believe that he could be so aware and mature about some things and completely oblivious about others.

He was monotone and truly lifeless. Another reader would have greatly improved the books.

yes

Haven't read really good chic lit in a while. The best part about Shelter Me was the honesty of the characters. They were totally real and very likeable. Will definitely seek out Juliette Fay's other two novels. The narrator's voice was fine when she was reading character dialog, but her 3rd person voice was really irritating.