Pasadena: A Novel Audiobook

" A huge sweeping novel of a family that settles in Southern California at a time when it is still undeveloped and vastly different from the East Coast. It is also an ill-fated love story which is the real heart of the novel. "

" I read this several years ago and saw David speak at Vroman's. Scenes still pop up in my mind as I drive around Pasadena. It's so deliciously visual and heartbreaking. I can still feel the sweat on the workers in the orange groves. "

" Having grown up in the Pasadena area, and moving back here as an adult, I enjoyed reading this book purely for the fact that Mr. Ebershoff did an impressive job of weaving together much of Pasadena's history. Unfortunately, that can not be said for the story or for the characters. The story within a story with Bruder pouring his secrets out to Mr. Blackwood was simply not believable. Mr. Ebershoff wants to create a history that is akin to East of Eden, but sadly, Great American Novel material, this is not. "

" I liked it. But it was a convoluted story and the characters were a little vague and you don't have a good sense of what motivates them. It would make a good miniseries. "

" Wonderful writing. Loved the author's use of language. But ultimately I just didn't care about the characters. I gave up half way through the book. Will try another one by this author, though. "The 19th Wife" has been recommended to me. "

" This is a fabulous book by a very talented writer. It's just a way too long! Took me several weeks to finish all 485 pages and I felt bogged down by it at times. I just wanted to hurry up and finish it so I could move on with my life. Otherwise, I have thoroughly enjoyed being introduced to this new (to me) genre of historical fiction via David Ebershoff's work. It really gives you a sense of the times that the writer is describing in an entertaining way. Mr. Ebershoff is a fabulously descriptive writer, to a fault. This is part of the reason that the book was so painfully long! Overall, if you're not into historical fiction or super long (for no reason) books, I'd say skip it. "

" A very TIMELY book. "

" This is one of those sweeping multigenerational sagas -- really mostly 2 generations, but that's the sort of romantic feel it's going for. It falls a little flat and drags towards the end, but I enjoyed it because it's about my hometown and had some fun historical bits (and some inaccurate, or should I say "fictional" ones). "

" I liked this book because it give the history and culture of California and Pasadena. 2005 "

" Pretty good novel, little slow sometimes, but great story and really captures the era. "

" Beautifully written, reminded me a lot of T.C. Boyle. I understand what Ebershoff was trying to do with the book, but I wish there'd been more clarification about what ended up happening to some of the characters I'd grown to care about. "

" Lovely story about what life was like back at turn-of-the-cenury (20th) Southern California, when Pasadena was the cultural epicenter and Los Angeles was a mere backwater. Delightful descriptions and heartfelt character renderings. "

" Rich story that spans decades following WWII. Historically fun if you've spent time in California or even just watch the Rose Parade every New Year's Day. This book kept me going back to previous chapters to search for clues I missed as the story unravels. A good summer read. "

" This very long novel ( painfully long) is a story set in the background of California coastal history. It's a story of star crossed lovers. "

" A long story about life and love and change in early 20th century Southern California. "

" Having lived in southern california I could identify with many of the settings. Loved the story and and the historical insight as well "

" This book was really good in parts - but overall, it was too descriptive and narative - taking away from the story line. I found it frustrating. "

" History of Pasadena; interesting! "

" Excellent, excellent book. Long but doesn't get boring. Author did his homework too. "

" Good read, but falls short in comparison to East of Eden. "

" Great material, but it never quite blossoms. "

" Turgid. Lurid. Long. Would be an okay bad movie. Only recommended to those with a deep interest in Southern California history and then only when there are no other choices. "

" Pretty good novel, little slow sometimes, but great story and really captures the era. "

" Beautifully done family saga reminiscent of Steinbeck's works. Very evocative; you can feel the heat, smell the ocean, and visualize the decay of an old Pasadena property. "

" This book was really good in parts - but overall, it was too descriptive and narative - taking away from the story line. I found it frustrating. "

" Rich story that spans decades following WWII. Historically fun if you've spent time in California or even just watch the Rose Parade every New Year's Day. This book kept me going back to previous chapters to search for clues I missed as the story unravels. A good summer read. "

" Lovely story about what life was like back at turn-of-the-cenury (20th) Southern California, when Pasadena was the cultural epicenter and Los Angeles was a mere backwater. Delightful descriptions and heartfelt character renderings. "

" This is one book I gave up on. I actually don't know why I bought it, as I didn't like 'The Nineteenth Wife' by this author, either! Too much detail, and a depressing story. Maybe I should pay attention to my own reviews! "

" A huge sweeping novel of a family that settles in Southern California at a time when it is still undeveloped and vastly different from the East Coast. It is also an ill-fated love story which is the real heart of the novel. "

" Having lived in southern california I could identify with many of the settings. Loved the story and and the historical insight as well "

" Interesting read about the burgeoning California city "

" I just couldn't get into this one and didn't identify with the characters. I really enjoyed the 19th wife but this book was very different. "

" I liked this book because it give the history and culture of California and Pasadena. 2005 "

" Wonderful writing. Loved the author's use of language. But ultimately I just didn't care about the characters. I gave up half way through the book. Will try another one by this author, though. "The 19th Wife" has been recommended to me. "

" Beautiful language. Deep, complex, sometimes hateful characters. Hopelessly tragic at points, but always a passionate, tenacious story. Sigh. I've finished it. So sad and so beautiful. "