The Book of Ruth Audiobook

" This book gives insight into the area of family abuse/neglect. I did not find it as entertaining as I hoped, but it was insightful. "

" Interesting subject material. Very raw in places. I would recommend for those interested in low socio-economic life. "

" The narrator's examination of the ugliness that makes up Ruth's life is a great metaphor for the search for truth each of us undertakes in life. In spite of the painful nature of what she reveals, we understand that that knowledge is the only way to maturely understanding and accepting the love and beauty present in our own lives. "

" A sad tale from the rural South. A fairly dreary outcome for the title character. I'm a bit surprised that this showed up on Oprah's Book Club List. I would recommend "Bastard Out of Carolina" for a better read. "

" This book was so sad! I really felt so bad for this girl. And what an ending! "

" Hamilton is an excellent writer, but the story took a disturbing turn that I didn't care for in the end. "

" Dec 17 ... just about done and loving it. I want this women to break away and make something of her life. "

" Set in rural IL, spanning from the 1950s--1970s, "The Book of Ruth" is narrated by a girl who is sensitive and precocious despite her dull exterior. The characters and plot are engaging and thought provoking. Still, I prefered the author Jane Hamilton's less lauded novel, "When Madeline was Young," which I read a few years ago and *loved.* "

" A difficult story of Ruth's life, which offers little hope. "

" A wonderful painting of small-town American life. Sad, but real. I highly recommend it. "

" The book was a difficult read, not because of the narrative or style, but it was difficult reading others' experiences of Ruth's insights stately without filters as stupidity. "

" Highly disappointing and all around depressing story. I really wonder where the author was when coming up with this story. There is no redeeming surprise ending. It is so gloomy, it haunts me a little. I read the negative reviews on here and really should have listened to them. "

" 4-- The story started out ok & then went horribly wrong. "

" This novel deeply impressed me with its portrayal of a young woman coming of age in less than fortunate circumstances. Often disturbing and jarring, it also resonates with compassion, yearning, and humanity. "

" The language in this book is so musical, it is beautiful and terrible at the same time. I loved it, but it broke my heart. "

" This book was kind of a downer, but definitely was a page turner, and i couln't help but really feel for the main character and wanted to know what her outcome would be. "

" This is the saddest book I have ever read. "

" I read this one again and again. "

" So far this reminds me of both Icy Sparks and She's Come Undone. I likes Icy Sparks, but didn't care for She's Come Undone... SO there you are. "

" Artfully done first person narrative of a depressing subject. This epitomized Oprah's choices! "

" I missed this book when I was too busy with career and kids. Never too late to read a good book. How many more are out there waiting for me? "

" Could not get past 1/3 of the book. The author (main character) rambled on and on, acting the victim with no clear reasoning to the story line. I found it depressing and, pardon the adjective, juvenile. Reminded me of a poorly written "Catcher in the Rye". Moving on.... "

" I did like this book, it is sad and a bit haunting. "

" "..a very confusing and frustrating read; but for an authors' first fiction novel, pretty impressive." "

" Very compelling and interesting story about human relationships. Beautiful book. "

" The first Oprah's choices I ever read and I was hooked. This book is a really good read. "

" It was more than 10 years ago that I read it as part of a book club and the clarity of my dislike for this book is undiminished. If I had known how brutally this book would end, I NEVER would have read it. I would never recommend it to anyone and regret reading it myself. Enough said. "

" Again, an Oprah pick that I should have avoided. I think all the main characters were mentally challenged, because no one could be that stupid without a disability. "

" I just finished this book. The use of language was astounding! It's been a while since I read a really well written book. "

" A stark look at abuse told by an amazingly innocent, trusting heroine. "

" Great book about depressing lives not really going anywhere. All through the book you can see the inevitable about to happen, yet when it does, it still leaves you in shock. I blindly picked this booked and was very pleased. "

" Slow reading for me, very draggy in parts. It seemed more like a character study, and the characters were fairly well developed, but to me there wasn't much of a plot to follow. "

" These characters are very complex and drew me in -- none are wholly likable, but *all* are sympathetic. Heartbreaking but worth the read and the tears. "

" One of the most disturbing and depressing books I've read "

" This was an Oprah selection back in the 90s—the story of a girl who grows up with a low opinion of herself because of an overbearing mother who has her own problems. What I mostly remember about this book is that it was well-written but depressing. "

" I loved Ruth. She made me want to adopt her. "

" The narrative was stunning. I flew through it in a day and was left gasping for air. How have I not read this book before?! "

" Loved it! Gonna watch the movie tonight, so excited! "