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Kama | 2/17/2014
" I can see why this has become a classic. Incredibly prescient and ruminative political tract (thinly veiled as a story about actual people). I couldn't help but wonder if Ayn Rand was one of her literary influences, despite their opposite political views. However -- and as with Ayn Rand -- CMC could've used an editor here and there... It was kind of all over the place and rambled. "
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Christine | 2/4/2014
" My new favorite. Such a beautifully written book. "
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BC | 1/24/2014
" What did I think? After finishing the book, I looked at the book and thought WHAT? It was a strange book. Makes me wonder what the movie is like. "
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Rhod | 1/15/2014
" A story to touch your heart on many levels. "
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Victoria Slotto | 12/15/2013
" McCullers has a gift for character development and description. True to the genre of literary fiction, the plot is character-driven, although somewhat of a downer. For me, the value of this novel lies in superb writing and I recommend it to anyone who relishes beautifully penned work, especially writers who are looking to hone their own skills. Be aware: it is not a feel-good read. "
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Seth Courrégé | 12/5/2013
" A lovely, yet depressing book about several very different yet interconnected characters, all touched by one selfless, mute man. A must-read. "
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Barb howe | 12/2/2013
" I think this is one of my all-time favorite books ever. And that's saying something 'cause I read a lot of good books. I just find myself in these characters over and over again. It's worth re-reading every few years. It'll still be a story of you and the people you know. "
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Trish | 12/2/2013
" I read Ballad of the Sad Cafe for a class once and liked it. I've been meaning to read this book for ages and now that I have.. Well, it's a great book. Not because the author wrote it when she was twenty-three, although that is amazing. Atmospherically it reminds me a little of (the later-written) Kent Haruf's Plainsong/Eventide, which I loved. It's depressing and there are a few rants by the character where my eyes glazed over. Closer to 3.5 stars though, it's not a reread book for me and most of my four star+ are. Just.. It's a great book, has great characters and not so great characters (I loved the doctor and the girl) but it just doesn't quite fall into love category for me. Exactly what I was hoping to read regardless though (trying to read more literary stuff again). "
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MaryAnn Smith | 11/20/2013
" Written in 1940, it tells the story of a mute who lived in a small southern town and how he touched the lives of a diverse group of people. His quiet listening and acceptance of others made him well loved. The characters growth and introspection was also told with convincing beautiful writing. "
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Rebekkila | 8/12/2013
" All the characters in the book were so damaged. i found it depressing. "
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Matt | 7/26/2013
" A bit depressing but very interesting characters. "
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Janelle | 4/26/2013
" I can see why it's one I have heard of before. It does bring up a lot of questions on the different types of companionship and the effect/depth they have. "
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Tony | 4/9/2013
" This has been a favorite of mine since high school. I've read it a few times since then. Simple, and beautifully written. "
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Hauke Haien | 4/5/2013
" Haunting, beautiful, painfully real. In my opinion the most underrated work of American fiction, by a large margin. "
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AliceinWonderland | 3/24/2013
" I don't understand the hype??? "
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Kersten | 11/3/2012
" Started out very interesting but after 60 pages Ihave no idea what the story is. I just can't get into it. decided to go on to better (hopefully!) books! "
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Tylerhuff | 8/28/2012
" i have never read a book so poorly written with as much charecter jumping as this. the depressing charecters, tiring dialog, and forgettable moments put it near the top of my "Must Burn" list "
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Hanna | 6/6/2012
" Beautiful and immensely sad at the same time. "
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Jennah | 5/21/2012
" Great demonstration of the different types of love. "
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Erica | 4/26/2012
" So good. It broke my heart. "
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Cwbest | 6/30/2011
" A story about man's struggle against social isolation. I really enjoyed it.
"
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Esther | 6/21/2011
" An amazing ending, I totally agree with it. The characters are superb, in an odd twisting way, everyone should be exposed to the truths within this book.
"
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Baxter | 6/18/2011
" Oh yeah, my type of novel - bleak, despairing, and ultimately hopeful.
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Chris | 6/14/2011
" CM was a certifiable genius if she wrote this at such a young age. I read this
for an English class in college(I think). Date read is a guess. The movie's
pretty good too.
"
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Jason | 6/14/2011
" the impossibility of knowing another person.
"
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Sandie | 6/13/2011
" I got nothing our of this book. I feel like I must have missed soemthing after reading everyone else's rave reviews. I will try to re-read it in a few months
"
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Michelle | 6/9/2011
" Restrained,astute, beautiful. Wise beyond her years and years ahead of her time.
"
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