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White Oleander (Abridged) Audiobook
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(3.00) - 134,157 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
The unforgettable story of a young woman's odyssey through a series of Los Angeles foster homes on her journey to redemption.
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"Currently re-reading this book. I read this back in High School, and I don't think I can justify why I've loved this book for so many years now because it's been a while. But one thing I can remember is how this book made me feel like, and I want to relive it and give my inputs after I've read it."
— Veronica (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Ms. Fitch is…concerned with the ghostlike role that the ferocious Ingrid plays in her daughter’s memory once she has left for prison. What keeps White Oleander from devolving into a television mini-series is Ms. Fitch’s aptitude for delineating Astrid’s inner life.”
— New York Times -
“Fitch’s startlingly apt language relates a story that is both intelligent and gripping.”
— New York Times Book Review -
“A first-rate debut about a teenaged girls arduous six-year journey of self-discovery.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“This novel will surely be hailed as one of the best novels of the year and is likely the best debut this reviewer has ever read…Heartbreaking, but without a trace of sentimentality, this novel provokes amazement that children like Astrid can emerge whole and capable after what we know are even worse childhoods than hers.”
— Library Journal
Awards
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An Oprah’s Book Club Selection in 1999
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A New York Times bestseller
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A #1 USA Today bestseller
White Oleander Listener Reviews
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" Why are you reading this? Just go read the book! "
— Vishaka, 2/9/2014 -
" Astrid's transformation throughout her teen years in this book is unsettling and yet stunning. "
— Amanda, 1/25/2014 -
" Dark, depressing, lyrical at times. "
— Lisa, 1/1/2014 -
" While I somewhat appreciated the language, I truly felt down about the subject. I've read many books with somewhat unfortunate stories, but if I learn something valuable or the writing is gorgeous I enjoy it for those qualities. Somehow this one left a bad taste in my mouth and for me, the writing didn't rise up enough to redeem the tone. "
— Sara, 11/1/2013 -
" I am in love with this book. I could read it over and over again. "
— Molly, 10/30/2013 -
" I loved this book. It is a remarkable portrait of a young girl going through the foster care system. There is beautiful imagery and excellent story telling. "
— Ann, 10/13/2013 -
" I didn't know it, but it makes sense this was on Oprah's Book Club. It was a haunting read, like most of the books I've read in her club. "
— Linnea, 10/11/2013 -
" Janet Fitch uses words like musical instruments. Bravo! "
— Arianna, 10/9/2013 -
" This book is one of my favorite books of all time. It's been a long time since I've read it though so I'm looking at my bookcase right now considering breaking it back out to relive this wonderful book. I'll wait until then to write a more thorough review! "
— Danielle, 9/29/2013 -
" A poetic and interesting story that runs a bit long, and gets more depressing in exponential degrees as the pages turn. The characters are well developed and fascinating, and the relationship between mother and daughter is one unlike any I've heard about. "
— Elicia, 9/20/2013 -
" without a doubt my all time FAVORITE book. I have probly read my copy 3 times "
— Allyson, 9/16/2013 -
" One of my favorite books. I rarely ever read a book more than once--but have read this one SEVERAL times. Fitch's prose is beautiful and her characters are incredibly well-drawn. I would highly recommend to pretty much anyone. "
— Jennifer, 5/15/2013 -
" I tried so hard to like this book...for the life of me, I just couldn't do it. It felt impossible to get through. "
— Jeanette, 12/21/2012 -
" Amazing and heady, just like the titular flower. "
— Sezin, 11/10/2012 -
" This is what fiction should look like. Good read. "
— Beth, 10/30/2012 -
" So beautifully written....sometimes I would just pause and love a sentence. Fitch is a very poetic writer. That said, this book was just too deeply sad for me at times to warrant 5 stars. I'm interested in reading her other books. "
— Melissa, 10/12/2012 -
" The dysfunctional American family...and the dysfunctional American system. There is a lot of drama in this book, and though I was sometimes captured by the story, many times I was just wondering...really? "
— Nancy, 7/21/2012 -
" One of my favorite books, but one of the worst movie adaptations. "
— Brittany, 6/18/2012 -
" Love this book and also love the movie! "
— Melissa, 2/29/2012 -
" This is my favourite book of all time. I saw the movie first, and loved that as well. Fitch does an amazing job of capturing a unique relationship between mother and daughter. I find myself rereading this book every few years, mostly for the beautiful description and dialogue. "
— Erin, 10/13/2011 -
" Loved the book thought it was very well written. I would like to see the movie- I believe it had Gwenyth Paltrow in it. "
— Rachelle, 8/17/2011 -
" I remember being captivated by the movie and seeking out the book. It's really well written and although it didn't stay with me (I'm adding it now because I saw it on another friend's list) I remember it being a story that I really enjoyed. "
— Hannah, 8/14/2011 -
" Beautiful and tragic, dark but filled with light hearted moments. Highly recommend! "
— Melissa, 6/24/2011 -
" AMAZING novel! You don't find many like this. I feel like I could relate to Astrid because she's alone in this world. And in truth, all you really have is yourself. And god (: "
— Morgan, 5/27/2011 -
" I used to think this book was the bee's knees. I guess it still holds up. "
— Malysa, 5/22/2011 -
" BESST BOOK EVER! Seriously amazing, a must read!, "
— Nikita, 5/21/2011 -
" such a great book. about a young girl trying to find herself after her mother is convicted of murdering her boyfriend. her mother is still controling her from behind bars in prison while Astrid tries to break free. "
— Carli, 5/21/2011 -
" very interesting - tells a lot about being in foster care<br/> "
— Karter, 5/20/2011 -
" Fantastic book. I re-read it at least once a year. "
— Shawna, 5/18/2011 -
" I thought this book was a true page turner and loved the story. "
— Jarica, 5/18/2011 -
" Disturbing, a bit on the long side, sad what parents can do to their own children... "
— Nathalie, 5/13/2011 -
" One of the first Adult novell i read orver 12 years ago, great read! "
— Angela, 5/9/2011 -
" Well, what was I supposed to rate it? <br/>I did work awfully hard on W.O.... still like it. Sad to think Oprah's book club is all over, it was quite an experience. "
— Janet, 5/5/2011 -
" Very dark and disturbing book, but very good! "
— Rachael, 5/3/2011 -
" i love how books are way better then the movie. "
— Amy, 4/26/2011 -
" Loved it. A book that isn't predictable and like any other. A life story so horrifying and suspenseful that it kept me hooked. "
— Mel, 4/20/2011
About Janet Fitch
Janet Fitch is an author whose first novel, White Oleander, was a New York Times bestseller, an Oprah’s Book Club selection, and the basis for a feature film.
About Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey, over the course of her esteemed career, has created an unparalleled connection with people around the world. As host and supervising producer of the top-rated, award-winning The Oprah Winfrey Show, she entertained, enlightened, and uplifted millions of viewers for twenty-five years. Her continued accomplishments as a global media leader and philanthropist have established her as one of the most influential and admired public figures in the world today.