mltd54's review against another edition
5.0
This is an easy book to read. It’s not got insane CIA chances or love troubles. It’s simply about a girl growing up in Boston at the turn of the 1900s. It was so fun to read about what life in Boston looked like in that time and what immigrants faced.
There are so sad moments, but that lends to the authenticity of that life and time.
There are so sad moments, but that lends to the authenticity of that life and time.
wendoxford's review against another edition
3.0
This book is a hard one for me to review. A real page turner - I read it all in less than 2 days! However written in an odd format - a monologue from grandmother to grand-daughter, telling her life story. Not sure it couldn't have been written in a different point of view but you get used to it. It is odd that a "speaking" novel has no dialogue but if you can put that aside, it's an interesting personal 20th century story of American Jewish family, Addie, the protagonist is 1st generation American, her 2 older sisters born before their arrival. An easy to read look at immigration, tradition, women, politics and family.
the_pepperwood_chronicles's review against another edition
A fun, interesting, immersive read--Addie's voice comes through so strongly you'll feel as if you know her. Listening to Linda Lavin's reading was an extra treat.
bigbeardedguy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
nbpomeroy's review against another edition
2.0
It's a nice book. Vacation read. Light. Fluffy. Not the type of story I expected from this author.
sheilabookworm3369's review against another edition
5.0
The recounting of the ups & downs of a well lived life. Beautiful!
shortney510's review against another edition
5.0
I started the book one evening before bed and was halfway through before I knew it. I wanted to stay up late and finish it, but I also wanted to savor the time spent reading it. I loved the first person telling of the story. It was like listening to my grandma tell me a story. The story is simple, sweet, and comforting. This is my first novel by Anita Diamant, but it won't be my last.
kltageson's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
thelitficagenda's review against another edition
1.0
At a glance this was the kind of story I should have loved, but I just did not connect with the characters at all, and especially Addie. I feel like so much was just glossed over that could’ve gone into more detail and I feel like the last 15% or so was incredibly rushed. I found myself skimming pages because it didn’t seem to have an impact on the overall plot.
I’m sad I didn’t like this because it’s the kind of story I normally love, but this just wasn’t it for me.
I’m sad I didn’t like this because it’s the kind of story I normally love, but this just wasn’t it for me.