This is in some ways the most confusing book I have ever read in my entire life. I wish there was an index to translate some of the wacky speech. However it is a great story, especially at the end.

A wonderful read about good and evil and basic human nature.

A beautiful narrative that will break your heart. Everyone should read this book.

A beautifully written novel. This is what Zadie Smith’s On Beauty was trying so hard to be. Great for anyone who loves family sagas and art.

An interesting read. It was kind of fascinating to read a book about a rapist, written by a woman, and to eventually see how he was the only truly powerless character.

I read this right after I read Everything is Illuminated, which was such an emotional rollercoaster, so I appreciated the easy going nature of this book.

Not to say that this is a light read, it’s full of wonderful twists and turns. It brings to mind The Poisonwood bible in some way. A great read by a female writer.

I was worried about this book. I had heard so much about it and it had a movie made from it so I was anticipating being disappointed. Happily, I found this book very enjoyable. Alex’s broken English rides the fine line of humorous bordering into the realm of tedious, and becomes believable. The humor and tragedy offset each other and make this a book both laugh out loud funny and crying your eyes out sad.

As far as your Mid-Western dysfunctional family saga’s go, The Corrections is at the top of it’s game.

That being said, I thought that the author did some unnecessary verbal gymnastics and the book could have been about 150 pages shorter.

The Body Artist is a short book. At 126 pages it took me two days to read, but it is a book I will reccomend. It is less a story and more of a look into the inner workings of the mind of Lauren, a body artist who has lost her husband and finds a mentally handicapped man in her home, who imitates the interactions of her and her late husband.

Do not underestimate this book due to this size. The Body Artist is a book that will stay with you.

I love Carol Shields. I had read the Stone Diaries last year and had been excited to pick this up. I am happy to say that it did not disappoint. Shield’s talent is writing a feminist book for a not quite feminist audience. I will recommend this book to every woman I know.