Good character development. Good discussion about strong points as well as what was lacking which would have made the story more interesting.

How did I miss this one. What a fun book group discussion we had. Don't forget to watch the Alfred Hitchcock movie in 13 parts on youtube. A total delight.

Creatively written. Olive was a complex woman with whom I had more in common than I easily admitted. Good discussion at our book group, as most of us are in the more reflective mature years of our lives.

The story began a bit slow, but once the ground work was set I could barely put the book down. Fairy tales, romance, betrayal, friendship gained and lost, mystery, and a fine family history puzzle. What more could a reader want?

Spunky is how I would describe Sarah. What a survivor. What an inspiring woman. Our book group loved it!

As I read and each trial presented itself, I began to think the author made a list of every life challenge a person could have and then wrote it into the story. Although this may be Indian culture I personally found it a bit annoying.

At various points in this epic I was willing to give it anywhere from 0-5 stars. I'm glad I read it, but it is NOT a light read. I certainly do better understand the plight of the Irish. I will never celebrate St. Patrick's Day the same again!

For myself, as I read the first third or so of the book I began to sense that our hero, Major Ernest Pettigrew (retired) “grew a bit too majorly petty”. However, as I continued to read something amazing occurred, as his plight became more familiar to me I began to laugh at myself. I am somewhat chagrined to say I could actually relate to several of his escapades! In the end, Major Pettigrew’s strength of character grew less petty and he did the right thing. Isn’t that what life is all about? I felt the writing was nearly flawless and often found myself musing at the creative dialogue and diverse group of well developed characters

So sad and yet so beautifully written. Reminds me quite a bit of my feelings while reading "Cutting for Stone" by Abraham Verghese. Afghanistan is a place I have found myself reading about several times since 9/11. And yet each book has expanded my knowledge of Afghan culture. I found the chapters written about the Afghanis life in America, how they remained true to many of their traditions, to be quite interesting.

One is never prepared to be a family affected by autism. Having a grandson recently diagnosed with PDD-NOS I read "House Rules" with great interest and sadness. To me this book was not about a murder, it was about the challenge of a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. I am sad to say I am not sure I would have understood much of the book, without the research I have done to understand this pervasive disorder. Once again, Piccoult shows impeccable writing and research skills.

All three of the female main characters got under my skin for the first half of the book; however, as the real story unfolded I became engaged.

The friendship and betrayal became so real to me that I literally wept at the conclusion. I was not the only one, several of our book group did the same!