This book was very compelling reading... could not put it down. It was almost like I loved to hate it. I liked it a lot more after I finished it. Great book for discussion. Everyone had an opinion. This was our first book club choice and I think it was a good one.

This is a beautiful book that explores women's friendships and relationships. While I was reading this book, I hardly came up for air... I was completely enthralled. It just captured me and exported me to another time and place. I love when books do that. Can't wait to read Shanghai Girls.

I love Laura Bush. I think she has so much class and was an awesome first lady. The first half of her memoir, Spoken from the Heart, was all about her childhood and growing up years. I must admit... it took me back to my own childhood and made me remember my children's upbringing. Many things that happen in Laura's young life really do explain why her personality is somewhat shy and reserved, in many ways avoiding the spotlight. The first half of the book is truly... spoken from the heart.

The second half... not so much. It just got so boring. It was as if she was just reading her notes about her years in the White House, telling about every foreign leader who came, what they served for dinner, what the decorations were, and what she wore... who cares? She devoted a few pages to 9/11, a few pages to Katrina, and one page to Jenna's wedding. She told us only what we had read in the newspaper. I wanted the scoop... her opinion about what went on. Instead she just drones on from her notes.

It was almost as if the first half of the book was written early on when she had time to be thoughtful and reflect... and the second half was hurriedly put together for the deadline. We read this in our book club and only 2 of 17 people actually finished the book... and it had been a unanimous pick. If you are interested in the Laura Bush story... I would recommend An American Wife. It tells the same tale in novel form.

This is a unique book in that it alternates chapters about the couple's courtship and the end of the couple's marriage. I know it doesn't sound like it... but it really works. This was a can't put it down book for me. I read the entire thing in 3 days. I loved reading about the beginning of the couple's relationship, while simultaneously learning about their life together later on. This was in in depth look at a REAL marriage... how they were able to deal with some really difficult things and still end with a happy marriage. I really really loved it.

Loved.This.Book. Seriously could not put it down. I was truly transported to another time. Yael may be my favorite character from any book I have ever read. Her determination, bravery and passion inspired me. This is a tome at almost 600 pages but it seemed to fly by. Highly highly recommend this book. 5++ stars.