Ms. E's Opinion of The Lovely Bones

I'm the type of person that will pick up a book and read it until completion if I enjoy the book. There is nothing worse than purchasing a book because it received great reviews and your find yourself disappointed. The Lovely Bones was a bitter disappointment, no disrespect to Alice Sebold but I found myself bored and struggling to complete the book.

When I purchased The Lovely Bones at Borders, I asked the store clerk what she thought of the book. Not that it matters what she thinks but I have received some excellent recommendations on authors and books because of them. The clerk's response to me was "it was a waste of time". I honestly didn't know how to take that comment. We have our likes and dislikes when it comes to reading. I originally thought her response derived from this book not being a happy one. The emotions you feel while reading this novel leaves you sad and grateful to have your children alive. However, I do understand what the clerk meant but I do not agree with her.

Let me clarify, the first eighty or so pages engulfed me and I was very much into The Lovely Bones. The way Alice described Susie's heaven blew me away. Alice was also tactful when she described Susie's demise. I could feel what Alice was writing when it came to her characters but as the book continued on how her family coped with the loss of their family member, the tone went downhill and became dull.

By all means neither a movie nor a book needs to have a happy ending in order for me to like it. I do need to enjoy what I am reading from start to finish. Since I was unable to enjoy this book completely, I would not recommend it. For me reading is about enjoying what the author has written whether it's bad or good, I want to get lost in the characters and the story. Push by Sapphire was a very hard read for me but I was able to take pleasure in the story and become lost in the world Sapphire had described.

I do feel there is a major lesson to be learned from The Lovely Bones that our children and parents need to be aware of. Parents talk to your children about going places with anyone you do not approve of or know. Perfect example, children are more inclined to talk to an adult who has a pet with them. Stress how important it is for them to not speak to strangers or go anywhere with anyone unless you say it's OK. We have to protect our children and ourselves; this world is full of bad people whom have no respect for human life. For this lesson alone, The Lovely Bones is not a waste of time however be prepared to find yourself disappointed.