12 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is one the most painful books I have ever read! Wally Lamb takes you into the life of a very unruly 13 year old girl with a vicious mouth who eats because she is so unhappy and is even more distraught when she balloons up to 267 pounds by the time she goes to college. At times, her bad behaviour was shocking. And then I would want to cry with her when she was heart-broken. This book is about life; the good, the bad and the ugly.
11 member(s) found this review helpful.
I read this book to my husband on a 7 day road trip and we both loved it. Lamb with with rare insight into women and into the human condition. A story about incest, mental illness, divorce, attempted suicide and finally a happy ending that comes at just the right time. The story is a little long but very well worth the read!
9 member(s) found this review helpful.
I wanted to like this book, and I think I kind of did in the ending? Bottom line is, page after page had me raising an eyebrow or shaking my head. Some of was just too strange and unbelievable. Other times it just seemed a bit forced. Yet, imagine my surprise, when the ending sucked me in and had me rooting for Dolores.
So, was I entertained by this book? Yes. Would I recommend it to others? No.
So, was I entertained by this book? Yes. Would I recommend it to others? No.
9 member(s) found this review helpful.
I found this book to be way over-hyped. I expected something deep, touching, amazing; what I found instead was a book I wish I hadn't bothered reading. I found this book disturbing, unsettling, and unrewarding. Yes, many people rave about this book but I am not one of them. As much as I adore Oprah, I find that I do not enjoy many of her "book club" selections...
I love Wally Lamb this was the second book of his that I read and I cannot get over how wonderful he writes. I hope he writes more soon.
This book moved me, its full of dark humor, stirring events and so much emotion.
This book moved me, its full of dark humor, stirring events and so much emotion.
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
Disappointing and silly. Other Lamb works take a much more realistic tone.
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
I loved this book. I read it in two days, couldn't put it down.
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Coming of Age book - easy read, good characters.
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book wasn't my style. I guess I was one of the ones who found it "depressing"
It did have good insight into how your past dramatically affects your future.
It did have good insight into how your past dramatically affects your future.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
What was Oprah thinking? This book did not make an impression on me, and it makes me wonder what other people got out of the book. I just couldn't identify with the character or find anything intriguing in the story.
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Excellent, engaging read. For anyone who has ever struggled with weight, or with an eating disorder of any kind, this is an especially good book. About a young woman who is trying to find herself through her depression and overeating issues, there is something in this story we can all relate to.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book is in the top 10 worst books I've ever read in my life. No kidding. Wally Lamb attempts to write in the voice of a woman, but it certainly doesn't ring true to how I understand women to think, and I've been one for 55 years. I would have thrown it at the wall after the first few pages, but it was the book my bookclub was reading that month, so I felt I had to finish it, then I threw it in the garbage with great satisfaction. What an insult to women! I kept finding myself thinking, "So she did WHAT? That doesn't even make sense!" For example, what woman do you know who would feel an irresistible urge to swim in the nude with the rotting corpse of a half-beached whale? Ok, she felt sorry for the whale... so she decided to take off all her clothes and swim with the decomposing thing? Has Wally Lamb ever even seen a decomposing whale? The stench alone would be intolerable, not to mention the chunks of dead whale flesh and skin floating around, and the things that had come to eat it. The heroine isn't even in the least bit likable. She gets mad at someone so she pours something into their fish tank to kill their fish? (again with the dead fish thing) Avoid this book at all costs.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I just, no matter how hard i tried, could not get into this book. I can honestly say--i just hated it. I wanted to like the book, but there just wans't anything to like really. I'm glad some others did like it, as i am now turned off on Wally Lamb as an author--don't think i'll waste my time trying him again.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book was FANTASTIC!!!
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I couldn't put this one down!! How a man can write this well about a women's point of view, I will never understand lol ... but he does this so well that you find yourself relating to this character! This is one of the best books I have ever read, and because I loved it so much... I will read every book Wally Lamb ever writes!!! :)
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book, to me, represented life, and it's dark side. Wally Lamb did a wonderful job of developing the characters. You saw this girl come of age, and the things she did to try to preserver. It was quite an emotional ride, but sometimes, we all need a good cry. I wouldn't recommend reading this book if you were depressed, but I definitely thought it was worth the time and deserving of the Oprah's Book Club pick.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I picked this up merely because of the Oprah's Book Club endorsement. I had no idea what the story was about. I LOVED this book-- it was coming of age novel meets Augusten Burroughs' Running with Scissors... it has a little bit of everything-- family drama, relationship mania, weight gain and loss, mental breakdown... and it is all done with real wit and a completely unexpected plot line. I really appreciate a book that keeps me interested and isn't exactly what you expect around every turn. This story really fills that bill. The main character is a female, but this story would be great for any reader-- it definitely isn't Chick Lit.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
A great coming of age book. You really love and sympathize with the heroine.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
An Oprah's Book Club pick and in my opinion one of the best books ever written. Wally Lamb always amazes me with everything he's written and/or helped write and I can't get enough of him. I would most definitely suggest anyone to read this or any of his books.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book was just ok. I was hoping for something better, but it was kind of boring.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
i think every girl over the age of 20 should read this book.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I hated the main character so much in this book that I wanted bad things to happen to her. I'm shocked by how many people loved this book.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I couldn't finish this book... the rape scene was too graphic and disturbing to me.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I read this as an older teenager and really got sucked into the story at the time. It was strange, but I think the character's flaws are what make it so endearing. I think it is a story that you either love or you hate, as there is a lot of tough subject matter and the majority of the characters are not very likeable. But all in all I did enjoy it and it comes up in conversation now and then and I always recommend it.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is one of my favorite books. It's interesting to see how people who appear "normal" otherwise become so obese.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Blech! This has become my all-time benchmark for "books I hated but read anyway". Getting to the end was an exercise in discipline without reward.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I enjoyed this book. I read it several years ago and I like it a lot.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book. The book is a coming-of-age story of a girl, who through many numerous ordeals doesn't seem to get it together. She keeps on going on a downward spiral of bad judgment, bad luck, and worse self esteem and no support system to get her through it. At first I felt it was slow or maybe I kept missing where the story was going, but halfway through it got better and by the end I couldn't stop reading and rooting for the character. I enjoyed reading this book, but it is not necessarily a story that will stay with you.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Delores is someone we have all known, and hope to never become. I wanted to love the book, but it depressed me mostly.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I read it for a high school class. I found the story line to be incredibly depressing, but it can be refreshing to step out of the over glamorized life books and television and read something of a struggle. Although I think the author went too far with showing struggles to the point of being way unrealistic.
It was a long book, but a very fast read. It was a book I could not put down, even though parts annoyed me, but I had to know what happened next. Despite some changes I would make to the story line, this book drew me in and I was upset when it was over because I wanted more.
If you are looking for a depressing book that is addicting I suggest it.
It was a long book, but a very fast read. It was a book I could not put down, even though parts annoyed me, but I had to know what happened next. Despite some changes I would make to the story line, this book drew me in and I was upset when it was over because I wanted more.
If you are looking for a depressing book that is addicting I suggest it.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is probably the longest book I've ever made it through. I love how the author wrote from her childhood through adulthood. Very well written.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was so poignantly and flawlessly crafted in the perspective of a woman by one of the most talented male authors I have ever stumbled upon, I had to flip it over to check again and again if it really was written by a man.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I liked this book, though I thought some parts of the protagonist's life were fast-forwarded while too much time was spent on others. I had a hard time visualizing her sometimes and her actions didn't always seem realistic. Overall, I enjoyed reading it, but I read it stop and go due to the inconsistancies.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
When I read this, I forgot that the writer was a male. That is an accomplishment. Loved this book, although his second is better.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
One of the best books I've read!! I could not put it down. Takes you on an emotional journey of sadness, hurt, betrayal, and hope. Stongly recommend this book!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is an extremely well written and intense book about life, loss, and moving on. I highly recommend this book.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A well written story with humor, grief, sadness, love, mental illness, obesity and so much more. So good it is hard to put down. You fall in love with the characters.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is one of the funniest and most touching books I've read in a long time. Dolores is a unique, yet somehow strikingly familiar, heroine. I don't know if she reminds me of someone else, or could it be ... me?
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is one of my favorite books of all time. It is written in the first person about a young girl, but Wally Lamb is the author. It is amazing to me that a man could write a book so in tuned with female thoughts and feelings. The girl is troubled and the book leads you through her life of desperation and how she overcomes all the horrible things that happens to her.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book was almost painful to read, but still excellent. I couldn't put it down, even though I was wincing in pain for all the anguish poor Delores was enduring.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I first read this book in 1997 and have read it several times since. Wally Lamb writes this female character so well, I had to keep checking that it was in fact written by a man! Great book!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book was terrific! She's Come Undone is a powerful epic, an emotional journey in the life of Dolores Price. Wally Lamb's Dolores is a perfectly flawed character and easy to get attached to. Brilliant writing, a fabulous point-of-view of a female told through the hand of a male. How did he do it with such spot-on honesty?
She's Come Undone begins in the year 1956 when Dolores is 4 and her family gets a brand new television. Soon, this seemingly normal life begins to unravel, leaving Dolores the product of a marriage gone wrong. While reading this book, I feel this moment of her parents' divorce became the crucial building block of Dolores's downward spiral. And while I do not want to spoil the plot for you, I will say that Dolores lives through some of the most terrible events, and desperately struggles (though at times seems indifferent) to regain the normalcy she once had.
Vivid and emotional, this wild ride pulls your heartstrings and strikes your nerves, sometimes within the same sentence. Pages full of pain and sadness, but also sprinkled with a snappy attitude that had me laughing in my seat. I felt a certain kinship, an almost sisterly devotion toward Dolores, and I praise Wally Lamb for creating this wonderfully real and troubled character.
She's Come Undone begins in the year 1956 when Dolores is 4 and her family gets a brand new television. Soon, this seemingly normal life begins to unravel, leaving Dolores the product of a marriage gone wrong. While reading this book, I feel this moment of her parents' divorce became the crucial building block of Dolores's downward spiral. And while I do not want to spoil the plot for you, I will say that Dolores lives through some of the most terrible events, and desperately struggles (though at times seems indifferent) to regain the normalcy she once had.
Vivid and emotional, this wild ride pulls your heartstrings and strikes your nerves, sometimes within the same sentence. Pages full of pain and sadness, but also sprinkled with a snappy attitude that had me laughing in my seat. I felt a certain kinship, an almost sisterly devotion toward Dolores, and I praise Wally Lamb for creating this wonderfully real and troubled character.
I loved this book and it was hard to believe that a man wrote such a convincing female character.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
It was a beautiful book a a girl overcoming obstacles in her life. Good ending.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I read this book many years ago, but loved the story. It was heartbreaking, twisted, funny, and real. Good read for anyone
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I really enjoyed this book.Often tragic,often funny,often so real,it makes you wonder. Growing up wasn't easy for Delores Price but she finally came thru it alright ,it just took a very long time.Definitely a great book.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book follows the remarkable journey of a young woman through the ups and downs of life. I found it very heart warming.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A thoroughly enjoyable book. It is fascinating how Lamb- a man- can capture the thoughts and feelings of a teenage girl as she develops into a young woman.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
One of the only books that I have re-read several times. The story is funny, sad, and makes you angry all at once.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
When I first started reading this book, I found it to be very strange. The characters are intriguing throughout the book. It was heartwrenching at times, but in the end a very enlighting book.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I read this book about 10 years ago. When asked what my favorite book is........This is it!!!! Laugh out loud funny but also sad at times. Get this book!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
pretty good - kind of frustrating to see a character i liked make bad choices but i guess that just means i got into it!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Dolores is a character you will never forget. You cheer for her, cry for her, hope for her. Wally Lamb has made the characters so real that you feel a part of their lives.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Yes, this book is long and at times unbearably sad. It is still work reading; the author did a top notch job at developing characters that were real and that you can't help but care about. He did an incredible job of making the reader believe just want it felt like to be that 10 year old, or teenage girl.
I would have given it a 10 rating except it was just a little too long.
I would also recommend Lamb's follow up book "This Much i know is True".
I would have given it a 10 rating except it was just a little too long.
I would also recommend Lamb's follow up book "This Much i know is True".
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
An amazing ride through a woman's life from the age of 4 to 40.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
It's eerie how well Wally Lamb writes from a woman's perspective. This is a really incredible page-turner that started his career.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A great story, although quite depressing at times. I felt like I really knew her!
Excellent book! I have actually read this book more than once because it was that good.
Although I tend to be a typical historical reader..I found this book amazing! I'm not sure if it is due to the fact I could relate to the characters and their often wacky upbringing...but I found myself laughing out loud, cheering, wanting more of Wally Lamb..he really got into my brain with this one and I found myself wondering if he somehow had the ability to look into my own early years......A favorite!
Loved this. I plan to read another one by this author.
This book got much better as it went. I enjoyed the book much better once she went off to college.
I had a difficult time getting into this book, but once I did I was amazed. Wally Lamb does a beautiful job of relating the trials and victories (albeit, seemingly small victories) of Delores. I found myself wanting to get back to this book to find out what became of the tragic, lonely, and often defiant lead character.
First Wally Lamb book I've read. I did like it but it felt like I was reading a story with a few sequels. LONG. Well written though but such sad things. I enjoyed it having a decent ending.
I am officially a huge Wally Lamb fan. I had read I Know This Much is True last summer and recently read The Hour I First Believed but this one by far was my favorite. Once it started I couldn't not put it down and I read the Part 2 and 3 in one day, neglecting just about everything else because it was that good. The writing was so believable and I found myself rooting for the main character. When it was over, I wanted more.
Highly recommended read.....that is if your spouse and children don't mind being ignored.
Highly recommended read.....that is if your spouse and children don't mind being ignored.
A good book but not a great one. You can't help getting attached to the lead character and she's fascinating in a gruesome car wreck kind of way.
Wow! What can I say about this book. It was fantastic. What a powerful story. I was so overwelmed by this that I couldn't stop reading it. What a heartfelt story of a girl growing up in such horrid conditions and the story that was told well into her adult life. This poor girl didn't have a chance. I also had a hard time believing that the author was a man. Unbelievable well-written and a truly heartbreaking story. I absolutely loved this book. Two thumbs up!!
For me, this didn't compare to I Know This Much is True. My sister and I read both these 2 books at the same time. She's Come Undone was the runaway hit for her and mine was the reverse. My book club is reading She's Come Undone next month, maybe I will look for the book on CD and give it another shot. It's been at least 10 years since I read this one and quite honestly, I don't remember that much about it.
At times it was hard for me to continue reading the book. It is a good story and I am glad that I stuck with it to the end. Many elements of the human conditions are discussed, so it also had heart-wrenching moments. It was good; not sure i would recommend it.
One of my favorite books of all time. I will read this one again some day soon. I loved everything about this book. Has whatever you could possibly want from a book and more. Bravo!
I guess I can see why Oprah liked this book... but i didn't.
Once started, I had to force myself to finish it.
I just could NOT bring myself to like the main character. Most of the time I just wanted to smack her in the mouth.
Still, by the last few chapters I was actually rooting for her.
Did the end of the book make the rest of it worth my time?
No.
Once started, I had to force myself to finish it.
I just could NOT bring myself to like the main character. Most of the time I just wanted to smack her in the mouth.
Still, by the last few chapters I was actually rooting for her.
Did the end of the book make the rest of it worth my time?
No.
This story was heart-breaking as I went through the tragedies of "life" with this teenage character. The author easily sweeps you up into the emotional roller coaster of this kid's life.
I read this book twice- the first time I read it, I was in college and I really liked it. The second time I read it with an older perspective, I thought that Delores was whiny and brought a lot of her problems on herself. I was also disturbed by how Thayer seemed like an abusive user and Delores was so obsessed she didn't care. I think that this novel unfortunately is pretty truthful about how some women will do anything for a man, no matter how much it belittles or hurts them.
Unbelievably great book. Wally Lamb is such a talented author that I am hoarding both this book, and his other well known "I know This Much is True", which I have read three time. A must read for any serious reader.
This is such a bizarre and seemingly unlikely story, yet I couldn't put it down. It's the story I wanted to hate but couldn't. Some events in the story have you thinking, "What? That couldn't happen!" or even make you depressed, but the main character is so human. Despite her abrasive nature you find yourself wanting to know her whole story. Not in love with this novel, but it's a good read.
LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT!!!! this is my new favorite book. it's about a girl's struggles through life- dealing with rape, death, obeseity, love and heartache, depression, her family, pretty much how to cope with everything that happens in life. it's amazing how a male author can write from the point of view of a young girl growing into a woman. his voice and narative are amazing. it's as if you are expereincing her life with her. just a great book. it's as wonderful as everyone says- if not better!
Good one!
such a real and heartbtreaking character
One of my favorite books, I've read it over and over again.
One of my all time favorite books - I've read it dozens of times! Excellent!
This book is a little bit dark for me.
I have read this book about 5 times, and every time I get something else out of it. Such a great coming of age novel.
Very interesting book with great plot-emotional and a great look as a fat girl coming of age, and how she finds her own redemption, away from food.
My goodness - this poor girl - was depressing at times but I couldn't stop reading it - had to know that she could 'overcome'!
I LOVED this book!! Read it a couple of times!
"In his extraordinary coming-of-age odyssey, Wally Lamb invites us to hitch a wild ride on a journey of love, pain and renewal with the most heartbreaking comical hroine to come along in years".
I read this book years ago, I thought it was very well written, very believable and moving, sad, but moving.
I read this book years ago, I thought it was very well written, very believable and moving, sad, but moving.
Excellent. It is a little tough to read in an emotional sense, but gripping nonetheless.
An amazing, multifaceted read...will have you crying, laughing, shouting all in turns...I have read this book 4 times and it is never dull!!
Survivor of a dysfunctional life.
This author is great. I have a couple of his books, but am only willing to part with this one. :)
This book was very odd.
Great book! Typical of this author!
Great read!
love this book!
One of the best books written for women!
In his extraordinary coming-of-age odyssey, Wally Lamb invites us to hitch a wild ride on a journey of love, pain, and renewal with the most heartbreakingly comical heronie to come along in years.
liked it alot
This took me a couple of chapters to really get into, but when I did it was hard to put down. This story follows a woman from childhood heartaches to adult heartaches and trials. Great story.
I loved this book. The heroine is just so quirky and loveable...could not put it down. I highly recommend this book.
Extraordinary coming-of-age odyssey of love, pain and renewal with the heartbreaking comical heroine to come along in years.
In his extraordinary coming-of-age odyssey, Wally Lamb invites us to hitch a wild ride on a journey of love, pain, and renewal with the most heartbreakingly comical heroine to come along in years.
Meet Dolores Price. She's thirteen, wise-mouthed but wounded, having bid her childhood good-bye. Stranded in front of her bedroom TV, she spends the next few years nouriihing herself with the Mallomars, potato chips, and Pepsi her anxious mother supplies. When she finally orbits into young womanhood at 257 pounds, Dolores is no stronger and life is no kinder. But this time she's determined to rise to the occasion and give herself one more chance before she really goes under.
Meet Dolores Price. She's thirteen, wise-mouthed but wounded, having bid her childhood good-bye. Stranded in front of her bedroom TV, she spends the next few years nouriihing herself with the Mallomars, potato chips, and Pepsi her anxious mother supplies. When she finally orbits into young womanhood at 257 pounds, Dolores is no stronger and life is no kinder. But this time she's determined to rise to the occasion and give herself one more chance before she really goes under.
This is a wonderful book, great story told by a master.
amazing book.
"Mine is a story of craving; an unreliable account of lusts and troubles that began, somehow, in 1956 on the day our free television was delivered." So begins the story of Dolores Price, the unconventional heroine of Wally Lamb's She's Come Undone. Dolores is a class-A emotional basket case, and why shouldn't she be? She's suffered almost every abuse and familial travesty that exists: Her father is a violent, philandering liar; her mother has the mental and emotional consistency of Jell-O; and the men in her life are probably the gender's most loathsome creatures. But Dolores is no quitter; she battles her woes with a sense of self-indulgence and gluttony rivaled only by Henry VIII. Hers is a dysfunctional Wonder Years, where growing up in the golden era was anything but ideal. While most kids her age were dealing with the monumental importance of the latest Beatles single and how college turned an older sibling into a long-haired hippie, Dolores was grappling with such issues as divorce, rape, and mental illness. Whether you're disgusted by her antics or moved by her pathetic ploys, you'll be drawn into Dolores's warped, hilarious, Mallomar-munching world.
A coming of age story through comic routines from weight watchers.
very good read, I enjoyed this book a lot. Recommended highly.
Excellent!!! I used this book for my psychology report. It was wonderful!!
Absolutely wonderful book! I have read it several times and love it each time! highly recommended!
Excellent book! Hard to believe the writer is a male because his write his heroine's point of view so well.
I absolutely loved this book. It is a wonderful coming of age story. I didn't want it to end!
One of THE BEST books EVER!!!
Amazing book!
From Amazon.com
Oprah Book Club® Selection, January 1997: "Mine is a story of craving; an unreliable account of lusts and troubles that began, somehow, in 1956 on the day our free television was delivered." So begins the story of Dolores Price, the unconventional heroine of Wally Lamb's She's Come Undone. Dolores is a class-A emotional basket case, and why shouldn't she be? She's suffered almost every abuse and familial travesty that exists: Her father is a violent, philandering liar; her mother has the mental and emotional consistency of Jell-O; and the men in her life are probably the gender's most loathsome creatures. But Dolores is no quitter; she battles her woes with a sense of self-indulgence and gluttony rivaled only by Henry VIII. Hers is a dysfunctional Wonder Years, where growing up in the golden era was anything but ideal. While most kids her age were dealing with the monumental importance of the latest Beatles single and how college turned an older sibling into a long-haired hippie, Dolores was grappling with such issues as divorce, rape, and mental illness. Whether you're disgusted by her antics or moved by her pathetic ploys, you'll be drawn into Dolores's warped, hilarious, Mallomar-munching world.
Oprah Book Club® Selection, January 1997: "Mine is a story of craving; an unreliable account of lusts and troubles that began, somehow, in 1956 on the day our free television was delivered." So begins the story of Dolores Price, the unconventional heroine of Wally Lamb's She's Come Undone. Dolores is a class-A emotional basket case, and why shouldn't she be? She's suffered almost every abuse and familial travesty that exists: Her father is a violent, philandering liar; her mother has the mental and emotional consistency of Jell-O; and the men in her life are probably the gender's most loathsome creatures. But Dolores is no quitter; she battles her woes with a sense of self-indulgence and gluttony rivaled only by Henry VIII. Hers is a dysfunctional Wonder Years, where growing up in the golden era was anything but ideal. While most kids her age were dealing with the monumental importance of the latest Beatles single and how college turned an older sibling into a long-haired hippie, Dolores was grappling with such issues as divorce, rape, and mental illness. Whether you're disgusted by her antics or moved by her pathetic ploys, you'll be drawn into Dolores's warped, hilarious, Mallomar-munching world.
In his extraordinary coming-of-age odyssey, Wally Lamb invites us to hitch a wild ride on a journey of love, pain, and renewal with the most heartbreakingly comical heroine to come along in years.
fantastic book- was an oprah book club novel.
A New york Times Notable book of the year.
A People Magazine Top Ten book of the year
A Los Angeles Times Book award finalist - Best First Novel of the year
In this extraordinary coming-of-age odyssey, Wally Lamb invites us to hitch a wild ride on a journey of love, pain and renewal with the most heartbreakingly comical heroine to come along in years.
Meet Dolores Price. She's thirteen, wise-mouthed but wounded, having bid her childhood good-bye. Stranded in front of her bedroom TV, she spends the next few years nourishing herself with the Mallomars, potato chips, and Pepsi her anxious mother supplies. When she finally orbits into young womanhood at 257 pounds, Dolores is no stronger and life is no kinder. But theis time she's determined to rise to the occasion and give herself one more chance before she really goes under.
A People Magazine Top Ten book of the year
A Los Angeles Times Book award finalist - Best First Novel of the year
In this extraordinary coming-of-age odyssey, Wally Lamb invites us to hitch a wild ride on a journey of love, pain and renewal with the most heartbreakingly comical heroine to come along in years.
Meet Dolores Price. She's thirteen, wise-mouthed but wounded, having bid her childhood good-bye. Stranded in front of her bedroom TV, she spends the next few years nourishing herself with the Mallomars, potato chips, and Pepsi her anxious mother supplies. When she finally orbits into young womanhood at 257 pounds, Dolores is no stronger and life is no kinder. But theis time she's determined to rise to the occasion and give herself one more chance before she really goes under.
Modern classic from Oprah's Book Club. Unbelievable writing! NYT #1 bestseller. Gritty, raw and poignant.
A bit depressing, but overall quite an interesting read.
Starts out slow, but then I couldn't put it down. Great read.
A woman's journey through life. There are points where it seems to go on and on but I found myself wanting to hear about the rest of her life when it ended. Overall, a good book and inspirational.
great book
This is a great story of a girl coming of age and overcoming a VERY difficult childhood and young adulthood. Both sad and funny, it's a wonderful story of triumph! Great book!
Really moving book.
Wonderful story of a girl dealing with a difficult life - moving and touching, although I didn't find it "funny" as noted on the cover. Dolores is a character that I'll revisit in my head often, I'm sure.
I enjoyed this book. I like the symbolism that the author included. And I could identify with the main character.
Love this book, read it numerous times. Can hardly believe it was written by a man. Very good.
an extraordinary coming of age story...
I loved this book. I am from the area that Wally Lamb writes about in his books, so it is fun to guess which streets or businesses he is talking about.
This was a great book!
Excellent read! From the back cover: "In this extraordinary coming-of-age odyssey, Wally Lamb invites us to hitch a wild ride on a journey of love, pain and renewal with the most hearbreakingly comical heroine to come along in years."
Amazing book. I couldn't put it down and when I did after finishing it, I cried from sadness and happiness that the main character, Delores, brings to this masterpiece.
Wonderful book. Very true to its time.
Dolores Price is one of my most favorite fictional characters. Flawed, funny, endearing, and yes, loveable.
An all time favorite!
In this extraordinary coming-of-age odyssey, Wally Lamb invites us to hitch a wild ride on a journey of love, pain, and renewal with the most heartbreakingly comical heroine to come along in years.
Meet Dolores Price. She's 13, wise-mouthed but wounded, having bid her childhood goodbye. Stranded in front of her bedroom TV, she spends the next few years nourishing herself with the Mallomars, potato chips, and Pepsi her anxious mother supplies. When she finally orbits into young womanhood at 257 pounds, Dolores is no stronger and life is no kinder. But this time she's determined to rise to the occasion and give herself one more chance before she really goes under.
Meet Dolores Price. She's 13, wise-mouthed but wounded, having bid her childhood goodbye. Stranded in front of her bedroom TV, she spends the next few years nourishing herself with the Mallomars, potato chips, and Pepsi her anxious mother supplies. When she finally orbits into young womanhood at 257 pounds, Dolores is no stronger and life is no kinder. But this time she's determined to rise to the occasion and give herself one more chance before she really goes under.
This is written by the author of my favorite book ever, I Know This Much Is True. This is a great story and Wally Lamb does an amazing job bringing the characters to life for the reader.
One of my all time favorite authors!
Kind of like a Bell Jar, closer to the surface.
This is a great story. Lamb writes so well from a female perspective.
great book!
very good-oprah book club selection-heavy but good...
I thought this was a fantastic book! There is so much going on and it kept my attention the whole way through.
Loved it. Couldn't put it down once I began reading it.
I THOUGHT THIS BOOK WAS WELL WRITTEN WITH CHARACTERS YOU CAN RELATE TO.
Fabulous. Funny and moving.
A fun read.
Somehow I ended up with two copies...light read
This book was a quick read
Wally Lamb does not get any better than this!
loved it- identified with plot!
Well written story of little girl. I enjoyed getting to know the charactors and
background.
background.
This is the best book I've ever read. You will relate to the characters and wish they were real. I highly recommend this book to anyone who hasn't read it yet.
I havent read it I dont like oprah book club books
A little slow at first... but turned out to be a good read. Also one in Oprah's book club.
This book makes me happy
Awsome book. can't put down.
Very interesting read into someone else's life
Absolutely loved this book! Kept my copy!
Kept me reading to see what was going to happen next.
Loved this book!
"WARNING: Don't read the ending in public if you don't have two tissues hand...It's a two-boxer." - The Wichita Eagle (KS)
"Contemporary fiction just doesn't get much better than this...It's the kind of book that makes you stop reading and shake your head, shocked by the insights you've encountered. In short, you'll be undone."--Hartford Advocate
"As you read SHE'S COME UNDONE your entire life will flash before your eyes...It's a little bit like strolling down memory lane with Dick Clark on one arm, Jean-Paul Sarte on the other. It's scary, but Lord, it's wonderful!" -- Cathie Pelletier, author of A Marriage Made in Woodstock
A New York Times Notable Book of the Year
a People Magazine Top Ten Book of the Year
"Contemporary fiction just doesn't get much better than this...It's the kind of book that makes you stop reading and shake your head, shocked by the insights you've encountered. In short, you'll be undone."--Hartford Advocate
"As you read SHE'S COME UNDONE your entire life will flash before your eyes...It's a little bit like strolling down memory lane with Dick Clark on one arm, Jean-Paul Sarte on the other. It's scary, but Lord, it's wonderful!" -- Cathie Pelletier, author of A Marriage Made in Woodstock
A New York Times Notable Book of the Year
a People Magazine Top Ten Book of the Year
Very good book - I enjoyed this story.
Was a vacation book for me - kinda heavy and depressing, but still good.
This was an excellent book.
I loved this book.
I got to page 132/Chapter 9 and decided I wasn't interested in finishing it(total of 465 pages). It has gotten great reviews. It is one of Oprah's Book Club Books.
An Excellent story. You truly never forget about Dolores.
From the back cover:
In his extraordinary coming-of-age odyssey, Wally Lamb invites us to hitch a wild ride on a journey of love, pain, and renewal with the most heartbreaking comical heroine to come along in years. Meet Dolores Price. She's thirteen, wise-mouthed but wounded, having bid her childhood good-bye. Stranded in front of her bedroom TV, she spends the next few years nourishing herself with the Mallomars, potato chips, and Pepsi her anxious mother supplies. When she finally orbits into young womanhood at 257 pounds, Dolores is no stronger and life is no kinder. But this time she's determined to rise to the occasion and give herself one more chance before she really goes under.
In his extraordinary coming-of-age odyssey, Wally Lamb invites us to hitch a wild ride on a journey of love, pain, and renewal with the most heartbreaking comical heroine to come along in years. Meet Dolores Price. She's thirteen, wise-mouthed but wounded, having bid her childhood good-bye. Stranded in front of her bedroom TV, she spends the next few years nourishing herself with the Mallomars, potato chips, and Pepsi her anxious mother supplies. When she finally orbits into young womanhood at 257 pounds, Dolores is no stronger and life is no kinder. But this time she's determined to rise to the occasion and give herself one more chance before she really goes under.
One of my all time favorites!
From Kirkus Reviews
A tremendously likable first novel about the catastrophe- marked childhood, youth, and mangled adulthood of a tough-fibered woman who almost beaches herself in guilt and grief. Terrible things are about to happen to Dolores Price, only child of brittle, vulnerable Bernice and weak, randomly abusive Tony. Tony leaves Bernice sometime after the stillbirth of their son, and after a week playing with little Dolores in a new backyard pool, when the child expects a lifetime of floating with Daddy. Then Bernice completely flips out and goes to a mental hospital; Dolores is taken to live with Grandma in Rhode Island on Pierce Street (which ``smelled of car exhaust and frying food. Glass shattered, people screamed, kids threw rocks\'\'). Later, Ma returns and works collecting tolls on the Newport Bridge, while friendless Dolores attends a corrosive parochial school. But all welcome Grandma\'s new tenant, dazzling Jack, a radio DJ who, when Dolores is 13, rapes her in a dog pound. The person Dolores runs to is heart-of-gold Roberta, empress of the Peacock Tattoo Emporium across the street. In spite of the strangled but loyal love of Ma and Grandma, the palship of Roberta, and the kindness of a gentle gay guidance-counsellor, Dolores is about to go under. She becomes a mountain of fat, and soon is convinced that she\'s responsible for the death of Jack\'s baby--but also of Bernice, who\'s killed by a car. At a Pennsylvania college, Dolores knows that her destiny is to ``kill what people love.\'\' There\'s some good psychiatry and a bad marriage before the peaceful and upbeat close. Lamb has a broad satiric touch with some satisfying fat targets (the warfare of Pierce Street, etc.). And in spite of hard, hard times and crazy coincidences, Dolores\' career is a pleasure to follow, as she barrels through--with a killer mouth and the guts of a sea lion. A warmblooded, enveloping tale of survival, done up loose and cheering.
A tremendously likable first novel about the catastrophe- marked childhood, youth, and mangled adulthood of a tough-fibered woman who almost beaches herself in guilt and grief. Terrible things are about to happen to Dolores Price, only child of brittle, vulnerable Bernice and weak, randomly abusive Tony. Tony leaves Bernice sometime after the stillbirth of their son, and after a week playing with little Dolores in a new backyard pool, when the child expects a lifetime of floating with Daddy. Then Bernice completely flips out and goes to a mental hospital; Dolores is taken to live with Grandma in Rhode Island on Pierce Street (which ``smelled of car exhaust and frying food. Glass shattered, people screamed, kids threw rocks\'\'). Later, Ma returns and works collecting tolls on the Newport Bridge, while friendless Dolores attends a corrosive parochial school. But all welcome Grandma\'s new tenant, dazzling Jack, a radio DJ who, when Dolores is 13, rapes her in a dog pound. The person Dolores runs to is heart-of-gold Roberta, empress of the Peacock Tattoo Emporium across the street. In spite of the strangled but loyal love of Ma and Grandma, the palship of Roberta, and the kindness of a gentle gay guidance-counsellor, Dolores is about to go under. She becomes a mountain of fat, and soon is convinced that she\'s responsible for the death of Jack\'s baby--but also of Bernice, who\'s killed by a car. At a Pennsylvania college, Dolores knows that her destiny is to ``kill what people love.\'\' There\'s some good psychiatry and a bad marriage before the peaceful and upbeat close. Lamb has a broad satiric touch with some satisfying fat targets (the warfare of Pierce Street, etc.). And in spite of hard, hard times and crazy coincidences, Dolores\' career is a pleasure to follow, as she barrels through--with a killer mouth and the guts of a sea lion. A warmblooded, enveloping tale of survival, done up loose and cheering.