What readers think of Plainsong, plus links to write your own review.

I too had to read this book for English class. The book to me and nearly everyone else in the entire school that was told to read it seemed to think it was an approved form of porn. I read a shocking part to me out loud to another girl in my reading group in the hallway in the school and I was stopped by an adult hall patroller and brought me into the office. When they found out that it was a book for class they first felt stupid then they left. There are also parts of this book that I know there is symbolism behind it, but made no since what-so-ever, including the entire story line about Ella, Bobby and Ike's mother. Haruf spoiled every story line by adding sex, drugs, drinking, smoking, or violence when most if not all of the plots would have made a bigger point to a group as a whole. We would have spent less time fighting and debating about the inappropriate content of a school novel, because that is what they are teaching us not to do, and more time devoting about the message behind the story which is blindsided by all of the horrid content that is a required read. How did this book be a National Book Award Finalist?

Many people, including myself, read Plainsong in an English class. It turned out to be very controversial, and soon everyone in the town was either for the book, letting it be read in a public school, or against the book, finding it offensive. The book was then banned, by the school board, to be part of the school's curriculum.

This was a great book to read!

I was totally captivated by this book from the first page. Its simplicity and beauty lies in its tale about ordinary people doing ordinary things that have an impact on lives. Everyone I have lent the book to has also been delighted with it.

I had to read this book for a college literature class. I must say that this book completely captured my attention from the first page until the very last. Haruf does a wonderful job of bringing each of his characters to life. I suggest you begin reading this book only when you have the time to finish it in one setting...I couldn't bear to put it down!

I disliked Plainsong. We had to read it in an honors english class. We read it because it was a story about "everday heroes." Who were the heroes in the book? What is morally right about the book? It's sad that people in this country like this book, it tells you how low and selfish our culture is.

I like the varity of this book in general, Its like a day time soap opera.

I thought the book was good for the most part, but the celebratory ending could have been better in my opinion