Rated of 5
by Carol Rosen (Pompton Lakes, NJ) Major Topic in a Minor Key
The Tenth Song grabbed my interest at the start, began to build toward the middle, only to leave me feeling let down well before the end.
The seemingly perfect life of an upper class Jewish family suddenly turns a dark corner to bring about an examination of what is most important in life.
The story presents an age old question about material worth and social status within the context of a modern day set of circumstances.
Fast paced theme with potential turned way too slow for my taste due to superficial characters, and no sense of wonder for what was going to happen next.
Rated of 5
by Lauren T. (Orlando, FL) The Tenth Song by Naomi Ragen
At the beginning of "The Tenth Song" I thought it was just going to be another formulaic story about an upper middle class Jewish family and their relationships in today's changing world. That is what this book is to some degree, but it is also much more. Here you will find unexpected choices and reactions along with an unusual but satisfying ending. As usual, Naomi Ragen's books are well worth the read.
Rated of 5
by Darlene C. (Woodstock, il) A simplistic journey
This book about an American Jewish family's reaction to a major family crisis begins strongly. The premise provides a base for the two main characters, mother and daughter, to explore and struggle with their view of themselves, each other, their religion and the world in general. Unfortunately, as the story proceeded, I found the insights and "enlightenment" of the characters predictable and simplistic. I wanted to like these women but was left feeling they remained self centered and self absorbed which does not seem to be the author's intent. The resolution of the crisis was a bit too pat - too easy, as was the resolution of the personal crises. It is an easy read but not one I would recommend to my book club. I may ask my friend who is Jewish to read it - I would be interested in her reaction to how Jewish women are portrayed - it seemed quite stereotypical to me.
Rated of 5
by Trezeline B. (Columbia, MD) The Tenth Song
A very good book. It took me longer to read than usual because it caused introspection, self examination and a great deal of thought. It has mystery, suspense and intrigue. I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it for the thoughtful reader.
Rated of 5
by Christine B. (St Paul, MN) unfinished song
This book is based on the premise that we all have a "tenth song" to discover and sing. The characters in the book are unfinished and "need to go to who you were meant to be". This spiritual journey was portrayed beautifully but the underlying story was too predictable. All the relationships seemed rushed and too neatly tied together at the end. I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it but would not highly tout it either.
Rated of 5
by Laura L. (Providence, RI) The tenth song
This book addresses some fundamental issues such as life style choices, belief systems, and community. I, as a practicing Jew, found many parts of the book engaging. I liked the issues it brought up, including materialism and making meaning out of your life. The story is easy to read but there is not a lot of depth in the characters. I am not sure how this book would read to someone who was not knowledgeable about observant Judaism. There are many concepts that it assumes one knows about and it appears written for an observant audience.
Fearless, gripping, at once darkly funny and tender, spanning three continents and numerous lives, Americanah is a richly told story set in today's globalized world.
The story of an American family, middle class in middle America, ordinary in every way but one. But that exception is the beating heart of this extraordinary novel.
First time novelist Vaddey Ratner captured my heart and senses in this novel based on her childhood in Cambodia. Her story transcends any news story...
read more
From the first page, I was drawn in by the lyrical writing of the author and mesmerized as the narrator, eight year old Raami, remembered the years...
read more
Trite but true, all good things must come to an end. I so wanted to keep reading the wonderful prose, the settings that let one think they are part...
read more
Amazon cuts off 5200 affiliates in Minnesota(Jun 19 2013) With Minnesota's online sales tax law due to take effect July 1, Amazon has played a familiar card by cutting ties with 5,200 members of its Associates...
Full Story
of 5
by Carol Rosen (Pompton Lakes, NJ) 
of 5
by Lauren T. (Orlando, FL) 
of 5
by Trezeline B. (Columbia, MD) 
