Rated of 5
by Jeff M. (Morris Plains, NJ) Arcadia
This book has received very positive pre-publication reviews (e.g., Publishers Weekly) and the subject (60s, etc.) was appealing to me. However, despite really trying, I personally couldn't get into the story nor did the characters particularly interest me. It was a tough read and not a book I would be inclined to recommend.
Rated of 5
by Helen S. (Palm Desert, CA) ARCADIA
The author used words that opened the mind into creating the location of the story and its characters. Also, brought vividly alive were the conditions of the people and the surrounding areas. The author evolved the story from rebellion to romance. Very believable. Living the words in the book brought back many incidents transpiring across the United States during the time covered.
The romance brought into the novel was ever present and captivating. Very believable. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
Rated of 5
by Catherine H. (Nashua, NH) Like a poetry book..
I read Miss Groff “The monsters of Templeton”, book full of promises but missing “something”. “Arcadia” did not disappoint me. The style is poetic but yet easy to read. I wanted Bit’s story to go on. It is a very moving and very sad story, it does not really end with the traditional “and they lived happily ever after” but still with a feeling of hope.
Rated of 5
by Beth H. (New Windsor, IL) "Arcadia" is a worth-while read
As a contemporary fairy tale, "Arcadia" is beautifully written, imaginative, and thought-provoking. I enjoyed the character of Bit, who is portrayed as an idealistic old soul, and I appreciated his efforts to find comfort and peace in a tragic world that is deeply flawed and at times heartbreaking. Although there were parts of this slow-paced novel that seemed over-ambitious and perhaps somewhat contrived, it is a lovely book overall and I would definitely recommend it.
Rated of 5
by Cam G. (Murrells Inlet, SC) Arcadia
I was a young married woman with a family in the 60's when communes, "free love" and drugs became the "thing" to do. I think, perhaps, that is one reason why I did not much enjoy Arcadia. I must admit that Gross's prose is quite excellent but it wasn't enough for me.
Rated of 5
by John W. (Clayton, Missouri) Good, but Not Great Effort
I loved Groff's first novel, Monsters of Templeton, so I was excited at the opportunity to reading an advanced copy of Arcadia. While I wasn’t totally disappointed it pales in comparison to her previous book. It doesn’t have a lot of action and is an introspective look at Bit’s life. I also did not like the use the constant present tense used in narration. I did enjoy her descriptions of the community. crazy hippie commune set in the late 1960s and located in Central New York. I felt less connected to and/or interested in Bit.
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of 5
by Jeff M. (Morris Plains, NJ) 
of 5
by Helen S. (Palm Desert, CA) 
of 5
by Catherine H. (Nashua, NH) 
