Rated of 5
by Virginia W. (Cloverdale, CA) Multigenerational family secrets
This is a book about six generations of one family living together. The plot unfolds in an interesting way and the characterizations are strong. The oldest member is 112 and a subplot is an investigational genetic study into the reason why this "superager" and her female relatives have defied the aging process. But the most interesting facets are the secrets each generation holds. I would heartily recommend this book.
Rated of 5
by K J. (Mountain View, CA) The Roots of the Olive Tree
The author started with a strong premise but somehow got lost. There were just too many tangled, unfinished questions to make an enjoyable story. I would give this one a miss.
Rated of 5
by Mary S. (Pinson, AL) The Roots of the Olive Tree
This was such a wonderful story. The multi-generational family living under the same roof with their complex lives, conflicts, and secrets. I loved the relationships between mothers and daughters; and between grandmothers and granddaughters; each one is unique. These women lived together and thought they knew each other so well; and while each woman’s life may have a skeleton or two in the cupboard, I was most surprised by Elizabeth’s story. I enjoyed Santo’s descriptions of the olive orchards and the idea that the oil could be linked to a longer life. Thirty years ago, I had a priest tell me that he believed drinking olive oil every day would help you live longer. At the time, I did not think too much of it, but while reading this novel I did some research and there seems to be some health benefits to it. It definitely made for an interesting read. I loved this novel and can’t wait to see what Santo’s writes next.
Rated of 5
by Debra L. (Deerfield, IL) Boring!
I thought this book was boring. The characters were not well developed, and their stories were not fully developed either. I was not interested in the subplot about the doctor's research on aging. This added nothing to the overall story for me. I liked the setting on the olive orchard, but the rest of the book fell flat. I would not have finished it if it wasn't for me writing this review. An average book about a family of women. The author could have done so much more.
Rated of 5
by Mary Ellen B. (Hebron, CT) The Roots of the Olive Tree
This five generation story of women who have a family business growing grapes in California uncovers the source of their longevity. A geneticist becomes interested in how they live so long just as major changes occur in their lives. A heartfelt story of what it takes to live through difficulties and maintain a sense of family.
Rated of 5
by Marie C. (Wyoming, DE) The art of aging
This book about 5 generations of women, all still living, and their secrets offers the reader wonderful insights into the art of aging. It made me want to celebrate those who grow old gracefully and feel tired for those who carry the weight of the world for so long. It was an easy read following the story of one of the women through the seasons of a year. I most enjoyed the story of Elizabeth. Her secrets and inner thoughts were not revealed until the end. Makes you wonder how you would feel faced with the prospect of immortality.
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Kenn Nesbitt is new Children's Poet Laureate(Jun 12 2013) Kenn Nesbitt has been named the new Children's Poet Laureate: Consultant in Children's Poetry to the Poetry Foundation, which noted that the two-year position...
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of 5
by Virginia W. (Cloverdale, CA) 
of 5
by K J. (Mountain View, CA) 
of 5
by Debra L. (Deerfield, IL) 
of 5
by Marie C. (Wyoming, DE) 
