Life Is Short But Wide
Product Type: Book
Product Price: $14.95
Manufacturer: Anchor
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Description
Like the small towns J. California Cooper has so vividly portrayed in her previous novels, Wideland, Oklahoma, is home to ordinary Americans with big hearts. Among them are newlyweds Irene and Val, who graciously allow their neighbors, Bertha and Joseph, to build a house on their land. Together the couples have three daughters, all who struggle to find love and success in the changing world. But although the years may bring hardship and heartache, they also teach the importance of living one’s life boldly and squeezing out every possible moment of joy.
An irresistible story of faith and family, Life Is Short But Wide proves that no matter who you are or what you do, you are never too old to chase your dreams.
Reviews
Rating: 4 / 5
Date: 2010-05-30
Summary: "Good read"
I have always liked Ms. Cooper's literary works. This book is a beautifully woven tale of love throughout several generations of a family. The book kept my attention and as usual, never bored me. I will have to say that the ending of this book, for me, was a bit odd. The story ended, but the last several pages focused on a conversation between two people and their discussion on the bible/focus on the theories of the Jehovah's Witnesses. I have read hints of the belief's of Jehovah's Witnesses in several of Ms. Cooper's books, but this book seemed to carry the discussion far longer than the other novels; it was a bit much. In my opinion, this conversation/ending distorted the rest of the book and left me feeling a bit "cheated" at the end. However 98% of the book is a really read!
Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-05-18
Summary: "one of my favorites"
J california cooper NEVER disappoints, this book was written so beatifully that even a hard heart like me actually believes that love does exsist. I have read every single one of her books and they all have made me think, cry, and also laugh. she is an excellant writer and none of her books will disappoint. If you like reading books about the connection we have to each other as humans told from a point of view of love and kindness you will enjoy anything she writes
Rating: 3 / 5
Date: 2010-02-14
Summary: "Who'll Be A Witness?"
Like many others, I love J. California Cooper's writing. She is a wonderful storyteller. Life is Short But Wide is text-book CC with one exception: the prostelitizing for a particular religious domination in the last chapters. I was completing caught off guard and saddened by it. The zealot preachiness made me feel hoodwinked, bamboozled, and as a result, soured for me what had been a really great read. Of course, I'll read her again, but next time, I'll read the last chapter first. Let the church say, AMEN.
Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-01-25
Summary: "Excellent"
A great book. Once you pick it up ...you cannot put it down! I had not read J. California Cooper in a long time...but I always liked her writing. This book spanned over the life of two families and was told as if you were sitting at the table talking to an older relative. It is funny at times, sad, and yet truthful. The life of Rose and Myine shows how being naive can make you miss out on life, and a life without true guidance and wisdom can take you down some bad turns...just ask Leroy and Herman. I thought the main characters were real people and the other book characters added the color of life....my one question - who wrote the story? But maybe its really not that important if you think about it...because are we not always "summing up someone's life" from the outside looking in. Highly recommended.
TS in Atlanta
Rating: 3 / 5
Date: 2010-01-18
Summary: "Predictable and Preachy"
I am a diehard Cooper fan who only finished the book out of this loyalty. It was too predictable (Myine and mine), but worse was the endless and uncomfortable preaching that was actually confusing given the amount of "loving" going on. This was my first story on kindle and I love the system. But while I'll be recommending it, I'll be steering any J California newbies to her earlier work.