Belong to Me

Got my attention.

Hard to keep my attention. When I would put it down for more than a day and try to come back, it was hard to figure out what the story line was again, until I was well into the book. The chapters change first person narrative with the characters, but not all of them, just enough to keep you slightly off balance for awhile. Unless you can spend a good chunk of time reading each time you pick it up, I would not recommend lightly.

5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

Predictable

A lot of hype about the release of this book made me want to read it. I could barely make it to the end. Yawn

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

What?

Very disappointing. It was a novel of stereotypes.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

A book I found to be unputdownable

I loved this book. I had not heard of this author but since reading Belong to Me I have purchased her previous writing and have purchased two additional copies of Belong to Me to give as gifts. There are so many books that I read just because I bought them but this was one of those books that you can't wait to get back to. The writing style is so readable and the author is "spot on" in describing life in suburbia today. The dual plots kept me reading late into many nights. Definitely a book for gals - probably not something the guys would enjoy.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

What can i say...

The beginning didn't immediately grab me and pull me in as other books have but progressively got better as I got farther into the book. There are definitely some twists you may not see coming. I enjoyed all of the characters but one...because it is not just one story but segments put together, it can be hard to keep things on track if you only read a little at a time or if you really enjoy a chapter only to start the next one and discover it's about a different character but over all it was good. Not the best literary reading for me but I was satisfied in the end, just wish the whole book was that way.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A Lovely Book

What a lovely story. In the beginning, I was as uncertain as the main character as to whether I'd like the place or the people. But what a genuine and interesting story. And Marisa de los Santos is a very good writer. The way she wrote Cornelia's character reminds me of the way I talk and think. And how Piper responds is how I'm sure a lot of people respond to me. And having just moved from Claymont, Delaware, I could picture exactly the type of community in which this story is set. And and uplifting.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Rich & lovely

Loved Walked in has become one of my favorite books, so I looked forward to reading Belong to Me. I couldn't help but to compare the two books and they are different so it took me a moment to adjust and once I got past that, I enjoyed Belong to me immensely. It had a slower start and build up but the characters turned out to be as rich as the first book, complex and utterly human. The story was beutiful and complicated, and happy and sad and everything rolled into one. You care about the people in the story, they become your friends for the lenght of the book and you laugh and cry when they do. At the back of the book, Marisa gives the slightest hint of someday writing Clare and Dev's story and I can't wait for the day that story comes. Great read!

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Disappointing!

This book did not live up to the reviews in my opinion.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Became unbearable over.

I was very excited to read this novel and left it until last of a recent shipment, based on Love Walked In. I could not be more disappointed. Not by the story as a whole; but, the lack of "something" in the story near the end. The story started out very well written from the beginning through the end of the middle, wonderful plot & character development. But the story seemed to go astray from the moment it began addressing the issue of Lake, Teo & Dev. It felt like something BIG went missing and/or wasn't developed appropriately. It was at that moment the novel took a turn that I couldn't take with it. Such a shame. It feels like a great story was rushed to publication.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

You Belong To Me

I really enjoyed the book. I felt the author really developed her characters well. I found myself wanting to jump ahead to see what happens next. She expertly weaves the lives of the four main characters. The story line was engaging. The author truly brings her subjects to life. You feel you definitely know someone like them.The title fits the story well. It was a very touching story about people and their perceptions of others. After reading this I am looking forward to reading more by this author. I would highly recommend it for a good summer read, a book to take to the beach or the mountains.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Feel Good, grab a cup of joe and a snuggie reading!

I found this book to be one I was able to pick up and put down. It did not require that one be a scholar in any manner. Our book club had just finished Pillars of The Earth and this selection was chosen to 'wind us down' a bit. While not truly predictable, it was a touching and wonderful feel good story in which heartache, happiness and predictability kept you turning the pages. It was an enjoyable read that I would recommend.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Some of the best writing I've encountered

Marisa de los Santos writes with a voice that is truly compelling. She puts you in the same place as the characters about which you are reading. I would recommend this book to anyone I meet on the street - it's inspiring and presents a new view on relationships that other authors have tried to convey but haven't quite as successfully as de los Santos. Excellent!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

First time reading a Marisa de los Santos book, I'll be back for more

I normally gravitate to books that have a single protagonist and plot line, but the stories of the different characters in this book were all engaging. The writing style was conversational and yet filled with poetic observations.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Didn't know it but I was longing for Belong To Me

With the last word of Love Walked In beautifully bringing it to a close, I had a sense of fulfillment- I felt at peace with the path Cornelia, Clare & Teo¿s lives would take (I say ¿path¿ singularly, because I knew in my heart that they would be on it together). Marisa de los Santos majestically captures each character¿s susceptibilities, hopes & jubilations. This book has an abundance of quotes from other literary figures but some of the most profound words I read were those of Ms. de los Santos thru her brilliantly real, emotional, relatable characters. While Belong To Me is also about friendship, love & soulmates walking into our lives when they are already in it or when it¿s least expected & sometimes when the timing is so wrong it¿s right, it is also about family (whether bound by blood or circumstance), not fitting in, acceptance, undeniable realizations, the blessing of life not always going as planned, `certain people changing the way time moves¿, `the soul selecting its own society¿ & belonging...

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Loved it!

Cornelia Brown and her husband Mateo have been married for 2 years and have had enough of city life. They find a house in the suburbs in a nice neighborhood. Fitting in does not come easy at first to the very friendly Cornelia. She meets Piper first who lives across the street and is the embodiment of perfection - in her mind. She is rude and has her standards set too high. Not everyone is so hard to get along with and soon they have found friends. It doesn't take long to discover that even in the suburbs people have serious problems of their own - marital difficulties, illnesses, financial issues - can touch anyone. Cornelia and Mateo are good people and good friends and they find ways to help those in need. Funny characters and touching moments. I received this book as a gift and I was thrilled! I heard such good things about it and was happy to find them true. This is a new favorite for me. Loved the cover!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A Great Sequel

I loved this book. It is the continuation of a story line that began in 'Love Walked In' by the same author. Although this book can easily stand on its own, I think you realize the full flavor of the story if you have read that prior novel. The characters are so very well written. The plot takes a variety of twists and unexpected turns. The emotional impact of life's major events is vividly conveyed. This was a most pleasant and fascinating read.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Its o-k-a-y..................

I wanted to be able to sit down & love this book. I am usually a really fast reader. However, I have been reading this book for about a week and half & basically its dragging on. I want to finish it but I think I may put it away for a cold snowy day next winter. I have no problem getting into the chapters about Cornelia & Piper but the chapters about Dev just D-R-A-G....................on. So boring. I hate not finishing a book but there are so many other books I would rather be spending my free time with. I am about halfway through. Will it ever get easier to read???

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Hated it!!

This book bored me to tears! I am sorry I spent good money on it!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Worst book EVER

This book waa maybe the worst book i ever read. I do not reccomend this to ANYBODY. If you do not like this book then coment on my post. If you loved this book and you disagree with me then comment on y post and tell me why yoyu disagree with me anbwhy u loved this bok

fantastic

Very moving
Tears,recognition,laughter--wow!!!