Customer Reviews

All That Glitters

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

It's been years since I've read "All That Glitters," so I figured a "4" rating would be accurate enough. However, this book happens to be where I paused from reading Andrews' following books. Instead I went back to her old series, because I was getting a bit bored with the same plot lines. I had held out this long hoping something would change; it didn't. Stopping in the middle of this series is probably why I didn't particularly like the Landry books--or maybe it's vice versa; I don't know. But I did like the Louisiana setting. That's one thing I like about her books: the setting.

In "All That Glitters," the main relationships between 18-year-old Ruby Dumas (the protagonist), her wealthy halfbrother/childhood sweetheart Paul Tate, her twin sister Gisselle, and her baby's father Beau Andreas come full circle to where they had begun initially in "Ruby." Ruby returns to the bayou and reluctantly marries Paul in order to provide some stability for her newborn daughter, Pearl. And Gisselle and Beau elope for their own twisted reasons--Gisselle's: to get even with Ruby; Beau's: to pretend he's still with Ruby.

But then the men switch places yet again when Gisselle falls into a coma (thus explaining the Sleeping Beauty-like front cover), and Ruby's not-so-well hidden feelings for Beau are allowed to be played out when she pretends to be his wife/her own sister. This whole scheme was quite bizarre (why Paul agreed to this, I can't understand), though it was fun to read. Still, my opinion of Ruby certainly changed afterwards. Paul, like a lot of the lovers/relatives of the heroine, is the typical doting--more or less obsessed--male protagonist, and you almost feel sorry for him. That or you want to smack him in the head to wake some sense up in him. Though that's kind of a moot point by the end.

During all this romantic drama, a few more characters die, such as Daphne (no big loss there--she's just the evil stepmother), as well as a few more important characters (their deaths are rather tragic). "All That Glitters" is the last book told from Ruby's point of view. The following book, "Hidden Jewel" (#4), is passed on to her daughter, and the series wraps up with the prequel, "Tarnished Gold" (#5). And if you started in the middle of this series, then don't forget the first two: "Ruby" (#1) and "Pearl in the Mist" (#2).

I have read all V.C. Andrews books that have been published so far, and my favorite series is the Landry series. Of the Landry series, my favorite book is "All That Glitters." The book is packed full of suspense, excitement and tragedy that could have been prevented. The descriptions of New Orleans, the Bayou and Cypress Woods are vivid, and quite different and refreshing than the other series. Although this is my favorite book of all V.C. Andrew books, it was quite disappointing: Ruby was selfish, Beau was selfish and Giselle was her normal self. Paul was the only character I liked in the book, he had an enormous amount of love, respect and devotion for Ruby and Pearl, which was more than admirable. I was shocked that Ruby could use Paul and disgard him so easily.

Any thing by Andrews is worth reading. I have read her Heaven series, Ruby, Dawn, Melody, and anything else I can find with her name on it. You won't waste your money on this book. I loved it. You begin reading and before you know it your done with the book and waiting for her next novel. I sometimes find my self envisining myself as the characters in her books She writes in words and in a tone anyone can understand. I began reading her books 10 years ago and now I'm addicted.

I always recommend this book as one of the best books by the ghost writer, Andrew Neiderman, but I realized I'd never explained why. To me, this one comes closest to Virginia's style, themes, and characterization.

This book, I think, has a lot of the themes of human frailty that Virginia's books did. Nobody is perfect, and that comes through, big time, in this book.

***SPOILERS***

1. Ruby makes horrible, stupid decisions one after the other. This reminds me a lot of Cathy on her path to self-destruction in "Petals on the Wind." She chooses to marry her own half-brother just to help provide a home for her daughter. She knows it's a bad idea, but does it anyway. Was it the best decision at the time? Who knows, but it sets all sorts of actions into motion. And what's awesome is...Ruby makes this choice. It's something she DOES, not something DONE TO HER. Which leads me to...

2. Ruby takes over twin sister Giselle's identity. Now I have to admit, I never saw this one coming. I would have put money on Giselle throwing Ruby down a well and taking over HER life so she could have Beau, Paul, and everyone's good favor. This would have made Ruby the typical victim and Giselle the typical mean sister. Instead, we get total turnabout. Ruby (GASP!) does another bad thing! She cheats on Paul! She makes Paul suffer because she's selfish! She lets Giselle die and doesn't care! Who would have thought? Fantastic. FANTASTIC. Again, Ruby acts. Of course she makes the total wrong choice, and that's what makes it interesting...and it's something I could see Virginia writing.

3. There are actual consequences to Ruby's stupid mistakes. Paul's death is pretty much her fault. She almost loses her child by claiming to be Giselle who, by all accounts, would be a horrible mother.

Now I DO have one gripe with this book. I would never have let it have a "happily ever after" ending. I would have written it so that Ruby LOST the court case, lost Pearl, and had to live with the consequences of her actions. This would have been more true to Virginia, more interesting, and just think of the book "Hidden Jewel" could have been! Pearl could have been raised by Gladys, believing her parents are dead, and kept away from "Crazy Aunt Giselle" who insists she's actually dear departed mom. Imagine the conflict as Ruby finally convinces her she's her mother! Imagine Pearl coming to grips with the fact that her mother lost her basically due to lust! Imagine Pearl getting to know her real family while learning she's been raised by a manipulative wicked witch! Wouldn't that have totally been a Virginia book? I think it would have been better than "perfect little rich girl chases mom through the swamp."

In any case, if you're going to read one ghost-written VC book, let it be this one.

Well, so far this series has not grabbed me & really pulled me into the book but it's all right. I find myself finding many mistakes. In book #1 the spelling for Grandmere's friend was Thibbodeau & in book #2 it was all of a sudden Thirbodeau & in book #3 it was Thibodeau. 2 b's then an r & no 1 b. Also, in this book at one point Ruby was remembering the day that she painted Beau nude & remembered that later that same day was when they made love for the first time but it wasn't later that day it was immediately after she painted the portrait. I just feel that the author of this book is not even that much into the series that they're forgetting little details. These aren't huge things but I'm finding many little things like this that's just irritating me. This is the 5th series I've read of V.C. Andrew's so far & I have to admit that I think it's my least favorite. I would recommend an earlier series from her & skip this one.

All that Glitters, begins a year after Ruby returns to Houma, and gives birth to Pearl. The book is very suspense-filled, and has many dark chills in it. It is sort of like a soap opera. But it has the same senario as all of past V.C. Andrews books. What makes it fun, is that it takes place in the swamps of the bi-yu!!!

I found it suspenseful and faced-paced because, in the first half of the book, Ruby marries her half-brother, Paul. But they keep their distance from each other! Still they both pretend Pearl is their child, and they reside, in the deep swamps of Houma.

All of a sudden that brick wall falls, and Ruby is living with Beau in New Orleans, as her twin sister Giselle.

There is a chilling climax that will leave you reading the last three chapters without putting the book down. You will enjoy it!

Although you might think Ruby is a little self-ish to the people who love her the most.

I read every single V.C. Andrews novel and I dare to say that they went downhill right from here. The first two Landy books were good - they were similar to the other series but there was something charming about it, also, I liked Ruby's character. In this book, I honestly wanted to kick her butt.

First of all - why did she marry Paul? She knew not only that he is her brother, but also that he is deeply in love with her. Secondly - this whole pretending-to-be-Gisselle was ridiculous. Everyone knew how different these twins were despite their looks. Ruby behaved selfish throughout the entire book, so did Beau. And all of the others died, I think ... is that supposed to be a plot?! The style is good - but that is not enough to create a good book.

Stick to "Flowers in the attic" and the original VCA-novels. You will be disappointed with this one.

So I just finished the 3rd book of the Landry series. The question is how a girl like Ruby lost all sympathy I had for her in this book. In my opinion, she becomes even worse than the bad twin Gisselle. It seems to me that the immoral acts described in this book can find absolutely no justification, certainly not the ones given by the heroine. BUT, I must say that I loved this book for the great entertaiment value. It really took me to another world, which is what books are all about- to me.

Hating and criticizing Ruby, questionning her choices, wondering what I would have done in the same situation (Had I been in her shoes I would have pursued Louis in the 2nd book.. heheh...) was more fun than a barrel of drunken monkeys. I give it five stars!!!

After reading the Dollanger(?) series, the Casteel, Cutler and even "My Sweet Audrina", I found the Landry series to be lacking in originality, plot, and the climaxes left something to be desired. I was an avid reader of V.C. Andrews for a very long time and collected all the books up to the 3rd Landry. It was all so depressing and unoriginal that I couldn't bring myself to read anymore. The author killed off so many key characters that it was really hard to finish the book. Also, I found myself actually disliking the heroine for all her weaknesses despite her hardships. I would like to say this though, all the books before this were well-written, had likeable characters that the reader could relate with, and were all around DAMN GOOD BOOKS!!!!!!!!

Ruby's story is great one to follow. Unfortunatelly, I can't decide if her decision to follow her heart no matter what is selfish or admirable. Whatever-this is, All That Glitters is a great novel. I recently had to make a book presentation for my World Literature class. When I first read this book I was very confused. As I re-read the book for my presentation, it all made sense. All That Glitters is a fight between twin sisters, Ruby and Gisselle, for the love of a man (Beau). Ruby's fight for Beaus heart leds her to switch her life with Gisselles. That is, when Gisselle is in a comma, Ruby becomes Gisselle, Beaus legal wife. Before becoming Gisselle, Ruby had to decide if she was willing to pay the price of love. After Beau left her pregnant with Pearl to go to Paris, Ruby made her life with out him. She knows that that what she decides to do will affect many people. Choosing to follow her heart bring many problems. Fortunately Ruby is willing to do anything to be with her true love, Beau. However, switching her identity brings her many uncomfortable situations. For example, when Ruby finds out about Gisselles true identity, she is shocked. As she found out who her sister was, Ruby thought that Gisselle never really love Beau. The death of Paul, her half brother and husband, and almost loosing her daughter Pearl, changes everything for Ruby. In this situation Ruby has to choose to pay the price of love or tell the truth. For me Ruby is a troubled young lady who has to choose between what is right and what is best for her daughter Pearl. I have read three of VC. Andrews's books and I am happy to say that she is a great writer. I would like to say that All That Glitters is an interesting book. I recommend this book to anyone that is willing to be left wanting to read the following book. The Laundry series as well as the other series are worth reading.