Customer Reviews

Johnny Angel

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

I cannot believe that this book was allowed to go to print. As I read it, I was tempted to pull out my red pencil and edit as I went along. The repetition was more than I could bear and the writing was so elementary as to be insulting to the average reader. I can't believe that a writer with the kind of experience that Danielle Steel has doesn't even use quotation marks correctly. Unbelievable.

The sad thing is, this could have been a powerful story. Ms. Steel lost her own son and certainly knows a mother's pain. That is where the problem lies. Her character Alice is strong and well developed. But no one else is. If she had spent more time on this book it might have been different. But, as usual, she power-wrote yet another and it didn't click.

Ok, first, I agree that Steel's writing has severely gone down hill the past 5 or so years. I don't know what has happened to those great long books she used to write, such as Jewels, Thurston House or Daddy...books that carried you through almost the persons whole life and when you put it down, you felt accomplished, like you'd read a complete story. Her newer books aren't that. Moving on...

I did enjoy this book a little more than some of her other newer books. It was a very quick read at 180 pages, which might have helped keep my interest. It could have been more like 160 if she had cut out all of the repetition. She kept repeating herself over and over and over...I don't understand why. It wasn't a long book, so it's not like we'd forget. She even had the same conversations with questions and answers repeated two or three times!

Looking past that, the story itself was compelling. It was sad, but you wanted to keep reading to see what would happen. The ending was so predictable, I figured it out probably 50 pages in, but still was a good ending. It did bring out some emotion in me and kept my interest, so I would recommend this book, the story is good, just need to look past the writing at times.

This book grabs you right from the first page.....it makes you laugh right thru the tears it brings to your eyes. An emotional and real story of believable characters struggling thru life's ups and downs....In this book Steel covers it all...there is joy,sorrow,happiness,disappointment,first love,true love,tragedy grief & survival...it's all here in this quick & tender story (just under 200 pages)Once I started reading it I could not put it down. This page turner will lift your spirits as it tugs at your heartstrings!!

I have read several of the comments listed and as a personal comment this book helped me deal with the loss of my brother. I was having a very hard time trying to deal with the "why" questions when I picked up this book. Upon completion I found some closure to my questions. One might say that this is a simple minded book but for me it was exactly what I needed. I have lent this book to many friends who also have found the impact of its pages. I found this a must read.

Whether or not we see any angels, who can say that they aren't there? In this Danielle Steel novel, Johnny returns to earth to guide his mother through tribulations as only an angel could. That she actually sees her son rather than just feeling his presence is a unique and interesting touch and very nicely handled throughout the book.

Johnny's younger brother is also allowed to share the secret of Johnny's appearances, and this adds even more humorous incidents and heart-warming events to the story. In this story of a mission to be fulfilled, one can believe that angels really are all around us, even if we choose not to. It's a delightful, thought-provoking story and one not to be missed.

This book was great. It had my eyes tearing with only a few pages. But don't worry, it's not a terribly sad book.
A family goes through changes as it copes with the death of Johnny, a loving son and brother.
Johnny comes back as an Angel and helps his friends and family move on and live better lives.
It's a great read. You won't be able to put the book down. Danielle Steel is a wonderful author and I can't wait to read other books by her.

I love Danielle Steel! I am probably one of her biggest fans. And I have enjoyed all of her books this one especially. It personally held a lot of meaning to me on a personal basis. I think you will enjoy it.

The best book ever written ! I cried my eyes out - reading the whole book !! And couldnt put it down except to wipe my eyes to read the book- EXCELLENT- keeps your attention from the first page to last and only took me a couple of hours to read -- would recommend this to someone that has lost an loved one -

Regina L. Miller Place

This review is about a book entitled Johnny Angel by Danielle Steel. Danielle Steel has written best selling books including Echoes, Journey, and The Wedding. Johnny Angel is a book for adults or young adults. This book takes place in present-day Los Angeles and touches upon different aspects in life. The main character in the book has to deal with an internal struggle and realization in her life.

In the story a teenager's life is changed forever and he will find out what work he has to accomplish in life. This realistic-fiction book makes you take a whole different outlook on life after death and the true meaning of family. I will always remember this book because it showed me that no matter happens in life the bond you have with loved ones is never broken.

Some opinions that the author states in the book I definitely agree with. One opinion that is brought up is about high school and having to fit in and what you need to do so. Since I am a high school student I related quite easily and understood the situation to the greatest extent. The example in the story is that Johnny's girlfriend doesn't have enough money for a prom dress. Since it is primitive to have an elegant gown for the extravagant event Johnny uses all his money to buy his girlfriend a gown.

This book affected me because it talked about communicating with others through different ways instead of just talking to them. The book has also given me ideas for my own writing piece and inspired me to expand my variety of writing. If you are looking for a book that relates to teenagers, dieing and about life and family, this book is definitely the right choice for you.

This is the first Danielle Steel book i have ever read. Honestly, I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the moving and emotional plot that Steel created in this novel, Johnny Angel. At the begining of the story it is learned that Johnny Peterson is an athletic, smart, well rounded highschool boy. Not to far into the story Johnny, his girlfriend, and a few friends are in a car accident. Not just any car accident, they were on their way to the prom, and Johnny was the driver. He is instantly killed and his whole family is devestated. This was the peak of my tears. Throughout the story, as a reader, I found myself laughing to the extreme, or crying to the extreme. This was a point where I was in tears. Now, Johnny's mother is left alone to deal with her 2nd child who is mute, her 3rd child who is dying for attention, and her alcoholic husband. As little time passes, Johnny's mother finds herself in the hospital because she has been starving herself. After a day of being in the hospital, she sees an Angel. She communicates with this Angel and realizes it is her beloved son, Johnny. He tells her that he is her Angel, and he is there to guide her and help her overcome her struggles. Johnny puts a lot of effort into bringing order back into everyones lives. He wants everyone to go about their lives and only remember the great memories of his life. However, he is having a hard time doing this, ecspecially while watching over his girlfriend. Danielle Steel does an amazing job showing the true reltionship that a mother and a son have, she illistrates the grieving and the healing process in such an understandable way, where you find yourself nodding and agreeing with the charcters emotions. Steel brings the reader a very emotional reading, which is why I say it is a book that women and girls will specifcally enjoy. Although it is not very realistic, the issues and relationships that are presented are very real. The emotions, the experiances and the morals are all very genuine and relatable. I really loved this book and think other girls my age will too.