Customer Reviews

Meeting Rozzy Halfway

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

This was a teffic book that held my attention and compelled me to finish it. I don't understand all of the bad reaction, but it looks like the same people are writing some of the reviews.

Sure, it's good that these aren't real people, BUT THIS IS A NOVEL. And it explores some unpleasant subjects, but certainly isn't the harshest thing I've read by any means.

You know what, I WOULD like to meet Rozzy, half way or any other place. I'm going to find more books by Caroline Leavitt, and I hope they all have this same edge.

My local library recommended this to me. I was captivated by the stellar writing, the characters and the heartbreaking story. And I was moved by Rozzy's search for love, for acceptance, for cure of her madness, and by her sister Bess's desperate (and not altogether altruistic) attempts to save her. I witnessed a friend of mine, a woman in her thirties, descend into madness, and unfortunately all the details rang heartbreakingly true for me--the appeal madness has for some people because it is so strange and compelling (I remember in yhr 1960's RD Laing thoguht madness was simply heightened awareness. Indeed!), the way family can split apart under the stress, the way doctors sometimes just don't know. I loved the portrait of Boston, too, having grown up there myself in the seventies. All in all, beautiful and breathtaking.

I happened on this book in the library, picked it up and had to keep reading. It was an incredibly moving story of the complex and ever-changing relationship of two sisters over the years. Anyone who has a sister who she loves will be as enthralled by this book as I was. I plan to read many more of Ms. Leavitt's books!

Meeting Rozzy Halfway has been praised for the "wry specificity" of its descriptions, and that is certainly so, but it offers far, far more. It is a moving, affecting book which graphically demonstrates how difficult relationships are -- despite our best intentions. Ms. Leavitt is clearly a writer of enormous gifts; I'm glad I discovered her work and hope to read more!

I read this book when it first came out, and since then I have re-read it several times -- it's that good! "Meeting Rozzy Halfway" is the story of two sisters who are torn apart by the older girl's mental illness. The ending left me stunned and eager to read more by Ms. Leavitt. All of this author's books are good, but I especially liked this one and "Living Other Lives". If you want to read a book that doesn't just "put a pretty face" on family and relationships, one that evokes real feeling, then this is the book you've been looking for.

This book was the kind that kept you thinking about the characters long after you finished it. It also made you want to keep reading to see what happened with Rozzy, Bess, Len, Lee, Stewey, and David. Rozzy seemed to me the type of person who is in all of us--a little bit crazy and insecure, often not knowing where we fit in with society. Bess was the perfect compliment; the characters grew and changed as the book went on. Leavitt did a super job of welding the two sister's lives together, beginning with the history of their parents. It was wonderfully written, fast-paced, sad, and moving. I would highly recommend the book to anyone who has a sister or is close to a family member. Great job! I only wish I would have read this long ago.

I loved this book when I read it 30 years ago & have read it several times since. The story and characters continue to be very compelling and the book has veracity with regard to its portrayal of family relationships and mental illness (and not just Rozzy's). I have to confess to seeing some aspects of my own family reflected in this story which just makes me love it even more. I want to buy a copy for my sister, I can't lend her mine as it is falling apart from age & multilpe readings. I have just ordered 4 more of Leavitt's books.

Most writers of so-called "women's fiction" fall into certain conventions-- even those Oprah clubbers who propose to be daring. Not Caroline Leavitt. This is not generally my kind of thing, but I read "Living Other Lives" at the recommendation of a friend, and now I actually seek out Leavitt's writing, though my usual habits run more to high-end suspense like Stephen Hunter and Ridley Pearson.

This is a tough minded book,like all of Leavitt's work, and will make those who want comfortable platitudes wishing they had spent Tuesday with Morrie.

Proof of its enduring value? Gee, look at all the controversy in this space over it long after it's out of print!

When you become entwined in someone's life, it's because you want to be. This book let me become involved with these lives. The writing is so super special that you can go deep and wide and become so tuned in with them that it all seems quite expected, even if odd. Leavitt is daring and lets you see the truth. Read it and you'll find it's true.

I picked up Meeting Rozzy Halfway at a used bookstore and was hooked by the first paragraph. Because I have a close relationship with my own sister, I loved the story of the two sisters, how it was for them growing up in suburban Boston during the sixties, the way the younger one Bess idolized her more beautiful and brainy sister Rozzy, and especially how, when Rozzy began to go mad, Bess became even more involved in Rozzy's life, often to the detriment of her own. I also enjoyed the portrait of the parents' terrible marriage, which rang true to me of the way people stayed together in the fifties.

This book broke my heart, but I want to say, too, that it also made me laugh. The girls' escapades when they were young were wonderful -- the fake phone calls and Halloween tricks were akin to my own youthful pranks. I loved the way as grownups, Bess, Rozzy and Rozzy's boyfriend all hung out together. By the time I reached the shattering conclusion, I, like Bess, felt I would always be haunted by Rozzy--and by this book.

Beautiful writing, beautiful book. Lucky me to have found it.