Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
29(29%)
4 stars
33(33%)
3 stars
38(38%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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5 stars, one added for nostalgia.

I have read this book on numerous occasions. The initial couple of times were when I was a teenager or a young adult. I was truly enamored with it, and it has remained etched in my memory ever since. Even after many years, I can vividly recall the various scenes, conversations, and characters. In contrast to some others, I did not find it trite or outdated during this recent reading. Instead, it felt genuine and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a remarkable book that delves into the topic of adoption from both perspectives.

It offers a profound and empathetic look at the experiences and emotions of those involved in the adoption process. The author has done an excellent job of bringing the story to life and making the readers connect with the characters on a deep level. Whether you have personal experience with adoption or not, this book is sure to touch your heart and leave a lasting impression.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read. It is a classic that will continue to be relevant and beloved for years to come.
July 15,2025
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My least favorite book from Lois Lowry so far is one that, unfortunately, didn't quite capture my interest.

The story seemed to lack the depth and excitement that I have come to expect from this talented author.

The characters, while perhaps well-developed on paper, failed to truly come alive for me.

I found myself struggling to connect with them and their experiences.

The plot, too, felt a bit flat and predictable.

There were no real surprises or twists that made me want to keep turning the pages.

Overall, it was a disappointment compared to some of her other works.

I was hoping for a more engaging and thought-provoking read, but unfortunately, this book just didn't deliver.

Maybe it was just a personal preference, but I can't help but feel that there are other books by Lois Lowry that are much better and more deserving of my time and attention.
July 15,2025
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I did not realize this was a coming of age story when I initially picked up the book.
I saw an author I've enjoyed before and assumed this was for an older audience.
However, as I delved into the story, I discovered that while the book is definitely written about a graduating high school senior, the style is such that it lends itself to any older teen reader.
This book can easily be read in one sitting. Lowry does a remarkable job of creating the world within the pages. As a reader, I found myself completely invested in Natalie's journey. I truly wanted her to find everything she was searching for so that she could go on to school with nothing holding her back.
Moreover, Lowry also does a great job of building in the various options of what could happen. This addition is crucial as it prevents the situation from seeming too unreal or far-fetched.
Overall, I ranked this book 3/5. It's not that it's a bad book by any means. It just doesn't stand out among the众多 other great works in the genre. Nevertheless, it's still an enjoyable read that offers a glimpse into the life and struggles of a young person on the verge of adulthood.

July 15,2025
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I loved this book from beginning to end.

The author's word choice is so thoughtful that it allows the reader to truly immerse in the story. Each word seems to be carefully selected to convey the exact meaning and emotion.

The imagery in the book is also remarkable. It creates vivid pictures in the reader's mind, making it easy to imagine the scenes and characters.

Moreover, the ideas presented in the book are profound and thought-provoking. They make the reader reflect on various aspects of life and society.

Overall, this book is a masterpiece that combines excellent writing, beautiful imagery, and deep ideas. It is a must-read for anyone who loves good literature.
July 15,2025
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I didn't even finish reading this book.

It had some inappropriate language and sexual content that made me uncomfortable.

I have always been a fan of her YA novels, which are usually more age-appropriate and engaging.

However, this particular book failed to capture my interest.

The story seemed to lack a clear direction, and the characters were not very well-developed.

I found myself skimming through the pages, hoping for something more exciting to happen.

Unfortunately, that never happened.

In the end, I decided to put the book down and move on to something else.

I think I'll stick to her YA novels in the future, as they have always been a better fit for my reading preferences.
July 15,2025
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The more I think about it, the more I find myself completely enamored with everything about this book.

It is truly a remarkable piece of literature. The story is not only sweet, filled with charming moments that warm the heart, but also incredibly fun. It has a lightheartedness that makes it a joy to read, constantly keeping the reader engaged and entertained.

Moreover, it is also wise. The author has managed to convey profound messages and valuable life lessons throughout the narrative. These insights are presented in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

This book is a perfect blend of all these qualities, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a delightful and meaningful literary experience.
July 15,2025
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It was just okay.

It was an impulse purchase as I recalled thoroughly enjoying Number the Stars and The Giver series during my adolescence.

This is clearly a Young Adult novel. Although I still have a great fondness for many YA novels, I simply didn't have a strong connection to the premise of this one.

It was decent. Just that. I wasn't drawn in deeply, and it didn't make me think as profoundly as Lowry's other works have.

Maybe it's because my tastes have changed over the years, or perhaps this particular story didn't resonate with me on the same level as her previous masterpieces.

Nonetheless, it's not a bad book. It just didn't quite meet my expectations based on my love for Lowry's earlier works.

I'll probably still give her future books a chance, hoping to recapture that magic I felt when I first discovered her writing.
July 15,2025
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Maybe a 2.5 stars.

I really don't know how to feel about this book. On one hand, it offers an interesting perspective on adoption and the search for birth parents in the pre-internet era. It delves into the complex emotions and experiences that come with such a journey.

However, on the other hand, it was disappointingly short and lacked a certain depth. I understand that Find a Stranger, Say Goodbye was written in 1978, but even for that time, it feels incredibly dated.

There wasn't enough time for Natalie to fully explore the repercussions of finding her birth parents. Her adoptive parents, while they seem nice enough, their reactions to Natalie's decision were rather unhelpful. Statements like: "weren't we good enough?!" and "but we're your family!" just don't seem to understand her curiosity.

I mean, come on! What kind of parent reacts this way? Of course, a daughter would be curious about her birth family.

I just don't know how to react to this one. I know that Lowry is a good writer, but this particular book just didn't work 100% for me. It had its moments, but overall, it left me wanting more.
July 15,2025
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This was an extremely interesting book that centered around a young woman with a strong desire to find her biological parents.

She had been adopted by a truly wonderful family, and shortly after graduating from high school, she embarked on the process of searching for her birth mother.

I have a great liking for Lois Lowry, and I thought this book was very well done. It was published in 1978, and it is quite evident that society has changed a great deal since then.

This book did manage to surprise me on several occasions. There was some profanity present, which meant I couldn't listen to it in the car when my kids were around. Additionally, there were allusions to sex, but nothing was at all explicit.

Overall, it was a captivating read that delved into the complex emotions and experiences of the protagonist as she searched for her roots.
July 15,2025
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I truly relished this story and the profound message it conveys to the readers. The protagonist, although a bit hard to believe at times, held a certain charm for me. Despite the fact that the characters may not be overly complex, they are still quite likable.


The simplicity of the characters allows the readers to easily connect with them and understand their motives. It's as if they are ordinary people we might encounter in our daily lives. This makes the story more relatable and engaging.


Moreover, the message within the story is thought-provoking and leaves a lasting impression. It makes us reflect on our own lives and values. Overall, I found this story to be an enjoyable read that combines an interesting plot with a meaningful message.

July 15,2025
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I absolutely loved this book!

It is truly remarkable how everything in the story is so cleverly and sneakily tied together.

As you progress through the pages, you are constantly greeted with "happy little surprises" that bring a smile to your face.

However, there are also a few moments that tug at your heartstrings and bring a touch of sadness.

Nonetheless, this book is a real gem and I will definitely be recommending it to all my friends.

I am confident that they will also fall in love with the captivating plot and the well-developed characters.

It is a book that you won't be able to put down once you start reading.

So, if you are looking for a great read that will keep you entertained and engaged from start to finish, then this is the book for you!
July 15,2025
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So, in fact, I really relished this book. I was completely enamored with the adventure that Natalie embarked upon. She not only discovered more about herself but also matured significantly in the process. I found it quite fascinating that she managed to locate her mother, only to be disappointed when she realized that her mom couldn't be content with who she was. However, in that very process, she also found her dying grandfather. It was a relatively light read, and I believe it was one of her earlier works. Nevertheless, I still derived great enjoyment from it. The story had its own charm and appeal, and it kept me engaged from start to finish. I would highly recommend this book to others who are looking for an interesting and easy-to-read story that offers some valuable life lessons.

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