I'm going to say 2.5. It's a rather specific number, isn't it? It makes you wonder what it could possibly refer to. Maybe it's a score, a rating of some sort. Or perhaps it's a measurement, like 2.5 inches or 2.5 liters. But as I think about it more, I realize that it could also be used to describe a character. A character who is just a little bit too much, a character who is unbearable in some way. Maybe they talk too loudly, or they're always interrupting others. Or perhaps they have a really annoying habit that just drives everyone crazy. Whatever the case may be, 2.5 seems like a lot of words to use to describe such an unbearable character.

3.5 stars.

This is a very well-written, interesting, plot-driven, and character-based novel about Kate Vaiden. It won the 1986 National Book Critics Circle award.

Told in the first person, Kate, now a 57-year-old woman, shares the story of her life. At the tender age of eleven, her parents passed away under unusual circumstances. A few years later, her lover died suddenly.

The story itself, although interesting, may not seem extraordinary. However, Reynolds Price's writing imparts a sense of dignity to it. Kate, the protagonist, is a character with a certain decency and honesty that engages the reader and keeps them turning the pages.

She admits to being a flawed character, yet she is fortunate to have the support of her next of kin.

Overall, this novel offers a captivating exploration of Kate's life and the challenges she has faced, presented in a beautifully written and engaging manner.

Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can help you.

This story, this kind of life, is so incredibly true that it truly breaks my heart.

The language employed within it is nothing short of exquisite, and it seems to speak directly to my North Carolina self.

It's as if the words have a special connection with the essence of who I am and where I come from.

Among all the lines in the story, my absolute favorite one, which has no direct relation to the actual narrative of the story but is deeply connected to MY story, is " ...the two most useful subjects in school are Latin and typing...".

This line holds a certain charm and significance for me. It makes me reflect on my own educational journey and the various subjects that I have encountered along the way.

It's a simple yet profound statement that can引发 so many thoughts and memories.

It truly stands out and has become a memorable part of this story for me.

Overall, this story has had a profound impact on me, touching my heart and making me appreciate the power of words and the beauty of a well-told tale.

Yes, that's five stars for dear Ms. Vaiden. I'm still processing it, so perhaps my opinion will change, but basically, I adored it.

Can I describe what I love about it yet? I'll give it a try. I love how Kate's character is utterly inscrutable. I simply couldn't fathom why she made some of the decisions she did. The ending didn't clarify it for me.

I love how she accepts the consequences of her behaviors as a matter of fact. It shows a certain strength and maturity.

I also love the close, homey feel of the story. This book is set in eastern North Carolina, where I grew up, Norfolk, VA, where I was born, and Raleigh, near where I live today. It gives a sense of familiarity and connection.

Finally, I love how a book about questionable choices ends with one last choice that Kate offers to her son. It adds an interesting layer to the story and makes you wonder about the future. Overall, it was a great read.

Barbara Kingsolver, one of my favorite authors, turned me onto Reynolds Price.

Price's writing is truly captivating. This particular book that I've read is the best among those I've explored so far.

All of his stories have the power to evoke a visceral feeling within me, something unnameable yet deeply profound. It's as if I'm longing for a past that I never actually experienced.

The characters he creates come to life so vividly that they become real to me. I find myself completely immersed in their world, sharing their joys and sorrows.

At the end of the book, it's incredibly hard to let them go. They've become a part of my literary journey, leaving a lasting impression on my heart and mind.

I can't wait to explore more of Reynolds Price's works and continue to be amazed by his storytelling prowess.

Well,

I really slogged through a Reynolds Price novel. To be honest, I can't say that I particularly enjoyed it. Instead, it felt more like I was fulfilling some sort of obligation as a Duke alum to have read at least one of his novels. You know, it was like a task that I had to complete. So, finally, I can cross that off my list and move on to other things. It's not that the novel was necessarily bad, but it just didn't click with me. Maybe I'll give another of his works a try in the future, but for now, I'm glad to have this one behind me.

I really wanted to love it.

From the moment I set my eyes on it, there was a glimmer of hope in my heart.

I thought it would bring me joy, excitement, and a sense of fulfillment.

But as time went on, things didn't quite work out as I had expected.

There were little disappointments here and there, small flaws that gradually chipped away at my initial enthusiasm.

However, I still held on to that tiny spark of possibility, hoping that maybe, just maybe, it would turn around and become the wonderful thing I had envisioned.

But despite my efforts, it seemed that fate had other plans.

In the end, I was left with a bittersweet feeling, having wanted to love it so much but not quite being able to.

Yet, I know that sometimes in life, we have to let go of the things that don't work out and look forward to the next opportunity that comes our way.

Ah, Kate, she breaks your heart, time and time again. At least, that's what she did to mine. I constantly found myself wondering, why does she do the things she does? Her world is a violent one, filled with a sense of fatalism and profound sadness. Yet, she is also independent and plucky, always knowing her own mind about things. I'm not entirely sure if "KATE VAIDEN" qualifies as the late Mr. Price's tour de force, but it most definitely had a significant impact on me. Kate narrates her saga in a North Carolina idiom that might take some getting used to while reading. It adds a unique flavor to the story, making it both challenging and engaging. As I delved deeper into her tale, I couldn't help but be drawn into her world, despite its hardships and tragedies.

This piece is really well-written. It poses some compelling questions. Firstly, why do people have such a great liking for Kate? What is it that drives her to make the choices she does?

Secondly, is anyone else as upset as I am that we can no longer write both a public and a private review? I really like to remind myself of what occurs at the end of a book and also share my thoughts with the world. But now, it seems that we can't do both.

It makes one wonder if there are any possible solutions or alternatives to this situation. Maybe the platform could consider implementing a different system that allows for both types of reviews in a more convenient way.

Overall, these are interesting points to think about and discuss.

This was my very first encounter with a Reynolds Price novel, and right away, I couldn't resist getting two more.

From practically the very beginning, his description of the life that Kate led was astonishingly believable. It was so vivid and detailed that I found myself thinking more than once that I simply couldn't begin to recall all those minute details about the distant past in my own life.

And that was precisely what made me eager to keep reading. I had this overwhelming sense as if I was actually a part of everything that was happening.

Reynolds Price is truly a wonderful storyteller. His ability to draw the reader in and make them feel so connected to the characters and their experiences is truly remarkable. I can't wait to explore more of his works and see what other amazing stories he has to offer.

I had no expectations for this book.

It was a gift, and one that I likely would not have chosen for myself.

It is written in the first person from the perspective of a 57-year-old woman who wants to tell about her life.

She really only tells about her life from age 11 to about age 20, and then there are some 20 pages covering the next nearly 40 years.

I can only describe it as a coming-of-age story - a type of story I prefer to skip.

I didn't want a longer story, I just wanted more of the adult Kate Vaiden.

I think it is unusual when a woman writes successfully from a man's perspective and vice versa.

While this male author didn't get Kate quite right, in my opinion, he did better than some attempts I've read.

There is enough dialogue throughout that I remarked to myself Price thankfully did not descend into regional dialect, and he especially did not denigrate Noony, the black servant, by having her speak pidgin English.

The narrative itself was written with a certain "rural southern" cadence, but my reading ear was attuned within a very few pages.

It may have been this that lent more reality to the story than anything else.

While I did not especially care for this, I will give it 3 stars.

For me, it languishes toward the bottom of that range.

3 stars is supposed to mean OK, and I suppose it as at least that, though I am obviously a tad reluctant in saying so.

There are other reviews by those who thought better of it.

If it looks in the least interesting to you, you owe yourself a moment to read one or two of them.

Overall, this book had its flaws but also some redeeming qualities.

The writing style was unique and added to the atmosphere of the story.

However, the lack of detailed information about Kate's adult life was a disappointment.

Perhaps others will find more to enjoy in this book than I did.