The Submission in Around the World in 80 Books

Sep 10, 2011 Beverly rated it liked it · review of another edition

This was a 3.5 read for me.

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Mar 31, 2013 Mary rated it really liked it

Claire Harwell hasn't settled into grief; events haven't let her. Cool, eloquent, raising two fatherless children, Claire has emerged as the most visible of the widows who became a potent political force in the aftermath of the catastrophe. She longs for her husband, but she has found her mission: she sits on a jury charged with selecting a fitting memorial for the victims of the attack.

Of the thousands of anonymous submissions that she and her fellow jurors examine, one transfixes Claire: a ga ...more

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Jan 08, 2012 Sam rated it it was ok

Shelves: read-2012, reviewed, 1-contemp-literary

I hate to read reviews in which people say they didn't like a novel because they hated the characters. It just doesn't make sense to me--you should surrender yourself to the story; you don't have to *like* the characters at all to enjoy the story. But good god, this book had some hateful characters. So now I'm finding myself giving the low rating of two stars because of these annoying characters. Though he was one of the least annoying, the architect's motivations seemed contradictory and baffli ...more

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Jan 18, 2013 Sherry rated it it was amazing

Shelves: post-911-lit

best book of the year. post-911 genre, strong social themes.

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Mar 12, 2012 Ginger rated it really liked it

This is a well-written, character-driven book that lends itself to great discussions. The characters feel very dimensional and real. Waldman takes on several big themes in this well crafted novel. It was a page turner. I will recommend.

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Dec 31, 2011 Kay Green rated it it was ok

Not having a good run of books. This should have been better - based on the premise - that a Muslim wins the competition for the 9/11 memorial. It showed the controversy from 10-15 characters' perspectives. But every character was portrayed as self-serving, set in their ways and convinced their way was the right way. The ending was creative and satisfying but tough to get through the book. ...more

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Sep 13, 2011 Amy Nash Parker rated it it was amazing

Really enjoyed this book and its look at how we as America deal with sensitive issues of race, immigration, and religion. It pointed out flaws in liberal and conservative approaches while showing that we are all human, and struggle with these thoughts.

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