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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 8 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 "Neighbors" is a delightful read, thought provoking and fun. Feb 10, 1999
Joan Leslie Woodruff is one of the most refreshing, original voices in current American fiction. Her books rank well in the company of such writers as Barbara Kingsolver and Amy Tan. "Neighbors" is a quirky story, humorous yet spiritually deep. The Native American sensibilities are authentic, derived from the writer's ancestry and her experiences in New Mexico. The heroine, Dana Whitehawk, moves from Los Angeles to New Mexico, where she discovers that some of her 'neighbors' are not ordinary folks. The beauty of Woodruff's tale is in the language. She explores the boundary between magic and reality, leaving readers to make up their own minds about some of the book's questions. Both comparatively short and generally upbeat, "Neighbors" is a good read for someone with a tight schedule who would like a "feel good" book. If you like this one, try "The Shiloh Renewal" -- it's topically different, but told with similar skill.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
If you've ever wondered about your neighbors . . . Jun 30, 2001
A hilarious and heartfelt detour through New Mexico's hinterlands. Its portrayal of the protagonist's pueblo neighbors leaves more stereotyped "colorful native characters" whimpering in the dust.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Loved it! Sep 30, 2011
By BeachGee
What a fun mix of neighbors! Love the New Mexico setting with the strange things going on! Couldn't wait to read the next one and so glad I read this one first! Great, great, great!
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
My first by this author Feb 11, 2010
By Born to Read
I ordered this book, based on the reviews here. The book is short (158 pages) and the font is light, small, and hard to read. When I finished reading the book, I turned it over and discovered that it was "made 29 January 2010." So, it must be a print-on-demand book, which explains the uncharacteristic look. Don't let that stop you. I mention just so you won't be surprised if your copy is similar.
All that aside, I was immediately taken in by the descriptive prose. The authors draws you in quickly and completely. I immediately identified with her and her escape from L.A. It wasn't long before I could smell the dust of New Mexico and see the characters and situations she described. I could visualize the shiny feathers of Rooster and the Happy Hens, feel the wonderfully cramped spaces of the Pueblo, and I enjoyed meeting the neighbors. An engrossing, immediate start soon became exciting, but I have to admit that the book did not hold my attention. I put it down with about 40 pages to go, feeling a bit frustrated. I realized that one of the characters had started to get on my nerves, as she got on the nerves of the other characters in the book. Skillful writing.
Fortunately, my curiosity got the better of me and I was drawn back in after a couple of days and read the last few pages in one sitting. I could not put it down until the author ended my time with her wonderful characters.
The neighbors---the two-legged and the four-legged--- are quite remarkable and quirky in profound ways. I embraced the neighbors and felt an odd kinship with Dana Whitehawk. The book weaved its way into my psyche. If you favor historical or current literature about the Southwest, want to feel intimacy with traditions of native people, and enjoy a good storytelling, you're in the right place. The author uses her creativity to bring you to a place where your imagination can soar. She conjures within you visions and emotions, and hopes and dreams--for yourself and the characters.
I just finished the book a few moments ago, and I miss the Neighbors. I wish I could go downstairs and find them all in my living room; better yet, I wish I could jump in my car and happen upon them and the dusty Pueblo. I am grateful that the author transported me there. A trip I would not wanted to have missed.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
VISIT Jun 26, 2009
By Guitar Player
"Retired USCG"
Come visit with us. The neighbors may be a little different, but then, so are mine.
Find out what The Happy Hens are doing.
Breath in the rare air.
Brilliant in readability
Ms. Woodruff is special.
See all 8 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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