Banana Rose

I wish I could say that my life was entirely linear...focused and directed, easily understood and appreciated by all I come into contact with...but it isn't always that way. This is a good book and a good story...not always moving in a straight line like some of the books I've read...but moving somewhere and noticing along the way some of the things we might have missed while we demanded a story that felt familiar. Whether this book is as good as her books on writing is kind of irrelevant...it stands on its own and deserves a place in my world, at least. Thankyou, Natalie. More, please. Long Quiet Highway is a great book, too...check it out.

I have read this book twice and probably will read it again someday. I was very surprised at some of the bad reviews. Perhaps you have to know Taos to really appreciate the book. Having grown up in New Mexico I have visited Taos many times. While reading BR I can perfectly envision the scences of the plaza, Taos moutain, the gorge, etc. Taos is a very special, magical place, and I believe that having experienced Taos firsthand adds to the magic of the book. I found the characters incredibly real; I cried both times when Anna died. Yes Nell is a little dramatic/annoying, but that didn't make me enjoy the book any less. I can become completely lost in these characters' lives.

I enjoyed this novel immensely. It is true that Nell is sometimes immature. I thought this was true to her character, and made her all the more loveable and relatable. Nell and Gauguin and Anna and Blue and Edith and Alice are all special, unique, well-formed and wonderful characters. The writing itself is juicy, colorful, savory, and simple. It does not have any remarkable literary quality, but it describes the magic in ordinary life, true to Natalie Goldberg's Jewish-Buddhist sensibility. Such a pleasure; I hope she publishes another novel someday.

Banana Rose is one of those books that make me glad to know that writers like Natalie Goldberg are in the world. I first took this book out of the library, and immediately fell in love with it. I took it out of the library a few more times, and then finally got my own copy. Anytime I want to remember Taos, or the dreams of what could have been in a believable character's life - or in my own, for that matter - I read Banana Rose. The book just makes me feel better; no small feat in this world. Goldberg also does a good job of making all of the other characters - besides Banana Rose, Gauguin and Anna - very much alive. Blue is one of my favourites. I can "see" all these people. The book rambles a bit here and there, but it's worth hanging in through those parts, for the magic of the whole.I can't recommend this book highly enough.

Banana Rose is the best book I've ever read. You can just tell that the main character, Nell, is just an extension of Natalie Goldberg, the writer. The book is very descriptive and moving and funny as hell so I'd recommend it to everybody.