When it comes to choosing a book for your next meeting, there's really no better recommendation than one from another reader or book club member. Here's what people are saying about House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III:
  • "A great book for a book club--lots of issues to discuss. This is an interesting, compelling, bothersome, and often suspenseful book. It was easy to understand, not understand, like and dislike the major characters. This writer presents a disturbing commentary on life in the USA at this point in time. I hoped that at least one character would be redeemed but alas, this is a true tragedy. I appreciated the descriptions of the various cultures clashing--for the most part." -- Edna S., Palm Beach Gardens, FL

  • "I liked it a lot--and know the country where the story takes place. I think it would make a great movie--I found the book hard to put down, and so I didn't. Thank you for sending me the copy." Pat E., Auburn, CA

  • "The juxtaposition of different cultures, lifestyles and prejudices is always interesting. The author is very observant of human nature and has given us views of a type of life most of us do not experience. Can a person (deputy sheriff) gravitate so quickly to a seedier type of life without being predisposed--his true self revealed." -- Linda J., Dallas, TX

  • "Troubling. Textured. Thoughtful. Brilliant." -- Cary W., Omaha, NE

  • "Dubus takes the classic 'love triangle' theme to a new level, reexamined for the modern reader." -- Colin S., New York, NY

  • "This book was a masterpiecee. I loved how the author told the story in both of the main characters' voices. Quite an ethical situation. The end was not expected." -- Ruthanne L., Rivermore Falls, ME

  • "House of Sand and Fog is a stunning exploration of the collision of two very different cultures, in which Andre Dubus beautifully and fairly portrays both. With great confidence, Dubus creates believable lives that run together in a story that builds hypnotically to a scream. The book was one of my two favorites this last year." -- Vicky P., Woodland, CA

  • "A powerful and impressive novel which kept me up until 3 a.m. I simply could not put it down! Even better than Bluesman, which I also enjoyed." -- J.D.F., Murdoch, WA

  • "This novel broke my heart. Its characters and their escalating desperation are fully realized. I grew up a stranger among many different cultures and in this fine book recognized all too well the misunderstandings which grow into tragedies because of ignorance and provincial-mindedness." -- Yvette G., Essex Town, VT

  • "Beautifully written--real life, real people. I couldn't read fast enough to get to the conclusion. [At] First [I was] angry at the outcome, then I changed my mind. Life sometimes does happen 'to' us. I loved it." -- Holly R., Bethesda, MD

  • "I loved the characters--they were so real, the twists were so believable but the end was suspenseful, shocking, and broke my heart." -- Amy O., Port Washington, NY

  • "Andre Dubus III portrays lives and cultures intertwined in a relentlessly downward spiralÉ moving and stark." Winn K., Santa Rosa, CA

  • "I found this book to be very easy reading, very interesting and very disturbing. Both main characters are complex; they repel and attract the reader simultaneously. The reader is constantly asking 'what will happen next'; 'how will this conflict be resolved'. My book group will be reading this book for our July 7th meeting." -- Mary G., Chicago, IL

  • "I enjoyed the author's style of writing, building suspense until it explodes towards the end, when all three main characters self-destruct in one form or another. I also think one of the themes he brings out is very true to life and how making 'bad' decisions can 'snowball' and ruin more than one life." -- Deborah R., Sonora, CA

  • "I was so taken with Dubus' beautiful descriptions and his understanding of the workings of the human mind, no matter what the nationality or gender, that I recommended this book for my discussion group." -- Judith W., Cedar Rapids, IA

  • "I found the book and plot very compelling. I'm married to a Persian, and the description of the culture clash between Americans and immigrant Iranians was accurately portrayed." -- Janet W., St. Louis, MO

  • "Wonderful! Exciting! Page turner! Would not have purchased on my own, however, after receiving the copy, read it and recommended it for my book club!" -- Xasmin C., Harrisburg, PA

  • "Absolutely one of the best books I've ever read, and as a college English instructor and an active book club member, I've read a lot! I couldn't put it down! Thanks, Vintage, for a great book club selection." -- Ann P., Marietta, GA

  • "This book evokes many deep feelings. I found myself being sympathetic and judgmental at the same time. My reading group friends all found it to be thought-provoking, dealing with so many complicated issues and no single person could pin down exactly how they felt about it. Excellent writing! Well worth the time it takes to read!" -- Robbie H., Universal City, TX

  • "A fast-paced, suspenseful book with wonderfully flawed characters." -- Amy C., St. Cloud, FL

  • "The book and your very helpful reader's guide produced our liveliest discussion to date. It was a great book, exploring many issues--difficult to read and discuss but very worthwhile. Thank you!" -- Joselle K., Saratoga, CA

  • "Our book club read this book and everyone had the experience of 'not being able to put it down.' Strong writing, character development, although not everyone liked the characters. Interesting historical background--created tension early on and held it throughout--excellent book club choice." -- Carol Y., Princeton, NJ

  • "This was a most thought-provoking drama. I truly enjoyed it. When I introduced it to our book club and the group chose to read it, I had no idea the controversy it would cause. Most of the group enjoyed it and the evening led to a lively discussion through your questions." -- A. K., Westfield, NJ

  • "The intertwining of the lives of the main characters is captivating. Their dilemma doesn't allow a suitable solution for anyone. This book provides plenty to discuss." -- Cindy S., Ada, MI

  • "I loved this book and couldn't put it down. The characters are very richly developed and realized." -- Lynette L., Donulle, VA

  • "Very compelling read. Disturbing and intriguing look into how quickly things can fall apart. I felt like I could be the Kathy character -- how close we all might be to having our lives crumble. A good discussion book." -- K. T., Everett, WA

  • "I have just finished reading this book, but we have yet to discuss it in our book club. I am very excited about it though, it is precisely the kind of book our club looks for, well-written, interesting, well-developed characters. I think it will make for excellent discussion!" -- Heather L., Trumbull, CT

  • "Believable characters and realistic dialogue made this book worth reading. I found that I thought a lot about this book every time I put it down." -- Jennifer L, Goshen, KY

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