The Elegant Gathering of White Snows: A Novel

Ask almost any woman whether she's ever daydreamed about just walking out the door someday and never looking back. The cast of closely bonded female characters in Kris Radish' novel do just that. They are on their individual journeys, but on the road together. Their action eventually becomes a national and international sensation. The author reveals the back story of each, as well as the effect the women's walk creates on some of those they encounter.It's a great idea! Unfortunately, I did not feel the writing was up to the subject. Some of the language is overblown. And despite the wide variation among the women's experiences, their voices all sound a lot alike. Sometimes I just felt like saying, "Oh, please. Get a grip!" I'd still recommend the book especially for all-woman book clubs because I think the discussion would be fascinating and rewarding for the participants.

I believe this is the first novel by this author. A total great read. This is the second book by this author. Great life-changing story!!!

Alright, first of all I want to say I love the idea of this book. I am one of the woman who would absolutely die to pick up (sometimes) and just leave, walk, talk, reflect, sit eye to eye with my girlfriends and just talk my head off...about husbands, kids, sex, work, dreams, goals, sex!But "The Elegant Gathering of White Snows" did not work for me. I found myself not caring about the characters, hoping they would hurry and arrive! Damn it, just arrive to where their final destination was. When one finds themself not caring about the characters in the story, well, I must tell you, this is not a good sign.Anyhow, eight women walk and talk mostly about the regret in their lives, the pain, the dissatisfactions( we all have them)the media follows them, the press, the FBI, CIA, you name it...Like I said, I adore the idea of this book...picking up where you are, walking with other women, solving and coming to terms with all our problems.And as one walks the world watches, reflecting on their own lives, thinking maybe they can change the situations they are in, thinking-- Yea baby, if they can do it, I can to!Exquisite idea! Probably a great movie! But if the reader does not care about the characters, does not care if they change or go on... if the reader wants despartly to get to the last page, end it, begin another book...this is not a good sign!***NOTE*** the journalism pieces in the story are good, authentic

This was a good story of female friendship that most any woman can identify with. Their journey and their triumphs and tribulations are real. I've been met with times where I would love to embark on such a journey, and I'm sure there will be times in the future that I will feel the same. There was something nice about living out that fantasy of escaping to find steady ground through this book.

I was laughing and crying on the bus while reading it. Could not put it down. Knew I had to share it with my new best friend. Was going to give it to her, but could not put it down while eating pizza and got stains on it, so bought another one to give to her

Throughout the entire book I kept thinking could I just get up and go with my book group friends and start walking? Would the characters inspire me to take the time to reflect, walk, talk ,share and just be? No way. The writing in this book is heavy handed, the characters are mostly victims and the overt lesbian agenda was less than subtle. This could have been a great read like Ya-Ya's( one of the first/best "chick lit" books) but it was terribly disappointing.The writing was amatuerish and the characters NOT inspirational. I actually resented the time it took to read this book . I am in an established book group since 1997. We are friends to be sure and mostly honest with each other. We share our lives with each other, the good, the bad and the ugly . This book did the opposite of what it might have, it discouraged me from ever attempting anything like this with my book group friends!!!!....... I would never go with my friends for a six day "walk"! Meeting once a month for an evening is enough. We share meals, family events, personal highs/lows but I really like returning to my home,my husband and my family.

I read and finished this book because my book club was reading it. I kept reading because I hoped it would get better but it didn't as far as I'm concerned. And half the group loved it and the other half hated it. It was depressing to read all the sad stories about these women but it was great they were supporting each other.

A great read for any woman with a group of best friends. You will recognize yourself in one or all of these women.

Ein wirklich ungewöhnliches Buch - nicht für jedermann - aber ich habe mich sehr gut unterhalten gefühlt.Eine Gruppe befreundeter Frauen geht eines Abends ungeplant "auf die Walz". Während dieser gemeinsamen Zeit nutzt jede der Frauen diese dazu zu sich selbst zu finden und über ihre Zukunft nachzudenken. Manchmal sehr nachdenklich, auch traurig aber grundsätzlich sehr optimistisch.Die Autorin trifft den richtigen Ton und beschreibt schlicht und einfach die (Beziehungs-)Welt so wie sie nun einmal ist - eben nicht nur rosarot sondern mit vielen Facetten und Schattenseiten. Wenn auch primär für Frauen geschrieben, so fand ich mich als Mann durchaus auch wieder. Empfehlenswert und leider nur im Original erhältlich. Schade, dass sich noch kein deutscher Verlag gefunden hat.

I have read 6 of Kris Radish's books and have enjoyed them all! Very passionate writer and funny and tragic at the same time!