The Handmaid's Tale

This book is worth the read, it talks about issues that are still going on today such as: gender, power, and religion. Although I have not seen the series, I bet it is as good as the book, because the book was good.

I have had this book on my To Read list for many years and must confess that seeing it on the upcoming Hulu series list spurred me on to read it sooner than later.

After reading this iconic novel, I am not at all inclined to see it as a series. Don't get me wrong, I found the book well worth reading. I just don't see that a TV adaptation will add any value to it. The book stands alone.

In Gilead we find a strange society with conflicting values. On the one hand they greatly value babies, but at the same time treat the mothers of those children in a shameful way beginning with the decision to break apart all second marriages and press those women into service as handmaids.

The religion depicted in Gilead is nothing like the church I have known all my life. There is little love shown as Paul prescribed in I Corinthians 13 ("And now I will show you still a more excellent way." I Cor. 12:31b)and I see nothing of the principles that were ingrained in me since childhood to "do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God." (Micah 6:8)

It was worth the read, but sometimes this book felt like work. Atwood has a beautiful way of describing things, but at times it was like... okay, get on with the story. The book seemed a bit long winded for how much story you get out of it. Still, it's an interesting concept and because of all the description, the reader gets a real sense of the social etiquette and "rules" of this time.

The Handmaiden's Tale by Margaret Atwood is a truly amazing experience. I say experience rather than book because you will be fully emerged into this wonderful story and relate to this on a personal level. This story is powerful and terrifying as it throws you into a dystopian future where women are related to nothing more then categories. For a book from the 1980's it truly withstood the test of time as it relates to the problems of society and the oppression of women. I wouldn't be able to compare this story to any other books as it is so advanced that it isn't comparable. I would definitely recommend this book.
- @TheCollector of the Teen Review Board at the Hamilton Public Library

This title is checked out very frequently by our customers at the Duluth Branch.

I read this book in two days because the premise was intriguing, and Atwood has a way of giving just enough information to keep the reader searching for more. However, no matter how much I wanted to, I didn't love it. I am not an Atwood fanatic, mostly because her style of writing makes me feel like I'm listening to a person's somewhat disjointed thoughts. Nevertheless, she has an exceptional ability to tie aspects of our society to a dark dystopia (kind of like in the show Black Mirror), and the last quarter of the book is fun to read.

This is why Margaret Atwood is the best in the dystopian business. She somehow taps into the future's collective consciousness and weaves a tale that leaves one frightened at how easily this could come about. Since she is my favorite white, female author I naturally assumed I had devoured all of Atwood's pieces. I reckon it might could have been during one of those times I was lost and alone in deep waters and simply do not recall. If there is one thing I know besides women, it's that if this Republic can elect a coked up tween tweeting reality TV star oligarch as their President then I have no doubt in my military mind they would Red Dawn us liberals to FEMA camps faster than you can say Obama is a Muslim born in Kenya here to take our guns.

Margaret Atwood is a certified genius. Will never cease to be amazed by her insight into the human condition and our strengths and weaknesses. Peak form!

Fascinating read, very intriguing. Interesting plot and style of writing. Characters could use more fleshing-out.

Dystopia now?