I enjoyed this well enough, reading a free version online - which, at times, I found annoying. (The format.) I enjoyed the plot and the characters - sometimes being a bit amazed that it was first published when my father (now deceased) was four. It reminds me of some old movies - where the plot moves along, almost in a "and this happened and then this happened" fashion. The moral of the story (helping others with no recognition) is a good one, but it is just a bit too slick for me to love it.

I first became acquainted with this story in my Rock Hudson phase. The film was glossy, predictable, and gave him plenty of time to brood with that classy face of his. Jane Wyman was a little too old for him but it added validity to the relationship she had with Joyce and her first husband.

The original (this book) was better in several ways. Joyce was much less of a wannabe movie star, Tom existed for much more than legalities, and Nancy's devotion to the family made more sense.

But Helen! I never could quite believe she loved her first husband and that is crucial to the whole story.

Merrick was a little bit more human than in the movie and that I enjoyed. But they insisted on calling him Bobby... so I always thought of him as a child (when he's probably one of the more mature characters).

And there was no end to the ellipses. Granted, I have a certain fondness for them myself but not to that extent. They made the text seem disjointed.

PG

An interesting book with an interesting premise behind it. I would recommend it to others.

Magnificent Obsession is a story of interwoven lives, deeds done in secrecy, and love shared but not spoken. This is not a biblical story or a story that is designed as a bible teaching. It is purely a work of fiction and should be sought after only as such.

Summary: Bobby Merrick lives and Dr Hudson dies. There is to much to ruin in the story buy giving away more than that. Suffice to say that Dr. Hudson's death profoundly changes Bobby Merrick and for the betterment of the world! I can find no negatives about this book, the writing is exquisite and the plot line keeps the book in your hands.

Breakdown Review:
Storyline: I give 5 out of 5 stars Mesmerizing storyline.

Writing style: 5 out of 5 stars. Lloyd C. Douglas writing style has a type of cadence to it a sort of rhythm that makes it almost poetic at times.

Depth/Inspiration: 5 out of 5 stars. There are several spiritual undertones in the book that could be live changing to any individual that was willing to pursue them as did Bobby Merrick.

Entertainment/Education value: 5 out of 5 stars. This is one of the most entertaining books that I have read to date. If anyone gives this novel a low review it is because they picked up this novel to read for other than entertainment. This book isn't going to make you religious, increase your spiritual knowledge, and it certainly isn't going to change your religion.

One of my favorite movies, so I read the book to see how the screen adaptation differed from the book. The movie is almost totally different & better.

Very unexpected sort of book. I really enjoyed the unique perspective on a do-gooder kind of Christianity and how well Douglas integrated it into the plot. What I didn't enjoy was how predictable all the romantic subplots turned out - it's hard for me to enjoy a book when I'm constantly anticipating the next plot point.

I had a rough time getting into this book at the beginning, and I don't agree with all of the beliefs portrayed in the story. But it was interesting and I enjoyed seeing how the characters changed and came together.