I just finished reading Pears on a Willow Tree, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys good literature that's fun to read. Pears on a Willow Tree is about four generations of Polish American women, but it's not just about being polish or being a woman. It's about life, the American experience, and the importance of lasting cultural traditions.

The book opens with one of the characters remembering an earlier time when her grandfather photographed her with her mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. From there, each subsequent chapter itself is snapshot of family history from the intimate perspectives of each character. I was pleasantly surprised with this unique organizational style. Its creativity kept my interest to the very end.

Ms. Pietrzyk gently guides the reader through a narrative that addresses the challenges that life has in store for us all: growing up, getting old, and dealing with the loss of a loved one. This novel reminded me about what's really important in life.

I think this book is well worth the time, and it may one day take its place as a classic in American literature.

I was very impressed with Leslie Pietrzyk's Pears On A Willow Tree. It is a story of several generations of women from a Polish-Ameican family but it could just as well have been about people from almost any immigrant culture. The book is well written, well paced, and a joy to read. I read it in two evenings because I wanted to see how things turned out. Ms. Pietrzyk has a very good sense of dialouge and an economical style that adds to the enjoyment of the book. The characters and their relationships are real and well developed. Almost everyone I have talked to who has read the book said that they were reminded of their own family experiences. In that sense Ms. Pietrzyk has capture something universal. I hesitate to say more because I don't want to give away any of the story. Buy the book. You won't be disappointed.

If you happen to be lucky enough to come from a warm Polish family, you will love this book. I think any Eastern European background could relate. The women bring back memories that make me smile and remember my Polish Grandma. I enjoy the way each character gets a chapter where you learn more about their make-up. The author adds some polish foods and traditions that really add to the texture of the characters. It is about breaking away from the old and trying to find out what more is out there in the world. It is also about the importance of carrying on some traditions. We cannot run from who we are a part of. I couldn't put it down and am anxious to reread it! Thank you Ms. Pietrzyk!