Rating: 
Summary: In search of an angel . . .
Review: In this novel, Barnaby Gaitlin is facing life as an awkward, immature 30 year old man. As family lore goes, each Gaitlin male has had an angel come to him to help him navigate a major turning point in his life. Barnaby feels he is ready for his angel to arrive. As the black sheep of an affluent family, he had gotten himself in a bit of trouble as a youth. His family disapproves of his "menial" job of the past decade, and express disappointment that he did not come into the family business. Sitting in a train station on the way to his monthly visitation to see his daughter, Opal, he notices a woman who fits his idea of an angel. Sophia is responsible, predictable, a few years older, and more than willing to fill the role of Barnaby's girlfriend. At Rent-A-Back, Barnaby helps elderly people with their chores and projects - no job is too small. He works alongside Martine, who is quirky and down-to-earth. Oblivious to the blessings in his life, he gradually has some awakenings and begins to make crucial decisions of his own.
Rating: 
Summary: Too Slow and Blah ......Blah............Blah
Review: Patchwork Planet was my first Anne Tyler read. And I must say I was disappointed. The story was too slow. I found myself wondering when is she going to get to the meat of the story. It was just an everyday living of life story that just wasn't very interesting to me. All in all it was an ok novel, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
Rating: 
Summary: A man you can trust
Review: Barnaby Gaitlin is totally irresistible as the main character of A Patchwork Planet. The plot was certainly not full of twists and turns, nor surprises (who didn't know that Barnaby and Martine were the real couple?), but it was so pleasureful to experience Barnaby's growth, and to see everything finally come full circle when he finally sees himself for what he is: a man you can trust. Another wonderful read from Anne Tyler.
Rating:
Summary: A novel that rewards close attention to detail
Review: From the opening chapter this novel gripped me. The sequence that leads us into the heart of the story is unexpected and unusual, and a great microscope on the main characters. I would recommend this as a novel dealing with life and human realtionships, reminding us that no matter how much control we think we have over our lives events can overtake us and there are some things we just can't change. Barnaby's family are depressingly familiar - but the way he deals with them displays a warmth of character and understanding that made him a protagonist I wanted to learn more about. Similarly, his relationship with his daughter. It's tough out there but he keeps on trying. Having not read any other Tyler novels this intelligent read encourages me to do so, and I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in good characterisation and a world that draws you into it so effectively that the most tedious tube ride quickly fades into the back of your consciousness.
Rating:
Summary: Thoroughly enjoyable
Review: I am not quite sure 'how' Anne Tyler seemed to get into the mind/heart of a 30-yr.-old man so convincingly...but, she did! There were a few parts, tho, that I couldn't make sense of. For example---in one Chapter, Barnaby's female work-partner is described as being "dressed-up" at a Baby shower (they are attending). She makes a remark which *hints* at she(herself) being pregnant. So--for the whole rest of the book--I was looking for a continuation of this 'theme'...(as in--*IS* she pregnant? Who's the father? And then when she and Barnaby are "intimate", I thought she was trying to "set-up" Barnaby...) But, anyway, other than her strange comment at the Shower, the matter is never mentioned again! (Very strange...) And--I am glad Ms. Tyler told us that Barnaby attended college (a year, I think), which helps to "explain" why a "typical so-called loser" seems to be of quite high intelligence. I *liked* Barnaby....and the fact that he felt/knew that he was an "out-sider", even to his own family, made me feel empathetic. I don't know how Ms. Tyler can capture a 30-yr.-old MAN'S feelings/thoughts....OR, how she also captures "Senior Citizens" realistically, too! Very believable, sympathetic characters. I can't "give-away" the ending---because I am not sure *what* the ending IS! I guess we are supposed to come to our own conclusion....or maybe there is a sequel coming soon?? Lol!
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: Anne Tyler does not do a good job of writing the voice of a 30 year old man. Barnaby Gaitlin's language is just not believable. The character of Sophia--please, what a cliche. Though she's a banker (why is she so broke?) her character is a stereotypical "librarian" or "schoolmarm." Though the story is set in two very colorful cities, Philadelphia and Baltimore, there is little atmosphere described. The ending is very ho-hum. I won't be rushing off to buy another Anne Tyler novel.
Rating:
Summary: A Great read!!!
Review: Tyler is one of my favorite authors & Patchwork Planet lived up to her name.I really enjoyed this novel because it was'nt all about secrets & scandals & it was'nt portrayed similar to a soap opera.It was about thoughts & feelings & trying to get over the past & that everything is'nt always perfect.Tyler was very descriptive in this novel & it is one of my favorites of hers.It is'nt full of big events but of the human spirit & I really liked it & would recommend it as a good read because Patchwork Planet is a little out of the ordinary but a real pleasure to read.
Rating: 
Summary: Being generous
Review: The only reason I am giving this book 2 stars is that I love Anne Tyler. This book was a disappointment.
Rating:
Summary: In Our Own Way
Review: Anne Tyler created a novel based on perceptions; our own and other's. The main character, Barnaby Gaitlin has struggled with perceptions most of his life. We all know a Barnaby Gaitlin. Barnaby is what most would call a loser. He has little ambition, a shady past; a family that he can't live up to; a going-no-where job; and a daughter who couldn't care a less about him. Need I say more...Have we ever thought about what this person is really about? Anne Tyler did as she chronicaled a crossroad in Barnaby's life. A Patchwork Planet is a moving account of the human spirit. The lengths we go to meet the standards of others and the complexity of our relationships. We will experience Barnaby's trials and failures as he climbs to respect and love, all on his own terms. Anne Tyler has a new fan! This was the first Anne Tyler novel that I have read, and I highly recommended it to all.
Rating:
Summary: No stars
Review: In this thin bit of nonsense Anne Tyler confirms our fears. Getting old puts us up to ridicule and is painful and frightening. The weak, whining main character gets no worse than he deserves and even his "big revelation" at the end is as watered down as the rest of the book. If I had to choose between reading this book again and having to go to the dentist, I'm afraid I'd sprain something hopping into the chair.
| 
