Rating: 
Summary: Not Worth the Money (or the time)
Review: There has been a lot of hype about this book and I'm not sure why. I read this book expecting to learn about the tragic event that occurred in the Atlantic and instead the book gives various scenarios that might have happened. These hypotheticals are distracting because it interrupts any semblance of a story. At the very least, the author could have followed one hypothetical through to its logical end. Instead, we're given random facts along with the hypotheticals which purport to explain different aspects of navigation. The author could really have benefitted from reading "Into Thin Air", which is a far superior book and tells a fascinating story. That is what's missing from "A Perfect Storm" - a good story told in an interesting way.
Rating: 
Summary: "Men" against the sea?
Review: This book took me through three days of flu. I listened to the tapes over and over again. Knowing nothing of the composition of waves, and little of ditching procedures, I found the book informative. Knowing a great deal about the PJs (from my husband's squadron), I was pleased with the way their training and achievements were documented. Now I'm looking at the paperback and find this ridiculous subtitle: "Men against the sea." One of the reasons the book was so good was it included women as sailors, fisheries advisors,and captains, as well as the wives on-shore, waiting. It wasn't MEN against the sea; it was sailors against the sea. . .or puny humans against the sea , or something! This is a perfect example of how women are assumed to NOT be a part of things. I hope it was a dweeb in the marketing department who came up with this phrase; knowing the author did it would ruin the book for me completely.Action--yes. Tension--yes. Information on storms and killer waves--yes. Nod to the power of intuition--yes. Great book, you won't be disappointed (in anything but the title).
Rating:
Summary: Respect and Awe
Review: Having just finished this frighteningly wonderful book, I can only say that if ever lost at sea, I want the Coast Guard to come after me...or the Air Force rescue units! Moreover, if ever I order swordfish in any restaurant, I shall kneel down and give thanks before touching one tender morsel. That so many seemingly unrelated circumstances and natural occurances could come together within a few square miles of ocean is beyond belief! Mr. Sebastian has the practiced ability to "put you there" so to speak. . . feeling the elation of the catch, then the guarded fear of living out the storm beyond all hope of aid. . . then the strength robbing fear all mariners must know when the elements win out over man's best, but very puny efforts! What a read! Get this book. . . read it once through for sheer excitement, then again for respect and wonderment.
Rating:
Summary: Spellbinding Sea Adventure and Loss
Review: As a child , I grew up next to the ocean. As a young adult I served in the Marines, and was on board ship several times. As a mature adult I have been deep sea fishing 100 miles off the coast. From a little experience and a love of the ocean and outdoors I can tell you this is as chilling a tale of what the ocean can do as anything I have ever read. I have come away from this book with and even greater respect for those men and women who have given their lives under these circumstances, and those that would attempt to rescue them.
Rating:
Summary: The Perfect Storm is perfect
Review: As a person who spent 15 years commercial fishing, this book sure evoked many memories, emotions and fears I felt many times on the high seas. It is hard to believe someone who never had these expieriences could put this down on paper with such skill and acuracy. I now remember why I quit and though I've thought about going back, this book will always be there to read whenever I seriously think about it. Keep up the good work, SJ!
Rating: 
Summary: fascinating
Review: This book reminded me of "Young Men and Fire." It combined a compelling true story, with interesting speculation on parts that we will never know, and wrapped it all up with background on how meteorology, technology, people, and the sea combined to create a disaster.
Rating:
Summary: An adventure, and instructive, too
Review: I have to give a lot of credit to Sebastian Junger for his honesty in telling this story. Although we cannot know for sure what exactly happened to the crew of the boat Junger focuses upon in this book, he points out that he can explain what likely happened to them in the face of nature's fury. What elevates this book above the level of a nonfiction adventure story is his attention to the important details we as readers need to know before we can understand in a tangible manner what such a storm system can do. By the time we get to the story of the storm itself, roughly halfway through the book, we've already read through anecdotes and explanations that illuminate subjects such as the logistics of deep-sea fishing, basic oceanography, the politics that govern the fishing industry, how weather patterns form, and the sociological landscape of municipalities that rely on the fishing trade, among other topics. Reading this book is an education, but as told by Junger, it is neither pedantic in its exposition nor overly dramatic in its storytelling. It is a sound example of journalistic storytelling.
Rating:
Summary: Unstobable, on the edge book. You just cant put it down!
Review: You can't appreciate this book fully until you've read it. The Perfect Storm gives at the same time a complete history of the New England fishing industry and the action packed story of the Andrea Gail. Dont buy this book unless your willing to call in sick to work/school the next day because once you start reading it's glued to your hands!
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining & educational at the same time...
Review: A very good read. The author takes a real life event (the storm) and entertains and fascinates the reader with the details of the lives of the people affected by it. The harrowing tales of rescue at sea and drowning were gripping. The author also taught me quite a bit about the lives of sword fishermen, air rescue operations and what makes a perfect storm. The detail given was quite fascinating most of the time. My only complaint was that I felt I never got to know the characters well enough to become emotionally involved when they became lost at sea. However, given the true story and the fact that nobody alive knows what went on in their final hours, the author would have had to manufacture a totally fictional story to flesh out the fishermen more. All in all, I highly recommend this book, just be prepared that it is not always just non stop action and adventure like most fictional adventure tales, just a compelling and fascinating read that might even teach you a few things.
Rating:
Summary: A very engaging book
Review: JUST TERRIFIC! With a brisk pace and evocative power that ranks it up there with my 1999 favorite, 'The Triumph and the Glory'; and graced with a riveting mastery of prose, this exceptional book fulfilled all of my expectations from beginning to end. It was one of the best books I've read in a long time.
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