Rating: Summary: Interesting Situations, But The Author is a Bit at Sea Review: I found this book both interesting and annoying. The interesting part was the story of the various disasters that occured as the result of the "perfect storm." The annoying part was that you felt you were reading a sensational magazine article rather than a book by an author who actually understood what he was writing about. Most of the story of the "Andrea Gail" is speculation mixed with a few carefully selected 100 foot wave buoy readings. It may be unfair, but I had the distinct impression the author has never been to sea in a storm in a small boat, and very few of his favorite sources had either. For excellent, first person, realistic sea drama, any of the Kodiac or Alaskan fishing books is head and shoulders above this bit of dime novel adventure writing. Yes, I've been to sea in a small boat in more than enough severe storms, and this author just doesn't understand what it is like. Hoowever, it's a good read if that's what you want. James Bond fans will like it.
Rating: Summary: Tragic, but fascinating - I couldn't put it down. Review: The book is gripping in its tale of struggles on the sea and the hardships endured by families whose lives depend on the commercial fishing industry. I was enthralled by the author's description of the history of commercial fishing in New England and his explanations of the meteorological events which lead to the tragic loss of many lives during "The Perfect Storm". Having once been "lost" in Gloucester while on a driving tour of Eastern Massachussets, I really appreciated the author's description of the local culture!
Rating: Summary: A Quick, Enjoyable Read Review: There are a lot of "adventures at sea" books coming on to the market lately. I'm definately hooked now that I've read this book. Currently I'm reading "Close to the Wind" by Peter Goss. I think that you'll find Junger to be much better at explaining nautical terms than Goss is. A good "vacation" book.
Rating: Summary: Highly Recommended Review: This was a really good read, a lot like INTO THIN AIR. The action was gripping, especially the narrative of the National Guard helicopter that went down and the efforts of its 5 crew to survive and of rescuers to find them. Ironically, since the Andrea Gail disappeared and no rescue attempts were made (only searches after the fact), there wasn't a whole lot of gripping drama surrounding that; the author had to speculate on what had happened and how. Still, his descriptions of the natural environment were fascinating: the effects of wind on water, wave motion, storm formation. I could have read a few hundred pages on that alone. Also an interesting description of the fishing industry and its subculture. Take this book to the beach.
Rating: Summary: Great book, great topic Review: One would have to read the Patrick O'Brian books about the age of sail, or perhaps a great novel about courage under fire like "The Triumph and the Glory", to find a book to compare with "The Perfect Storm" for emotion-packed accounts of heroism and dedication. I was very impressed.
Rating: Summary: A thriller that pits men against the worst of nature. Review: You do not have to be in love with the sea, boats or with any nautical themes to get attached to this book in a way that a top thriller, whodun-it or a Tom Clancy novel grabs you. This is the kind of book that you do not want to put down, but want to finish it all in one sitting, if possible. The author combines the cold statistics of the storms with the very human feelings and frailties of the protagonists in this true story; that is part of the reason for the success and the attraction of this book. Even though we know the eventual fate of the doomed fishing boat, somehow we have a secret hope that the boat and its crew will be found. In a very subtle way, almost without you realizing it, this book will fill you with information about the sea, about fishing boats and about the difficult and unassuming life that fishermen lead, all too clearly portrayed in this engrossing novel.Review by Victor Duran
Rating: Summary: I loved this book! Review: Never have I read a book that held my attention so well. Everything about it was fascinating, from the information about weather forecasting to the fishing industry, boats and sailing. I also have a deeper appreciation for the coast guard and for the work that they do. The fact that the book is a true story left me very sad. What a tragedy that these families had to endure.
Rating: Summary: Folks who love Krakauer's books can't think well of Junger. Review: If you love Jon Krakauer's books, Into Thin Air, etc. you'll hate Junger's The Perfect Storm. Why did this book get such good reviews? Beats me. I wonder of those who loved it ever read a GOOD adventure book like Into Thin Air? J.K. needs to learn to WRITE and then how to make a good story suspenseful and present! I'm giving the STORY 2 stars and Junger none!!!!!
Rating: Summary: The best book I have ever read. Five Stars isn't enough! Review: I have for many years now deeply respected Mother Nature. This is particularly relevant to the many years I have been boating whether it be sailing or fishing on a motor boat. For the average boater, I have seen everything I would ever want to see and this book brings everything you don't want to see in perspective. As any mariner would tell you, It can be perfectly calm one minute and the next minute Mother Nature has reared her Ugly head and all you can think to yourself is, "I hope I can make it home." This book is the only book I have ever read from front to back and then immediately started over again. I am here today to open an account and then to order a few more copies of a book in which I think everyone should read. A must for anyone.
Rating: Summary: Fascinating - all the more for being based on real events Review: My first foray into "guy" books. The narrative really gripped me, even as I know parts were fictitional. Junger has the skill of being able to document events in a way that brings them life. I am glad that he writes about the ocean and the heroic acts that everyday people perform every day in Gloucester.
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