Rating: Summary: Another Quickie Patterson, but with nothing to recommend it. Review: I read this book because I typically enjoy James Patterson's books, especially the Alex Cross mysteries. I accept the fact that they are quick-paced with little character development in each volume. But we have gotten to know the characters throughout the series so that we can appreciate their traits. Here we are presented with characters who are not fleshed out at all. It has all the typically short chapters that Patterson readers should know (and yes, enjoy!) but I found myself only reading it because I had started it. I cared nothing for the characters because I did not know them. I realize that this is not literature, but I even expect the author of mass-market books to show some effort. It seems Patterson cranks these things out so quickly that they are starting to lose any semblance of effort. The plot is equally uninteresting because it moves so quickly as to lose the reader in the dust as it so rapidly moves from scene to scene. Mr. Patterson needs to allow us to catch our breath once and a while.
Rating: Summary: Not Patterson's Best Effort Review: After reading much of Patterson's previous work I was terribly disappointed in The Lake House. I kept thinking as I read this book that someone else authored this one. The writing style was not up to his usual par. He tried to capture a cynical or sarcastic voice for some of the characters. Unfortunately, the voice fell flat and did not ring true. The plot was entertaining, but not believable and I was offended by the writing style. Not his best effort by any means. May I recommend the Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown as an alternative; an intelligent mystery that makes you think.
Rating: Summary: Enough of the wings Review: I love James Patterson's books, EXCEPT the two with the "Wing Theme". Wish he'd go back to his wonderful true to life mysteries that I stay up half the night reading. I miss Alex Cross! I thought The Lake House would at least be comparable to The Beach House which IMO was excellent. I must admit though that I didn't finish The Lake House so perhaps one star isn't fair to this Patterson book.
Rating: Summary: "A SAD SEQUEL" Review: Most sequels to brilliant, or otherwise inspired, predecessors are disappointing at best, leaving their audiences unfulfilled, disillusioned, and feeling cheated. Sadly, THE LAKE HOUSE is no exception to this general premise, as its only kinship with its ancestor WHEN THE WIND BLOWS lies in the main characters: Frannie, Kit, Max, Oz, Ic, Matt, Wendy, and Peter. Even then, the characterization does not compare to the earlier novel. Had we not become acquainted before with these amazing people, their fates would have been only tangentially meaningful to us. A reader who had not had the pleasure of experiencing the first book would be at an even greater disadvantage, because Patterson breathed no life into the characters comprising his second flight into the realm of the bird children.Having read every previous novel written by James Patterson, I was astounded by this latest product. While reading WHEN THE WIND BLOWS, I remember thinking: "This is one of the best books that I have ever read". I thought almost exactly the opposite while reading THE LAKE HOUSE. In fact, I could not believe that I had just finished a James Patterson novel. Patterson usually spins exciting yarns, complete with well-developed plots, larger-than-life characters, fast-paced narration, and intelligent prose. In this novel, however, he is lacking on all points. The plot is so thin as to be almost nonexistent. The characters, both good and evil, are either one-dimensional, shallow, or just passing glimpses into a fictional world having little substance. The ending was anti-climactic and particularly unsatisfying. Questions, which had been posed throughout the novel, remained unanswered. A beloved character was "dismissed" with neither fanfare nor a true sense of loss, while a nefarious scheme essentially went unchecked, if not unchallenged. In short, THE LAKE HOUSE, although still containing some of the same remarkable ingredients that made WHEN THE WIND BLOWS such a luscious treat, required a LOT more baking in Patterson's fictional oven. Most readers who enjoyed the earlier work will come away from the sequel with a bitter taste in their mouths and will be less enthusiastic about sampling future wares from this author sight unseen. Although Patterson may not have completely turned away his more die-hard fans because of this anomaly, he certainly needs to re-inspire our trust in the continued viability of his skill and imagination. As such, if there is to be another edition to the life and times of Max, et al, then Patterson must correct the mistake of THE LAKE HOUSE and prove to his loyal fans that he is still on top of his game. To do less, not only would be an insult to his readership, but also a breach of his own acknowledged talent. Let's put this aberration behind us and move on to the promises of tomorrow.
Rating: Summary: Stupid Book Review: I read this book all the way through and I kept hoping it would get better. I love James Patterson's writing but this book was just plain stupid and I would never recommend it to anyone. Shame on me for wasting my time and shame on James Patterson for wasting his.
Rating: Summary: Hurry up and finish so you can go on to something better Review: I have only read two Patterson books that I did not like....Lake House and Cradle and All. I did not like the story, the characters or the writing at all. I really enjoy the Alex Cross and the Women's Murder Club books, but this is so very different. I stayed up to finish it so that I could move onto something more worth while.
Rating: Summary: Terrible Review: Nothing good about this book. Don't go near it.
Rating: Summary: The Lake House Review: No doubt, my first and last read of a James Patterson novel. The writing style is sophomoric and the characters hollow. The conclusion is far too abrupt and consistent with the poor pace of the story. I am amazed that the publisher let this book go to print - if characters are supposed to have substance, then The Lake House is empty.
Rating: Summary: A Waste of Time Review: The Lake House is a major disappointment. I did not realize that this book was a sequel (I'm glad I didn't read the first). I read this book in one day while on vacation--what a waste of a day. I kept reading because I hoped that it would get better--it didn't. The premise is unbelievable and the characters are shallow. There wasn't any point in the novel that I became involved with the characters. I have loved many of the other Patterson novels, but now he has hit rock bottom. Please don't waste your money on this tome. I don't even want to give it one star, but I must.
Rating: Summary: LAKE HOUSE Review: This little series is very different because Paterson isnt afraid to use his imagination to create outrageous characters. Mixing bird DNA with human. James Patterson takes on the debate of research. Are going to accept responsibiliy for our discoveries. Are new creations going to be treated with reapect and dignity? With the new technolgy here, who will govern the ethics. New slaves or new citizens. A wild tale of good and evil.
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