Rating: 
Summary: Thank God I bought it used!
Review: Oprah, Oprah, Oprah...What were you thinking? I read this book during 5 hours of flying, and believe me - if I had anything else to read I would not have finished it. I don't really know what there is to like about this book. The writing is very average, the story is not that interesting, the main character is not very likable. There is an ubelievable yet predictable romance developing and a deception (revealation)that is just too ridiculous. Could a woman really be that out of touch?
Rating: 
Summary: On the edge of my seat
Review: This book was full of twists and turns. Just when you thought you knew what would happen, Shreve changed everything around and you were left wondering "What's next?" I would highly recommend this book to all women to read, especially those who are wives and mothers. I could really identify with the lead character and her situation, even though I've never experienced what she went through. It almost sounds like it could've been a true story. Not too far-fetched to seem real. Great read!!!
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Summary: Fantastic story with precise facts and information so real
Review: Ms.Shreve did her home work on the airline industry that must have taken a hugh amount of time or else came from a family that was deeply involved in the air industry. The story and easy to read description keeps the reader involved with the entire book and does not confuse the issues or facts making the outcome for the reader truly and completly satisfying. Having been involved in the industry for over 25 years and millions of miles made this story not only real but highly emotional. My first with Ms. Shreve and surely not my last. BRILLIANT!
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Summary: The Post-Tragedy Haze
Review: I picked up "The Pilot's Wife" while on break one day at work. I wasn't sure about it, seeing as that it was an Oprah book and I'd never really gotten into her selections, but I needed something to pass the time. Before I knew it, ten minutes were up and I was engrossed in this novel that starts out so quickly, rushing the reader into the story and forcing him/her to follow along to the very end. The moving and yet subtle opening works so well. Kathryn's initial reaction to news that she knows before Robert Hart, this mysterious stranger at her door in the middle of the night, can say anything more than, "Mrs. Lyons?", is so strange and yet, so plausible. The overwhelming feelings that come rushing at her, and the fact that she seems to know exactly what Robert is going to tell her, make so much sense. I could completely relate, being a totally different person, not even of the same age or gender, to how she felt. I quickly bought the novel a few days later and picked up where I left off, reading like a madman. The post-tragedy haze is somewhat cold and depressing, like a rainy Tuesday afternoon. The Shreve frequently takes us back to the past, to describe in her own interesting style of writing the way Kathryn and Jack first met, and how their relationship developed, and yet we only get a peek at a few selected scenes, here and there in the novel. Still, by the end, I thought I knew exactly what these people were like. Shreve's choices, as if paging through a photo album and picking out certain pictures to describe to us, are so interesting and so perfect. She also crafts terrific side characters. She banks on the fact that we don't know much about Robert, and have as formal a relationship with him as Kathryn does, for much of the book. I also liked that they remained quite platonic the entire time, not falling into some shmaltzy romance. (How do you answer the question, "How did you first meet?") Mattie, Kathryn's teenage daughter, is a likable girl who handles the tragedy quite accurately. Her initial reaction was a tad melodramatic, especially compared to Kathryn's very subtle reaction, but I suppose it could be possible. Kathryn's grandmother Julia is a much needed beacon of support and strength, and the reader will need her as much as the heroine does. Shreve crafts the mystery of the story quite well, leading us along slowly, carefully, to a stunning revelation, as Kathryn slowly realizes that the man killed on that airplane was not the man she thought she knew. When Kathryn finally does find out, in a chapter so well-done, that pays so much attention to what Kathryn is thinking and feeling--thoughts and feelings that will be running through your head--I was so gripped and so interested. And yet, Shreve keeps Kathryn's emotions toned down. We know Kathryn cries a lot, perhaps sobs until she's sick to her stomach, but Shreve only makes short mention of it. In turn, the reader is dying for the heroine to scream and cry and throw things. I would have given anything for that sort of catharsis, not just for her, but for me. I needed it as much as she did. But Shreve doesn't give it to us. "The Pilot's Wife" is depressing, but manages to wrap it all up fairly well, with an only slightly rushed ending. By the last few pages, we feel a certain relief. And the last line will make you say, "Wow," out loud, because it is so perfect and so ideal an ending, you wonder why it never came to your mind before. I recommend this, not just for Oprah fans, but for anyone, especially those who have lost a loved one, and know the sickening mourning period that you must endure. Shreve describes it so well, with a writing style so refined and so sure, you can't help but trust that she'll tell a good story.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent novel with incredible descriptions of feelings
Review: Are you someone who likes heart- warming, dramatic novels? If so, you'll love The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve. Shreve reaches down into the depths of Catherine Lyon's soul (the main character), and writes of many feelings Catherine has amidst the tragedy of her husband dying, such as anger, pain, and loneliness. In addition, there is also an element of mystery in this novel as Catherine struggles to find out exactly what happened to her husband. At one point, she even flies to England with Robert, the man from the Union who first told her her husband died. There, she finds out a shocking secret about her past, a secret so shocking that I almost had a heart attack when I read it. Of course, there are more shocking and suspenseful parts to the book, but if you haven't read it yet I won't tell you any more of them. So, since I feel that I have said enough praise about the book for a person who hasn't read it, I suggest you buy The Pilot's Wife today. It has all the elements of a fantastic novel: mystery, love, drama, you name it. Purchase it today and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Rating: 
Summary: Kept me reading
Review: I have enjoyed several of Anita Shreve's books, but so far I think this is the best. I am a mystery reader and am usually disappointed when I can figure out all the secrets right away, but even though I could do that with this book, there was so much more going on than just finding out the secrets that I couldn't put the book down. In response to another reader's letdown that a romance between the wife and Robert wasn't pursued, I would say that most people who are grief-stricken and confused wouldn't turn to another person within days of their spouse's death. I think this is a Hollywood construct.
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Summary: The Story of Jack's Wife
Review: The Pilot's Wife is one of those books you just cannot put down until the end. When Katherine Lyons' life gets turned upside down by the death of her husband, her strength and courage shine through as she tries to pick up the broken pieces and move on. A media frenzy ensues and the name "Lyons" is soon associated with "murderer." Did Katherine's loving husband Jack commit suicide at the helm of his plane? The questions are flying and Katherine must do whatever it takes to protect her family and preserve Jack's memory. This story is full of twists and turns of the plot, happy memories, sorrowful moments, and startling revelation. I found it hard to put down as well as hard to describe without giving the unexpected climax and eventual ending away. An excellent read for anyone looking for the story of a woman's love and struggle to survive after it leaves her.
Rating:
Summary: The Pilot's Wife
Review: I thought The Pilot's Wife was an amazing book. Anita Shreve has the ability to take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. I was able to feel exactly what the characters were experiencing. She was able to describe the scenes so vividly that I could picture everything. After I started reading, I could not put the book down. I wanted to discover all the things Kathryn was searching for. I wanted to know who Murie Boland was and what part she played in Jack's life. I wanted to know if Jack had committed suicide or if he was being blamed for the mistake of someone else. The twists and turns that this story took were so creative. I loved the suspenseful feeling I had towards the end of the book. That is truly the sign of a good plot. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves to read. It is now one of my favorites. This was my first Anita Shreve novel and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
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Summary: It Could Happen
Review: Outstanding book. This was my first Shreve novel, can't wait to read her others. This story is so true. People do live double lives. When a plane crash occurs, Katherine must find out the truth of her husband, who was one of the pilot's. The truth went down with him and sent her on a devastating search to his double life he may be leading, or did he have one? This is a very touching but also heartbreaking story. Get your tissues ready and enjoy this non stop page turning journey with Katherine and Mattie. This is a must read novel!
Rating:
Summary: The Pilot's Wife
Review: Although I would not usually find myself enjoying an Oprah Book Club novel, I loved this book. Middle-aged women are the ideal audience, since I believe they will be able to identify with the main character more fully than anyone else will. Anyone can enjoy this book, though. It is easy to identify with for anyone in today's society, sadly, because of the bombing of the plane that occurs and the all too familiar not-so-sacred bond between a married couple. The Pilot's Wife is beautifully written, with in-depth descriptions and talented use of personification and similes. The flashbacks that are every-other chapter make the book very dynamic and they keep the story moving, while at the same time adding some background information. This book really made me question whether we really ever know anyone. The climax actually made me sick to my stomach! It will surprise you, intrigue you, and disgust you all at the same time. This book is easy reading that will keep you interested throughout. There is a lot of description, but not too much that you lose interest. My generation is the "T.V. Generation" so we are not often compelled to read books because we think they are monotonous and not as action-packed as what may be on television. This book was definitely better by far than anything I could have found on television. I gave this book four stars out of five because it kept me interested and was written with beautiful language that most books seem to be lacking these days.
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