Rating: Summary: Generally, an enjoyable and easy read Review: Books do not need a new topic in order to be good; much of it depends on the storytelling, the depth, the aspect of convincing. Anita Shreve's "The Pilot's Wife" does indeed have a dull topic (airplane crashes and cheating spouses--one that has been used infinitely), but her writing is with a steady hand. She leads us where she wants us to go, and we follow her, for about the first bit of the novel. She writes well, but her writing lacks depth in all aspects, both character-wise and plot-wise. There is no denying that her words are well chosen at times, but that isn't enough to save the plot.
Rating: Summary: A Book for Real People in the Real World Review: "The Pilot's Wife" was a haunting, yet realistic tale. I usually read at night, yet I found it hard to read this particular book right before going to sleep. The book seemed slow going at first, but in the end, your patience will be awarded. I will admit that the story line was somewhat disturbing, yet in a good way. Can you ever really know you know someone? So many times, it seems that couples enter into relationships expecting their passion to one day subside. This idea has been accepted as normal in today's society. Yet, Kathryn, the main character learns that allowing physical, emotional and intellectual intimacy to fade in her marriage was a grave mistake. I am currently engaged and, if anything, I learned from the book the value of honesty, trust, openess and, overall, reality. There are no fairy tale marriages or relationships. However, accepting this fact and living in the light of the truth will free your soul. In the end, Katherine learned about her mistakes, as well as her husband's, and we can all learn through this awesome novel about the realities of love and loss.
Rating: Summary: The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve Review: This is one of those rare books that grabs you from the first chapter and won't let go until the end. I felt as if I became the characters and experienced their pain, shock, guilt, anger. Shreve does an excellent job layering the information related to the plot and the characters, so that by the end of the book you feel as if you have lived a lifetime from the book's first to the last page. I am a survivor of a tragedy and the way the characters experienced their grief was so true I felt as if I were looking at myself again as I dealt with an unexpected death. I am now a big fan of Anita Shreve and look forward to reading her other books.
Rating: Summary: Two stars for People Magazine Readability Review: Sorry, but this book is what I think of as "empty calories." I believe that Oprah is often non-discriminating in her choice of books. I enjoyed reading this for fun - I mean, it's definitely a "chick" book - a juicy-gossipy-type soap opera, and they have their place - but profound? Important literature? Come on!A far better version of the same kind of story is the book (not the movie!) "Random Hearts." In fact, this feels like a second-rate rip-off of Warren Adler's little jewel, which has better character development and more believable surprises. The main characters are also more sympathetic. Read it if you want the thrill without the corn-ball, shallow delivery. As for the reviewer here who likened the "vivid imagery" of 'The Pilot's Wife" to that of "Cold Mountain" - I am shocked. Did we read the same books? "Cold Mountain" is a masterpiece compared to this piece of drivel. Anita Shreve may be a great writer of other books. However, I will probably not read them now that I have partaken of her lumpy meatloaf.
Rating: Summary: Oh! so true Review: Began the book by not even reading the back cover but just guessed that he had someone else. Ofcourse I am not saying that all pilots are leading such a double life but when MEN have the type of jobs which take them away, are difficult to contact,(now mobile phones help!) then the chances and opportunites are all there. I could not put the book down and when the ending began to unfold what a great twist. I am looking forward to reading some of her other books.
Rating: Summary: Enjoyable Read Review: This novel was easy to read and enjoyable. It started off fast so it wasn't long and drawn out. There are a few surprising turns that catch you offguard and it will make you think about your husband a little more!
Rating: Summary: An excellent choice for a weekend read! Review: I had a hard time putting this book down and ended up reading it in two days. The story is entertaining, while being equally depressing. The characters are well-rounded and as a reader, you really get to know the main character and can feel the pain of her loss. This is an amazing book and another great choice of Oprah's. Once you start this book, you won't want to put it down!
Rating: Summary: Don't Bother Review: I read all kinds of books from the most simple and predictable to the very involved and detailed. I can find appealing aspects in all kinds of writing. This book has none. It was the the most boring read I have ever had. It is below 1 star and worse than a really bad Lifetime movie.
Rating: Summary: Pleasant and Predictable Review: Although I found this novel difficult to put down, I was dissapointed with its many predictable outcomes. Overall, the story was enjoyable, readable, but definately not 5 stars.
Rating: Summary: Fast paced tale Review: Life is good or so thought high school teacher Kathryn Lyons. Her beloved husband Jack, a trans-Atlantic pilot, and Kathryn have shared a strong relationship over the years they have been together. Their teenage daughter Mattie is intelligent and loving though a bit too independent as fifteen-year old girls seem to be, at least with their moms. However, her happy family lifestyle explodes into pieces when Jack's plane blows up while in the air ten miles from Ireland. Already struggling with grief, Kathryn is stunned by the incessant questions about Jack, their marriage, and even Mattie's personal life. Rumors abound that Jack lived a secret life. Soon the media accuses Jack of pilot error and the flight investigators believe he committed suicide. After finding some inexplicable notes in their home, Kathryn is unable to sit idle as her past and her spouse seem to have their history rewritten so she begins her own inquiries. As she searches into Jack's past with the help of union official Robert Hart, Kathryn wonders exactly who her husband truly was? THE PILOT'S WIFE is an SST-paced story line that takes the reader along for an intriguing ride. Kathryn is an interesting character struggling with what she learns about the husband she never knew. Robert adds little to the plot beyond informing the widow of the tragedy. He adds an unnecessary betrayal and romantic subplot that takes the audience on a inclement weather detour. However, when Ann Shreve's novel stays with Kathryn's revelations about Jack, the story becomes a great thriller worth reading.
|