The Pilot's Wife : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Savor this book. Look for action elsewhere.
Review: I haven't been reading much fiction lately, but I took to Ms. Shreve's prose immediately. I was not as interested in what was going to happen as I was in the lovely way the author took me there. Some of her images were just aching and tender. We don't spend enough time feeling things; we're always looking for a "quick healing process". This story took the time to examine the pain of grief, the anguish of separation and the confusion that death leaves behind. The terrorism and how much money each family got was irrevelant to me. I was much more interested in Kathryn's journey. Well done, I say.

Rating:
Summary: Good, quick read
Review: I enjoyed the book, but kept wondering what information was found in Jack's office. Were provisions made for his first AND second family? An early reference was made to separate accounts so I kept expecting to find out more, then the book ended!

Rating:
Summary: Easy Read, Mediocre Book
Review: Danielle Steele with a little Tom Glancy thrown in for good measure. The descriptions of initial young, unexpected widowhood were very good, as was the sense of place -- but the plot contrivances were trite. Even the theme of "how well do we know those we love" was played out in the most extreme, yet predictable way possible. If you need a quick vacation read and like descriptions of the Maine coast, borrow it from a friend, and tuck it in your beach bag. If you want something new, insightful, and interesting -- don't bother.

Rating:
Summary: Not a high flyer!
Review: I bought the book because I have enjoyed watching the discussions of the books Oprah chooses, even if I have not read them. I had read the previous selection, The Reader by Bernard Schlink, before Oprah chose it. Didn't like that one. Didn't like this one. Maybe I don't like Oprah's choice of books?! The Pilot's Wife is, as others have said, too predictable and lacks character development. What pained me to read it, though, is the lack of artistry in the writing. No imagery, nothing interesting in the language, nothing to nourish the mind. It is the kind of book to read on a plane - you can only half pay attention, and you'll finish it before you land. I believe people can appreciate more challenging literature than this.

Rating:
Summary: unimaginative
Review: While I found The Pilot's Wife to be compelling, I was continuously disappointed by each revelation about Jack's secret life. Without giving the plot away to potential readers, the secrets are terribly predictable. Shreve could have come up with something more imaginative. A friend of mine guessed the entire plot after I gave him two clues that the reader is presented with in the book jacket summary: a plane explodes off the coast of Ireland and a husband is hiding something from his wife. The concept of a secret life is rife with possiblities, too bad Shreve didn't bother to explore any but the obvious.

Rating:
Summary: YUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: Totally predictable! I kept hoping that it would veer off in another direction but it stayed the course to a very predictable ending.

Rating:
Summary: not up to Oprah book club standards
Review: This seems like the kind of paperback you buy at the supermarket or newsstand when you have nothing to read and don't expect much from a book. While the theme of no one really knowing anyone else, even the person he or she is married to, is a fascinating one, this book didn't explore it in an interesting or provocative way. If well-written, a book that explores this theme should have us examining all of our intimate relationships and wondering if we do, indeed, know our loved ones as well as we thought. Instead, this book leaves us thinking that 'the pilot's wife' isn't very observant nor insightful about her marriage. Also, the terrorist angle seems contrived and simply a way to make the book more 'topical,' or more 'relevant.'

Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your money.
Review: This book was boring and predictable from the beginning. I kept wanting something to happen, but all the characters kept doing was reacting to what already happened. I could not identify with the main character, the wife. She seemed so weak and stupid. I like most of Oprah's other books, but this one isn't worth the time

Rating:
Summary: OPRAH RECOMMENDING RUBBISH LIKE THIS NOW?
Review: This was the worst book I read this year. It was at about the same level as a Harlequin Romance novel. The story was ridiculous, predictable and totally stupid. This book was really bad! There was no character development -- nothing of interest. I can't believe that Oprah would recommend a book like this!

Rating:
Summary: riviting, holds your attention throughout, amazing wife
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this story, Really makes you think about relationtionships you know about. Very fast reading. You don't want to put it down. Keeps you thinking thoughout the story. What would you do if you were in her place?.. What would you tell your child, or children if you were in her place?