I can't imagine how many times I've read this book since I was a middle schooler. Re-read it (again) this past summer to my nine year old son and elevI can't imagine how many times I've read this book since I was a middle schooler. Re-read it (again) this past summer to my nine year old son and eleven year old niece. I realize how culture has shifted so far away from the past when I had so much explaining to do as I read the book. Even words that I learned growing up as a child in N. Alabama had to be defined for my niece who has grown up there -- example: haint. The good news is that my niece was so impressed with the book that she went out to the bookstore and bought her very own copy in hardback! Now, that makes an Auntie happy!...more
A quintessential James Patterson – fast paced, multi-layered page-turner with a surprise ending.
Overview: Peter Carlyle is a NY defense attorney whoA quintessential James Patterson – fast paced, multi-layered page-turner with a surprise ending.
Overview: Peter Carlyle is a NY defense attorney who decides to off his new wealthy wife and her three children. She gives him the perfect opportunity when she plans a month-long sailing adventure for herself and her children in order to "bond." Hiring an ex-CIA agent turned hit man, the plans are laid. What Carlyle doesn’t count on is his wife and her children’s survival and subsequent unraveling of his carefully laid plans.
What I like about Sail: James Patterson and Howard Roughan make a great story telling team. Short chapters keep the story moving at a nice clip and, in addition to knowing right away who the “bad” guy is, the reader is sucked into his doppelganger life. The multilayered plot gives readers several interesting characters to follow. Carlyle’s wife Katherine Dunne, is sailing with her late husband’s brother – a man with whom she had had an extramarital affair. And, DEA agent Ellen Pierce has two reasons to risk her career to investigate Carlyle; one, she holds a grudge against him and two, her gut read tells her he’s got something to do with his family’s disappearance. Agent Pierce is not afraid to take risks and every good book needs a renegade!
What I would have liked better: Depending on the chapter, the book switches voice. If the chapter is about Katherine Dunne, it’s in first person. Every other chapter is in third voice. While I don’t have a preference between first and third person, I do prefer one OR the other. ...more
The Collectors is a deeply involved and highly complex plot that merges two key stories into one suspense-filled read. When House Speaker Bob BradleyThe Collectors is a deeply involved and highly complex plot that merges two key stories into one suspense-filled read. When House Speaker Bob Bradley is murdered, members of the informal watchdog organization, Camel Club, want to know the truth. Led by former CIA agent Oliver Stone, the four Camel Club members are further challenged when the rare books librarian at the Library of Congress ends up dead as well.
Far from the politics on Capital Hill, Annabelle Conroy is about to execute the con of a lifetime with the help of two seasoned recruits. Her target is Jerry Bagger, owner of one of the biggest casinos in Vegas. What makes the heist even sweeter for Annabelle is the revenge it provides for a haunting past.
What I liked: Besides a great story, it's evident that Baldacci does a lot of research when writing his books. The detail he includes about casinos and the cons that work them was intriguing; same with his knowledge of the Library of Congress and its rare book collections. It’s fun to read fiction and learn new things to boot! ...more
Loved, loved, loved this book. Now a Donna Tartt fan eagerly awaiting her next release. One of the things that makes this book so unique is the way MsLoved, loved, loved this book. Now a Donna Tartt fan eagerly awaiting her next release. One of the things that makes this book so unique is the way Ms. Tartt intricately weaved a story around classic literature! Fascinating throughout!...more
While I love a strong female character and I enjoy a quick and easy read, I found too many elements of this book unrealistic. First of all, how did alWhile I love a strong female character and I enjoy a quick and easy read, I found too many elements of this book unrealistic. First of all, how did all those people just happen to end up in the same small Florida town? The ease and flow in which all of these heinous crimes came together, perfect murders, perfect set up. The ease of cooking a gourmet meal and cleaning up afterwards. The ease of women jumping in bed with doctors and retired CIA agents... Sigh!
Finally, is it just me or was anyone else put off by the tone of the author note at the back of the book? Goodness me, why didn't he just say, "Don't ever bother me unless you want to praise me!" and be done with it?
I love this short, inspirational book! Each chapter is a vignette in its own right, highlighting the human search for happiness and the deeper meaningI love this short, inspirational book! Each chapter is a vignette in its own right, highlighting the human search for happiness and the deeper meaning of life. The gently told stories explore how ego and our love of things over people often trips us up.
An absolutely delightful read! I gave my first copy to my mother and had to buy a second one to keep on my shelf for frequent quick reads!...more
A bit overdone for me -- the tireless bemoaning the past. Nevertheless, I appreciate the love of music described by the character Triana -- so deeplyA bit overdone for me -- the tireless bemoaning the past. Nevertheless, I appreciate the love of music described by the character Triana -- so deeply intense and longing that it is painful.
I read the music passages carefully and enjoyed the phathom Stefan. But seriously, to go on and on and on with the 'woe is me' lead me to skip quite a few pages at a time just to get “on with it.”...more
Loading...
