Oct/Nov 2013 Group Read - Patriot Games by Tom Clancy

[Bill]

Book 1 for the Oct/ Nov group read is by Tom Clancy, noted thriller writer who recently passed away. Enjoy the reading and discussions. The book was nominated by Rodrigo.

[Rodrigo]

I'm so glad that my nomination won. I'm also very exited about leading the discussion although it's my first time doing something like this.
Hope you all enjoy this reading. Can't wait to start.

[Mollydee]

Bill wrote: "Book 1 for the Oct/ Nov group read is by Tom Clancy, noted thriller writer who recently passed away. Enjoy the reading and discussions. The book was nominated by Rod..."

I just found a Tom Clancy book on my shelf that I never read. I cannot remember the name. It is really long! I checked out the other pick 13 Steps Down. It looks really good. I do not know which one to pick! And what happened to Tom Clancy? I was very surprised to read he is deceased.

[Bill]

Clancy died October 1st, Molly. Wikipaedia says of an undisclosed illness.

[Rodrigo]

Yes Mollydee, He died on October 1 of an undeclared ill. So you don't know which one to pick? Both, Patriot Games and Thirteen Steps Down are good books, but, obviously, I recommend you to read Patriot Games.

[Mollydee]

Rodrigo wrote: "Yes Mollydee, He died on October 1 of an undeclared ill. So you don't know which one to pick? Both, Patriot Games and Thirteen Steps Down are good books, but, obviously, I recommend you to read Pat..."

lol! I just settled on Thirteen Steps Down but it is funny that I found a Clancy novel on my shelf, and that you are the second person to recommend Patriot Games to me (a friend recommended). Maybe someone is trying to tell me something loL!

[Rodrigo]

Today I started to read Patriot Games. Have you read it? If you so: Did you like it?
What do you all expect from the book?

[Ann]

I had picked Thirteen Steps Down Only because I have seen the movie a few times, in fact it's one of my favourites. BUT

I haven't read any Tom Clancy books, including Patriot Games. Is the book better? (probably) and is it very different from the movie that it's almost a different
story? Help please.

[David]

Rodrigo wrote: "Today I started to read Patriot Games. Have you read it? If you so: Did you like it?
What do you all expect from the book?"

I liked almost everything Tom Clancy wrote.

I expect the same things from every book I read:
1/ a compelling story built around a plot that is reasonably feasible. That's why I don't read science fiction, fantasy, or horror. The plots are never realistic for me.
2/ characters I care about. I want to see them grow, be challenged, suffer setbacks, and overcome them.

[stan]

One of Tom Clancy's Best I loved it

[Marika]

I've read pretty much all Clancy novels years ago and I loved them. Patriot Games was also a great movie

[Rodrigo]

Hey guys! What do you think about the beginning of the book? Does the characters seem convincing to you? What about the first part of the plot? Do you found it consistent?
For me the book has a good start and I think that both, the characters and the plot, are very solid and well created. I really want to know what will happen next.

[Shannon]

Going to start this one this weekend never read any from him but i did love the movie with Harrison ford so i know i love the book ;)

[Kathy]

The movie was great. Can't wait to see if there any differences in the book compared to the movie. Book should be good!

[Cathy]

Rodrigo wrote: "Hey guys! What do you think about the beginning of the book? Does the characters seem convincing to you? What about the first part of the plot? Do you found it consistent?
For me the book has a go..."

The beginning is classic thriller - quickly into action. The sequence with the IRA terrorists was convincing since Clancy established Jack as a Marine who would act rather than sit back and watch in astonishment.

The book's age shows not just in the terrorists (fortunately we don't hear much about the IRA anymore) but in the amount of build-up, backstory establishing Jack's character. Although skillfully written, it seemed overlong compared to more contemporary stories.

I've read several of Clancy's other books and consider him a master at character and action, so this will be another "winner" for me, I'm sure.

[Leslie]

I would call this his bloodiest book thus far in the oeuvre (don't you LUV those French words???). Of all his novels, I found this the most heart-rending. Perhaps because it was hitting him in the ethnicity, like he's seen this stuff (ie, IRA guys stumping for cash in Boston). I found myself crying now and then.
Also, the film was dainty around the royals. In the book he saves Prince Charles and family and gives Charley a lot more credit than the media has in the past 20+ years.

[Robert]

I agree that the close-to-home threat Ryan faces gave this a more personal feel. It also seemed like Clancy took more time to flesh out Ryan and his family.

The big opening and closing scenes had me riveted. I still remember envisioning the London streets and Maryland cliffs.

Good suggestion for a group read!

[Rodrigo]

We are reaching the end. Well, actually you are reaching the end, because I'm only 50% done. My ophthalmologist told me not to read more than an hour per day, so I won´t finish this book soon. But, what about you? Do you finish the book? What is your final review? Cheers!!

[Leslie]

Robert wrote: "The big opening and closing scenes had..."

I suspect that's what the film folk found most useful.