Sail
by Howard Roughan, James Patterson
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Book Reviews of Sail
Book Review: Unbelievingly bad book
Summary: 1 Stars
This book was so bad, I don't know where to begin. This book is written on such a basic level, that I actually feel less intelligent for reading the dumbed down storyline. What is up with the crazy short chapters? A chapter should mark a transition between major plot points or some dramatic turn of events. It feels as if the authors knew they didn't have enough material to make a decent book, so by adding so many chapters, they can stretch a bad short story a few more pages to make it a novel. An annoying yet constant shift between third person to first person is very distracting, and draws the reader out of the story at every transition. As for the story, left field doesn't begin to describe how farfetched it is. An excessive amount of lucky coincidences befall the main characters making the plot entirely unbelievable. I'm not going to touch on the technology discussed in this book, because as a work of fiction, an author can get by with stretching some capabilities.
For me, this book was a chore to read, which I did because it was the only thing I had for a distraction on a boring day. This is the second Patterson book I've read, and I am so disappointed with both, that I am going home and trash the other three I have yet to get to.
Book Review: Suitable for a nice relaxing afternoon read
Summary: 3 Stars
Read this book during the Christmas holidays. Generally knew what the ending was going to be, it's the how and what-will-happen-next parts that kept me turning the pages to the end.
Last book of the year, and it was a quick read as always whenever I read a James Patterson book. Doesn't take a lot of reading effort 'cause the book hooks me in early, it's quite relaxing, I fly through the pages, and get the expected entertainment out of it.
Sail is co-authored by Howard Roughan. Patterson now has a number of books where he has co-authored with someone. So I wonder who really writes the book, Patterson or the co-author - and is his name there just for marketing purposes. The books still maintain his style - the large font, short chapters, often ending with an event that makes you want to turn the page to find out the what-is-it part.
The Alex Cross series of books are still my favorites, but anytime I see another James Patterson book at the local Half Price Books clearance section that I haven't still read - then for a buck or two - I am usually pretty certain I'll get my entertainment value out of it. And with this book, I did.
Book Review: Another Disappointment
Summary: 2 Stars
Once again, James Patterson has put his name to another author's work. His name should be followed by James Patterson, Mass Publisher.
I thought the writing was as if a teenager wrote the book. The main character was kind of sily and was not very likable The only character that was likable, her brother-in-law, was killed off after the author led us to believe that he would be the hero. Toward the end of the book, it did get a little better. It is hard to believe that the bad guy (her husband) could cover up his evil side long enough to woo and marry her. There is no explanation even of how they met and got married, especially, with her working day and night at the hospital.
I think I am going to write Patterson's name off my list of favorite authors. If you really want to read a good book where you get your money's worth, try Greg Iles or P.J. Parrish.
Although I personally am not talented enough to write a book, I do expect famous authors making millions off the masses to at least find authors who have the same style of writing before putting their name on it. He should be embarrassed to take credit for this book.
Book Review: Should Have Been Entitled "Soda", Because It Went Flat
Summary: 2 Stars
SAIL opens well; a dysfunctional family is taking an extended vacation in an attempt to reconnect, a successful new husband won't be coming along, then we are introduced to elements of the underworld. The way these entities become knitted together makes for an appealling, fast read. For a novel of this sort, the characters are well developed; though the book does seem to scream "Make me a TV-movie!"
Unfortunately, just when we could see some real action and edge-of-your-seat suspense, the authors take a wrong turn.
As for the writing, Patterson and Roughan rely much too heavily on vulgar words and taking the LORD's name in vain. It makes one wonder who the book was written for. Obviously, the criminal element isn't going to use nice language, but to "hear" a constant stream flowing from the family, especially pre-trauma, is unreasonable. When the Founding Father's declared "Freedom of Speech" it seems difficult to believe they were envisioning the right to have the "F" word on every other page.
The book is a quick read, but how much time can one spare for vulgarity and a story that doesn't come through?
Book Review: I suppose it's typical Patterson....
Summary: 3 Stars
First of all I will confess that I am listening to this book on disk, and have not finished. Actually, I am not all that far into it - about halfway through disk 2, at the point the Dunne family encounters the monster storm.
As I listened to the first disk, I overwhelmingly wanted to pop the disk out and stop listening, but I have always felt that it's important to finish what you start, and that includes reading/listening to a book. But, these characters are the most annoying, obnoxious people. The kids are spoiled brats, the mother is a spoiled brat grown up. Uncle Jake, who I think is supposed to be perceived as a loser who elected to follow his inner brat way back after his first year of college, is the only one who has a clue that life isn't always easy, and the attainment of one's dreams isn't guaranteed for people from his socio-economic background. So far, I really don't care about these characters at all, except for Jake, who I am afraid will end up dead so that the rest of them have to grow up. I will keep listening, but I hate to say it, if you haven't picked this one up, don't bother!