WWBill G

OK. Better than recent Patterson offerings. Expect a little diversion and this delivers. But not really a book. Two, totally unconnected plot ideas brought together by the Cross character.

A long time Patterson fan. Have been very disappointed in recent offerings. But Private Berlin is a decent read and feels like Patterson is putting some effort into characters and plot after a bunch of paint-by-the-numbers books. Performance of story is very strong and helps power you through the predictable parts. Hope this is beginning of renewed interest in writing by Mr. Patterson.

This is a modern classic. Reading Vonnegut again reminds me of his mastery of word choice and irony to make his point. A turning point in anti-war literature for my generation. Wonderful. But, this narration almost derails the book. Who told Ethan Hawke that it would be best to whisper the entire text? I have heard Vonnegut read portions of the book and he performed in a conversational voice. The narration detracted from the lyrical style of the author. A real shame for the next generation of Vonnegut readers.

Nope

Sorry. No.

The reader does a great job of moving along long uninteresting passages of detail. The problem is that the prose far outdistance the plot.

No. This would have been a great 3 hour listen. Problem is that it runs near 12 hours and is not worth the time committment.

I am sure the book is intended to be a deep and mystical reflection of life and faith. Just didn't work for me. Too shallow to engage. The boy and tiger on the raft set up is honestly a nifty idea. Just goes on and on long after the idea played out.

Not only is this a lazy and predictable storyline but it leaves the reader feeling cheated. The climax? What climax. A cynical summer book from a big brand author to keep the factory going. When will I learn...

Really well crafted story told from point of view of the individual characters but seemlessly brought together by the author. This is one book where the narrator strikes the perfect balance between reading and performing the story. In fact, the narrator adds meaning that a reader might miss. I listen to a lot of audiobooks and this one is at the top of list.

The insights into rapid shifts in generational values is pretty great. But I found the story line just OK and the conclusion not up to expections set by first half of book.

This could have been such a good book. Well drawn historic fiction, interesting characters and above average audio presentation. Too bad it never rises above a run of the mill soap opera. By the mid point you can predict the conclusion. Keep hoping you are wrong but it just below average Jackie Collins set in the slave quarters.

A dud in an otherwise solid series. Could not recommend.

Feels like the plot came from formula for Cross stories. Nothing new or clever - expected twists and characters to anyone who has read this series in the past. Almost felt like this had to get out for the holiday sales. Or maybe so Patterson could help promote Nook. Anyway. Skip it.