Lone Wolf

By: Jodi Picoult

Narrated by: Natalia Payne, Louis Changchien, Celeste Ciulla, Nick Cordero, Angela Goethals, Mark Zeisler, Andy Paris

Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

In the wild, when a wolf knows its time is over, when it knows it is of no more use to its pack, it may sometimes choose to slip away. Dying apart from its family, it stays proud and true to its nature. Humans aren’t so lucky. Luke Warren has spent his life researching wolves. He has written about them, studied their habits intensively, and even lived with them for extended periods of time. In many ways, Luke understands wolf dynamics better than those of his own family. His wife, Georgie, has left him, finally giving up on their lonely marriage. His son, Edward, twenty-four, fled six years ago, leaving behind a shattered relationship with his father. Edward understands that some things cannot be fixed, though memories of his domineering father still inflict pain. Then comes a frantic phone call: Luke has been gravely injured in a car accident with Edward’s younger sister, Cara. Suddenly everything changes: Edward must return home to face the father he walked out on at age eighteen. He and Cara have to decide their father’s fate together. Though there’s no easy answer, questions abound: What secrets have Edward and his sister kept from each other? What hidden motives inform their need to let their father die . . . or to try to keep him alive? What would Luke himself want? How can any family member make such a decision in the face of guilt, pain, or both? And most importantly, to what extent have they all forgotten what a wolf never forgets: that each member of a pack needs the others, and that sometimes survival means sacrifice?

©2012 Jodi Picoult (P)2012 Recorded Books, LLC

compelling plot

Well researched. Explores a range of emotions and complex family dynamics. Well worth the read.

Another great one!

What made the experience of listening to Lone Wolf the most enjoyable?

This book really had me after an initial, 'what the heck it this'? It had me sitting in the driveway more often than I should. The narrator is terrific, but the story is riveting.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Whenever a character was 'speaking' they were my favorite. I think that means Jodi Picoult was my favorite. Each character was developed in a way that when they were featured, I loved them and understood their position.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I think the narrator did a fine job. When I would rejoin after it had been off (which means when I got back in the car) I knew exactly where I was, but,she did not exaggerate the voices so much that it was annoying. I'm from Massachusetts and I hate it when narrators who think the know how we sound try to sound like a native, and then have no idea how to say quahog or pronounce the names of our towns.

If you could rename Lone Wolf, what would you call it?

I wouldn't.

Any additional comments?

There are so many levels that this will appeal to folks. Listen, or read it. I purchased the book from Amazon so my friends who don't listen can read it. It is well worth the time.

Inspirational family story

Touching story told from the point-of-view of everyone involved. You get to hear of a man's life, cold from his Vantage, both of his children, his ex-wife, and all the parties involved in his end-of-life decision. Quite moving and touching!

A good listen

Well read. Quite a story with twists and turns I did not expect, but very Piccoult. Learned a lot about wolves - interesting!!!

WOW

I didn't think I would enjoy this book when I first started listening but I sure changed my mind! The story draws you in and all the information you learn about wolves is fascinating!

Jodi Picoult never disappoints.

I love the time Jodi spends researching her books and I love learning about the animals. Wolves are such magical creatures.

This was a really mesmerizing story. It spoke to me as a daughter who recently lost her father. I was about to not like the ending but then Jodi added the wolves’ perspective and it was suddenly okay. The Epilogue was a nice touch too.

The narrators were all wonderful. I will listen to it again.

Good read

I like Jodi Picoult books. She captures you from the beginning of the story. She often takes on difficult complex problems and writes in a way that illuminates all sides. This book is about family, love, secrets, loss and forgiveness. Making a very tough decision for someone you love

lone wolf

loved the Lone Wolf. Wonderful story and beautifully written as all her books are, thoroughly enjoyed

Typical Jodi Picoult plot, chik lit but good

Ive read all of Picoults books. Some are better than others. This one is better than average. Sort of My Sisters Keeper meets Dances With Wolves.

I dislike reviews that are, really, a synopsis of the plot but as the first reviewer I feel obligated to give a Non Spoiler brief of the story. Man with family becomes engrossed with wolves. Leaves family to fend for itself and devotes his early adulthood to research.
Wife resents, divorces wolf man. Older gay son splits for 6 years and younger daughter resents this move, gets bratty, acts out. Dad has auto accident with daughter in car and has TBI. Son has authority to make life decisions about pulling dads plug. Daughter resents.

As is typical for Picoult, each chapter is written from a different point of view, and the narrators vary in their ability. The dad, Luke, tells a good story. I didn't care for mom, Georgie, particularly. Cara and Edward, the children are pretty good.

I wasn't bothered by the change in voice from chapter to chapter as I know that's Picoults style though others may find it difficult to deal with.

It wasn't wonderful, but it was a thoughtfully written book about family situations none of us ever want to be a part of. Worth the credit but may appeal to women more than men.

So incredibly sad.

What did you like best about Lone Wolf? What did you like least?

I was hoping for more about wolves, less about humans. Clever underlying comparisons of humans and wolves at times. I was left wondering is the

Would you recommend Lone Wolf to your friends? Why or why not?

No. I don't really want to send any friends into a state of depression