Sail

By: James Patterson, Howard Roughan

Narrated by: Dylan Baker, Jennifer Van Dyck

Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

The Dunnes have set off on a 10-day boat trip, a trip that hopefully will bring them closer together, despite the fact that the father, Stuart, is staying behind on land.

But only an hour into the trip, they're already falling apart. The teenage daughter plans to drown herself, and the teenage boy is high on drugs. Ten-year-old Ernie is near catatonic. Still, their mother, Anne, with the help of her brother-in-law, Jeff, is insistent on pulling everyone together, once and for all.

Just when things start to take a turn for the better, disaster strikes. Stuart is left to pick up the pieces and find his family - but he is eager to start a brand new life.

Maybe he's a little too eager.

©2008 James Patterson (P)2008 Hachette Audio

Sail

If it weren't for bad luck they wouldn't have had any luck ... quick & enjoyable audio

Predictabke

Predictable but an ok journey. Felt long at parts. I enjoyed th e family values that shine through

absoutley trhilling

I could not stop listening to this book. I felt every wave, every shark attack, and the hoplessness and recovery of this family at sea. excellent. wish the end was not wrapped up all so quickly.

Good Read/listen

It was a really good book. Somewhat predictable at times but still good. I would recommend.

Good read

Unlike the Patterson/other writer books that James Patterson has been doing for the past few years, this one was actually good. I get the impression that he doesn't really write these co-authored books. I love all of "his" books and have read every one of them.

Alright

The story kept your attention, but I was disappointed with some aspects of the story as well as the ending. It does get the message across that life isn't perfect and a family is capable of pulling together in a crisis and bonding in ways they never thought possible.

Excellen!

Excellent story with several twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. I definitely didn't think it would end the way it did but as I heard what was going on my mouth literally opened wise in disbelief but thrilled because it was su h a good story.

Entertaining....but saw it coming from a mile away

Fairly well written book/audio, but there was not much suspense or surprise. Could have predicted most of the book.

Worth a listen, but not on my "must haves".

Nice reading, but not the best one from JamesP

It's my 2nd audiobook from James Patterson and I must admit, I've read a number of his regular paper books, so you can call me his fan. I like his books for fast pace, actions, nice plots and also the easy language, since I'm not a native English speaker.

Although 'Sail' is not part of my favorite series such as Alex Cross or Women's Murder Club, it has some of the nice features of JamesP's books: interesting plot, unexpected turns, good mix of hopes and disillusions. Both Dylan Baker and Jennifer van Dyke did a great job as narrators, and although I slightly prefers Carolyn McCormick, when it comes to JamesP books, it's refreshing to listen to 2 voices. Both narrators play male/females roles.

The weakness and the reason why I didn't give 5 stars to that book is the main character. She didn't seem to be very realistic and it kind of frustrated me. On one hand, she was supposed to be a role model for her whole family, but she didn't want to tell them her little secrets and she also wanted to 'saved' them by giving them false hopes. Too pedagogical, I'd say.
There were also couple holes in the plot, like who was the pilot on the way back? Why the hearth attack was not examined? Why they didn't see the plane turning back to the island, etc.
Perhaps the author wanted to make us to think about it. Or, the deadline for printing the book came sooner than expected.

Anyway, despite of all these negative comments I just made, it's an excellent book for the 7h flight. Better than any movie you could see on the AMS->SFO flight. In case you haven't read any of the JamesP books, start with some of his earlier books though.

"A family vacation cruise..." Then it started...

Would you listen to Sail again? Why?

This is one story that can be listened to over and over (read the book, too). Don't let the mellow beginning deceive. These authors have made the characters real - you are "sea swept" from the start.

What other book might you compare Sail to and why?

Up Close and Dangerous is very comparable; a definite keeper to hear over and over. Read the book also.

Which character – as performed by Dylan Baker and Jennifer Van Dyck – was your favorite?

I cannot choose - both were great; their voices and reading rhythm made an awesome combination, which turned the story into an "adventure."

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The way the interaction was written between the family: mother's frustration, uncle's irritation, then the way he took charge. Attitude and dialog of the teen boy and girl - their reactions were believable. Laugh out loud funny; an absolute sad, crying part; a great "Yes!" ending.

Any additional comments?

I am a thriller addict and love anything with great dialog and edge of seat action...this had it all.