The Smoke Jumper

A decent story, exciting at times, a little dull at others. I bought the book because of it's title and my interest in fire fighting. I was disappointed to find that the bulk of the book did not make reference to this. A more recurring theme throughout the book is photography, disappointment and the supression of emotions. Perhaps it should have been titled "The heart broken photographer"

I didn't want it to end and hated when I had to put it down.

I was very disappointed with this book. I bought it because of my interest in fire fighting. The first 1/8th of the book was well done and held my interest. Then it feels like the author told his story and need to fill in the rest. It wonders through a strange sequence of monotonous events with little to no relevance to each other. It felt like he constantly ran out of ideas and thought up new material as he went. What I thought would be a story of courage and bravery in the burning back woods of Colorado ended up being a dull story of a blind man, his best friend who becomes a photographer, and his wife who?s really in love with his best friend. I can?t recommend this book.

Near the end of the book, I had the feeling that the rest of the book was somewhere beside me.....but when I looked, it wasn't really there. Truly, I checked to be certain that I had not inadvertently purchased an abridgement. Yes, the story fragments that are told show Evans at his best. Yes, the story is gripping. In fact, it is indeed because it is gripping that the fairytale ending is a bit of a letdown. What is the meaning of the burning elk's antlers and eyes? Where does Skye twist fate? When and how did Ed die? Why all the unwoven threads? A beautiful story unfulfilled. Still.....worth five stars. The parts of the story that exist are very well written.

I bought this book purely because of the narrator, Eric Conger, who contributes so much to John Sandford's books and surprisingly I was not disappointed. This compelling story is essentially about a love triangle between three very likable people. Perhaps the book's only flaw is that they are too likable. It's a little saccharine and predictable but it's an enjoyable listen, thanks in large part to Eric Conger.

This was a wonderful book, but I found it slow in some places. So much so, that I felt like fast forwarding through some parts. The plot to me, was too drawn out and I ended up getting frusterated with the characters.

This book is one of my 5 all time favorites. Nicholas Evans writes a wonderful story of romance, friendship and adventure. I didn't want it to end. I may listen to it again. I've loaned it to friends who loved it too.