I have come to realize, after reading a dozen or so popular books gleaned from booklists, that there are two types of writers I enjoy. The first are those who use words in a lucid, picturesque, poetic or simply beautiful manner. Language, the turn of a sentence and precise meaning of words are a work of art. These books are delicious to me. The second group are all about a fantastic story. They are master storytellers, manipulating emotions and plot twists in unexpected and startling ways. I don't savor these books, I gobble them. Even if I'm not really enjoying the writing, I often feel compelled to finish because I just have to read the rest of the story! The best is when an author does both, then it's amazing.Of the "storyteller" group, Jodi Picoult, Kent Haruf and Anita Shreve are some of the authors that come to mind. I have read a few books by each of them recently, and they were pretty good stories, but after several titles I had my fill.
The Pilot's Wife falls into this category. A woman dreads and finally meets the moment when her pilot husband goes down with his plane. As she deals with the aftermath of emotional turmoil caused by his death, the media and industry raise questions about her husband's activities. She uncovers an unwelcome truth: her husband was leading a double life. Determination leads her to uncover his secrets, despite the peace of mind it will cost her...
Rating 3/5 293 pages, 1998
I think I have 2.... maybe even 3 copies of this book lol
ReplyDeleteI tend to read these types of books interspersed with other genres.
ReplyDeleteI like your description of the two types of writers you enjoy. It is always interesting to see if our reading falls into a pattern, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI haven't yet read The Pilot's Wife although many people in my life are telling me I should. I imagine I will one of these days. :-) Thanks for the review.
I forgot to mention the third type: those who convey lots of information (nonfiction) in a reader-friendly manner.
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