A Patchwork Planet

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Summary: More Memorable Characters
Review: I have been an Anne Tyler fan since a friend introduced me to "Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant" years ago. I savor every minute I am reading one of her books. This novel came to my attention when it was advertised in a popular book club flier. I didn't even know she had published a new book (too busy to pay attention these days). Barnaby was not as "real" to me as were some other of her characters, but the descriptions of the elderly clients of Rent-A-Back were right on target. As usual, Tyler makes you feel grateful for the calm and sanity of your own life. In my case, a life free of food-related disasters like the Thanksgiving dinner of only sweet foods. It's a lovely day-long read at the lake or beach house.

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Summary: She's done it again!
Review: Do I need to say any more about Anne Tyler? I've been an avid reader of her books since the Tin Can Tree and it's absolutely amazing. This book, Patchwork Planet includes my favorite part...the open ending which Anne Tyler surreptitiously gets the readers involved in the book. She simultaneously exemplifies the point of view from Barnaby Gaitlin and his overly sarcastic concious which really intrigues and captures the full attention from the reader. Underneath it all, all the trivial conversations and background information begans to makes sense when it's been read more than once!

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Summary: Absolutely pointless
Review: The book is well written, and some of it is amusing, but in the end, well, what was the point?

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Summary: sounds familiar, in a quirky sort of way
Review: I enjoyed this book, even though my son's name is Ethan and that made it difficult! Did anyone else notice the similarities between this book and "The Accidental Tourist"? There's the quirky guy choosing between the safe woman and the flighty woman. There's a train station scene in both where they observe fellow travelers. In both books, two unrelated people make arrangements to buy and share a car! I haven't read any of her other stuff, but I wonder if writers get stuck with the same ideas in different books.

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Summary: Subtle seduction of the ordinary
Review: Anne Tyler takes my breath away by her ability to make everyday life come alive. Barnaby is a study in passive aggression. The sudden turns in this novel are superb. Tyler's understated approach to weaving her tale reminds one of Hemingway. Like all Tyler novels, there is a warm heart that beats within.

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Summary: Wonderful!
Review: As usual, Tyler can make the ordinary seem extraordinary. I can never understand how people are not totally charmed by her books, but then again there's no accounting for taste. If you're not into trash, buy this book.

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Summary: Long-Time Tyler Fan
Review: I've read everything Anne Tyler has had published over the years, and will be a fan of her talents always. Patchwork Planet was delightful and a true Tyler signature. What people should understand is that her stories are merely that -- stories of human beings and their interactions and emotions. She doesn't construe thrill rides for us, but an honest-to-life story that more often than not ends to at least satisfaction ... neither incredibly happily nor tragic.

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Summary: Breezy but engrossing, funny but poignant!
Review: Despite knowing nothing about this book except for the description on the cover, I loved just about everything about it. As a 30-something male still searching for his place in the world, I could relate to Barnaby every step of the way. Even the secondary characters -- Sophia, Opal, his family, his clients -- were vivid and three-dimensional. As I neared the end of the book, I found myself reading fewer pages at a sitting in order to prolong my time with these characters. This is the first Anne Tyler book I've read; I plan to seek out others.

Rating:
Summary: A LET DOWN AFTER A GOOD START
Review: I HAD HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS BOOK AND FELT A LITTLE LET DOWN. ITS STARTS OFF GOOD ENOUGH BUT LAGS AROUND THE MIDDLE BY THE END I JUST WANTED TO GET IT OVER WITH

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Summary: Listen to the audiotape
Review: I listened to the Books on Tape audiotape of this (unabridged) and it was delightful. A good reader. A good novel to listen to. Charming, light, a nice little romance and a fairly realistic look at aging.