Sail Review

Although I've been finding myself less and less impressed with James Patterson's newest releases, I still couldn't stop myself from adding Sail to my stack yesterday while at the library.  I started reading it last night and finished it this morning with about three hours total read time. 

Sail centers around Katherine Dunne, her three children (Carrie, Mark, and Ernie), and her brother-in-law Jake.  After Katherine's husband Stuart died in a scuba diving accident several years ago, she buried herself in her work and spoiled the children beyond belief in an attempt to get the family through the tragedy.  Four years later, her daughter is anorexic, her oldest son is a stoner, and her youngest son is acting years older than his actual age in an attempt to be the man of the house.  Katherine decides that it is time for some serious family bonding and plans a 2-month cruise on the family yacht with her brother-in-law as captain.  She leaves her new husband of only 8 months behind and starts on a journey that she hopes will heal her family.

The problem is that from the very start of the trip there has been one problem after another.  It culimates in the boat exploding and the famiy being presumed dead.  Well before the boat explodes, it is clear exactly what is happening and why.  James Patterson's Sail is nothing if not predictable.  It was a fast, easy read and interesting enough to keep me turning the pages, but I certainly would classify Sail as a great or even good thriller.  I can't recommend it.