Reviews

The Taking of Pelham 123 by John Godey

kandicez's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

richardlvargas's review against another edition

5.0

Before the movies came the acclaimed 1970's era novel, and after reading this book, you will wonder as I did why there has not been a more faithful adaptation. Four men hijack a subway car underneath Manhattan just before rush hour, demanding $1 million within the hour, or the execution of a hostage for every minute past the hour. But unlike the movies, everyone - from the stretched-thin police and transit forces, a Mayor's office with a sick mayor and a nearly bankrupt city government, to the hostages - one of which is an undercover cop contemplating the choices of taking a stand - has an intriguing story. The most intriguing story is that of Ryder, the former mercenary who has run out of wars to fight, and masterminds the plot against the subway system. And as the world watches how these men plan to escape, the decisions they make in that hour will define a city's future. It's an incredible and pretty honest portrayal of how people would react in the stress of terrorism - many of the people in the story are not heroic, and a few make poor decision or decisions that are not in the best interests of the hostages. It's a pretty astounding story.

dee9401's review against another edition

1.0

The racism and sexism was mind-boggling, even for the early 70s. The plot was thin, the action not enticing, and the characters not even 1-dimensional. I started skimming pretty quickly and skipped to read the ending. One of the worst books I’ve come across lately.

imzadirose's review against another edition

4.0

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/10265623

thomcat's review against another edition

4.0

Seen both movies but never read the book. A bit of page-turner, a dash of political discussion, this tale is told from the points of view of several of the people involved - hijackers, detainees, cops, transit personnel and various others. The author does a good job of differentiating these, and the atmosphere of early 70s New York also shines through in the attitudes of all involved.
Would the gimmick have been a surprise without the movies? Not sure. As another review pointed out, there are better thrillers out there. Worthy of four stars and a fairly quick read.

the_original_shelf_monkey's review against another edition

dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

cleudus's review against another edition

5.0

A well deserved 5.

bookaneer's review against another edition

2.0

Rough and exhilarating. Unfortunately, the ending wasn't up to my liking.

sarahdworjan's review against another edition

3.0

Guys, just watch the movie.

lynnceline's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book!

I think I was about 10 years old the first time I read it. I'm sure that Dad probably didn't notice that I borrowed it from his bookcase. It's not really 10 year old girl material.

I haven't read it for quite a few years, but I know that I read it three times.

I thought it was suspenseful and gripping and I'm sure that I'd still love it if I read it again, which I'm sure I'll probably do some day.