BKMT READING GUIDES

Dramatic,
Dark,
Difficult

6 reviews

The Great Santini

by Pat Conroy

Published: 2002-10
Paperback : 512 pages

3 members reading this now
11 clubs reading this now
2 members have read this book

Recommended to book clubs by 4 of 6 members

The piercing, iconic semi-autobiographical novel of a domineering father and ambitious son, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Prince of Tides

Step into the powerhouse life of Bull Meecham. He’s all Marine—fighter pilot, king of the clouds, and absolute ruler of ...

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Introduction

This new paperback edition is the moving drama of a family torn apart by a headstrong father-- Bull Meecham, a Marine fighter pilot-- who demands loyalty, courage and obedience from his wife and children.

Editorial Review

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Excerpt

Chapter One

In the Cordova Hotel, near the docks of Barcelona, fourteen Marine Corps fighter pilots from the aircraft carrier Forrestal were throwing an obstreperously spirited going away party for Lieutenant Colonel Bull Meecham, the executive officer of their carrier based squadron. The pilots had been drinking most of the day and the party was taking a swift descent toward mayhem. It was a sign to Bull Meecham that he was about to have a fine and memorable turbulent time. ...

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Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

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Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 4 of 6 members.

Member Reviews

Overall rating:

"The Great Santini"by Susan B A. (see profile) 05/27/17

This is personal for me. I couldn't finish the book as it was too close to home for me - much of what he described happened in my childhood also.

"Great is not good enough for The Great Santini"by Nancy B. (see profile) 10/02/14

Every man, woman and child is shaped and molded by things and people in their past; there is no escaping it. Sometimes it is not until we are grown that we realize sometimes the very things we hated or... (read more)

by Tina S. (see profile) 08/05/14

"The Great Santini"by Nancy H. (see profile) 01/09/14

"The Great Santini by Pat Conroy"by Wendy R. (see profile) 05/01/11

Even though Pat Conroy has a wonderful writing style, I found this book difficult to read because of the "darkness" of the title character. He was verbally and physically abusive to his family and others.... (read more)

"The Great Santini"by Susan S. (see profile) 04/12/11

I love Pat Conroy! He is one of my favorite authors and this was the very first novel of his that I read. I think for that reason it has remained my very favorite novel of his. This book has stuck with... (read more)

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