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The Bourne Identity
The Bourne Identity
Author: Robert Ludlum
Who is Jason Bourne? And why does he have four million dollars in a Swiss bank account? — This high-tension superthriller is the story of a man who has lost his memory, and his search to find out who he is and what he has done. Jason Bourne starts with one clue: somebody whats him dead. And the more he discovers, the more terrifying his quest bec...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780007134359
ISBN-10: 0007134355
Pages: 544
Rating:
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 9

4.2 stars, based on 9 ratings
Publisher: Harper Collins
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

scrapbooklady avatar reviewed The Bourne Identity on + 472 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 15
I read "The Bourne Identity" after seeing the film and I enjoyed both though the book was better. In modernizing the time of the story for the film, new technologies come into play making Bourne's flight through Europe almost impossible because he could be tracked via cell phone signals, satellite imagery, email and the Internet. In the book there are none of these modern devices, allowing Bourne and his female companion more time to plan and act. I also prefer Maria in the book because she actually has useful skills. In the film she is just there as a convenient ride away from the initial confrontation and later hangs onto Bourne out of Stockholm syndrome. It was refreshing to see her have useful skills and a more robust personality than she does in the film.
watch4birds avatar reviewed The Bourne Identity on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Dare I say it? This is one of the very cases in which I preferred the movie to the book. I picked up the novel after having seen the film starring Matt Damon, thinking to find a similar plot (though, of course, we all know movie plots always are changed). However, the book is extremely different. Honestly, I found Jason Bourne to be more of a "thinker" than a "doer" in the novel. Which, therefore, made it a far more boring read for me. Again, this is simply my opinion. It was still a decent book and I don't necessarily discourage one from reading it - just a warning that it is quite, quite different from the movie and I found it difficult to be fully absorbed by the novel.
reviewed The Bourne Identity on + 19 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Robert Ludlum's best book ever, IMHO!!

Much better than the movie(a pale imitation).
reviewed The Bourne Identity on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Unlike the movie, Ludlum engages Robert Bourne in an unbelievable series of events that draw him all across Europe. It's one of those reads that until you finish the novel you don't realize just how bizarre the trip is because you are so caught up in the events. This is one book you won't put down once you start reading it.
reviewed The Bourne Identity on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Reads more like a movie than the movie was like a movie.
Read All 73 Book Reviews of "The Bourne Identity"

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reviewed The Bourne Identity on
I can't understand what all the fuss was about with this book. It was all hype. I thought the story and the writing were boring, and I had to force myself to finish it.
reviewed The Bourne Identity on + 1217 more book reviews
Mass market paperback, not an audiobook.
reviewed The Bourne Identity on + 6 more book reviews
I couldn't read it. The print on this edition is impossibly small.
reviewed The Bourne Identity on + 22 more book reviews
A fast paced thriller - much better than the movie (and very different from the movie). I recommend it.
reviewed The Bourne Identity on + 34 more book reviews
Great beginning but the rest of the plot never seemd to match it. Hate to say it but I enjoyed the film more.
btyboop avatar reviewed The Bourne Identity on + 16 more book reviews
The beginning and worth it! Jason Bourne is lethal,
reviewed The Bourne Identity on + 23 more book reviews
wonderful
daboots71 avatar reviewed The Bourne Identity on + 4 more book reviews
Typically, I prefer the book over the movie. In this case, I liked the movie better. Although the book is good, I ofter found myself a bit lost, especially when returning to the book after an extended absence (more than 24 hours).
ashleyelkins avatar reviewed The Bourne Identity on + 3 more book reviews
I was extremely pleased with The Bourne Identity. I have wanted to read this book for years and finally decided to do so after picking up a few of the sequels, not written by Robert Ludlum, during a closing sale at a bookstore. The story is very fast paced and keeps the reader on the edge of his/her seat; I had a difficult time putting this book down. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good thriller.
RomansGirl avatar reviewed The Bourne Identity on + 11 more book reviews
I hate that I saw the movie before reading this book. I loved the movie (Matt Damon, how could I not?). But I LOVE this book. However, I kept getting confused at first while reading because my head was stuck in the movie. The movie is, at best, a loose representation. If you've seen the movie, try to forget about it while reading this book.

This isn't a one day read, but you definately won't want to put it down. It took me some time to get through it but I was really proud of myself for getting through it. I have read part of The Bourne Supremacy but with 4 kids I haven't been able to devote proper attention to it. I'm waiting for summer to hit so I can read it pool side.

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Bourne  1

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