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Book Reviews of The Loop

The Loop
The Loop
Author: Nicholas Evans
ISBN-13: 9780440224624
ISBN-10: 0440224624
Publication Date: 9/7/1999
Pages: 544
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 260

3.9 stars, based on 260 ratings
Publisher: Dell
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

74 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed The Loop on + 301 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
This is the last Nicholas Evans book I will read. The stories are formulaic. Though they're well written, after the first one, it's all very been-there-done-that.
reviewed The Loop on + 99 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Great story in classic Nicholas Evans (The Smokejumper, The Horse Whisperer) style. My favorite Nicholas Evans. Hard for an animal lover to read, but a great overview of wolf protection (and annihlation) in the West. As usual, Evans writes with clarity and detail a Montanan (myself) can appreciate and verify.
ladeemist avatar reviewed The Loop on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Oh, where do I begin with this one? Interesting plot; a well-told, engaging drama with very well developed characters who are believable. These characters will remind you of people you know. There are several sub-plots (involving romance, suspense, struggle) going at once which adds to, not take away from the story. If you liked The Horse Whisperer, you will LOVE The Loop.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading and learning about the environment of wolves, the toil of ranchers and trappers, and how simple--and hard--life can be in beautiful Montana. I found it very educational about the lives of wolves. This book tells the real truth of how wolves have been hunted and destroyed.

Although this is a good book, it is also very sad in parts. I loved this, but being a wolf lover it was so hard to read at times. It's so sad to know that there are people that would really want to destroy wolves. The Loop actually had me laughing at times and then brought me to tears. I knew what was going to happen in one partdreaded itthen when it did happen, I cried so hard I had to put the book down because I couldnt see to read it. Now, when a book can move you to tears, you know you are really caught up in it.

This is a must-read, and also highly emotionally charged, this is a book that will change your views about wolves and also about human nature. I cried a few times, and that doesn't happen very often when I read a book.

The story turns and quickly moves to its breathless conclusion.
reviewed The Loop on
Helpful Score: 2
This is truly a book about the human spirit. You will involve yourself in these characters lives as you learn that everything in life is conected. I couldn't put this book down!
reviewed The Loop on + 249 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A pack of wolves makes a sudden savage return to the Rocky Mountain ranching town of Hope, Montana, where a century earlier they were slaughtered by the thousands. Now shielded by law as an endangered species, they reawaken an ancient hatred that will tear a family, and ultimately a town, apart.
At the center of the storm is Helen Ross, a twenty-nine year old wolf biologist sent alone into this remote and hostile place to protect the wolves from those who seek to destroy them. The Loop charts her struggle, and her dangerous love affair with the son of her most powerful opponent, the brutal and charismatic rancher Buck Calder.
A haunting exploration of man's conflict with nature and the wild within himself, an epic story of deadly passions and redemptive love set against the grandeur of the American West, The Lopp is destined to capture the hearts and imaginations of readers everywhere.
Princesslooneytoons avatar reviewed The Loop on
Helpful Score: 2
Very good story, my favorite Nicolas Evans.
reviewed The Loop on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
By the author of The Horse Whisperer, this book tells a tale of the return of wolves to a small town in Montana. This book has excitement, romance and inspiration.
reviewed The Loop on + 92 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Absolutely enthrawling book. I loved taking this journey into the mountains and learing about the wolves and life from both ranchers and conservator's views. I sat on the side of my chair and held my breath at some points in the story and agonized over the treatment of these majestic animals.
booklit avatar reviewed The Loop on + 473 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A book that captivates you from the first page. An interesting look at Wolf conservation.
reviewed The Loop on + 39 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
One writer indicated that those readers who loved The Horse Whisperer wll most certainly love The Loop. I want to echo that and also add that those who haven't read The Horse Whisperer should add it to their to be read list. The Loop is a story of love, family, and man's struggle with the wild as in war beweeen cattle ranchers and government protected wolves in Montana. The Loop is an inescapable trap that kills any animal that dares to swallow the bait.
reviewed The Loop on
Helpful Score: 1
This was an excellent book and would be enjoyed by both men and women.
WestofMars avatar reviewed The Loop on + 162 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Not quite as strong as The Horse Whisperer, this was still a good read. Memorable in spots, too.
ladeemist avatar reviewed The Loop on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Oh, where do I begin with this one? Interesting plot; a well-told, engaging drama with very well developed characters who are believable. These characters will remind you of people you know. There are several sub-plots (involving romance, suspense, struggle) going at once which adds to, not take away from the story. If you liked The Horse Whisperer, you will LOVE The Loop.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading and learning about the environment of wolves, the toil of ranchers and trappers, and how simple--and hard--life can be in beautiful Montana. I found it very educational about the lives of wolves. This book tells the real truth of how wolves have been hunted and destroyed.

Although this is a good book, it is also very sad in parts. I loved this, but being a wolf lover it was so hard to read at times. It's so sad to know that there are people that would really want to destroy wolves. The Loop actually had me laughing at times and then brought me to tears. I knew what was going to happen in one partdreaded itthen when it did happen, I cried so hard I had to put the book down because I couldnt see to read it. Now, when a book can move you to tears, you know you are really caught up in it.

This is a must-read, and also highly emotionally charged, this is a book that will change your views about wolves and also about human nature. I cried a few times, and that doesn't happen very often when I read a book
The story turns and quickly moves to its breathless conclusion.
Oceanmist avatar reviewed The Loop on + 15 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This audio is an edition of AUDIOBOOKS direct. It had no ISBN on it.
One-third the length of its unabridged brother, this shortened version of The Loop by Nicholas Evans (The Horse Whisperer) is intended for people on the go. As read by Stephen Lang (Tombstone, A Few Good Men), the story clips right along, satisfied to concentrate on the plot's dramatic high notes. Thanks to Evans's impressive storytelling talents, it remains an interesting listen.

Using the controversial reintroduction of wolves into the American West as its catalyst, Evans pits a powerful Montana rancher against a struggling wolf pack, the wildlife agents mandated to protect the animals and, ultimately, recalcitrant members of his own family. "Luke could taste blood starting, salty and metallic, inside his mouth. He stared at his father, who stood glaring at him, his massive chest heaving and his neck flushed with anger."

Evans has loaded the characters with haunting secrets and hidden agendas, creating a deeply textured story of compelling plot lines that form a circle of love, hate, trust, and suspicion. The use of music to elevate the already heightened drama is perhaps overdone, but Lang's narration is quite good, keeping pace with a story that moves. (Running time: 5.5 hours, four cassettes) --George Laney
reviewed The Loop on + 28 more book reviews
Helen Ross is a biologist who moves to Montana to save a pack of wolves. She comes head to head with the local community who see the wolves as a threat.
Pecos45 avatar reviewed The Loop on + 15 more book reviews
Conflict between ranchers and those threatening their livelihood by introducing wolves back into the area.
reviewed The Loop on + 3 more book reviews
Excellent story, very enjoyable read
reviewed The Loop on + 5 more book reviews
my husband loved this book and the story of the wolves
reviewed The Loop on + 49 more book reviews
Very heart wrenching and romantic.
reviewed The Loop on + 52 more book reviews
Things aren't going too well for wolf biologist Helen Ross. At 29, she's unemployed (recently retired dishwasher), single (boyfriend of two years left her for Africa), and has just learned that her father is marrying someone younger, richer, and prettier than herself (completely accurate). Back in her lonely log cabin in Cape Cod, frantically chain-smoking, she receives a message from her former lover Dan Prior. Prior, also a biologist, works for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service wolf-recovery program. In return for helping him track the lupine posse, Prior will provide her with a cabin, truck, and a snowmobile for good measure in a rustic little town called Hope, just outside of Helena, Montana. Apparently, Ross has never heard the proverb "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is," and happily skips off to Big Sky Country.
Within moments of her arrival, she finds out what she's up against: a small town with a long history of wolf fear and loathing, no resources (big surprise), and a powerful rancher who will do whatever it takes to eliminate the wolves. The rancher, testosterone-saturated Buck Calder, has got the community riled up after a wolf stalked his daughter's home and killed the family dog. He won't stop until every last endangered wolf is dead, which proves problematic for Ross when she decides to romance his 18-year-old son, Luke. Cynics be warned: their love affair spawns a trove of gooey pillow talk and syrupy prose. Even so, Evans has made impressive strides as a writer since his debut novel, The Horse Whisperer, and his storytelling has reached a noticeably new level of sophistication: the plot is tight, the characterization is realistic, and the dialogue is crisp.
reviewed The Loop on
This book was great! If you love animals, especially wolves, this is for you!
reviewed The Loop on + 26 more book reviews
Another romance by Nicholas Sparks. His first book was the "Notebook".
reviewed The Loop on + 81 more book reviews
I have not read anything else of Evans but this book is very well done. He has a lot of detail work done on animals and ranching and Montana. I enjoyed the story and found the book flows well and is easy to read. I thought the end was sad but I was not left hanging or wondering "now what?". Good story.
reviewed The Loop on + 132 more book reviews
This is not for the faint of heart. Very engrossing; read it in 2 days, as it's hard to put down.About wolves & a biologist tracking them. Graphic killing of cattle & wolves, so be warned. As always an excellent author grabs you from page one. All of his books are good. Highly recommend this one.
Snoopygirl avatar reviewed The Loop on + 12 more book reviews
I read this boook so long ago, but It is a love story and animal lover's tale in one...easy read and entertaining as well.
reviewed The Loop on + 20 more book reviews
iF YOU LIKE THE HORSE WHISPERER YOU'LL LIKE THIS ONE
reviewed The Loop on
I thought this was a good read. I am not surprised that it is so, as it is written by the author of 'The Horse Whisperer' I enjoyed it and really liked the plot, the details of the characters and all the rest. 5 stars from me!
Judyh avatar reviewed The Loop on + 229 more book reviews
I enjoyed this story about the tension between a wolf population and the ranchers in a small town.
tonya avatar reviewed The Loop on + 26 more book reviews
readers who loved the Horse Whisperer will certainly like this book
olgarosa avatar reviewed The Loop on + 7 more book reviews
This book was awesome. The way the author describes Montana is amazing. It is a very touching story and the wolves play a very big part in it.
reviewed The Loop on + 15 more book reviews
If you liked "Horse Whisperer" you'll also enjoy this story by the same author. This time it is about wild wolves and the young woman biologist sent into the hostile countryside to protect the wolves. To quote the cover, "a haunting exploration of man's conflict with nature." It has a love interest, of course, but captures the flavor of the west in an epic story.
reviewed The Loop on + 26 more book reviews
This author also wrote "The Horse Whisperer". This is a good story.
reviewed The Loop on + 77 more book reviews
Very true to life. Good story.
reviewed The Loop on + 5 more book reviews
Great story. Learned a lot about wolves.
reviewed The Loop on + 275 more book reviews
Writes with the heart of a woman, he is supberb. Another great book from The Horsewhisper's author.
reviewed The Loop on + 16 more book reviews
ecological drama at its best.
reviewed The Loop on + 588 more book reviews
This was a good read and a good storyline. From
the cover flap: A pack of wolves makes a sudden savage return to the Rocky Mountain ranching towon of Hope, Montana, where a century earlier they were slaughtered by the thousands. Now shielded by law as an endangered species, they reawaken an ancient hatred that will tear a family, and ultimately the town, apart.
At the center of the storm is Helen Ross, a twenty-nine-year-old wolf biologist sent alone into theis remote and hostile place to protect the wolves from those who seek to destroy them.
The loop charts her struggle, and her dangerouse love arrair with the son of her most powerful opponent, the brutal and charismatic rancher Buck Calder.
stapete avatar reviewed The Loop on + 17 more book reviews
Wolves in the West by the author of the Horse Whisperer.
reviewed The Loop on + 236 more book reviews
A pack of wolves makes a sudden savage return to the Rocky Mountain ranching town of Hope, Montana, where a century earlier they were slaughtered by the thousands. Biologist Helen Ross has come to Hope from the East fleeing a life in shambles, determined to save the wolves from those who seek to destroy them. But an ancient hatred awaits her in Hope, a hatred that will tear a family and ultimately the community apart.
wss4 avatar reviewed The Loop on + 389 more book reviews
FROM THE PUBLISHER
A pack of wolves makes a sudden savage return to the Rocky Mountain ranching town of Hope, Montana, where a century earlier they were slaughtered by the thousands. Now shielded by law as an endangered species, they reawaken an ancient hatred that will tear a family, and ultimately the town, apart. At the center of the storm is Helen Ross, a twenty-nine-year-old wolf biologist sent alone into this remote and hostile place to protect the wolves from those who seek to destroy them. The Loop charts her struggle, and her dangerous love affair with the son of her most powerful opponent, the brutal and charismatic rancher Buck Calder.
DEC avatar reviewed The Loop on + 134 more book reviews
Well written and very engaging
reviewed The Loop on + 103 more book reviews
I started this but had a hard time getting into it so I stopped after 5 chapters or so. My husband read it and said it got better after a while.
reviewed The Loop on + 334 more book reviews
By the author of The Horse Whisperer, this novel about love, family, and man's struggle with the wild, especially wolves, is exciting and satisfying. Set in Montana, an intelligent, good read.
reviewed The Loop on + 40 more book reviews
If you liked the "Horse Whisperer" you will like this book by the same author. A young woman comes to Montana from the east in hopes of saving a pack of wolves and finds love and hatred in the same town.
reviewed The Loop on + 78 more book reviews
Friends say it is good.
reviewed The Loop on + 216 more book reviews
I love his books and this one is no exception.
reviewed The Loop on + 28 more book reviews
This is a great book. It has a little of anything you'd want. mystery, romance you name it its pretty much there. I really iked this book.
reviewed The Loop on + 308 more book reviews
novel about man vs. wolves. the return of wolves to an area where they had been slaughtered a century before. the struggle to coexist with nature.
reviewed The Loop on + 110 more book reviews
An extraordinary nevel of love, family, and man's struggle with the wild
reviewed The Loop on + 302 more book reviews
Will the wolves be saved or the cattle? A great read.
mwelday avatar reviewed The Loop on + 148 more book reviews
excellent book about the heated debate in Montana over wolves...another great book by Nicholas Evans (author of Horse Whisperer)...highly recommend it
reviewed The Loop on + 205 more book reviews
A pack of wolves makes a sudden savage return to the Rocky Mountain ranching town of Hope, Montana, where a century earlier they were slaughtered by the thousands. Biologist Helen Ross has come to Hope from the East, fleeing a life in shambles, determined to save the wolves from those who seek to destry them. But an ancient hatred awaits her in Hope, a hatred that will tear a family and ultimately the community apart. And soon Helen is at the center of the storm, by loving the wrong man, by defying the wrong man.. by daring to lead a town out of the violent darkness of its past..
Lazeeladee avatar reviewed The Loop on + 87 more book reviews
From Amazon: Things aren't going too well for wolf biologist Helen Ross. At 29, she's unemployed (recently retired dishwasher), single (boyfriend of two years left her for Africa), and has just learned that her father is marrying someone younger, richer, and prettier than herself (completely accurate). Back in her lonely log cabin in Cape Cod, frantically chain-smoking, she receives a message from her former lover Dan Prior. Prior, also a biologist, works for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service wolf-recovery program. In return for helping him track the lupine posse, Prior will provide her with a cabin, truck, and a snowmobile for good measure in a rustic little town called Hope, just outside of Helena, Montana. Apparently, Ross has never heard the proverb "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is," and happily skips off to Big Sky Country.
Within moments of her arrival, she finds out what she's up against: a small town with a long history of wolf fear and loathing, no resources (big surprise), and a powerful rancher who will do whatever it takes to eliminate the wolves. The rancher, testosterone-saturated Buck Calder, has got the community riled up after a wolf stalked his daughter's home and killed the family dog. He won't stop until every last endangered wolf is dead, which proves problematic for Ross when she decides to romance his 18-year-old son, Luke. Cynics be warned: their love affair spawns a trove of gooey pillow talk and syrupy prose. Even so, Evans has made impressive strides as a writer since his debut novel, The Horse Whisperer, and his storytelling has reached a noticeably new level of sophistication: the plot is tight, the characterization is realistic, and the dialogue is crisp. --Rebekah Warren --
reviewed The Loop on + 11 more book reviews
A pack of wolves makes a sudden savage return to the Rocky Mountain ranching town of Hope, Montana, where a century earlier they were slaughtered by the thousands. Biologist Helen Ross has come to Hope from the East, fleeing a life in shambles, determined to save the wolves from those who seek to destroy them. But an ancient hatred awaits her in Hope, a hatred that will tear a family and ultimately the community apart. And soon Helen is at the center of the storm, by loving the wrong man, by defying the wrong man...by daring to lead a town out of the violent darkness of its past.
Susanaque avatar reviewed The Loop on + 422 more book reviews
A good memorable book...another winner from Nicholas Evans.
reviewed The Loop on
This book is written from the author that wrote "The Horse Whisperer". A pack of wolves make a sudden savage return to the Rocky Mountain ranching town of Hope, Montana, where a century earlier they were slaughtered by the thousands. Biologist Helen Ross has come to Hope from the East, fleeing a life in shambles, determined to save the wolves from those who seek to destroy them. But an ancient hatred awaits her in Hope, a hatred that will tear a family and ultimately a community apart. And soon Helen is at the center of the storm, by loving the wrong man, by defying the wrong man...by daring to lead a town out of the violent darkness of its past....
reviewed The Loop on + 24 more book reviews
a good fast read.
reviewed The Loop on + 39 more book reviews
Excellent story...especially meaningful to those of us who are over 50!
Cageme avatar reviewed The Loop on + 258 more book reviews
Loved this one. Found out about the LOOP near the end of this story. Conscience and conflict throughout this drama of what our rights are in ecological responsibilities. Wolves and families. Nicholas Evans is one of my favorites.
Harleygirl avatar reviewed The Loop on + 248 more book reviews
Must read by Nicholas Evans
reviewed The Loop on + 158 more book reviews
Helen Ross, a 29-year-old biologist, is sent to a sleepy Rocky Mountain ranching town to defend a pack of wolves from those who want to destroy them.

from the author of The Horse Whisperer
reviewed The Loop on + 53 more book reviews
Good book, in which the lead female character finds herself.
reviewed The Loop on + 48 more book reviews
From the front cover: "Gripping, big drama in Big Sky country...The Loop ropes a reader in." --People
boomerbooklover avatar reviewed The Loop on + 441 more book reviews
Good story about ranchers and wolves.
reviewed The Loop on + 504 more book reviews
Wonderful insite into wolves / great storyline / stupendous mystery thriller
nomi avatar reviewed The Loop on + 31 more book reviews
A biologist comes to Montana to save wolves, and becomes the center of controversy in a small community by loving the wrong man, by defying the wrong man.
reviewed The Loop on + 15 more book reviews
Not only an interesting books about wolves, but also about families, love, and death. Easy read - very enjoyable!
reviewed The Loop on + 34 more book reviews
Great Author
reviewed The Loop on + 247 more book reviews
This book was very enjoyable. An excellent read..
LaurieS avatar reviewed The Loop on + 504 more book reviews
This book is registered at bookcrossing.com and has bookcrossing labels on it. If you request this book I'd be thrilled if you'd do a quickie journal entry when you receive the book.

This story is abridged on 4 cassettes and tackles the plight of wild wolves and their deadly extermination by rich, greedy humans and makes one feel sick about the lack of compassion inherent in far too many people. I had issues getting thru this book because of the descriptive acts of cruelty to wolves and dogs and don't wish to revisit it.
reviewed The Loop on + 13 more book reviews
EXCELLENT READ. COULDN'T PUT THE BOOK DOWN
Sandee60 avatar reviewed The Loop on + 33 more book reviews
Good book
reviewed The Loop on + 130 more book reviews
A pack of wolves makes a sudden savage return to the Rocky Mountain ranching town of Hope, Montana, where a century earlier they were slaughtered by the thousands. Now shielded by law as an endangered species, they reawaken an ancient hatred that will tear a family, and ultimately the town, apart. At the center of the storm is Helen Ross, a twenty-nine-year-old wolf biologist sent alone into this remote and hostile place to protect the wolves from those who seek to destroy them. The Loop charts her struggle, and her dangerous love affair with the son of her most powerful opponent, the brutal and charismatic rancher Buck Calder.
reviewed The Loop on + 33 more book reviews
A pack of wolves have returned to Hope. Helen wants to save them. An ancient hatred awaits. One that will tear family and the community apart.