" Well, I have been meaning to read this book for many years now. I have seen the movie countless times; it is one of my favorites. I felt it only sensible to read the origin of a story that has become a cult phenomenon. Who knows how I would have judged this novel had I read it BEFORE I watched the movie 100 times. But that didn't happen so instead I am judging this novel, its characters, its plot fluidity and development and its execution against a Spielberg movie. That being said, this book gets only two stars. Benchley's writing is some of the most meticulous writing I have ever read. When it comes to shark attacks, it is quite gripping. In everything else, it is more of a nuisance. The movie/book discrepancy that bothered me the most (more than the fact that Matt Hooper was unlikable and killed off and Quint was sadistic for no other reason than money) was Ellen Brody. In the film, she is a strong, smart, capable woman who supports her husband and is a source of strength for him. In the novel, she is whiny, obnoxious, and ultimately unfaithful to her husband. It is a no-brainer that movies are simpler and less detailed than novels. Most of the time, that is why we usually like the book more than the movie. But in the case of the most famous killer shark, I think less is more. "
— Jeanette, 1/31/2014