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21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazon's description of this book is inaccurate, February 21, 2001
The synopsis and book review for this book are incorrect. Jeremy's mother is already dead at the opening of the book which begins with his sister fretting because Jeremy does not perform his responsibilities as the son of a recently departed widow. Jeremy's sister does not move in with him. She merely stays at the house for the duration of the funeral. Jeremy's boarders do not "bring home babies" because he is the father of those babies. Many of the other reviews posted by readers focus on how miserable the characters are. But an underlying theme seems to be the role of the artist in our society. Jeremy's mental process of artistic creation is very unique,and in contrast to what most people believe "normal" should be. Readers shouldn't dismiss the characters because they seem pathetic. Instead, they should read between the lines to see the struggles that are taking place inside the characters as they try to define their lives in terms of social relationships and artistic vision. I recommend this book to anyone who makes art or who wants to know how the process of making art is at odds with the rules society expects people to follow.
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23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
She paints a wonderful tale once again., December 13, 1998
Celestial Navigation is definitely one of my favorite books by Anne Tyler. With her extrordinary talent, she has become the master of modern contemporary writers. There is no one whose books I'd rather find myself reading than hers. Celestial Navigation is simply touching; the character of Jeremy Pauling is moving in his awkward attempt at gaining the love of the woman he so greatly admires. However, don't be fooled. Tyler's stories aren't entirely about love; they are about life and the strength needed to get past the everyday struggles that we all undoubtably face. Anne Tyler's novels are like fantastic jewels, both rare and precious. I only hope that in the remaining books I have yet to read by Tyler, that I find the joy I have found thus far.
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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Tender, lovely heartbreaking story., June 4, 2003
No...no... there must be more! I wanted to shout when I arrived at the ending of this book. I still remain under the impression of this story thinking over and again about the characters, searching for clues and trying to understand how everything about their description and evolvement has built up to such a conclusion. I am even a bit displeased with Anne Tyler of choosing to end the book in such a way. I negotiate with her in my mind but have to conclude she was right... Celestial Navigation is presented from different perspectives. Each chapter has the voice of a different person and Anne Tyler manages to give each personality its own unique tone and its special, different thoughts. Jeremy for example thinks in colors shapes and contours. He is always being "told about" and not presented in his own voice like the other women characters. Maybe because his mind is so confused that the readers, like the people surrounding him, will not be able to understand it if his "inside" was presented. The writer sort of "explains him" to us. There are no good or bad characters (well - the writer and the readers do not really appreciate Olivia but we understand her. We know where she is coming from) - all are human beings and you can understand what "makes them tick. Every character has flaws that are seen only when you look from the outside. When people think from the inside out they can think about personal faults that no one else seems to notice. Jeremy's personality is explained very well and although he is totally different you feel you know him. Mary seems to be more easy to figure out but its with her we are surprised when we learn what other people think and feel about her actions. These characters are so achingly real it hurts. These are no hot shots. We have a group of real life losers. When I say losers I mean if they are judged according to society strict rules of success and happiness. Anne Tyler however wants to tell us that happiness is not always what you see on the surface and people can sometimes know only after that they were happy. Also communication is the essence of it all and can be done in a variety of ways, as long as its done... Tender, lovely heartbreaking story.
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