content: I have been a fan of Tom Clancy since the 'Hunt for Red Ocotber' and 'Red Storm Rising', which I have read numerous times. Actually, I have reread every 'Jack Ryan' Tom Clancy book that I have bought or checked out from the library. I even took the time to reread Executive Orders for the third time before reading 'The Bear and the Dragon'. At least the third reading of 'Executive Orders' kept me on the edge of my seat. I ususally read one of Clancy's tomes in a few days.The first 300 pages of 'The Bear and the Dragon' took me over one week to read. This title never grabbed my attention at all. It must have taken me six weeks to read this novel.I would not rush out to buy this book. This is one that I feel I should have checked out from the public library; and not have added it to my personal libray.