Been a while since we had a book thread. Just thought I would check in and see if anyone has come accross some must reads.
I literally just finished Vince Flynn’s “Extreme Measures” like five minutes ago. Very good read. If you haven’t read Vince Flyn, do. It was my first by him, and I have two more waiting. Recently, I read “Impact” by Douglas Preston. It was ok. Been powering my way through A bunch of James Patterson. “I Alex Cross” was my last, and “Cross Fire”. Both were great. I’m about halfway through Alex Cross’s Trial. It’s not to bad. And, waiting for me my next trip to Ohio in July, I have “One Second After”.
What’s everyone else up to?
Just got done reading The Poisoner’s Handbook - really good historical look in the founding of forensic toxicology in NYC. Really hammers home how dangerous prohibition was due to methyl alcohol poisoning.
Also read Moonlight Mile which is a sort of follow up to Gone Baby Gone.
Master of Shadows: The Secret Diplomatic Career of the Painter Peter Paul Rubens (Amazon.com) has been excellent. Also currently reading Gregory of Tours’ “History of the Franks.”
I find that the audible versions are a little more fun, and, at least with the discworld series, it gets much better in the later books. The characters really come alive as he gets to know them better.
The book that got Yes to write and record Tales from Topographic Oceans…
I’m reading through the very early (and thus public domain) Wodehouse novels lately. Finished “Love Among the Chickens” and now halfway through “A Damsel in Distress”. One of the very best English wordsmiths.
Between studying for BJCP exam and the family I hadn’t had a chance to read anything for fun in a while till recently. I read “One Second After” sometime last year and really enjoyed it. I’ll make notes of all the books in this thread and take a look at them, it’s hard to find good books that hold my interest.
Replay by Ken Grimwood
We Almost Lost Detroit by John Fuller
Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas by Tom Robbins
Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson
Waiting for Girl who kicked the hornet’s nest in the library hold queue
Star Island was pretty good. I definitely feel like it was a step up from the last few in that elements of the book have clearly stuck around in my brain better than the earlier ones.
I’m also reading this book, which is pretty damn interesting:
I liked it OK too. I like the whole Florida Wacko genre. He should bring Skink back.
So then I read Karen Russell’s Swamplandia and enjoyed it until about half way through then did not enjoy the second half.
Have you read any of Tim Dorsey’s or Paul Levine’s Florida wacko books? Good stuff!
Skink inspired me to tie myself to the center span at the top of the Card Sound Bridge when Hurricane Charley blew through. Unfortunately Charley blew through Cayo Costa instead… ;D
I’ve always been drawn more to the Travis McGee side of “Florida” novels. For a while that meant James W. Hall and Randy Wayne White. I always preferred RWW and Doc Ford over Hall’s Thorn, but lately both have been wearing thin. Shame too cause I loved the early novels
Yes to Tim Dorsey, no to Paul Levine so far.
That reminds me of the time I was hitch-hiking across the country and thought it would be cool to see a hurricane, so I went to Galveston. Fortunately the hurricane went to Corpus Cristi. That was Celia. In 1970. I could be part of the Florida Wacko genre.