Brad Thor is the bomb! Every time I read one of his novels I get all excited and happy. I guess its probably that the good guy (Scot Harvath) always ...moreBrad Thor is the bomb! Every time I read one of his novels I get all excited and happy. I guess its probably that the good guy (Scot Harvath) always walks away having done damage to the bad guys (usually terrorists of some ilk). However you cut it, if you feel like you are a patriotic American, then you'll love Brad Thor's books in general and this one in particular.
In this particular novel, Thor mixes a more mature and complex Harvath with both a number of new characters as well as several of his better ones from previous books. What made "The Last Patriot" extra special for me was the intertwining of a heavy dose of Jeffersonian history throughout the story. As any of you who follow all my reviews, you know I have a love for almost anything dealing with early American history. And the genius of Thomas Jefferson lends itself incredibly well to the creative mind of Brad Thor.
So that's all you get from me since I hate reviews that have spoilers. In short, this is a great read and it will keep you turning pages well into hours when you should be doing something else far less entertaining.(less)
If Goodreads offered us a half point system, this book would get a three and a half star rating from me. I loved the story and the action parts of th...moreIf Goodreads offered us a half point system, this book would get a three and a half star rating from me. I loved the story and the action parts of the book, so for those aspects the book gets a solid four stars. But Stephenson has a nagging habit of occasionally getting bogged down with gratuitous, descriptive rhetoric and for those parts of the book it gets barely a three star accordance. But as I said, I really enjoyed the story itself, primarily because it is contemporary.
The basic story line combines a variety of themes; gaming, terrorism, the world is flat, survivalists, international intrigue, and family. Odd bedfellows ahhh yes, but somehow Stephenson makes their confluence work in both grandiose and minute ways. From Iowa, to Idaho, to British Columbia, to Europe, to China, to the Phillipines, the story meanders, bolts, sidesteps, circles, slides, and stumbles.
Stephenson's primary strength is his talent for making his characters human, believable, and acceptable to us, the readers. From the first chapter, the reader is slowly drawn into a study of human interaction on a wide variety of levels entwined with a terrific story that could be (and probably is) happening even as you read this.
Oh yeah, of course there's some writers license that's sprinkled throughout the book. I'm not sure that you can have a really fast paced novel of this type without some scenes that, when taken at face value, are just not plausible when put into a context of the real world. But overall, the author does connect with the reader on a visceral level when it comes to interpersonal relationships and our inner feelings about fairness, honesty, passion, and heartfelt feelings.
So, enough of my opinion. If you want a "thick" book and a story you can sink your teeth into, then give Reamde a try. It is NOT a Pulitzer, but it IS fun and interesting, and a little different.
The great thing about books on D is that you can still "read" while you drive. Such is the case with A Study In Scarlett which I "read...moreThe great thing about books on D is that you can still "read" while you drive. Such is the case with A Study In Scarlett which I "read" during my recent eight hour drive to Indianapolis. As with most of the topics I choose to read while driving, this book is certainly fast paced, fun, and interesting.
You might remember that this is the book in which Dr. Watson (the actual narrator of the story) and Sherlock Holmes are first introduced to one another. We are all familiar with their long standing relationship but I'm not sure that I ever really understood how they came to know one another. This story begins with unveiling that mystery for anyone (like me) who didn't know or remember that aspect.
Yet another interesting twist to this particular story is the formula which Doyle uses for structuring the story. Most unusual in my experience. It is basically in two parts, the first of which is (as I mentioned above) a story of how Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson first meet which then transitions seamlessly into their first case. What makes the formula so unusual is that the murderer is actually identified and caught by the end of part one of the book. Then part two takes you around the world to entirely foreign and unconnected environs to then give you the entire back story which neatly answers all the questions that you just thought were going to leave you hanging at the end of part one.
Deftly done and concise in both writing and pace, this is an exceptional read if you are in the mood for a brief dalliance away from something deeper and more serious. This mystery does not disappoint on any level!(less)
As you who follow my reviews know, I am generally a Stewart Woods fan. Not all of his books are fantastic but they ARE all fun to read. Strategic Mo...moreAs you who follow my reviews know, I am generally a Stewart Woods fan. Not all of his books are fantastic but they ARE all fun to read. Strategic Moves was one of the best Woods books I have read in recent memory.
In this particular story Woods uses all of his standard characters and makes them work together in a very plausible and effective way. The bad guys are bad guys and the good ones are good. This particular story line, while typically simplistic and straightforward, puts into play several current affairs types of subjects (international intrigue, the Moussad, and illegal arms trafficking) lightly tossed together with the traditional Woods themes of Knob Creek bourbon, sex, airplanes, and fancy automobiles.
In the end, this is just another interim read between more serious weighty and complex writings. Nevertheless, its a fun read and it will supply you with a few hours of relaxation and enjoyment.(less)
I had been reading a non-fiction book called The Savage War of Peace and the author kept referencing Camus' fiction work The Stranger. I remember read...moreI had been reading a non-fiction book called The Savage War of Peace and the author kept referencing Camus' fiction work The Stranger. I remember reading it in college but hand not thought of the book since. Having read a portion of the non-fiction work which heavily described the pied noir, of which Camus was one, made reading The Stranger both enjoyable and illuminating.
The book itself is exquisite and Camus' writing poetic. But the insight this book gives its readers into the temperament and attitudes of the upper class in Algeria post WWII is wonderful. I am sure this might all be a little esoteric for some but truly, Camus' writing is worth the short (124 pages) read if for no other purpose than sheer enjoyment of his writing style.
The newest translation is much easier to read than the original one. (less)
Every once in a while you get really lucky in the reading of a book. That luck is infrequently amplified when it isn't even a book you had wanted to r...moreEvery once in a while you get really lucky in the reading of a book. That luck is infrequently amplified when it isn't even a book you had wanted to read. Such is the case with "The Other Wes Moore".
Our youngest daughter is headed off to college in about two weeks. After she made her decision about which school she would attend and then was accepted, the university sent out what they call their "summer read", a book each freshman is expected to read prior to arriving on campus. That book (of course) was "The Other Wes Moore". And (of course), being a father who likes to stay on top of what's happening in our daughters lives, I decided to read it myself.
And that's where the serendipity of that decision turned into one of the best reads I have had in a couple of years. This book is a book that everyone should read. It's about how the decisions we make every day help to direct and ultimately mold our lives. Sometimes we make good choices and at other times we make horrible ones. But the point of the book is that they are truly OUR decisions.
While not an award winning author, Wes Moore captures his readers from the first chapter and keeps you plugged in throughout the recanting of the lives of the two Wes Moore's. A unique combination of biography, history, autobiography, sociology, and psychology, this book will make you look at yourself and others differently.(less)
This is the second in the John Rain series of thrillers and it is a good one. The premise is a little different than your average mystery thriller bu...moreThis is the second in the John Rain series of thrillers and it is a good one. The premise is a little different than your average mystery thriller but you'll have to read one of the series to find out what that difference is. All you need to know is that this is another one of those excellent airport/beach/ski weekend books.
A better than average Woods book. A few extra turns and characters than usual which makes this one a half star better than my normal 3 star Woods rat...moreA better than average Woods book. A few extra turns and characters than usual which makes this one a half star better than my normal 3 star Woods rating.(less)
I REALLY liked this book on a number of levels. Books don't usually "surprise" me and that is particularly true with fiction. As you might ...moreI REALLY liked this book on a number of levels. Books don't usually "surprise" me and that is particularly true with fiction. As you might imagine from that preface, this one did.
Even though this book was greatly anticipated prior to it's publication, unlike so many that fall into that category, The Lost Symbol lives up to the advance expectation. I personally hate spoilers in reviews like this and it is particularly difficult with a writer like Dan Brown who takes pride in the element of surprise.
But before you run out and acquire this book, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Are you interested in science? 2. Do you like a mystery that keeps having layer after layer revealed? 3. Is a little American history something that you can handle? 4. Have you ever spent any time thinking about what MIGHT be possible? 5. Are you interested in learning more about our nations capital? 6. Did you like Dan Brown's previous books?
If you answered "no" to any of the above, then I recommend you take a pass on this book and move on. But, if you answered "yes" to all of the above questions, there is no question in my mind that you will find The Lost Symbol a fantastic read! Enjoy. (less)
My eldest turned me onto this first of a series thriller over the Christmas holidays and I'm glad she did. Eisler is a soulful writer who takes his re...moreMy eldest turned me onto this first of a series thriller over the Christmas holidays and I'm glad she did. Eisler is a soulful writer who takes his readers on an emotional roller coaster in this introduction to the primary antagonist John Rain.
As with most thrillers, this is not Pulitzer Prize or National Book Award material. Nevertheless, "Rain Fall" is a good little read and kept my interest throughout. The setting is unique as I don't recall ever reading anything from this genre that uses the Japanese-American cultural connection as the base premise. It actually works well and helped to solidify this as a series I want to continue reading just to learn more about something I know precious little about.
I can't really say much about the plot without providing spoilers which I always find irritating in a review. I will tell you that if you enjoy any or multiples of the following, you show pick this one up as an airplane, beach, cruise, fireplace read; Japanese culture, Japanese-American culture, Japanese politics, scotch, jazz, Vietnam, the CIA, or the martial arts.
I always try to read a baseball book at the beginning of each year to kind of get excited about the upcoming Spring training and baseball season. But ...moreI always try to read a baseball book at the beginning of each year to kind of get excited about the upcoming Spring training and baseball season. But honestly, this was so much more than the average "baseball book" that I hardly know where to start!
Part autobiography, part history, a little drama, lots of nostalgia, some humor, and a huge dose of good ole baseball! This book taught me a lot about real baseball player. Those guys we idolize or demonize depending on what they did on the field, but who are really just human beings like the rest of us trying to be regular people living normal lives when they are away from the ballpark. For some it's easy, for others it is out of the question.
You will learn things about players you thought you knew but really didn't know at all. You will have some myths confirmed and others unmasked. You will laugh, you will cry, you will think, and yes, on some levels you'll get angry. Why? Well this is a book about baseball for sure, but it's also a story about how extraordinarily difficult the integration of "America's Favorite Pass Time" was in the early and mid 20th century.
This is a must read on so many levels. Whether you are a baseball fan or not, this book has something for everyone who loves good writing and a good story. Whatever you may think you like to read, pick up a copy of The Boys of Summer by Roger Kahn and I promise you will find something that resonates for you.(less)
Brad Thor is the quintessential All American anti-terrorist novelist writing today. His protagonist Scot Horvath is an ex-SEAL, ex-Secret Service, go...moreBrad Thor is the quintessential All American anti-terrorist novelist writing today. His protagonist Scot Horvath is an ex-SEAL, ex-Secret Service, go gettum at any cost kind of guy who has a real anger management problem. Mix all that in the pot and throw in a healthy portion of sensitivity and respect for women, children, and honesty and you can see that Thor has created a VERY complex character who constantly is evolving as both he and the author mature.
This particular story is extremely engaging and plausible right up until the very few last pages. It is then that the author seems to have decided to short cut the detailed and involved story and get to the end about 40 pages short of the explanations I felt were needed to complete an otherwise excellent book. that criticism aside, it is still an excellent read for those of us who like to know, even from page one, that the bad guys WILL pay!
Can't wait to get to the next book in the series!(less)
As most of you who read my reviews know, I love Stuart Woods. Don't ask me to explain it because it wouldn't make any sense, I just do.
Hol...moreAs most of you who read my reviews know, I love Stuart Woods. Don't ask me to explain it because it wouldn't make any sense, I just do.
Holly Barker is one of Woods better characters and this little story does not disappoint. Twists and turns galore and a snappy little plot which has an interesting way of adding depth to some known characters while cleverly introducing some new ones.
I read this entire book on the four legs of my just finished trip to Dallas, Texas. All that is to say that this is a perfect rainy day, sit by the fireplace, or airplane trip of your own book which will allow you to escape for a while to Florida and have a little fun in the process.
My only disappointment with this book is that, for absolutely no valid reason whatsoever, Woods decides to start dropping the "F" bomb very frequently toward the end of the book. I'm not a prude but, if you read the book, I think you'll agree it was totally unnecessary. Perhaps he was having a bad week when he wrote those two or three chapters, who knows? I just hope that this isn't the beginning of a pattern for his writing.
All in all, don't get too excited about my giving the book a 4 star rating. I just love Woods books and his characters. This book is one of his better efforts though.(less)
You know, it's funny how we often forget how exceptional truly talented authors are. By that I mean those authors who can tell a story which is invent...moreYou know, it's funny how we often forget how exceptional truly talented authors are. By that I mean those authors who can tell a story which is inventive, interesting, engaging, and timeless. All too often today, we get caught up with both what I call "series work", where the author continues developing a character through a series of novels (and expects you to continue to buy the series regardless of whether he/she is able to write well), or by novels that are sensational, yet only in the context of today.
Brewster's Millions, by George Barr McCutcheon, is just one of those timeless yet beautifully written books which, even though first published in 1902, is now, and will forever be, relevant to the human condition. The premise is not so far fetched given the ever present eccentricities of human behavior and the pace of the story and the character development that McCutcheon achieves makes this a truly wonderful read.
I won't include any spoilers here but if you want a great read that will engage both your mind and your heart, then read this book. Oh, I forgot the to tell you something really terrific.......this book is in the public domain and is available for FREE on your Ipod, Iphone, or virtually any other portable device which you might own. WOW, now that makes it almost the "perfect" read...excellent story, easily found, and FREE!
I really liked this book. Having been a fan of Jeffrey Archer's books for a long time, I just picked this one up and started reading it because I didn...moreI really liked this book. Having been a fan of Jeffrey Archer's books for a long time, I just picked this one up and started reading it because I didn't really have a plan in mind for anything else at the moment. Boy was I surprised!
This book is a fictional biography of George Mallory, arguably the first human being to climb Mount Everest. And that's sort of what this story is about. But it really turns out to be oh so much more than a simple recanting of history.
Told in a fictional way and intertwined with letters from George Mallory to his wife Ruth, this is an adventure story, a mystery, fictional history, history, and a love story all craftily mixed together as only a truly gifted author can do.
So, if one of these days you are in a quandary as to what to read, skip off to the library or your favorite bookseller (or use "Whispernet" if you own a Kindle) and take a try at "Paths of Glory". You'll be rewarded with a fine story and a warm feeling in your soul.(less)
I had forgotten how much I enjoyed reading Sinclair Lewis and to renew my acquaintance was "Babbit" was purely luck on my part. But lucky I ...moreI had forgotten how much I enjoyed reading Sinclair Lewis and to renew my acquaintance was "Babbit" was purely luck on my part. But lucky I was and the result was a fantastic read and a reminder that author's don't a lot of tricks if they are really good at weiting.
For those of you who might not know "Babbit" it will not be a spoiler if I tell you this is a story about an up and coming real estate guy in a medium sized Midwestern town during the first part of the 20th century. But really, "Babbit" could have been my father or he could be me, so don't let the 90 year difference in timing keep you from picking up this book.
No, George Babbit is just a guy like any other guy. One who has lots of dreams, ego, self-doubt, drive, insecurities, and heart and like all of us dumb old men, oftentimes gets them all mixed up in his brain. He makes mistakes, he says and does things he shouldn't, but all in all he's just a guy trying to figure out what his proper place in this old world is.
So, if you want a shoot-em up or one of those twist at every turn mysteries, do NOT pick up this book to read. On the other hand, if you want to read a well written novel by one of the greatest authors of the 20th century writing beautifully about the human condition, then you should put "Babbit" next on your "to read" list.(less)
Stone Barrington yet again finds a way to mix business with pleasure and this time it's in the Florida Keys. If you know this series then I need not t...moreStone Barrington yet again finds a way to mix business with pleasure and this time it's in the Florida Keys. If you know this series then I need not tell you this is a typical Barrington mystery...light, fun, and nothing that will extend either your vocabulary or your IQ. That said, Stuart Woods characters are all just fun to read. Take this one to the beach or the pool...read it in a day, a weekend trip, or a long flight.
For those of you that have read the Barrington series, a little plug for this particular book is in order. While I like the series, I sometimes think Woods lulls you to sleep with a recurring set of characters and habits. Not so much in this edition with a variety of new faces, personalities, and habits to enjoy. It was a fun read.(less)
James W. Hall is one of my favorite "light" reads. Nothing complex here, just a good basic writer with a nice protagonist who happens to see...moreJames W. Hall is one of my favorite "light" reads. Nothing complex here, just a good basic writer with a nice protagonist who happens to see the world the way I do most of the time. A guy who wants to do the right thing (whatever that is) but isn't in search of things to do right. You either know what I mean or you don't....no worries.
In any case, Thorn and his sidekick Sugarman are into another adventure not of their choosing (sort of) and, as usual, things have not turned out quite as planned. Also as usual, over the course of the story, Hall takes his readers on a basic trip into another environmental issue in South Florida which is the typical trademark of his writing. I won't spoil it for you but it's something I didn't really know much about and am now motivated to discover more about the issue.
The typical Hall story is lightly written but quick on pace. You won't get bored. The descriptions of the natural elements of the Everglades are wonderful and, of course, Hall makes sure we understand how the factors of human strength and frailty are constantly at odds with one another with the result being that he shows us how imperfect we all are no matter how hard we try.
Summer is about to start. This is a great beach, airplane, or vacation read. Pick it up and put it down or read it in one sitting. No nightmares, guaranteed, and perhaps a simple insight or two.(less)
Another fantastic little page turner by one of my favorite mystery authors. There isn't much cerebral about Elkins other than the fat that he's a dam...moreAnother fantastic little page turner by one of my favorite mystery authors. There isn't much cerebral about Elkins other than the fat that he's a damn good writer with a sense of humor. I like his books primarily because there's precious little in them that offends me in any way and they are fun to read.
Gideon Oliver and his wife Julie are the principle characters and they once again are permitted to play off one another in a delightful plot in an exotic location. This is a great airplane or fireplace read. Have fun.(less)
This book is the first of a series. My sister in England sent the entire series to me and suggested I read them so, being the good brother that I am, ...moreThis book is the first of a series. My sister in England sent the entire series to me and suggested I read them so, being the good brother that I am, I started with #1 in the series.
Now that I have finished this first book, I can tell you I should have paid more attention to the first 200 pages. As art (paintings) is not necessarily my thing, my mind wandered as i started reading "A Season for the Dead". BIG mistake! If you choose to read this book, you should make yourself focus from the very beginning. For me, as a penalty for my slovenly approach to this book, I am now going to go back and REread the forst half of the book again.
All this is a preamble to say that this book is a really good read. As with many first books of a series, there is substantive character develop and lots of "foundation" laying for future volumes. Even so, this story has plenty of twists and turns to keep your interest AND, if you so choose to be inquisitive, you can actually learn some things about classic "art", in this case the works of Caravaggio and his influence on the new Baroque style of artistic expression.
The cover quotes say this book is "better than the DaVinci Code". I guess whether it's "better" depends on your own perspective and whether you liked the DaVinci Code in the first place. I DID and this book isn't. Nevertheless, if my personal estimation of The DaVinci Code was an 8.5, this book would get a 7.5.
In short, read it, it's great entertainment with some educational elements as sidebars.(less)
This is one of the better books I have read in recent months. Anyone who enjoys the subject of books and history should put this novel at or near the ...moreThis is one of the better books I have read in recent months. Anyone who enjoys the subject of books and history should put this novel at or near the top of your reading list.
One of the most interesting thing about this story is that even though it is fiction, the author based his novel on a real book and some of the real facts surrounding its' long and mysterious history. But, as with any great author which I believe Geraldine Brooks to be, she has taken a basic set of facts and embellished them, added a few wrinkles of her own imagination and, voila, a little piece of literary heaven is the result.
The story is simply about a book and its history, as uncovered by an antiquarian book restoration expert. But the fun of the read is that the level of detail of the history you learn along the way is fantastic and Brooks' writing is both lyrical and poetic.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. I especially recommend it to my sister Nancy who is an antiquarian book dealer extraordinaire!(less)
Elif Shafek is an extremely sensitive and poignant writer and this book is a beautiful jewel. The top level story is based in today's world, but the u...moreElif Shafek is an extremely sensitive and poignant writer and this book is a beautiful jewel. The top level story is based in today's world, but the underlying history lesson is about the history of genocide and ethnic cleansing in that region of the world.
This is not a book I would have read had I just read the back cover at Barnes and Noble. That said, I'm REALLY glad it was recommended to me by another innkeeping friend. It takes about 50 pages to get hooked into the complexities of the story line but, once hooked, I could not put this book down.
With a beautifully written story and a strong underlying history lesson, this author completes the hat-trick by showing us all about both the fragility and strengths that pass through families of all kinds around the world. Core values are core values despite differences in race, creed, or national origin.(less)
If you live in Western North Carolina, if you have ever been to a summer camp, if you have children of your own, or if you have ever been in a relatio...moreIf you live in Western North Carolina, if you have ever been to a summer camp, if you have children of your own, or if you have ever been in a relationship, then this is a MUST read book. Set in Henderson County NC and centered on life in and around a popular local summer camp , Ms. Senahi has crafted a beautiful combination of thriller and love story backed with the foundation of solid local history. This novel will not disappoint!(less)
Loading...
