Can't put down Books

[Bru]

Authors can run hot and cold. Its tough sometimes when you are writing your 12th book in a series and you're struggling with a protagonist with a set personality that you can't deviate from because of the fans. This is why I believe authors many times create a second series so that they can better flex their imaginations.

Anyway, I'd like to make this thread about single books rather than an Author. Try like crazy not to recommend every book that you have read recently. We are looking for the cream of the crop here! The book can be part of a series or a stand alone novel.

Give us the Pros and Cons and why you recommend it!

[Bru]

I'd like to recommend "The Highway" by CJ Box. If Hollywood doesn't grab this one I'll be very surprised!

The book is part of a new series CJ Box created that started with "Back of Beyond." This is not a "Joe Pickett" novel.

As odd as it might be, I would recommend reading the two books out of order. That way you'll get more out of the first when you go back and read it.

What's it about: CJ Box likes to take average people and give them a solid foundation in ethics. He then drops them in the middle of life and watches how they struggle with non black and white situations. In "The Highway" you have a new take on the classic Clarice Starling vs. the police dept and a couple of very nasty serial killers. The author will hold you on the edge of "something bad is going to happen" right through the whole book. Can't wait for the next installment!

Pros: I haven't read a book recently that so perfectly demonstrated an author's command of character development and plot. This book is pure zen. When you finish reading it... if you stop for a moment... and consider the perfect circle that has been created, it is almost like prose. There is not one word wasted.

Cons: You just have to struggle through the first couple of pages before you get hooked. Believe me when I say everything is there for a very good reason!

Cheers!Enjoy! ...and let me know what you think.

[Bru]

I've got another one. Let me qualify this first. This book is for anyone that has ever commanded a mission and had to put up with the bs that has come out of Command and Control. This book is funny, exciting, incredibly realistic, and probably the best book I will read this year.

It's called "The Martian" and its about an extremely brilliant and resourceful botanist that gets stranded on Mars after his crew leaves under duress while thinking he is dead. There is nothing Sci-Fi here (Think Apollo 13). It is all about science, survival and the indomitable will to live. This is Porn for Engineers and Geeks. Truely a can't put down book for any guy who doesn't normally read fiction.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

[Pierre]

Thanks!! I will look it up

[Bru]

Just finished "Sniper's Honor" by Stephen Hunter. Another Bobby Lee Swagger novel. Superb is all I can say. It brought me back to those old WWII Hollywood movies like Von Ryan's Express, or "Where Eagles Dare." ...You know, back when Men were Men, and not karate kicking children trying to look like men.

Definitely worth a read if you're into "Bob the Nailer"... a grumpy approx. 68 year old guy who could kick all our butts combined!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

[Rob]

I Am Pilgrim is fantastic. it had me hooked from the start and I couldn't put it down/turn my kindle off. If you fancy reading it I'd clear your schedule before starting it

[Bru]

Rob, that does look good!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

Currently reading John Sandford's "Deadline", a Virgil Flowers novel ( https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... ). The usual great humor and realistic plot. I had "The Big Finish" by James Hall ( https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... ) up next for the conclusion of the Thorn series, BUT, I think I'm going to slide your suggestion in next. Thanks!