Lehane's "Given Day"

[Jake]

This is Lehane's best book among many good ones. Its an all-American novel and true-to-life that doesn't cut corners on the terrible stuff, that is still around today, but in a different form.

[Robert]

Quite like Dennis Lehane and would agree with you. It's certainly his most ambitious book.

[Jaye Latts]

It's been a few years since I read this one and I think it was my first Lehane, but I do remember enjoying the heck out of it despite it having a lot to do with baseball! As I write this, the racism aspect is coming back to me and I remember it was very well written and compelling. I do want to read more of his books, though.

[Chris]

This book was the first of his I read and still the most enjoyed. Happy that I found his stuff out.

[Lisa]

I probably read 150 books in 2013 - this was my second favorite book of the year! Absolutely loved the ending - it had a "Shawshank Redemption" kind of feel for me.

Despite the fact that I don't like baseball and am not that interested in history, I adored this book!

I also highly recommend the "sort of sequel" - "Live by Night."

Lisa

[Paul]

If you haven't read it yet, 'Live by Night' does not disappoint either, definitely would recommend it as well.

[Jake]

Thanks for the "Live by Night" tips!

[Zachary]

I may need to reread this one. Ambitious book, but fell a bit flat for me. I much preferred Darkness, Take my Hand and Mystic River.

[Chris]

I don't think "Live by Night" was AS good but it was pretty cool.

[Paul]

I would have to say "The Given Day" and "Mystic River" are his best. I also like the Kenzie and Gennaro series books, but the earlier ones are better. Authors in general tend to grow too fond of their characters in series novels.

"Mystic River" was also an excellent movie. Many screen adaptations ("Lincoln Lawyer", "Jack Reacher") fall well short (no pun intended, Tom Cruise) of their mark.

[Rapidio]

BY far the best of Lehane, a trip through time. And how can anyone begrudge the baseball.