The Hunt for Red October question

Truthfully, starting at the beginning may take longer but the relationships between the characters are more interesting when you understand their history. I would start at the beginning personally.

I agree with John. Especially if you really and truly want to know the evolution of the character and his friends and enemies.

Now having said that, in deference to your wish, there actually is another way. You might want to consider the 2nd child of the first Jack Ryan. The son is called "Jack Ryan Jr". His storyline isn't that advanced over that many books but hooking you nonetheless. His story starts from The Teeth of the Tiger Extremely relevant to current events.

For the sake of GOD and everything holy, do NOT go by the butchered Ryan Hollywood projected. Both the 1st Ryan of Harrison Ford and the 2nd Ryan of Chris Pine. Both were equally screwed up by Hollywood.

In all honesty though, Chris Pine did show potential that he could make real Jack Jr if there was a competent director willing to stick to the books. To a lesser degree Alec Baldwin quite accurately portrayed the timid, unsure ex marine turned history professor turned CIA analyst Ryan. They royally screwed the proverbial pooch with Ford.

I've read all through Executive Orders (#9) and if you don't want to read them all; here's what I would read:
Without Remorse (My favorite, by far; and can be read first)
The Hunt Red October (then watch the movie)
The Sum of all Fears (then skip the movie)
Don't bother with Cardinal of the Krimlin

Gail wrote: "I would like to read the Jack Ryan series but I don't really want to go all the way back to The Hunt for Red October or Patriot Games, it will take to long to get caught up. I'm wondering if there ..."

I would still start with the hunt for Red October simply because it’s the best IMO. The recent books were authored or coauthored but other writers.

I agree with Rick I have not read them all, but Without Remorse is by far my most favorite. Great character development, and much less "tech talk". The only drawback (if you are looking for a "typical" Jack Ryan book, is that Jack is not the main character in the book (Clark is). Excellent, excellent book!

The Hunt for Red October was my vote for top 100 books of all time.