New: Noir read of the month

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Yesterday I had a message from one of our members who suggested that we read a novel by David Goodis. I would like to extend that one-time read into something new here, aimed at the more hardcore readers in the group who are fans of noir.

I'd like to make this a monthly feature. If you're up for it, and this is something you'd like to do, each month someone different could suggest a title and lead a discussion on the noir book of his or her choice.

For our first outing, Sawyer has decided on David Goodis' book Nightfall (description below). If you are interested, and want to read along, the more the merrier. It is easily available in print form, but sorry, e-reader people, ... I don't see a kindle version. I'd really like to see this monthly read succeed -- there are so many good noir novels out there that get overlooked in favor of contemporary ones.

--
" Jim Vanning has an identity crisis. Is he an innocent artist who just happens to have some very dangerous people interested in him? Or is he a killer on the lam from his last murder—with a satchel worth over $300,000 in tow?

Relentlessly focused, Nightfall may be David Goodis’ most accomplished novel. It is a fiendishly constructed maze, filled with unpredictable pitfalls and human predators whose authenticity only makes them more terrifying."

[Skye]

This sounds wonderful; I think your idea is great for many reasons--I am nearly finished Double Indemnity ( I know it's very short), but it has given me a different perspective because it IS different.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Skye wrote: "This sounds wonderful; I think your idea is great for many reasons--I am nearly finished Double Indemnity ( I know it's very short), but it has given me a different perspective because it IS differ..."

Exactly. No,fluff, no cutesy. Right up my alley.

[Skye]

Yes, to the point, read between the lines, straightforward and basically very simply ghastly; in cold blood, but very understated.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Skye wrote: "Yes, to the point, read between the lines, straightforward and basically very simply ghastly; in cold blood, but very understated."

I love noir and dark fiction of any kind. However, as in the case of the book I devoted two weeks of my life to in December, too much dark is depressing. I have to sort of balance things out so I don't get too down.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Skye wrote: "Yes, to the point, read between the lines, straightforward and basically very simply ghastly; in cold blood, but very understated."

You are meant for noir. You get it.

[Skye]

:)

[Franky]

Just got through reading Nightfall awhile back and loved it. I've been on sort of Goodis kick lately after reading Nightmare Alley last year. I'm in for this. Would love to reread it :)

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Franky wrote: "Just got through reading Nightfall awhile back and loved it. I've been on sort of Goodis kick lately after reading Nightmare Alley last year. I'm in for this. Would love to reread it :)"

I've already set up a thread, and ordered my copy. We now have three readers. YAY

[Jan C]

Just went looking for this. Library has it but it is checked out. Sold out at Powell's. These are good signs. Soon as I locate a copy, I'll be glad to join you.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Jan C wrote: "Just went looking for this. Library has it but it is checked out. Sold out at Powell's. These are good signs. Soon as I locate a copy, I'll be glad to join you."

Amazon has plenty of used copies.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

That's 4! We're off to a good start.

[Sawyer]

Thank you, Nancy, for letting me choose the first book. I am psyched to read Nightfall and look forward to contributing to an active discussion.

For those on a budget or who can't find it, it is actually available as an ebook on truly-free.org. FYI, my rule is that I will only download books from there if they'd be available with plenty of wear in any local library. Nightfall qualifies.

Happy New Year, everyone!

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Even better.

[Skye]

I would like to read it, too, but I have so many books and I am so very behind with reading. Now that I am feeling under the weather, I will have time to read and hopefully stay awake. I think I like noir. I do know I love film noir.

[Arlene]

and

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

We just finished The Big Clock; we start Nightmare Alley on 4/15. Scroll down to find the thread for noir read of the month #4.

[Jan C]

That is one movie I have never forgotten.

I got the book on Kindle and just started yesterday. Of course there is another long introduction. Hopefully it doesn't give too much away.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

For people reading Nightmare Ally, please use the specific "noir read of the month #4" thread.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Alley. I'm a moron.

[Skye]

I think I will pass on this one; trying to catch up on other books; missed The Big Clock, too, which sounded wonderful.

[Helena]

Oh wow I can't believe I missed this whole "noir of the month" thread. Great idea. I love noir and I'll try and join in starting next month.

[Arlene]

Does anyone know what is the next months read?

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

Not yet, Arlene.i'll definitely let you know in plenty of time.

[Arlene]

Thank you Nancy.

[Nancy, Co-Moderator]

All right. We're going to read Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith for May/June. Let's get some good discussion going!