Jonathan K (Max Outlier) > Recent Status Updates

Don't want to sound like a broken record but these early episodes are so superior to the later ones it's hard to put into words. His trademark of detail, back story and suspense ranks with the greatest

Another unique element is that Allon remains in the crosshairs every step of the way and of all people, Chiara is his protector. Hot on the trail of learning about a Nazi who escaped prosecution the Vatican pays a big price to remove him. Well done Mr Silva

This has to be the only mystery where high ranking members of the Vatican are involved in deceit with the exception of the Da Vinci Code. Another reason to read the earlier installments of the series

Fascinating how Silva tells the reader that a Pope would approve funds for a Bishop to use for the purpose of helping SS killers escape prosecution. Seems far fetched but knowing how thorough he researches it's possible it actually occurred!

Absolutely horrid story of how the Nazis treated the Jews via a statement made by Gabriel's deceased mother, Irene. It's hard to fathom how humans could fall to depths of evil under the rule of a tyrant like Hitler!

A solid 3 stars or a tad higher. In the acknowledgement page she thanks friends and colleagues as well as her parents who different last names. Still have no idea what drinkable squash is, lol

Anybody happen to know what a glass of squash is? While there are tons of unusual footnotes the British author assumes we know what it is. No big deal just curious. I'm guessing this is 3.5 stars or less

Overall it's somewhat entertaining but nothing special. Cute is the word that comes to mind. As debut novels go I doubt it will be a best seller, lol

This takes an appreciation for her unique perspective on life, being a woman, cooking and marriage as well as her hoaky sense of humor. There's no getting around her films are legendary. Reading this you realize many of the characters are fictionalized versions of her life. And for fans of Rosie O'Donnel you'll be happy to learn of their friendship. Short 4 star review tomorrow

Only Nora would write an essay about cabbage strudel. Guess it takes a New Yorker to appreciate things like this, though telling your life story in 3500 words is cool

Her essay about falling in love with a NY apartment is staggering especially for someone who unlike some prefers open spaces and nature to crowds and asphalt lol. Hard to imagine she was a renter having had so many successful movies. Just shows you how little outsiders know about the industry.

There are so many German names used in the story it has me wonder which are fictional though I have to think the history is factual. Regardless it's another brilliant spy episode.

As with all essay compilations some are better than others though the personal tone makes them all enjoyable. She addresses topics that are both personal and general, parenting among them. As a man, the various feminine areas are hilarious!

In the part about exercise, Nora tells us how she gets swimmers ear in the pool. Then adds, My own theory about Van Gogh is that he cut off his ear because he made the mistake of taking up swimming!

In her essay on hair, Nora says, "instead of a book I usually read fashion magazines at the salon concentrating on articles about cosmetic surgery. I once picked up a copy of Vogue while having my hair done and it cost me $20K. But you should see my teeth!

Doing a search for Nora Ephron's books has me confused since she's one of the LEAST read authors on this site. This is somewhat baffling since movies like "Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, Julie & Julia and Heartburn" are extremely popular. That said, the essays in this book are priceless; when you read them its as if she's speaking to you. I urge all women to read her books!

With both this book and The English Assassin, Silva educates the reader how both Austria and Switzerland were allies of the Nazi regime rather than neutral. While I'm not a student of the war or Holocaust, the experience is enlightening and then some

Well done. It's fun to see a photo of the author from 21 years ago.. He's got movie star looks though looks nothing like his favorite character, the art restorer

Classic spy drama. While Allon interviews Austrians he's under surveillance from a mystery spy whose identity I'm sure will become known. Great suspense from the beginning

We learn some interesting facts about Chiara and Ari Shamron in this episode. Among them the firey temper that caused Shamron the loss of his position and the fact he single handedly captured Eichman. We also find out that Chiara can out shoot Gabriel and is trained in hand to hand combat. Here she and Allon are colleagues though they appear as if they partners.

Silva's knowledge is akin to an encyclopedia. He takes the reader on journeys across the globe naming landmarks, street names and businesses though art and intelligence is his true love just as it is for Allon. These early books are immersive in ways unimaginable.

It's fun but nothing earth shattering. The author uses first person POV without ever mentioning the child's name. A journey of sorts, the child matures due to regular trips to the library

Mediocre at best. As the reader nears the end there's hope for a plot twist but unfortunately it never arrives. A guy spends two plus days at the police station writing his life story while stating it's a murder confession. lol. Avery brief 3 star review tomorrow

It's good but I still feel all the overuse high school back story diminishes reader engagement. Classic computer game startup and greed along with holding on to past disappointments resulting in the worst. Probably a 3.5 on the Richter scale

Lots of fun. The author creatively uses odd ball footnotes and quirky book titles at the end of each chapter to emphasize the life hacks element. I guess she's revisiting her childhood experience when she first began school.

Very clever and upbeat. As debut novels go it's far different from others I've read and that's a good thing!

One of the more depressing stories I've read in ages.

It's OK. Just wish the pace wasn't as slow as it is. Nearing the last act I have an idea how it's going to end

More high school memories than anything which means it's repetitive as heck

While the plot and characters are unique, I find the long winded back story used while Clark pens his confession drags the pace down. Since most authors use personal experience I can't help but think Walter is revisiting his high school years