Never Go Back: A Jack Reacher Novel
I can't finish this book. I just don't care about the character. His smart ass attitude has worn thin. 25% of the way into this book and nothing's happening. No cliff hangers, no deep mysteries. Just Reacher being pissy. And by Reacher I mean the unfortunate image of Tom Cruise which is now stuck in my head.
White Fire (Pendergast)
Another great installment. Centering more on Corrie than on Pendergast, perhaps a foreshadowing? Or just setup for a spin off? No spoilers here. Nicely woven story lines pulling in some historical fiction and characters from across the pond.
One Foot in Eden: A Novel
Another amazing story by one of the greatest writers of our time. His ability to capture the vernacular, cadence, and nuances of Appalachian culture is unsurpassed. Brilliantly told story of 5 people searching for something and finding something far different. Read this book.
Spirit of Steamboat: A Walt Longmire Story (Walt Longmire Mysteries)
wow, not the typical Walt Longmire story but what a ride. Amazing.
Serena: A Novel
Simply one of the best books I have ever read. True master of language and character.
Doctor Sleep: A Novel
What a wild and amazing ride. I didn't want to put it down. I think I missed several meals because of this book. If your clearest memory is of the Stanley Kubric film, reread The Shining. If, and you poor soul if it is, you last saw the Stephen Weber version, you can proceed. No since in reading another horror book for a while because it won't compare.
Discretion
When I saw a request by David Balzarini to review his new book Discretion, I jumped at it. Not because I had read the premise of the story, but I just happened to be between books and something drew me to request to review. How odd, considering this book is about forces beyond our control affecting our everyday life. If there was a picture on Wikipedia (since the dictionary isn't relevant anymore) for 'conflicted' it would be the cover of this book.
I normally don't read first person stories as I find it difficult to get into the character, it comes across as autobiographical or egotistical to me for some reason. In this instance, it fits the narrative perfectly. It's easier to identify with the storyteller because so much revolves inside his head.
I'm not religious by any means, and you don't have to be to grab ahold of the influences driving this narrative. Religion, while inferred, is not a focal point here. Man's struggle to do what's right when faced with an obfuscated and overwhelming force to do wrong is the underlying theme.
Whether you believe in Angels and Demons, or not, you can appreciate the difficulties involved in being pushed by something you feel is good or right.
Without creating any spoilers, I'll say this is a magnificently written story. It borders on believable, which is what draws you in so far. This is like Stephen King at his (briefest) and best. A gripping read that leaves you thinking, 'well perhaps that could happen' at the end.
It's a story about inner conflict, plain and simple. Love lost, and re-found. Holding on to your ideals in the face of moral collapse. Believing in right, and finding out that it isn't. Evil disguised as beneficial.
It's a page turner, as most good books are, keeping you enthralled with the ambiguity of forces directing the story towards its conclusion.
Joyland
10 pages from the end I was ready to blast this book for lack of a strong creepiness factor that we come to expect from Stephen King. But then I kept reading. And he tied it together with such humanity and realism that I was blown away. Not creepy, not scary, just an incredible story about people you can almost touch. Hollywood star away from this one, you'll never get it right.
A Chain of Thunder: A Novel of the Siege of Vicksburg
I'm a history buff, and I hate the civil war, except when I read Jeff Shaara's books. All the back story, participant interactions, triumphs and pitfalls, and no complex mind numbing battle sequences. Thank you for bringing these people's story to light.
Hidden Order
good solid 4 stars, good action, and a really good plot. Seems like a farewell novel for Harveth though.
The Cold Dish: A Walt Longmire Mystery (Walt Longmire Mysteries)
Wow, great writing. This is the first of his books I have read. Can't believe how different from the TV series this was. Craig Johnson writes like I think so this was a very personal reading experience for me. Can't wait to get into the rest of the series.
