2020 | rnhope

2020 - New goals, new books, new authors... (53 so far)

Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen - last book of the year shoots to the top of the list! Finished this one on 12/29, a Christmas present from Lori. Another wacky story of Florida with current references to Covid (although the story is placed in a post-Covid period) and to our esteemed President; he is never mentioned by name but 100% Donald Trump, who the Secret Service has nicknamed 'Mastadon' (the first lady is 'Mockingbird'). Side points of the Florida White House - Casa Boca, tanning beds, weight issues, etc. In spite of his political bias the writing is pure fun... highly recommended.
The Deserter by Nelson & Alex DeMille - DeMille has been consistently one of my favorite authors (along with Silva, Hiaasen, Stone, Zafon). Good action adventure based in Venezuela (which sounds like a terrible place to live, work or visit). I'm always skeptical when an author brings in a child as co-author, ala Clive Cussler or Tom Clancy, but this was as good or better than his solo work.
Flashman and the Dragon by George MacDonald Fraser - my second Flashman book and no disappointment or regurgitation from the first. Excellent history on a subject I was blind to... the Taiping Revolution in the 1850-60s China (30-50 million dead). A horrible time with horrible people that makes our own civil war look like a tea party. Well researched and footnoted. Wonderful book.
Heroes by Stephen Fry - a truly captivating retelling of the age of Greek mythology with heroes and immortals such as Jason, Heracles, Theseus as well as lesser known gods/demigods such as Atalanta, Oedipus, Orpheus. Very interesting, very engaging. I had no idea of the extent of mythology with generation after generation and extensive family trees. Told by Stephen Fry the characters come to life.
The Bone Tree by Greg Iles - a very long but engaging book set in Natches/New Orleans. Very interesting story exploring a dark side of Southern law and order with themes ranging from KKK to a very intriguing take on the Kennedy and MLK assassinations. A mix of the old South and the new, still tainted by bigotry and greed. Good enough that I'll find another by this author.
The Last Cato by Matilde Asensi - first book by this Spanish author that has been translated into English. A well written story of history and religion as told through the map that is Dante's Divine Comedy. Regular references to Dante's text led the three protagonists on their travel through Rome, Turkey, Ethiopia and more. It finished in a rather fantastic world of Paradisio but that didn't detract from the good writing.
A Darker Sea by James L Haley - something about seafaring tales draws me. This one a story of the lead up and beginning of the War of 1812 and the Atlantic fleet action. A very pleasant read along the lines of Horatio Hornblower... a young naval officer leaving behind farm and family as a nation calls him to duty. Fun and interesting terminology of the ships.
Persuaders by Lee Child - I don't want to like the Jack Reacher novels but i can't help myself. This is another and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Always a big, tough guy that finds a woman to captivate with his brutal charm.
Feast Day of Fools by James Lee Burke - life at the Texas Mexico border in current day. Enjoyed the main character, an older sheriff and his interaction with his young, female deputy. A story that touches on all sorts of border folks, from Mexicans crossing over, to those sheltering the illegals, trying to catch the illegals
The Kill Artist by Daniel Silva - Silva remains my favorite of all authors and his stories of Israel's "Office" and the part-time art restorer and agent are consistently top-notch.
Standing in Another Man's Grave by Ian Rankin - Edinburgh author.. a good story told through a semi-retired police detective. Felt like a genuinely believable character and story. I'll read him again if I happen upon another of his novels. I like the Edinburgh location.
Ragtime by EL Doctorow - an unassuming little book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Story of a family in early 20th century with all sorts of issues. The book touches on and connects with folks such as Henry Ford, Emma Goldman, Harry Houdini, JP Morgan, Sigmund Freud, and others. It turns out that Ragtime has made the list top 100 novels of the 20th Century. Who knew?
The Lost Book of the Grail by Charlie Lovett - a fun book with so many subjects I enjoy - book collecting, history, religion, awkward love. Story alternates between history of church and current plot line. Very enjoyable read.
Good Blood by Aaron Elkins - most enjoyable book by a local, Port Angeles, author with a story in Italy. Brought back memories of our trips to Italy and reinforced desire to return. Story of a couple of Americans getting involved in a family's intrigue.
Fever Dream & Cold Vengence by Preston & Child - two books in the 'Helen' series of Pendergast novels. A bit fantastic and well shy of literature, but I enjoyed both books and will seek out the 3rd in the series. A tale of FBI agent Pendergast and NYC det. D'Agosta bouncing between Africa, New Orleans, and NYC. Keeps your attention.
The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak - a very enjoyable book set in Istanbul (I like reading novels based in cities we've visited). A good mix of literature, philosophy, politics, religion and family with a presentation of the Armenian purge by the Turks. A solid recommendation.
The Age of Reason Thomas Paine - a fascinating look at religion and the Bible by this 18th Century author of Common Sense. A cool reference and base for deists.
Paradise Alley by Kevin Baker - a wonderful book affording a glimpse into our history that i would have never, ever thought about. The story is based in NYC at the time of the Civil War and the effects of the draft on the predominate Irish population. Who knew that there was a draft, that it was so controversial, that rioting resulted, that you could purchase exemption, that very strong prejudice and anger against northern blacks existed; to the point of blaming blacks for the war and expressing that anger in open hostility? I really enjoyed this book for how it opened my eyes to a history that never saw slightest mention in my education.
White Fire by Preston & Child - another of the authors' mysteries with FBI super-agent Pendergast. Don't know why I enjoy this series of books but I do. This one a curious story of poisoning, arson, and Conan Doyle. Too fantastic to bear any credibility but still a fun read.
Kennedy's Brain by Henning Markell - Swedish author and creator of t.v./movie series "Wallender". Gripping story of mom following her son's trail after his apparent suicide. Speculation of the intentional development of Aids as a means of cleansing Africa.
61 Hours by Lee Child - yet another Jack Reacher story, this one set in S Dakota. A good plot and Reacher is as good as ever... hard to believe he dies at the end.
In the Moon of Red Ponies by James Lee Burke - my second book by Burke. I enjoyed it and its average, every day kind of protagonist. Very pleasant glimpse of Montana and its environs, in particular the vivid scenery and fly fishing!
Fleshmarket Alley by Ian Rankin - My second book by this author (Standing in Another Man's Grave). Another enjoyable novel but no longer the surprise of having come from Scotland, which added value to the first. Story surrounds two Edinburgh detectives, a crusty old guy (Rebus) and female (Siobhan) that have an interesting relationship with each other and pubs.
The Rising Tide by Jeff Shaara - great insight to the battle for N. Africa that preceded the war in Europe. Rich detail of Eisenhower, Patton, & Clark for the allies and Erwin Rommel for the Germans. Less known than the ETO, Africa was critical to the supply and access to the continent and Shaara does an excellent job of painting the players. I've read his works on the Civil War and this was on a par.
The Festival of Insignificance by Milan Kundera - Strange, strange short novel by this Czech author, written in French and translated. (First book I've read by a Czech author). A philosophical story of four men and their lives of insignificance... "inhale this insignificance that's all around us, it is the key to wisdom, it is the key to a good mood..."
Sanctus by Simon Toyne - hard to rank this one... a good story with interesting characters in a unique setting that I enjoyed. But the end was just silly; not unlike The Last Cato, which I ranked higher. Story set in Ruin, Turkey centered on the Citadel.
Man with the Golden Gun by Ian Fleming - James Bond. Kind of fun to read the novels. It turns out it was nothing like the movie by the same name. Bond, yes; Scaramanga, yes; not much else the same. A very gentle and bland James Bond but a pleasant read. A quick book but I found the difference between the book and film is remarkable... I guess the screenwriter has a lot more freedom than I ever knew. Turns out that Fleming didn't see Scaramanga as a high-end killer but a bit of a mobster. And not in some little island in Malaysia but a little run-down part of Jamaica.
Heretics by Leonardo Padura - another eye-opening novel that revolved around Jews and Cuba, from the boats transporting Jews from Europe (Poland) and their rejection by both Cuba and the US to the flow of Jews from Cuba to Miami. Excellent story-line that carried the historical record seamlessly.
Of Love and Other Demons by Gabriel Garcia Marquez - my second book by this Bogota native. Excellent translation from the Spanish. Heartbreaking story of twelve-years old marquise Seirva Maria, living in a Caribbean seaport in the colonial era... the age of bishops and religious fervor. Based on the legend of girl, bit by a rabid dog, that could perform miracles.
The Third Secret by Steve Berry - a good story of papal reactions towards Marian sightings. I don't know why but I am fascinated by the Pope and Vatican politics/culture.
Tristan Betrayal by Robert Ludlum - a good action/suspense novel by the author of Jason Bourne... another character with incredible skills and talent that saves the world from Nazism.
The Rabbi by Noah Gordon - another very good book by this Jewish author, this one focused on tracking a man and his family through his choice to be Rabbi and the life of a Rabbi, in this instance married to a Christian. I've enjoyed his writing in the past and again here. The tribal nature of Jews and the sense of belonging is enviable and makes a Caucasian without a supporting religious or cultural community feel rather cheated.
Flashman and the Angel of the Lord by George MacDonanld Fraser - fun but a little tiresome after the earlier Flashman (see above). Well-referenced story of a British cad tasked with monitoring John Brown in the lead-up to the raid on Harper's Ferry. Fascinating to see how so very few, severely under-financed men had such a big impact on the political and social landscape and the fuel to the abolitionist movement.
McNallys' Alibi by Vincent Lardo - not nearly as good as when Lawrence Sanders was writing the McNally books,,, a bit tired of the ancillary discussion of wardrobe, food, etc. Readable but certainly not rereadable.
The Mind of Henry Quantum by Pepper Harding - not bad, in an odd sort of way.
The King's Curse by Philippa Gregory - a very detailed and well-researched historical fiction look at the court of Henry VIII seen through the eyes of Lady Margaret Plantagenet... the familial battles for the crown and the rights of succession.
Castle by J Robert Lennon - a real head-scratcher. Interesting enough to finish but i don't understand the finish... bizarre closing couple of chapters.
Wakefield by Andrei Codrescu - another interesting character developed by this author of Casanova in Bohemia. Quirky.
Fever of the Blood by Oscar de Muriel - Mexican author's first novel... and it shows. Not at all sure why but it was just a bit odd in telling the story; sited in Scotland and N. England.
The Exploits and Triumphs in Europe of Paul Morphy the Chess Champion by Frederick Edge - Morphy has long been my favorite of all chess players and this account of his trip to Europe to play matches there, though very dry, still fascinated.
Reliquary by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child - an unbelievable story set in NYC and the large underground population of homeless. Interesting police investigation into deaths attributed to the 'mole people'. Entertaining but too fantastic to be sucked into.
Exile by Richard North Patterson - in the style of Uris or Wouk but not as good... always enjoy Israeli history though
Splendors & Glooms by Laura Schlitz - a fun little story of magic and dreams, probably meant for younger readers
The Clicking of Cuthbert by PG Wodehouse - fun story of golf.
Backlash by Brad Thor - not a great book but well written story with one of those characters that is simply too good to be true and all of those around him are brilliant and beautiful. Cheap spy/adventure novel in the vein of Lee Child.
The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier - a pleasant, gentle novel.
A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle - Sherlock Holmes, just getting acquainted with Watson and embarking on their adventures
The Millionaires by Brad Meltzer - nothing particularly interesting in this one; brothers outsmarting folks that they wouldn't have a chance against if there were a hint of plausibility in it
Call of the Wild by Jack London - given the new film i revisited the novel... not as good as when i was young.
The Geographer's Library by Jon Fasman - not much to say about this one... it should stay towards the bottom of the list most of the year.
Artemis by Andy Weir - a light-hearted tale of life on the moon in some near future date, told from the perspective of a spirited young woman that knows everything but still gets into trouble.
Sailor Twain by Mark Siegel - graphic novel, both interesting and confusing. a quick read, which is the only reason that i finished it.

2020 - New goals, new books, new authors... (53 so far)

Persuaders by Lee Child - I don't want to like the Jack Reacher novels but i can't help myself. This is another and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Always a big, tough guy that finds a woman to captivate with his brutal charm.

The Kill Artist by Daniel Silva - Silva remains my favorite of all authors and his stories of Israel's "Office" and the part-time art restorer and agent are consistently top-notch.

Standing in Another Man's Grave by Ian Rankin - Edinburgh author.. a good story told through a semi-retired police detective. Felt like a genuinely believable character and story. I'll read him again if I happen upon another of his novels. I like the Edinburgh location.

The Lost Book of the Grail by Charlie Lovett - a fun book with so many subjects I enjoy - book collecting, history, religion, awkward love. Story alternates between history of church and current plot line. Very enjoyable read.

Good Blood by Aaron Elkins - most enjoyable book by a local, Port Angeles, author with a story in Italy. Brought back memories of our trips to Italy and reinforced desire to return. Story of a couple of Americans getting involved in a family's intrigue.

The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak - a very enjoyable book set in Istanbul (I like reading novels based in cities we've visited). A good mix of literature, philosophy, politics, religion and family with a presentation of the Armenian purge by the Turks. A solid recommendation.

The Age of Reason Thomas Paine - a fascinating look at religion and the Bible by this 18th Century author of Common Sense. A cool reference and base for deists.

White Fire by Preston & Child - another of the authors' mysteries with FBI super-agent Pendergast. Don't know why I enjoy this series of books but I do. This one a curious story of poisoning, arson, and Conan Doyle. Too fantastic to bear any credibility but still a fun read.

Kennedy's Brain by Henning Markell - Swedish author and creator of t.v./movie series "Wallender". Gripping story of mom following her son's trail after his apparent suicide. Speculation of the intentional development of Aids as a means of cleansing Africa.

61 Hours by Lee Child - yet another Jack Reacher story, this one set in S Dakota. A good plot and Reacher is as good as ever... hard to believe he dies at the end.

In the Moon of Red Ponies by James Lee Burke - my second book by Burke. I enjoyed it and its average, every day kind of protagonist. Very pleasant glimpse of Montana and its environs, in particular the vivid scenery and fly fishing!

Sanctus by Simon Toyne - hard to rank this one... a good story with interesting characters in a unique setting that I enjoyed. But the end was just silly; not unlike The Last Cato, which I ranked higher. Story set in Ruin, Turkey centered on the Citadel.

Heretics by Leonardo Padura - another eye-opening novel that revolved around Jews and Cuba, from the boats transporting Jews from Europe (Poland) and their rejection by both Cuba and the US to the flow of Jews from Cuba to Miami. Excellent story-line that carried the historical record seamlessly.

The Third Secret by Steve Berry - a good story of papal reactions towards Marian sightings. I don't know why but I am fascinated by the Pope and Vatican politics/culture.

Tristan Betrayal by Robert Ludlum - a good action/suspense novel by the author of Jason Bourne... another character with incredible skills and talent that saves the world from Nazism.

McNallys' Alibi by Vincent Lardo - not nearly as good as when Lawrence Sanders was writing the McNally books,,, a bit tired of the ancillary discussion of wardrobe, food, etc. Readable but certainly not rereadable.

The Mind of Henry Quantum by Pepper Harding - not bad, in an odd sort of way.

The King's Curse by Philippa Gregory - a very detailed and well-researched historical fiction look at the court of Henry VIII seen through the eyes of Lady Margaret Plantagenet... the familial battles for the crown and the rights of succession.

Castle by J Robert Lennon - a real head-scratcher. Interesting enough to finish but i don't understand the finish... bizarre closing couple of chapters.

Wakefield by Andrei Codrescu - another interesting character developed by this author of Casanova in Bohemia. Quirky.

Fever of the Blood by Oscar de Muriel - Mexican author's first novel... and it shows. Not at all sure why but it was just a bit odd in telling the story; sited in Scotland and N. England.

The Exploits and Triumphs in Europe of Paul Morphy the Chess Champion by Frederick Edge - Morphy has long been my favorite of all chess players and this account of his trip to Europe to play matches there, though very dry, still fascinated.

Reliquary by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child - an unbelievable story set in NYC and the large underground population of homeless. Interesting police investigation into deaths attributed to the 'mole people'. Entertaining but too fantastic to be sucked into.

Exile by Richard North Patterson - in the style of Uris or Wouk but not as good... always enjoy Israeli history though

Splendors & Glooms by Laura Schlitz - a fun little story of magic and dreams, probably meant for younger readers

The Clicking of Cuthbert by PG Wodehouse - fun story of golf.

Backlash by Brad Thor - not a great book but well written story with one of those characters that is simply too good to be true and all of those around him are brilliant and beautiful. Cheap spy/adventure novel in the vein of Lee Child.

The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier - a pleasant, gentle novel.

A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle - Sherlock Holmes, just getting acquainted with Watson and embarking on their adventures

The Millionaires by Brad Meltzer - nothing particularly interesting in this one; brothers outsmarting folks that they wouldn't have a chance against if there were a hint of plausibility in it

Call of the Wild by Jack London - given the new film i revisited the novel... not as good as when i was young.

The Geographer's Library by Jon Fasman - not much to say about this one... it should stay towards the bottom of the list most of the year.

Artemis by Andy Weir - a light-hearted tale of life on the moon in some near future date, told from the perspective of a spirited young woman that knows everything but still gets into trouble.

Sailor Twain by Mark Siegel - graphic novel, both interesting and confusing. a quick read, which is the only reason that i finished it.