October 27, 2007
Last Dozen Books Read (III)
Been awhile since I posted my “Recently Read” list, and that’s because I haven’t been reading much recently. I haven’t watched a movie in probably six months either. (The last thing I saw was Little Miss Sunshine which I didn’t like — they were trying too hard to be cute and quirky and I hate it when it’s forced like that). I start many books and finish few, so it means a lot if it’s listed here (I didn’t give up on it).
The Empty Hours, by Ed McBain — three short 87th Precinct novels in this volume. Not bad, not great — they’re from 1960, ‘61, ‘62 and I think the 87th Precinct stories got better over time. McBain can be hit or miss, but he’s usually very good.
Void Moon, by Michael Connelly — not a detective Harry Bosch book … this is a story about a high-tech woman burglar, not bad, not great, very violent in parts, bummed me out in some ways, hard to explain why it depressed me — certainly doesn’t glamorize crime or criminals.
Out of Sight, by Elmore Leonard — I really like Elmore Leonard though in some ways with his books, you’ve read one, you’ve read ‘em all. Out of Sight was made into a good movie (Clooney & J. Lo) which I recommend, though they Hollywood-ified the ending completely (the book’s ending is both realistic and tragic — no Hollywood movie is allowed to end this way).
The Talented Mr. Ripley, by Patricia Highsmith — I never read books written by women, but this is a “classic” and it wasn’t bad (took me awhile to finish it). Mr. Ripley could pull it off in the 1950s, but today his switcheroo would last about 10 seconds.
The High Window, by Raymond Chandler — Love Chandler, can never get enough of his stuff. My “Favorite Lines” post for The High Window.
Cadillac Jukebox, by Jame Lee Burke — my first James Lee Burke book and probably my last. It wasn’t terrible but I just didn’t get into it at all.
The Lady in the Lake, by Raymond Chandler — a rare case where I figured out the mystery instantly (I’m usually pretty thick). My “Favorite Lines” post for The Lady in the Lake.
The Little Sister, by Raymond Chandler — still on the Chandler kick. My “Favorite Lines” post for The Little Sister.
The Last Coyote, by Michael Connelly — I like Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch character a lot. Connelly can write well; he has great pacing.
The Bombing Officer, by Jerome Doolittle — The bureaucracy, corruption, incompetence, stupidity and tragedy of war all exposed in this short book.
October 29th, 2007 at 4:15 am
regarding ripley’s switheroo, i had the same feelings. but this was an interesting read about Frank Abagnale’s thoughts on getting away with it today.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9043254
October 29th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
appletoast: Thanks for the link; it was an interesting take, but my point is about surveillance today — where you’re photographed at every hotel, every airport, every car rental place — Tom Ripley’s face would be scanned and sent around the world in ten seconds, that’s what I meant.
October 30th, 2007 at 11:55 am
Couldn’t agree with you more about Jerome Doolittle’s “The Bombing Officer.” The writer is a genius. The book is an unsung masterpiece. Please send money.
October 30th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
Jerry: I figured you’d say that. ;-) As for the money, I expect all 12 of my regular readers will run out and buy a copy (fingers crossed).
November 1st, 2007 at 3:48 am
You haven’t read a dozen books in all the time between your college graduation and today. You took me down! Ye of little faith.
November 1st, 2007 at 8:09 am
Shamao: Post or perish; I gave you ample warning without hearing a word from you.