This classic novel tells the tragic tale of Lennie Small and George Milton. They are out of luck and out of work migrant workers roaming the highways of California during the 1920s. The depression is the backdrop for the story but that does not prevent Lennie and George from dreaming big. John Steinbeck paints a masterful and brilliant portrait of a bygone era that still resonates today. Every time I read this book it reads differently. This is required reading for most high schools. Fifteen years after I originally read I still love it. However, the difference between reading it at 14 and 28 is amazing. Lennie and George are some of the best characters of 20th Century Literature. I highly reccommend picking this one up.
This is the first book in Coben's Myron Bolitar series and I think the first book that Harlan Coben wrote. Myron Bolitar is a former college basketball star and former first round pick of the Boston Celtics. After a freak injury Bolitar makes the transition from athlete to agent. The story begins with Bolitar signing highly touted football draft pick Christian Steele. New client in tow Bolitar is destined for the big time. Unfortunately, for Bolitar things do not always go as planned. A mystery ensues and Bolitar will get into his trademark high jinx. Coben to me falls short in this one compared to his other work. I love his stand alone novels. However, the hook and suspense are there but Coben's trust in the reader is not. The ending seemed to be more fitting for a Scooby Doo episode and not a Coben thriller. His characters are endearing for the most part and the humor/dialogue is fitting. I will continue with the Bolitar series and give it more of a chance because of Coben's other work that I have enjoyed so much.
Rarely, can I claim that I enjoy the sequel more then the original but Robert Parker delivers in Resolution. The story was not as original this time around but it is much more compelling. The relationship between Virgil Cole and Everitt Hitch is explored throughout the book adding much needed depth to our hereos. Parker packs the story with action, adventure and romance but it is the friendship angle of Cole and Hitch that keeps me reading. Hopefully, Mr. Parker will not end the adventures of Cole and Hitch just yet as I am longing to learn more about them and from them. I do believe in this case that Author knows best. You can read this novel as a stand alone but I suggest starting with Appaloosa.
A breathtaking story from beginning to end. The author, W. Somerset Maugham is a wonderful storyteller and does not disappoint the reader once during the novel. This is not a love story but a tale of one woman's journey on the road to redemption. The protagonist, Kitty Fane reminds me of a British version of Scarlett O'Hara. Kitty's journey is not a light hearted one. The reader's heart is constantly in a state of flux as the indecisive Kitty always leans towards the wrong choice. This is a timeless work that I believe will be in my top ten of beloved novels for the rest of my life. I highly suggest picking up a copy and enjoying the vivid world left behind by Maugham.
Robert E. Wright has written a creative non-fiction masterpiece. From beginning to end I truly enjoyed reading and learning the importance of Philadelphia's Chestnut Street in the development of our current financial markets. The Author's style is such that you feel like you are sitting at his dining room hearing a story from a friend. Throughout the book, Wright gives the reader small tidbits of trivia and knowledge that are not widely known today. One of the things that doomed Philadelphia was the presidency of Andrew Jackson. The policies of President Jackson help create Wall Street and in the process decimate Philadelphia's Chestnut Street. This is a grat read for anyone interested in Philadelphia's history or the history of financial markets.
A collection of short stories each portraying a different kind of loneliness. Yates' writing is nothing short of hyponotic. Every character let me into their little part of the world and showed their rawest and deepest emotion. As a writer, Yates honors his craft and I would suggest an aspiring writer to pick this up and learn from his work. Two of his stories had a profound effect me. The first one is about a young boy who starts at a new school and lies about everything. His situation was unique but reminescent of the feelings many of us had during those turbulent middle school years. The other story was about a guy writing stories for a cabbie. Eventually, the writer recognizes their "friendship" has no real foundation and the cabbie is a friend in name only. This slice from the scence of life is worth the read.
Many people have had the euporhic experience of reading a book and knowing as soon as they have put it down that their life has been changed for the good. Never again will they see the world the same way. Hopefully, this is not a once in a lifetime experience. I have been blessed that this has happened to me multiple times throughout my life. The first time a book changed my life was when I was 4-5 years old. Sitting in my Aunt's den I sat with my cousins and listened while she read "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak. The story was good but her love of the story was the most memorable part of that experience. Sometimes a book can launch a forgotten memory. While browsing the immense aisles at my local used bookstore I stumbled upon a beat up edition of David McKee's "Not Now Bernard". This is the quintessential classice for the toddler bunch. My Mom would read this to me often and I even smile now thinking about it. Growing up I had plenty of people who would read to me but Mom read Bernard the best. It is one of those books that a mother and son should share. As I went through school different family members introduced me to the books that help make them who they are today. My Grandmother felt that all little boys should read the "Hardy Boys" series and I did. However, it was not until 7th and 8th grade that my English teacher (same person) introduced me to the literary world as I now know it. The way he brought "To Kill a Mockingbird" alive still haunts me to this day. His love for that book was so amazing and intense that you could not wait to go home and pick it up. It has been fifteen years since I have sat in his classroom but the learning has never ended. My literary journey has gone on to include the works of the usual suspects but none will ever be cherished as much as Harper Lee's masterpiece. Eventually, I went exploring on my own and found many different books that have helped shape me to what I am today. But those listed above built the foundation for me.
Bruni's memoir is my most anticipated pick of the year. His story of political reporter that becomes a food critic for the New York Times holds a ton (pun intended) of promise to me. During his career Mr. Bruni has reported on Presidents, Popes and Pork. This book is not only suppose to detail his rise in the world of journalism but also his constant struggle with food. I for one will be looking for this on the shelves soon.
This is the first new release for Conroy in almost fifteen years. Most of the reviews that I have read indicate that this book was worth the wait. Conroy consistently delivers and with the latest novel being considered by many to be a love letter to Charleston and an ode to friendship, this is the book that will be occupying the beach readers for the rest of the summer.
The making of a man and the future of a planet are intertwined in this Science Fiction classic. Paul Atreides is the heir to his Father's Dukedom on th Planet Arrakis. The planet is the key to intergalatic commerece because of its large supply of spice. As Paul completes the rite of passage from child to man a new generation make their mark and it all begins in Dune.
Rarely, does a story capture me from the beginning like Herbert does here. The characters leave an indelible mark on the reader and move the story at a brisk pace. This is not an average sci-fi story. It has many levels of religious, political and ecological overtones that still hold significant meaning in today' world. I highly reccomend this brilliant Hugo and Nebula Award winning novel.
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