Book in Life as Meme

Almost a year ago, I participated in my dear friend's (and fellow Angeleno, Pop Culture Nerd) continuation of a book title meme. Mine definitely were not as clever as PCN's, though. As we are coming up on that meme's anniversary, she's at it again. As usual, she's got more than 50 books in her bank of titles to use. While I can't compete with that (hey, there's a reason the word Lazy is in my blog's title), I will again offer a response by answering this year's questions using only the book titles I've read this year. Anyone wishing to join in is more than welcome. Now if she only used movies, I'd might have a chance...

In high school I was: The Lock Artist (Steve Hamilton)
People might be surprised I’m: Elsewhere (William Peter Blatty)
I will never be: The Cleaner (Brett Battles)
My fantasy job is: The Mystic Art of Erasing All Signs of Death (Charlie Huston)
At the end of a long day I need: California Fire and Life (Don Winslow)
I hate it when: Kindness Goes Unpunished (Craig Johnson)
Wish I had: The Shawshank Redemption (Stephen King)
My family reunions are: Why We Suck (Denis Leary)
At a party you’d find me with: The Guards (Ken Bruen)
I’ve never been to: The Rainy City (Earl W. Emerson)
A happy day includes: The Gentlemen's Hour (Don Winslow)
Motto I live by: Print the Legend (Craig McDonald)
On my bucket list: K2 (Ed Viesturs)
In my next life, I want to be: Road Dogs (Elmore Leonard)

Friday Forgotten Book, Film, & Song: 4th of July Edition

In honor of the upcoming 4th of July holiday, I decided that a forgotten post was warranted (plus giving credit to blogger pattinase's excellent Friday Forgotten Books series). Because we're into the second half of the year, and have a three-day weekend, I thought this one should be a triple-header, as well:

Book: During my earlier Stephen King-reading years, if it had his name on it, even in reference, it got my attention. Whatever it was. In the early 80's I came across a recommendation by Mr. King about a certain book he thought was pretty ferocious. It was titled Red Dragon. Later, the publisher would begin advertising it with this quote by the famed writer of horror:

"The Best Popular Novel to be Published in America Since The Godfather"

As Vincent Vega would put it, "That's a bold statement." Its author, Thomas Harris, I recognized as the one who wrote the thriller Black Sunday (I'd seen the 1977 film and subsequently read the book it was based upon). Hmm... If it piqued the horror-meister's awareness, perhaps that 1981 book was worth reading... I innocently thought.

This segment has been updated and moved to its own post on my current blog, found here.

---

Film: During the mid-70's, in my condensed stint as a movie theater projectionist, I had the pleasure to show The Great Waldo Pepper for a one-week period in '76. I've never forgotten it. Since someone in their right mind over at Universal is finally releasing this underrated film in a widescreen version come August (fans have had to live with the crappily cropped Goodtimes Home Video disc for years), I'm spotlighting it here. This is director George Roy Hill's homage to the aerial barnstormers of yesteryear, as told through another remarkable William Goldman screenplay. The film's wonderful story also contains some of the best aerial photography around, and more than a few of its stunt flying sequences have got to be seen to be believed. Plus, it's great to watch the results of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid collaborators Hill, Goldman, and Redford again. For me, director Hill really knew how best to deploy Robert Redford on film (perhaps, even better than Sidney Pollack did). It's well worth catching.

Song: You're a Friend of Mine remains one of my favorite One Hit Wonders. Written by Narada Michael Walden/Jeffrey Cohen and released in 1985, I appreciate this unlikely duet (Clarence Clemons and Jackson Browne) for its sheer joy and exuberance with regard to friendship (one of the good qualities of the blogosphere, too). Not to mention, it has that telltale and unashamedly 80's vibe to it that makes it one infectious tune to listen to. Having Jackson Browne's then girlfriend singing in the music video is not a bad thing, either. If you're interested, the song's lyrics can be found here.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday weekend.

Powered by ScribeFire.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw

To say the least, the physical and mental act of writing for my 10-year old daughter is not her favorite activity. However, to keep a promise and as an encouragement to my fierce one to keep up her writing, I am posting my female child's (now completed) 4th grade class book talk report.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw
Author: Jeff Kinney

Book Talk
By

Greg is a lazy kid who likes it when his stuff is done for him. Rodrick is Greg's older brother who is mean to Greg and treats Greg like a rag doll. Manny is Greg's younger brother; he tries to act like Rodrick to be mean to Greg. But it just annoys him. Frank is Greg's father. He tries to be on a diet of no junk food whatsoever. Rowley is Greg's best friend. He tries to be like Greg, a macho kid.

In the beginning...

Greg starts the New Year like he's the boss of the house. He goes around their house helping (and ordering) his family with their resolutions, and to make them be better.

In the middle...

His dad forced Greg and Rodrick to sign up for Soccer for Greg and SAT class for Rodrick. When Greg's team comes up with the name "Red Socks" instead of "Twisted Wizard", Greg switches to back-up goalie so he didn't have to block free kicks.

His dad wants to ship Greg out to Military school like Lenwood Heath's parents did. Greg needs to change his dad's mind about Military school before he's gone. He signs up for Boy Scouts and gets Rowley to join too.

In The End...

Greg and his family went up to the Snellas' house for Seth Snellas' Half Birthday Party. Every year, the Snellas' try to have the little boy or girl laugh at grown-ups who line up. The Snellas' really want the grand prize of "AFF" (America's Funniest Family).

I recommend this book for people who like funny graphic novels.

Worth Reading June 2010

Some posts from those definitely worth reading (at least for me on this gloomy June day):

• Jeff over at Stuff Running 'Round My Head has a wonderful take and look back at the criminally short-lived Firefly series by Josh Whedon - Space Cowboys
• Author John Kenneth Muir has another of his fine Cult Movie Reviews, this time examining Martin Scorsese's adaptation of the Denis Lehane's mystery thriller novel, Shutter Island
• Movie blogger J.D. at RADIATOR HEAVEN (love that title) flashes back to the 60's with his marvelous review of Oliver Stone's The Doors
• I always appreciate blogger/reviewer Livius film examinations, especially when he turns his keen eye at a western. In this case, Howard Hawk's middle version of a story he told three times in his career, El Dorado
• Rachel, the Scientist Gone Wordy, has a very interesting opinion in regard to books and genres in The Business of Genres, or Thoughts on Indicating OTHER
• Expiration Date author, Duane Swierczynski, has news about his new writing gig (hint, she was played by Scarlett Johansson in Iron Man 2)
• author Steven Hart highlighted a funny skit (if it just wasn't so accurately tragic, or tragically accurate) for us in Spill, Baby, Spill
  

Oh, well. I need to sign off now...

Powered by ScribeFire.

Friday Forgotten Book/Film: FAIL-SAFE

I'm of a generation that grew up during the height of the Cold War, and thankfully weathered time to witness the ushering of that era's end. From that conflict, there has been a mountain of fictional material (books and films) produced from the period. Many, drawing upon the fear and dread from that confrontation. A generation's expectation that it could only end when each of the superpowers finally launched their nuclear payloads at one another is at its full bleak glory in many of those works -- and may seem bizarre (or perhaps, even quaint) to the younger age groups. I'll submit that Eugene Harvey and Burdick Wheeler's 1962 novel, FAIL-SAFE, epitomized a good portion of this anxiety, and did it well. The old bestseller should lay on top of that particular old-world-view book stack. The synopsis of the novel, that of the accidental triggering of a strategic bomber air-wing strike against the Soviet Union caused by computer glitch (and its horrifying and terrible solution in the tale), was close enough story-wise to a another book. Peter George's (aka Peter Bryant) earlier 1958 novel, Red Alert. So much so, that it caused its author to sue the tandem of Harvey and Burdick.

The rest of this post has been updated and moved over to my current blog, found here.

Thomas Perry's STRIP

A week ago, if you had asked me if I'd heard of author Thomas Perry, I would have told you yes. If you had asked me if I'd read anything by the man, the answer would have been a no. And if you'd have asked (my... you can be a pester, at times) if I was going to read something by him anytime soon, I'd have exasperatedly said, "I don't know." The TBR pile is pretty high right now, and is only growing like my two kids (which in their case is good, but the opposite is true for that pile). I'm not getting any younger, you know. Plus, taking on something like Perry's Jane Whitefield series at this point seemed just this side of masochistic in my whittling down the pile endeavor I've given myself. I had the Jack Till standalone, Silence, on my Audible wish list, too. But, I confess that's been there for months now (and nothing seemed to be urging me on to download the work). I'd have said things were unlikely to change anytime soon. That is until I read this online:

"For a while “Strip” ambles along in this entertaining but recognizable vein. With its penny-ante schemes, crossed wires, mistaken identities and dim-witted ne’er-do-wells, it veers close to Elmore Leonard territory, always a good place to be."

This is from the N.Y. Times book review by Janet Maselin, Affable Thugs, Playful Crimes, Rough Justice, of Perry's new novel, Strip. And it's the "... veers close to Elmore Leonard territory" line that got my attention. I had to see for myself (by circumventing the pile) if dropping the [doffs his cap] Elmore Leonard name in the piece was just plain hyperbole by the reviewer. I'm happy to say, it wasn't. What a fun ride this was! Indeed, I could have just said that for the unexpected plotting in the novel, alone. However, what really made the work memorable for me were the characters the author sprinkled all over the place in the crime tale. Most of them, who come from the other side of the law, I couldn't get enough of. Hell, I found myself more than sympathetic toward someone I really hadn't expected. Surprisingly so.

As well, the novelist made effective use of the L.A. terrain (especially some of the San Fernando Valley locations) in the yarn while producing some sharp insights of SoCal (and some of those who live here). Like former out-of-towners (and now great, southland authors) Robert Crais, Don Winslow, and Charlie Huston, Thomas Perry brings a similar skill with his characters and wordsmithing. Add an intense and keen eye toward his adopted hometown, and I now have a quartet to follow (and this isn't going to help that pile of mine none, huh?).

"Perry is the master, and Strip is a slice of pure crime nirvana. You will not want to put it down. You will not want it to end. You will be very, very entertained."  ~ Josh Bazell, author of Beat the Reaper

That, "You will not want it to end", part is so true. Since I listening to the Tantor Media's unabridged audiobook, expertly narrated by Michael Kramer I must say, I was caught flatfooted by the novel's conclusion. Frustratingly so, too. That is until I figured this is what the pusher publisher probably wanted all along -- to get me hooked. I surmise Perry can easily continue this the story or the character arcs with what's left by the story's end. He must... he has to. I have to say, this situation where I'm left yearning for another fix of these characters so reminds me of that classic Bill Cosby routine, The Toothache. You know the one... where the tooth sufferer discovers the miracle that is Midol (only to learn another lesson):

I guess I'll have to make do by downloading that audiobook left in the Audible queue after all.

Technorati Tags: Thomas Perry, Strip book review.

Powered by ScribeFire.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Elmore Leonard's Justified reviewed. (slate.com)
• May's Hot Book Titles & A Debut (lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com)
• Worth Reading: Sleepless (readmorebooks.wordpress.com)

Friday Forgotten Bo... Novella: Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption

By the year 1982, I'd read all of author Stephen King's novels (including the Hugo Award winning non-fiction work, Danse Macabre), in chronological order (except for Carrie)*. So when I came upon his newest that summer, Different Seasons, I thought I knew what I'd be getting: another of his horrific, but imaginative, tales that would make me shudder by the time I'd close the novel. But, this book would throw the proverbial curve at me (to say the least). Different Seasons was King's first collection of four novellas put into one bound print volume. Each of these, likely the first novellas of this or any kind I'd ever read, were very different affairs of fiction. Even the table of contents had an unexpected design to the book. Each of the novella titles had a seasonal lead (I still have the original Viking Press hardcover sitting in my book shelf). From the original Table of Contents page:



This post has been updated and moved to my current blog, which can be found here.

One of a Kind: Charlie Huston and The Mystic Arts of Erasing All Signs of Death

Author Charlie Huston doesn't seem capable of writing quiet or cautious fiction. Surprising would be the word I'd use when it comes to experiencing or explaining his work (and it's a highly recommended one at that by my book blogger friends). Sick, and not for the squeamish, could well be on the warning label for his book covers (if publishers did that sort of thing). Hysterically funny should certainly be listed there, too. One should take note, perhaps as a warning to some, of the novelist's marvelous and creative use of profanity in the dialogue of his characters  (I think only filmmaker/writer Quentin Tarantino rivals him in the expletive arena). Like him or not, there's no way you can ignore this man's talent. Exciting and unexpected would be the words that summarize my latest foray into Huston territory (my second behind Caught Stealing).

This post has been updated and moved to my current blog, which can be found here.

In Tight Places

I don't know at what age I realized it -- nor what spurred or caused it -- but I suffer from the irrational fear of tight spaces. Claustrophobia. That is such a marvelous and terrible (19th century) word. It's made up from the Latin claustrum "a shut in place" and the Greek φόβος, phóbos, "fear". Wikipedia says one study estimates that "from 5–7% of the world population is affected by severe claustrophobia". I'm bad enough, but I hope I don't think I qualify as 'severe'. Ever wonder if you're claustrophobic? There are a couple of easy ways to find out. You'll know it rather quickly if you ever have to go through a MRI of your head, or have to lie flat (with your arms over your head) under a Gamma-ray Camera (by way of experiencing a Thallium Stress Test). Believe me on this... I've experienced both.

This post has been moved and updated to my current blog, which can be found here.

Ready for the FoB: Favorite Books of L.A.

Image via

When I think of the month of April, besides the annual bloodletting involved with state and federal income tax preparation, this time of year has a decidedly literary bent for those of us who love reading. I'm referring to the upcoming and annual L.A. Times Festival of Books. It really is a large, one of kind event where books and authors take center stage big time on the campus of U.C.L.A. The collegial setting seems to bring out a huge number of local readers and draws others from across the country. Last year, I got to meet book blogger Jen in her first foray out here to cover this event (and that was a real treat). And because of her, and the nature of the web, last year's event led to further connections with writer/blogger Naomi, who just so happened to recommend a book panel post by the blogger known as Pop Culture Nerd (who was also there and lives in the southland).

Following all these folks on the internet then led to friendships and further connections to a host of others I now read on a regular basis. This now includes the spirited reader and social butterfly, Christine. All of this makes for lively conversations flying through the ether. Jen is soon to be heading to SoCal from Ohio once more to attend this year's FoB, and Christine will be making her first visit (leaving a day later from Nashville) to be present at the book event, as well (though, she's already familiar with L.A.). So, it promises to be a much bigger happening this time around in 2010. The coordination of the when and where's for this group is already in full swing. I'm sure we'll have a brainstorming session during Friday's annual Pre-FoB party at The Mystery Bookstore. We'll be primarily plotting to see how we can 1) covertly abscond Naomi, Novel Whore, and Lesa temporarily away from Ohio, New York, and Arizona (respectively) and into LaLa Land orbit for next year's book occasion, 2) find our missing and dear friend Corey Wilde, and 3) figure out why the publisher continues to hold back Don Winslow's great sequel to The Dawn Patrol, The Gentlemen's Hour, from U.S. readers. In the meantime, Pop Culture Nerd already started the Festival of Books sneaks by linking us to the recent Jacket Copy blog interview of author T. Jefferson Parker and his annual attendance at the festival. I thought JC's last question for the local  author fit well into this week's forthcoming festivities. So, I'll use his response for a couple of posts this week to stay in that celebratory spirit:

"Do you have a favorite book or movie about Los Angeles?"

TJP's favorite L.A. book: True Confessions. And a good choice it is -- one I'd expect from the SoCal native…

This post has been updated and moved to my current blog, which can be found here.

Pattinase's Friday's Forgotten Books

I really have to recommend Patricia Abbott's blog for being as great as it is. And, her Friday's Forgotten Book series is a real standout among all of the fun and creative posts (covering books, movies, writing, etc.) this writer comes up with. I was very much honored when last month she asked me if I'd like to submit an entry for her book series. Since it had been on my mind for the last few months, my choice was easy and I accepted. Corey Wilde wrote a great and thoughtful review of my choice a short while back - hopefully, this won't be considered cheating. My selection was William Peter Blatty's The Ninth Configuration, something I read and cherished a long time ago. My piece was added today to that series. You can find it here. And thanks much, Patricia, for asking me to contribute.

Related articles by Zemanta

• William Peter Blatty's Jamesian ghost story, Elsewhere (tor.com)
• Publishers desperately seeking insanely great debut novelists (alanrinzler.com)

True Tales

Through the years, I've flitted across all sorts of categories in books (and as I've said before, I have my mother to thank for my love of reading). Espionage tales, fast paced thrillers, historical sagas, techno adventures, horror and even some romance novels have found their way into my hands, and mind (though I'll claim amnesia covering the titles for that last one). More recently, I've become a mystery/crime fiction junkie of sorts. However, for as much as I've enjoyed getting lost in fictional tales and characters of whatever category I've read (or listened to via the audiobook form), there remains one constant pull that's never left me, or been ignored. And that written work is of the non-fiction variety--again going back to my childhood and school experiences. I can never claim to have been an exemplary student. I cruised too often, studied only when I absolutely had to and routinely tried to get by with an elephantine memory of lectures. Only later in college did I learn my lesson. Needless to say, these are the things I watch out for in my children so they don't fall into those same woeful habits. (Nag, nag, nag...)

Fortunately, the kids have inherited their mother's smarts and work ethic (see, there's another reason her nickname is she-who-must-be-obeyed). And while American Lit was just an okay subject by this so-so student, history has always fascinated me (for some strange reason). Add to this, my mom read everything... including history and true tales. From one particular P.E. course, my college judo instructor had a saying that I've never forgotten. He said after the first few weeks of basic instruction (paraphrasing):

If you haven't learned how to fall properly by now, don't worry about it. When we start teaching you (judo) throws, you'll learn it by osmosis.

Meaning, out of sheer survival you'd learn how to fall when you hit the mat enough times (the wrong way). My college career in a nutshell--even to this day, it's how I learn best. So between my mother and my own proclivities, no matter what genre I was into, history and various true tales would continue to find their way into my reading selections. For some reason, I connect easily with these. Perhaps, it's due to the real (and all too human) people and their examined situations (along with their unfeigned repercussions) on paper that grab hold of, or tear at, me. For whatever reason, they keep me coming back for more.

With that in mind, it's two non-fictions that are the subject of this post. I'm lucky, as well, that the bloggers I follow will read and review both fiction and non-fiction works. And, that they're so good at what they write, I can't help but be influenced by their selections and assessments. Besides whatever is in my TBR pile, I have the one rule where I allow myself to throw a book to the front of the line (without reservation) because it's caught my fascination by either word of mouth or review by those I've noted in a previous post. And it's two specific bloggers that I owe for my last two true reads that I found a reason to write this. To say I was thoroughly engrossed, and haunted, by both of these after finishing them, would be an understatement. The first to do this, Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman by Jon Krakauer, I have Elyse (of Pop Culture Nerd fame) to thank. In fact, she clued me in to it just prior to its release. We even read it at the same time (she with the actual book and me listening to the unabridged audio format - read by Scott Brick without too much flamboyance). The author had access to and drew upon Tillman's own journals and letters (along with family/friends memories and reflections) to build an extraordinary examination of an extraordinary individual. I'd love to say more about this work, and its affect upon me, but it's been done already, singularly, by Elyse herself. Read that, instead.

The second, which I completed just this morning (and that kicked me into gear), came by way of Corey Wilde (he of the marvelously named The Drowning Machine). Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan by Jake Adelstein (the author did his own audio narration, in fact), is another remarkable work and is an account of a gaijin finding a newspaper/crime beat niche in the land of the rising sun. It's a memorable true tale of true crime in Japan. All of this amidst the world of a foreigner seeking a reporter's profession inside that society's insular and tribal culture. It's funny at times, heartbreaking at others, but it offers some gripping journalism tales. The author's candid (warts and all) exploration of his own culture shock and experiences makes it compelling, as well. Since it starts and ends with a astonishing inside account of a story many here in L.A. are familiar with (the Yakuza liver transplants performed at U.C.L.A.'s Medical Center), it had me instantly, and never let go. Corey's review, without giving away too much, is another thing of beauty with his concise appraisal of the book, and his ability to hook the reader into the work:

From cultural adaptation to an expose of crime, corruption, and social decadence, to personal moral and ethical dilemmas, Adelstein's story covers ten years of his life; ten years that made his life, in a world few Americans can ever hope to see or understand.

Although the books are nothing alike, and 180〫apart from each other, I recommend both (and each of the respective reviews by Elyse and Corey). Keep in mind, though, both are affecting works. Neither of the books are perfect, nor are their subjects. But, then again, great ones seldom are. In looking back at both of these non-fictions in my head, I couldn't help but recall a quote from Ernest Hemingway (but please, don't let it put you off from either of these books):

All true stories end in death.

Powered by ScribeFire.

Related articles by Zemanta

• First Look at "Where Men Win Glory" (omnivoracious.com)
• Did General Stanley McChrystal Cook The Books On Pat Tillman? (alan.com)
• 'Tokyo Vice': American journalist vs. Japanese crime boss (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Shining a spotlight on Japan's dark underside (boston.com)

w00t: WeHo Book Fair

After a busy day of getting flu shots for the kids, attending a classroom school picnic, and a 3-D Toy Story double feature (which I highly recommend, btw) on (the Roman god) Saturn's day, I took some time for myself come Sunday. I left my poor spouse late in the morning to fend for herself, to deal with our children and their homework (seriously, I have no scruples), and I selfishly headed out to West Hollywood to attend an event, all by lonesome.

Just across the street from the Pacific Design Center, at the West Hollywood park, was the site of the 9th annual West Hollywood Book Fair. Previously, I was so clueless about this event and that it has been running as long as it has. This was my first visit to this book fair (and I only found out about it by stopping at author Sophie Littlefield's web site). Brilliant. Pretty soon now, I'll be able to dress myself and find my way to the beach one of these days. That's pretty pathetic (I've only lived in this city my entire life). Sheesh! Anyway, I did make it to this event and really had a great time - mainly for the book panels hosted at the festival, and the people I either met for the first time or the friends/authors I got to hang with for a short while.

From Lazy Thoughts From a Boomer

From the book fair's web site on its history:

The West Hollywood Book Fair was founded by the City of West Hollywood in May, 2002 as a means of continuing West Hollywood’s history of participating in reading and literacy programs. The inaugural West Hollywood Book Fair was held on Saturday, October 5, 2002. The Fair was a tremendous success as a community literary event.

The Book Fair has grown in size and prestige each year since. It is now known as one of Southern California’s most eclectic literary events, and is inclusive of nearly all genres and age levels. The 8th Annual West Hollywood Book Fair, held on September 29, 2008, drew over 30,000 guests, 400 participating authors and artists, 150 volunteers and over 180 exhibitors. The authors appeared in panels, live storytelling and theatrical and poetry performances and in writing workshops on 12 stages.

Luckily for them, they weren't depending upon the likes of me to get the word out before today. How did I ever miss this? Anyway... here are some of the pictures I happened to take while I wandered around the event:



From left to right, top to bottom: that's comic book artist and writer Mike Mignola (right after he signed a Hellboy comic for my teen son), author Charlie Huston (third from the left) at the Ghosts & Goblins: Exploring the Supernatural in Mystery Fiction panel, author Sophie Littlefield (seated center) at the Take Back the Night: Feminism and Powerful Women in Fiction panel, thriller and comic author Gregg Hurwitz (rightmost) at the Wonderful Words & Worlds: New Fiction From Great Writers panel. Author Julienne La Fleur in her Lessons from Oz booth (before she autographed her book for my daughter), and author Charlie Huston (again) attempting to hide from a stalker with a camera. All very gracious and fun people.

Gregg Hurwitz, who I've met more than a few times this year at other events, was the same very

Image via Wikipedia

approachable and genuine cool dude he's always been. He autographed both copies of his Vengeance of the Moon Knight (#1) comic for my teen (and I) after his really lively and fun book panel. Charlie Huston, and it seems like all of those who write crime fiction in general have this trait, is very considerate to his fans and the people he meets for the first time (he also wrote for Marvel and the same Moon Knight character that Gregg now has taken up). I was late to his panel, but when I arrived it was very interesting hear his and the other panelists thoughts concerning Richard Matheson's seminal story, I Am Legend, and its impact on their and other's work.

But, the person I came to meet and hear at the fair was simply the showstopper. Sophie Littlefield was as great as bloggers Jen, Pop Culture Nerd, and Corey have written about her and her debut book (yes, Corey, she is somethin'). She's one of those magnetic people that have that rare mix of considerable wit and charm about them while also remaining very accessible. She also hung out with the people below with no qualms, and even showed up to Gregg Hurwitz's book panel just to meet the guy (who knew she's a fan). Plus, she writes crime fiction. What else do you need? Years from now, I can tell my kids I knew her before she got all rich and famous (and bounded off to Monaco for the tax break). It won't even bother me when they roll their eyes in disbelief. I'm really looking forward to finally reading her book, A Bad Day for Sorry (once I pry it away from my wife, who now has it). As well, PCN graciously provided the following shots from yesterday, too:


(photo © pop culture nerd of some old guy hitting on Sophie)

Say... isn't that golfer Corey Pavin talking to Sophie? See, you can meet all sorts of people here in the City of the Angels. Not that you should go by what I know (it seems). But I have to add what really made it an even more special book fair was joining up with the Pop Culture Nerd herself (below and center) and her dear friend (the resident U2 expert, and the one who was in (vicariously) Robert Crais' The Last Detective) Debbie (left). Not only are they both great, interesting, and friendly folk, but they make quite a beautiful and vivacious set (especially when you add Sophie {on the right} to this group), don't you think?:

(photo © pop culture nerd {but cropped by le0pard13})

I've always liked that word... 'vivacious'... so rarely have an opportunity to use it in a sentence. [yes, I'm still channeling Kill Bill] And I better stop there because I'm a married man and running around with other beautiful women can cause conflicts. So, after returning home from the event and spreading around the items I picked up at the book fair with the family, life in my household returned to normal. Later, when the kids were in bed, I attempted to resume my accustomed domestic partnership (and tranquility) with my bride of 20 years and tried to thank her (and snuggle) for letting me attend said fair (all while she watched The Next Iron Chef). To which she-who-must-be-obeyed responded:

You know, you have evil children who don't finish their homework. And one of them lies about washing his hands.

Uh, oh...

Related articles by Zemanta

• This Week's Roundup (jensbookthoughts.blogspot.com)
• One Paragraph Graphic Novel Reviews (goodcomics.comicbookresources.com)
• Director Guillermo Del Toro Is A Novelist, Too (npr.org)

Well Worth the Wait: Big City Bad Blood in Audiobook!

First off, having just finished author Sean Chercover's excellent debut novel, Big City Bad Blood, I can finally see what all of the fuss was about. No wonder my friend (and book blogger) Corey has mentioned the author for over a year in various posts. And when reviewers start throwing the likes of Robert Crais, Michael Connelly, and Dennis Lehane about in their pieces and blog posts in regard to crime fiction entrances when talking about SC's inaugural tale, it tends to draw attention. Or, dubious stares from us jaundiced ones. Perhaps, I'm late to this party... but I'm old, have young kids to chase around and have to work till I drop dead to pay for them, so I have an excuse. But, I'm finally there with what this former Chicago P.I./writer brings to the genre and the readers who appreciate a great hardboiled thrown down. Although, I'm also one of those who really appreciates a well produced audiobook (because I have no time to actually read a book due to said age and kids). In my case, this book was well worth the wait till the audio form of this work (and his second novel, Trigger City) arrived.

Luckily, I am an Audible member and could download this great production - though it would be nice if others who aren't members had alternative purchase channels to obtain this audiobook. I know Audible regularly licenses and distributes various audiobooks (via the download route to their members using their proprietary file design) from other audio publishers (who also sell those works in CD, cassette, or MP3 formats). Perchance, Audible will start producing their own productions to other media that they could also sell? I sure hope so. And yes, I realize that it's available through Amazon's site, too. [and now: ] But, you still have to have an MP3 player, iPod, or computer to play it - or take the extra steps to burn it to disc. It's a small (but real) criticism due to that added limitation. And I say this because what the Audible studio managers produced in regard to Mr. Chercover's first book turned out to be one of the best audiobooks I've heard all year. And IMO, it needs wider avenues of distribution because it's that good. I think I've made myself clear in the past to this point: when an audio publisher perfectly matches up a quality and talented narrator to a finely written work of fiction (of any genre), and tops it off with the right bit of direction and production values, it can breathe not just sound but real life into the words of an author. It is simply lightning in a bottle for those of us audiobook enthusiasts. And they did it here [see why I think it shouldn't just be exclusive to Audible members (or iTunes addicts like myself)?].

Narrator Joe Barrett turned in an awesome performance in this production. He made the character of Ray Dudgeon his own. It'll be hard for me to associate anyone else's voice to that particular introspective Chicago P.I. other than this speaker. Much like blogger Jen (and I) can't see anyone else voicing author Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire series other than George Guidall, or Jen's Mark Hammer not being the essence of James Lee Burke's Dave Robichheaux, Barrett is Dudgeon. The narrator was pitch perfect in his interpretation of the material. His use of intonation and dialect in his vocal characterizations were spot on, especially in the Chicago and L.A. settings of the book (so sayeth this native Angeleno). Whoever the studio manager was at Audible who came up with this casting should get a medal, IMHO. As well, Audible is to be commended for now offering the higher quality, Enhanced sound option for their audiobook distributions. It is a nice touch and a solid improvement for fans of the form. And when all of this is matched with an author who can really convey not only the landscape of a great city (along with personalities and story), but its gritty heart in words [very much like what the great film director (and fellow Chicagoan) Michael Mann did for The Windy City (Thief) and L.A. (Heat, Collateral)], the reader (or the listener) has another fantastic character in the book to become involved with. This was some combination to come together, and I was lucky enough to catch it. More thanks to my friends and book bloggers for steering it my way. And now I'm off to find and read One Serving of Bad Luck before teeing up the Trigger City audiobook.

And for said author Chercover, who gave his protagonist some excellent, smoking jazz/blues musicians and tracks to keep Ray Dudgeon company (wonderfully cited throughout) in his debut novel, here's a tip of the old hat (in my case a well worn golf cap) to you, my friend. This Dodger fan can't root for the Cubs, but you and the city of Chicago have a new fan.

Related articles by Zemanta

• A Crime Fiction Twitter Directory (jensbookthoughts.blogspot.com)
• Miscellany from the Machine (drowningmachine.blogspot.com)
• Thief - That Toddlin' Town (le0pard13.blogspot.com)
• PICK Public Enemies: Johnny Depp as Movie-Mad Hoodlum (seattleweekly.com)

My Life According to Book Titles

The one blog I follow on a regular basis for news and opinion of the popular arts is Pop Culture Nerd. Besides her wonderful taste in books and films, I was lucky enough to actually meet the blogger in person earlier this summer. And she's as great an individual as her blog is fun to read. Anyway, it seems she's distracted me from work and transcription (interview) with a meme she ran into at Reactions to Reading. It goes like this:

Using only books you have read this year (2009), cleverly answer these questions. Try not to repeat a book title.

PCN has "re-worded some of the sentences, skipped a couple (she) had absolutely no relevant answer for, and added one of (her) own." And since she threw down the challenge, I'm game, and I'll take a similar flexible approach. Here goes.

Describe yourself: 13 Things That Don't Make Sense

I feel like: Outliers

Describe where you currently live: Chapterhouse Dune

If I could go anywhere, I would go to: The Bridge at Dong Ha

Your favorite form of transport: The Langoliers

Your best friend is: Devil in a Blue Dress

My friends and I are: Phantoms

What's the weather like: Ice Station (ha!)

What is life to you: Whirlwind

I fear: The Devil in the White City

I know: We Know

Best advice I can give: Everything Matters!

Thought for the Day: Angels & Demons

How I would like to die: The Last Good Kiss

My soul's present condition: Fifty Grand [or you can make your best offer ;-)]

You all are invited to keep this going.

Related articles by Zemanta:

• Murder Most Noir
• Capsule reviews from some book club members
• Book Review: See Jack Die
• 10 Things You May Have Missed On TV This Week [Mixed Bag]

Powered by ScribeFire.

The End Month Meme

Last month Declan Burke posted this intriguing meme:

For simplicity’s sake I’ve kept it to one book per author, and the idea is that the last book on your list is the book you’d most like to die reading, if you had to die reading.

To wit:A long, long time in the future, in a galaxy far away, the doctor says, “Sorry, but you’ve only got a month to live.” What ten books would you re-read in your last month?

Corey and Jen have picked it up. All of them, including their commenters, have some wonderful and thoughtful things to say, along with the books for that time. Me? I only wish I could be so eloquent. I think I'm in the same league as Jen commenter (and fellow Craisie) beauvalet: "I have no idea what I would want to read then. My reading mood changes so fast." Though to her credit, she then mentions some interesting choices.

I believe I would mix some old and new for everything but the last two books on this list. For the old, I'd have to pick something from my favorite series--and since it's one per author, it'll likely be either L.A. Requiem or The Forgotten Man. The former because it's been my preferred, the latter because it just keeps rising IMO with each re-read. Next, The Odyssey--because Odysseus has always been an admired character for me...and he must get home. I'd probably throw in something of Dickens or Hemingway, too. Maybe, something from non-fiction history.

For the new, I'd pick something from the waiting stack inasmuch as I've never read them. And because it's a reminder to me that time moves in only one direction--forward. However, the last two books on the list would be reserved to the choices of others. Each of my children would get to pick one and I would have them read it to me. I wouldn't be surprised to hear Where the Wild Things Are, Goodnight Moon, or Love You Forever--stories that I read them when they were small and I was putting them down to sleep. You see, I'm an old softie, and I believe in symmetry.

Of Books and Leadership

From Books, New President Found Voice

I recall a post not that long ago by Jen at Jen's Book Thoughts which mentioned Obama's ardent book reading. Now, this article from the N.Y. Times detailing the scope of those readings. From fiction and poetry, to history and philosophy. It is very clear, as the writer cites biographer Fred Kaplan in comparing the two: like Mr. Obama, Lincoln "was a lifelong lover of books, indelibly shaped by his reading — most notably, in his case, the Bible and Shakespeare — which honed his poetic sense of language and his philosophical view of the world."

I find Obama's breadth in reading material very comforting. If it's any reflection upon the man, that capacity for learning, appreciation of knowledge, and self-examination (something his lame predecessor lacked in droves) offers us a sea change in leadership during a time we need it the most. We have not seen the bottom of this crisis yet--not in financial terms, nor do we know the extent of the damage in eight years of corrupt governance. When all of these are revealed, we're going to need the same calm direction and the skill Lincoln used to "galvanize a nation reeling from hard times with a new vision of reconciliation and hope."

Any on Your List?

100 Notable Books of 2008

The N.Y. Times came out with their list of the most notable (for holiday gift giving) books for this year. For me, there was only one from the list in my queue for my reading/listening: The Dark Side: The Inside Story How the War on Terror Turned into a War on American Ideals by Jane Mayer. I'm interested to know how many on this list were read (or in queue) for you?

Corey's Important Post

What fresh hell is this?

After returning from performing three days of my civic duty in Jury Duty, I couldn't have found a more timely post than this one from Corey Wilde's blog. He eloquently highlights Banned Books Week and its celebration of "the Freedom to Read" by the American Library Association. This is an important observation that, unfortunately, requires a constant and vigilant reminding to all. Kudos to the ALA, and to Corey who posted this.