THE HUNGER by Whitley Strieber

 Finished We 12/24/25

This was one of my ancient paperbacks that I first finished on Fr 12/6/19. I remembered the small detail that Miriam, the vampire used a soap that embalmers use on dead bodies to ward off the smell of decomposition. 

This is one of the better Vampire themed novels and introduces a bit of science to the subject. The key to 'Vampire-ism' might have something to do with the human body's need for sleep. Although vampires and humans are two entirely different species, there seems to be some connection via sleep. 

From the book's page at Publishers Weekly:

"Most readers know Strieber for his bestselling books about his alleged contacts with aliens (Communion, etc.). Yet before he met the saucerians, Strieber wrote immensely popular horror novels, some of them filmed (as was Communion which, nonfiction or not, is a horror classic). The most imaginative was The Hunger (1980), which posited an ancient race of vampires that created humanity and has directed our species' history. In his first novel in seven years, Strieber returns to the opulent, ferocious world of Miriam Blaylock, the beautiful, powerful and rapacious vampire who dominated The Hunger (and was played by Catherine Deneuve in the film version). It's time again for the vampires' centennial conclaves, and Miriam is in Thailand, hoping to find a mate at the Asian gathering. Instead she encounters a possibly mortal enemy, Paul Ward, a CIA operative heading up a hush-hush team dedicated to wiping out the vampires. The novel's first two-thirds offers a tour de force of mythmaking (as Strieber redefines the world through vampiric eyes) and emotionally intense action (as Ward's team stalks Miriam and her ilk). The last third, set in Manhattan, is less successful, as Miriam, intent on destroying Paul, lures and seduces him and then falls in love, as does he with her. This turn doesn't quite convince, and the contrived ending shrieks sequel. There's much here to admire, not least Strieber's expert modulation of tone and dialogue as POV shifts from Miriam (fluid, refined) to Paul (muscular, slangy). While not as original as its parent, this bloody, lush and gripping novel trumpets a welcome return to fiction by Strieber and could win award nominations."

The novel is lurid and trashy and I loved it and the next morning (Christmas Day, 2025)  I watched the film on Tubi. 

THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST by Nikos Kazantzakis

Finished We 12/17/25 

This was one of my ancient trade paperpacks that I had never read. The premise of the story was familiar (Jesus's hallucination of a life that he might have had), but I think that I remember that from the movie. 

The book is a somewhat fictional account of the end of the life of Jesus. The disciples were all behind 'the savior' when he promised that they would become 'kings of the earth'. But when things got dangerous, they folded. 

Judas is a red headed blacksmith who was a member of The Zealots (with Barabas) who went around attacking people who were not 'following the laws of Moses'. Jesus's message was that he was 'the next covenant' and that he had come to replace those laws. Thomas was a merchant, Peter a fisherman, Mark a publican which means a pub owner or a tax collector, Nathaniel was 'slow' and a cobbler. 

When Jesus is put on the cross he hallucinates a life with two wives (Mary & Martha) and numerous children. In this life he lives to be an old man, but deeply regrets that he did not 'bear the sins of mankind on the cross'. 

 From Kirkus reviews:

"This is a retelling of the story of Christ which has created a stir of controversy abroad and is bound to be received with mixed feelings in this country. Kazantzakis is the greatest modern author Greece has produced and those who are familiar with his work will recognize the conflict between flesh and spirit which he has explored again and again in both his novels and philosophical writings. Here Kazantzakis follows the Gospels in accepting the miraculous events they relate. Where he deviates is in the psychological make-up of the Christ who is portrayed as a reluctant Messiah moved by the calling of God but also drawn toward living a normal life among men. The last temptation is in fact a vision which comes to Christ on the cross in which he sees himself married and as an old man surrounded by a loving family. Orthodox Christians may also be disturbed by the characterizations of Mary, Mary Magdalene and Judas who is portrayed sympathetically. Mary is a troubled mother worried about her son's strange behavior, and she would like nothing better than to see him living a full normal life. She is terrified by the mission he has undertaken and vainly tries to save him from self-destruction. Mary Magdalene was to be betrothed to Christ and in her disappointment over his rejection turns to prostitution before she is reborn to a higher understanding of love. And Judas is pictured as a rebellious zealot of the period who believed that the Kingdom of God should be brought about on earth by violent means if necessary. He is drawn to Christ's teachings but he cannot understand his passivity. In the end he betrays him unwillingly..... Kazantzakis is a powerful writer and this is a powerful book. The setting is again Mediterranean- the land and the people he understands so well. There is no doubt that the book will draw wide comment and, after all is said, it should prove to be one of the most important of the year."- August, 1960    

TERMS OF ENDEARMENT by Larry McMurtry

 Finished Su 11/30/25

This is one of my ancient paperbacks that I had never read. I had seen the movie (decades ago), but I didn't remember a thing.

The book is very different from the film. The novel could have easily been made into a play. Most of the action takes place in Aurora's kitchen. 

I loved the maid character and in the film she is barely mentioned. And, the astronaut character is not even in the novel. 

I'm glad I read the book, but the movie was infinitely better. 

My favorite joke from the book made it into the film. Aurora says that she hates the nickname 'Flap' because it reminds her of a loincloth. 

MERCEDES NIGHTS by Michael D. Weaver

 Finished Mo 11/24/25

This is one of my ancient hardbacks that I had never read. It's a clever idea, but hard to grasp and a bit confusing.

The Basics: Mercedes Nights is a famous female movie star and she is cloned by a sex service. "For $10,000 a night you can sleep with the most famous star in the world".

The kink is that each clone believes that she is the 'real' Mercedes Nights. Mayhem ensues. 

Although it was a confusing read, it was like PK Dick and I want to get another by this largely unknown author. He's got one on Amazon for a couple of bucks and I think that I'll pick it up.