Finished We 8/15/12
This might be "The Beginner's Guide to Anne Tyler" as it is not nearly as satisfying as most of her classic novels, and only offers a rudimentary over-view of her remarkable narrative powers.
Aaron Woolcot- 6'4" tall. Slight paralysis on right side of body.Needs cane for walking. Racquetball player?
Dorothy (Rosales) Woolcot-Short, stocky, 8 years older than Aaron. Mexican descent.
Nandina- Aaron's older sister; very tall and slightly domineering.
Irene Lance-works with Aaron at his vanity press. She's elegant.
Peggy-works as the office secretary for the vanity press. She's round, pudgy, and a 'girly-girl'.
Nate and Luke-Friends of Aaron's. Luke owns a restaurant and his wife is the chef.
Gil Bryan- Partner in Bryan Brothers General Contractors. Really is in business with his cousin.
Wyndhurst is the section just north of Baltimore where the Woolcot's lived
My post at Good Reads-
I am a huge fan of Anne Tyler, and I was a bit disappointed with THE BEGINNER'S GOODBYE. However, the novel is a fine exploration of grief , and does render an honest reflection on a lost relationship, but it doesn't come close to Tyler's stellar novels like ST. MAYBE, THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST , or LADDER OF YEARS.
In THE BEGINNER'S GOODBYE, Aaron Woolcot has lost his wife, Dorthy, in a freak accident, and several weeks after her death, she begins to 'visit' him as he grapples with his bereavement. This is not a 'ghost story', but this quasi-paranormal story-line allows Aaron to confront Dorothy for just a few more times so that he can finally appreciate what they had and learn to accept what they lacked. And, this realization allows Aaron to grow, and move on in his life.
Although the novel 'worked for me', I couldn't really accept the character of Aaron. He seemed much too old for his actual years, and there is no way that this man with his physical disability could be a racket-ball enthusiast.
However, I still love Anne Tyler, and I see this novel as more of a, "The Beginner's Guide to Anne Tyler".
This was the July 2012 selection for The Contemporary Book Club, Springfield, IL.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
INTERNECINE by David J. Schow
Finished Tu 8/14/12
By the author of UPGUNNED which I read in June of 2012, and INTERNECINE has a similar theme. Both novels deal with men who are thrown into hostile environments, and forced to 'sink or swim'. And, the journey becomes a revelation.
My post at Good Reads:
Since the novel never actually defines, 'internecine', I'll save you some time, and provide the meaning. The term relates to a struggle within a nation, organization, or group which can be mutually destructive, ruinous, or fatal to both sides, and is characterized by bloodshed or carnage. And, nothing comes closer to the theme of this terrific crime novel.
When advertising executive Conrad Maddox returns from a flight and finds a mysterious locker key waiting in his rental car, life as he knows it ends. After visiting the locker and retrieving the case which is full of weapons, phony ID, and money, he meets Dandine, owner of the case and former contract assassin for a shadowy organization called Norco. And now, both of them are under the gun. The novel is a fast-paced swirl of action and revelation. It postulates the existence of many competing super-secret intelligence operations which operate below popular consciousnesses. Or as Dandine explains to Conrad, "they are now inadvertently at play in a field of “terrorism, counter-assassination, military coups, dirty tricks, Watergate, spy vs. spy, murky secret organizations, that sort of thing.”
The book requires you to think, and it's not an easy read, but it's well worth the effort. I would highly recommend it. You should also check out UPGUNNED by David J. Schow which also deals with an ordinary man who is thrown into a violent and hostile environment, and forced to 'sink or swim, and the journey becomes a revelation.
By the author of UPGUNNED which I read in June of 2012, and INTERNECINE has a similar theme. Both novels deal with men who are thrown into hostile environments, and forced to 'sink or swim'. And, the journey becomes a revelation.
Of or relating to struggle within a nation, organization, or group.
2. Mutually destructive; ruinous or fatal to both sides.
3. Characterized by bloodshed or carnage.
Since the novel never actually defines, 'internecine', I'll save you some time, and provide the meaning. The term relates to a struggle within a nation, organization, or group which can be mutually destructive, ruinous, or fatal to both sides, and is characterized by bloodshed or carnage. And, nothing comes closer to the theme of this terrific crime novel.
When advertising executive Conrad Maddox returns from a flight and finds a mysterious locker key waiting in his rental car, life as he knows it ends. After visiting the locker and retrieving the case which is full of weapons, phony ID, and money, he meets Dandine, owner of the case and former contract assassin for a shadowy organization called Norco. And now, both of them are under the gun. The novel is a fast-paced swirl of action and revelation. It postulates the existence of many competing super-secret intelligence operations which operate below popular consciousnesses. Or as Dandine explains to Conrad, "they are now inadvertently at play in a field of “terrorism, counter-assassination, military coups, dirty tricks, Watergate, spy vs. spy, murky secret organizations, that sort of thing.”
The book requires you to think, and it's not an easy read, but it's well worth the effort. I would highly recommend it. You should also check out UPGUNNED by David J. Schow which also deals with an ordinary man who is thrown into a violent and hostile environment, and foreced to 'sink or swim, and the journey becomes a revelation.
“Internecine” means conflict, mutual destruction, and slaughter—or, as Dandine tells Conrad, they are now inadvertently at play in a field of “terrorism, counter-assassination, military coups, dirty tricks, Watergate, spy vs. spy, murky secret organizations, that sort of thing.” A world in which being innocent can’t save you, the police can’t help you, and your only hope of getting out alive is to risk unheard-of dangers against opponents with nearly unlimited power. To free themselves from the spider web of black ops, murder, madness and betrayal, Dandine and Conrad must delve ever-deeper into the spiraling, dangerous maze that is Norco, where everyone seems to be in on the most lethal of games…except you.
Friday, August 10, 2012
MILDRED PIERCE by James M. Cain
Finished Th 8/9/12
Good Reads post:
This is an extraordinary novel of Female Empowerment set in the downward spiral of The Great Depression, and concerns a young mother who manages to create, out of almost nothing, a thriving restaurant business. That in itself would be sufficient material for a fine story-line, but Cain's novel goes far beyond that, and introduces a sub-plot dealing with Mildred's infuriating relationship with her oldest daughter. The character of Veda might be the finest example of,'Spoiled Evil Rotten Child', ever conceived.
This novel is written in the style of fast paced 'who dunnit', yet it's overwhelmingly a carefully nuanced character study of a particularly toxic family dynamic. Although the book can be extremely melodramatic, it never sinks to mawkish sentimentality, and the characters are always believable.
This is a classic novel that lives up to every bit of the hype!
Link to Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mildred_Pierce
Good Reads post:
This is an extraordinary novel of Female Empowerment set in the downward spiral of The Great Depression, and concerns a young mother who manages to create, out of almost nothing, a thriving restaurant business. That in itself would be sufficient material for a fine story-line, but Cain's novel goes far beyond that, and introduces a sub-plot dealing with Mildred's infuriating relationship with her oldest daughter. The character of Veda might be the finest example of,'Spoiled Evil Rotten Child', ever conceived.
This novel is written in the style of fast paced 'who dunnit', yet it's overwhelmingly a carefully nuanced character study of a particularly toxic family dynamic. Although the book can be extremely melodramatic, it never sinks to mawkish sentimentality, and the characters are always believable.
This is a classic novel that lives up to every bit of the hype!
Link to Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mildred_Pierce
DEAD BEAT by Val McDermid
Finished Th 8/9/12
Good Read post:
Comparisons to Sarah Paretsky's V.I. Warshawski series are unavoidable. Both writers create tales of female investigators who solve crimes in a straightforward and down-to-earth manner, and also take the reader on a detailed tour of a particular locality. Paretsky's novels are set in the greater Chicagoland area, and McDermid takes the reader to the Manchester/Bradford/Leeds areas of northern England. DEAD BEAT features Manchester-based detective, Kate Brannigan, as she attempts to solve the murder of a Mancunian soul singer, and determine who is running a fake merchandising ring that is operating in Greater Manchester, England.
This is the first in the collection, and although a bit formulaic, if you are a fan of these kinds of detective novels, this one will not let you down.
My notes on the novel:
Neil 'the rock journalist' is the killer. He found out that Moira (the victim) had an abortion and he threatened to tell Jett, the famous soul singer. Moira is a recovering addict and used to write and sing backup for Jett. Moira is killed because she can force Neil out of the organization, and he won't be able to write the book on Jett.
Mentions The Hacienda Club (the characters call it 'The Hassy') better known simply as The Haçienda) was a nightclub and music venue in Manchester, England. It became most famous during the "Madchester" years of the late 1980s and early 1990s; during the 1990s it was labelled the most famous club in the world.
Good Read post:
Comparisons to Sarah Paretsky's V.I. Warshawski series are unavoidable. Both writers create tales of female investigators who solve crimes in a straightforward and down-to-earth manner, and also take the reader on a detailed tour of a particular locality. Paretsky's novels are set in the greater Chicagoland area, and McDermid takes the reader to the Manchester/Bradford/Leeds areas of northern England. DEAD BEAT features Manchester-based detective, Kate Brannigan, as she attempts to solve the murder of a Mancunian soul singer, and determine who is running a fake merchandising ring that is operating in Greater Manchester, England.
This is the first in the collection, and although a bit formulaic, if you are a fan of these kinds of detective novels, this one will not let you down.
My notes on the novel:
Neil 'the rock journalist' is the killer. He found out that Moira (the victim) had an abortion and he threatened to tell Jett, the famous soul singer. Moira is a recovering addict and used to write and sing backup for Jett. Moira is killed because she can force Neil out of the organization, and he won't be able to write the book on Jett.
Mentions The Hacienda Club (the characters call it 'The Hassy') better known simply as The Haçienda) was a nightclub and music venue in Manchester, England. It became most famous during the "Madchester" years of the late 1980s and early 1990s; during the 1990s it was labelled the most famous club in the world.
Friday, August 3, 2012
SKYDOG THE DUANE ALLMAN STORY by Randy Poe
Finished Fr 8/2/12
My entry at Good Reads:
I just read Gregg Allman's biography, MY CROSS TO BEAR, and Randy Poe's book lacks the personal insights of a founding member, but is much more 'fact based'. Randy Poe provides a wealth of information about the early bands and musicians that later became The Allman Brothers Band. The author is a music industry insider who has tracked down the important people who knew and influenced Duane Allman, and helped to create and develop this most important American band. And, the book contains a comprehensive discography of Duane Allman's work with his own bands and his musical contributions to other artists' recordings. And, Poe also includes a complete rundown of Duane's guitars, both studio and stage, and provides a continuing update on the lives and careers of friends and band-mates of The Allman Brothers Band organization.
Intersection of Hillcrest and Bartlett Street- the site of Duane's fatal motorcycle accident. Link to Google Maps;
https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en
My entry at Good Reads:
I just read Gregg Allman's biography, MY CROSS TO BEAR, and Randy Poe's book lacks the personal insights of a founding member, but is much more 'fact based'. Randy Poe provides a wealth of information about the early bands and musicians that later became The Allman Brothers Band. The author is a music industry insider who has tracked down the important people who knew and influenced Duane Allman, and helped to create and develop this most important American band. And, the book contains a comprehensive discography of Duane Allman's work with his own bands and his musical contributions to other artists' recordings. And, Poe also includes a complete rundown of Duane's guitars, both studio and stage, and provides a continuing update on the lives and careers of friends and band-mates of The Allman Brothers Band organization.
Intersection of Hillcrest and Bartlett Street- the site of Duane's fatal motorcycle accident. Link to Google Maps;
https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en
HERBERT HOOVER by William E. Leuchtenburg
Finished Th 8/2/12
"The inefficiency expert whose economic boosterism met its match in the Great Depression"
1874 Born West Branch, Iowa
1884 Orphaned
1885 Sent to Oregon
1891-1895 Enrolls at Stanford, graduates bachelor of arts in geology
1897- To Australia for Bewick, Moreing, and Company (San Francisco company)
1899- Marries Lou Henry and sails to China
1914- After becoming a partner, he forms American Residents in London for Assistance of American Travelers. This group gave loans to help Americans trapped in Europe as WWI began.
Later appointed chairman of the Commission for Relief in Belgium.
1927-Heads relief effort for Mississippi flood victims
1928- Elected President of US. Declared Republican in 1920, but would have been welcomed by both parties.
1929- The Great Depression begins; Organization on Unemployment Relief; National Credit Corporation; Reconstruction Finance Corporation; World Disarmament Conference in Geneva; Emergency Relief and Construction Act
1932-BONUS ARMY ROUTED; Defeated by Franklin D. Roosevelt
1946- Appointed Food Ambassador by Harry Truman
1964-Died
A slim book which describes an unusual man who enjoyed many years in glory at the center of the world's biggest events. Became a successful mining expert in Australia and China, saved millions from starvation in Europe, took charge of one of the biggest floods in American history, and lost it all by his mishandling of the government during the Great Depression.
"Vote For Roosevelt, Make It Unanimous"
He actually said that the unemployment statistics were inaccurate because many quit their jobs to make more money selling apples on the street.
He felt that private charities should be handling the relief effort, and he didn't want to commit resources of the federal government because this would undercut their efforts.
Known for creating committees and boards instead of taking action when he was president.
My post at Good Reads:
This is a rather slim book which manages to hit all of the high (and low) points of the life of Herbert Hoover. Here is a man who was one of the most popular men on the planet, who became a US president, and yet ended his career in virtual disgrace. A successful mining engineer who headed an international relief effort which saved millions of Europeans from starvation, and a few years later saved thousands of Americans in a terrible flood of the Mississippi river in 1927. Although, the Great Depression sank his political and civic fortunes, and although he was in no way directly responsible, his inability to take command of the situation will be his sad legacy.
I thought that this campaign poster for FDR was especially revealing:
"VOTE FOR ROOSEVELT, MAKE IT UNANIMOUS"
The book is just long enough to keep you interested in this multifaceted historical figure, but doesn't bog down with minutia that is the bane of many historical biographies.
Link to Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_Hoover
"The inefficiency expert whose economic boosterism met its match in the Great Depression"
1874 Born West Branch, Iowa
1884 Orphaned
1885 Sent to Oregon
1891-1895 Enrolls at Stanford, graduates bachelor of arts in geology
1897- To Australia for Bewick, Moreing, and Company (San Francisco company)
1899- Marries Lou Henry and sails to China
1914- After becoming a partner, he forms American Residents in London for Assistance of American Travelers. This group gave loans to help Americans trapped in Europe as WWI began.
Later appointed chairman of the Commission for Relief in Belgium.
1927-Heads relief effort for Mississippi flood victims
1928- Elected President of US. Declared Republican in 1920, but would have been welcomed by both parties.
1929- The Great Depression begins; Organization on Unemployment Relief; National Credit Corporation; Reconstruction Finance Corporation; World Disarmament Conference in Geneva; Emergency Relief and Construction Act
1932-BONUS ARMY ROUTED; Defeated by Franklin D. Roosevelt
1946- Appointed Food Ambassador by Harry Truman
1964-Died
A slim book which describes an unusual man who enjoyed many years in glory at the center of the world's biggest events. Became a successful mining expert in Australia and China, saved millions from starvation in Europe, took charge of one of the biggest floods in American history, and lost it all by his mishandling of the government during the Great Depression.
"Vote For Roosevelt, Make It Unanimous"
He actually said that the unemployment statistics were inaccurate because many quit their jobs to make more money selling apples on the street.
He felt that private charities should be handling the relief effort, and he didn't want to commit resources of the federal government because this would undercut their efforts.
Known for creating committees and boards instead of taking action when he was president.
My post at Good Reads:
This is a rather slim book which manages to hit all of the high (and low) points of the life of Herbert Hoover. Here is a man who was one of the most popular men on the planet, who became a US president, and yet ended his career in virtual disgrace. A successful mining engineer who headed an international relief effort which saved millions of Europeans from starvation, and a few years later saved thousands of Americans in a terrible flood of the Mississippi river in 1927. Although, the Great Depression sank his political and civic fortunes, and although he was in no way directly responsible, his inability to take command of the situation will be his sad legacy.
I thought that this campaign poster for FDR was especially revealing:
"VOTE FOR ROOSEVELT, MAKE IT UNANIMOUS"
The book is just long enough to keep you interested in this multifaceted historical figure, but doesn't bog down with minutia that is the bane of many historical biographies.
Link to Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_Hoover
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
THE DROPPER by Ron McLarty
Finished Tu 7/31/12
I read about two thirds of this, and then skimmed to the end. It's kind of a poetic or lyrical 'coming of age' tale. The story is in in Barrow, England which is in Northwest England (North of Blackpool) and features Albert 'Shoe' Horn. He is a seventeen year old apprenticed plumber who must take care of his mentally challenged brother, Bobby. Their mother has recently died, and they live with their alcoholic and abusive father. Shoe is a semi-professional fighter, and some of the novel concerns his fights and the colorful characters that are part of this brutal sport. A notable friend is 'McAvy' who is a huge, yet tender giant of a man who seems to be the emotional center of the young Horn's lives.
I had high hopes for this novel, but it never took off for me. The book charts Shoe's adventures in Love, Work, and Sex, but I couldn't relate to it. The characters are well-developed, but not a lot happens. Or, most of what happens is internalized, and the book could have been a real page-turner, but seemed far too introspective for my taste. The story and the setting would have benefited with a more realistic writing style rather than the poetic or dreamy approach that McLarty employs. However, I plan to give McLarty's THE MEMORY OF RUNNING a look.
I read about two thirds of this, and then skimmed to the end. It's kind of a poetic or lyrical 'coming of age' tale. The story is in in Barrow, England which is in Northwest England (North of Blackpool) and features Albert 'Shoe' Horn. He is a seventeen year old apprenticed plumber who must take care of his mentally challenged brother, Bobby. Their mother has recently died, and they live with their alcoholic and abusive father. Shoe is a semi-professional fighter, and some of the novel concerns his fights and the colorful characters that are part of this brutal sport. A notable friend is 'McAvy' who is a huge, yet tender giant of a man who seems to be the emotional center of the young Horn's lives.
I had high hopes for this novel, but it never took off for me. The book charts Shoe's adventures in Love, Work, and Sex, but I couldn't relate to it. The characters are well-developed, but not a lot happens. Or, most of what happens is internalized, and the book could have been a real page-turner, but seemed far too introspective for my taste. The story and the setting would have benefited with a more realistic writing style rather than the poetic or dreamy approach that McLarty employs. However, I plan to give McLarty's THE MEMORY OF RUNNING a look.
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