A surprising novel. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it till about 2/3. It's a book of vignettes that jump forward and back in time, but center arA surprising novel. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it till about 2/3. It's a book of vignettes that jump forward and back in time, but center around a core group, all living in Boerum Hill (specifically the block near Dean Street and Bond). It is a love letter, a love poem about Brooklyn in the 6os and beyond. The crime here is gentrification, time, even aging. It is a epic poem to a neighborhood, youth, and the cuts and bruises of childhood....more
I would have liked it a bit more if it wasn't so heavy (doubling, tripling down) into the "woman in peril" trope. I guess it is a Michael Mann story,I would have liked it a bit more if it wasn't so heavy (doubling, tripling down) into the "woman in peril" trope. I guess it is a Michael Mann story, but that part still feels located in the mid 1990s. Good characters, a couple great storylines, and Heat has become Globally Warmed....more
Steven Pressfield, jumps (at the time 21 years; now 8 years) into the future to examine a mercenary world that resembles both 2024 and imperials Rome;Steven Pressfield, jumps (at the time 21 years; now 8 years) into the future to examine a mercenary world that resembles both 2024 and imperials Rome; a pretty good tale....more
The last of Vidal's three Edgar Box mysteries. Interesting. None of these novels was great fiction or even a great mystery, but all were fun. InterestThe last of Vidal's three Edgar Box mysteries. Interesting. None of these novels was great fiction or even a great mystery, but all were fun. Interesting to see Vidal's early playfulness and nonconformity, mixed with status....more
My sister gave this to me a few months ago. I don't normally read YA fiction, not my jam, but my sister is a middle school librarian, so I gave it a sMy sister gave this to me a few months ago. I don't normally read YA fiction, not my jam, but my sister is a middle school librarian, so I gave it a shot. Not bad. Great characters and now I might have to look for a Snake Handling Church shelf (my first book about Appalachia with some Snake churches thrown into the mix)....more
Baldwin uses a review of films relating to race to deconstruct the current race situation (in the early 1970s). This is a fantastic book and not justBaldwin uses a review of films relating to race to deconstruct the current race situation (in the early 1970s). This is a fantastic book and not just for hyper fans of Baldwin. God this man is a treasure....more
An interesting take on the crime novel. Gives it a bit of a family history and family trauma aspect that isn't usually around. One of the better AlexAn interesting take on the crime novel. Gives it a bit of a family history and family trauma aspect that isn't usually around. One of the better Alex McKnight novels. My biggest complaint about these novels is the amplitude of the narrative never emotionally goes super high or super low. There are moments that are horrible (beatings, shootings, breakups) that are horrible, but Hamilton writes them almost surgically. The humanity is partially there. I can feel the pain of Alex in recovery, but he just doesn't dip deep enough into the well that say a Matt Bell or a Brian Evenson can evoke. The despair that exists in a pit, constantly gets shielded from the reader. Minor issue, but I keep wondering why I both like these books at one level, but never LOVE any of them....more
Another solid Steve Hamilton. The reluctant Upper Peninsula detective, ex-cop, and good friend finds himself again beat up, out gunned, and a bit outtAnother solid Steve Hamilton. The reluctant Upper Peninsula detective, ex-cop, and good friend finds himself again beat up, out gunned, and a bit outta sorts....more
How can you not like a crime novel that has snowmobiles, Canadian beer, and hockey elements in it? My only gripe is in the first Alex McKnight novel HHow can you not like a crime novel that has snowmobiles, Canadian beer, and hockey elements in it? My only gripe is in the first Alex McKnight novel Hamilton has Alex being shot with a 9mm Uzi (with a full metal jacket). One of the three bullets get left in him. In the second novel the caliber switches to a.22. Kinda sloppy gun work. I know Wikipedia give you a couple different option but you probably need to stick to one story, otherwise the narrator becomes even more unreliable. Other than that this is a fine series set in the UP (upper peninsula) of Michigan....more
A sold first step. I've read Hamilton before (Lock Artist), but just ordered a bunch of his Alex McKnight books. Figured I'd give them a shot. An inteA sold first step. I've read Hamilton before (Lock Artist), but just ordered a bunch of his Alex McKnight books. Figured I'd give them a shot. An interesting take on the retired cop/detective narrative....more
The last of the first series (16) of Parker novels. Late in his life Richard Stark (Donald E Westlake) would return to Parker, but this was a nice finThe last of the first series (16) of Parker novels. Late in his life Richard Stark (Donald E Westlake) would return to Parker, but this was a nice finish to the first group. A lot of the old gang getting back together, and old score reclaimed, and accounts balanced....more
Broadly, this feels a bit like Steinbeck's Cannery Row or Sweet Thursday, but sadder, more saddled with Kerouac's addiction and struggle with the weigBroadly, this feels a bit like Steinbeck's Cannery Row or Sweet Thursday, but sadder, more saddled with Kerouac's addiction and struggle with the weight of fame on him and his friends. Jack goes out (all names in the novel were changed, but the characters are pretty easy to triangulate) to Big Sur to spend some time atLawrence Ferlinghetti's cabin at the bottom of Big Sur. He returns to SF, returns to Big Sur, returns to SF, returns to Big Sur as he spirals down a port-induced hole that also gives similar vibes to Lowry'sUnder the Volcano.It was a book I constantly had to take micro-breaks from because it both reminded me of my little brother and also just wasn't a burden I could carry for long stretches. But good stuff. Ended in a poem about the SEA that wasn't great....more
Think Die Hard at an amusement park. This novel continues Stark's deviation from his usual formula (Plan > Execute > Fix Mess created another > RevengThink Die Hard at an amusement park. This novel continues Stark's deviation from his usual formula (Plan > Execute > Fix Mess created another > Revenge > Get the bag > Return to the lady with a slightly darker more unbounded set of challenges for Parker. Like a game set to expert level, Parker dances and weaves through danger while caught in the proverbial funhouse. Makes me excited to read the graphic novel (four of the Parker novels were turned into graphic novels by Darwyn Cooke....more
That was the edge Parker had; he knew that survival was more important than heroics. It isn’t how you play the game, it’s whether you win or lose. "
ThiThat was the edge Parker had; he knew that survival was more important than heroics. It isn’t how you play the game, it’s whether you win or lose. "
Think Charles Manson meets Charles Bronson. A solid Parker novel that starts post heist. First 8 Parker novel follow a roughly similar format. Next 4 were his “score” novels. This is the first of the next 4 where Stark reinvents (maybe reinvents is too much) the Parker novels before Stark (Donald E Westlake) took a 29 year vacation from Parker. Anyway, this novel has Parker on catch-up and defense for most of the book as he chases down an adversary that doesn't operate logically....more
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