Very enjoyable book of golf short stories — well, short snippets. Some are only a page long…the longest one is six pages (I think). But it’s a great mVery enjoyable book of golf short stories — well, short snippets. Some are only a page long…the longest one is six pages (I think). But it’s a great mixture of current golf and the history of the game, beginning with the first course(s) in the USA. Mr. Sowell did a remarkable job....more
I’ve rarely read any Grit Lit I enjoyed (other than James Lee Burke and Tom Franklin) and I’m sorry Lay Your Armor Down didn’t change my mind. It was I’ve rarely read any Grit Lit I enjoyed (other than James Lee Burke and Tom Franklin) and I’m sorry Lay Your Armor Down didn’t change my mind. It was just too tedious. Good story but it takes Mr. Smith too long to get to the point in nearly every scene in the book. Also extremely irritating were his constant references to cigarettes and smoking. The book is 258 pages and it could be 200 pages if he’d left out half the smoking. After the first 30 or so mentions they really weren’t necessary. I know there will be many who enjoy Lay Your Armor Down and I’m glad for the author, a fellow Mississippian. I’m sorry I can’t be one of them....more
I’ve watched Slow Horses for years but never read a Mick Herron book. I’ll be reading more. Nobody Walks kept me turning the pages, even when I shouldI’ve watched Slow Horses for years but never read a Mick Herron book. I’ll be reading more. Nobody Walks kept me turning the pages, even when I should have been asleep. Really enjoyed Herron’s “sarcastic “ sense of humor....more
If you like cliches this book is for you. Confession: My wife checked out the audio book and we listened to Betrayal of Trust on a recent road trip. DIf you like cliches this book is for you. Confession: My wife checked out the audio book and we listened to Betrayal of Trust on a recent road trip. Decent story but too much “hot as blue blazes” … “quiet as a field mouse” … etc. for me. Not to be rude, but it was my first Jance book. And probably my last. I never know what my bride will find on Hoopla....more
Buckle up. Dr. Levine goes deep with some really interesting interpretations of Jesu’s parables. Mercifully, when she begins getting a bit academic wiBuckle up. Dr. Levine goes deep with some really interesting interpretations of Jesu’s parables. Mercifully, when she begins getting a bit academic with her writing her sense of humor redeems her, not that she needs redemption but she can string together fifty-cent words with the best of them. I’m really glad I read Short Stories and Dr. Levine’s insights....more
I’m probably in a minority here, but Nightshade is the first Michael Connelly book I’ve actually read. I’ve watched Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer—and nI’m probably in a minority here, but Nightshade is the first Michael Connelly book I’ve actually read. I’ve watched Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer—and now Ballard—but just never got around to reading Mr. Connelly. Those days are gone. I’ll go back and read some of “the old ones” until the next Stilwell novel comes out. I’m all in now....more
Consider making a character list as you read. As with the rest of the book, it’s all very confusing. It’s a pretty good story but, and I don’t mean toConsider making a character list as you read. As with the rest of the book, it’s all very confusing. It’s a pretty good story but, and I don’t mean to be mean, the writing left me cold. I didn’t mind jumping back and forth between eras, but there were times when I wasn’t quite sure where we were. Oh, well. There are plenty of 5 stars to refute me, but as a former colleague of mine was wont to say, “That’s my opinion and I agree with it.”...more
Well. I struggled at the beginning and when I get to my usual Page 100 do-or-don’t moment something told me to keep going. I’m glad I did. Lake SuccesWell. I struggled at the beginning and when I get to my usual Page 100 do-or-don’t moment something told me to keep going. I’m glad I did. Lake Success is one of those novels that I won’t say I “enjoyed” but I’m awfully glad I read it. There will be more Gary Shteyngart readings....more
Another Burke masterpiece featuring the Hollands, including an adventure in New York City, that somehow finds its way to Texas. Hackberry’s daughter BAnother Burke masterpiece featuring the Hollands, including an adventure in New York City, that somehow finds its way to Texas. Hackberry’s daughter Bessie is the narrator-protagonist but Hackberry is, as always, the center of the action. And there’s a lot of action. All told in Mr. Burke’s inimitable style, including, of course, a walk-on by a three-legged raccoon....more
Ashamed to admit it’s the first Robert Parker book I’ve read. But I’m going to catch up. Really enjoyed The Professional. Great and quirky group of chAshamed to admit it’s the first Robert Parker book I’ve read. But I’m going to catch up. Really enjoyed The Professional. Great and quirky group of characters, and a really good story. Didn’t see the ending coming until about 20 pages to go. Looking forward to more Parker novels, even though he’s not with us anymore....more
Outstanding work. One of the best histories—about anything—I’ve read. While its thoroughness is remarkable the book doesn’t read like an academic treaOutstanding work. One of the best histories—about anything—I’ve read. While its thoroughness is remarkable the book doesn’t read like an academic treatise. It’s deserving of five stars, but…. It really needs some good maps. There are maps but they’re all small and poorly reproduced in black and white. But it’s still a great read....more
