Swann’s Lake of Despair   Charles Salzberg
Novel about Henry Swann who finds people or things for a living. Prose was decent, but the narrative was artificial and unconvincing, and the characterizations were shallow facades only. Too bad.

A Drifting Life   Tatsumi Yoshihiro
800-plus-page autobiographical graphic novel about the origins of gekiga manga. Loved every frame and balloon; the writing, drawing, and pacing. Didn’t want it to end. Already read The Push Man and Other Stories, plan to read more.

Quarry in the Middle   Max Alan Collins
This time Quarry is caught between the mob-controlled owners of two casinos on the Mississippi. More violence and sex, but this time not quite as interesting or convincing. Still, a good quick diversion from the meaningful stuff. Enjoyable enough.

Quarry’s Ex   Max Alan Collins
Another entertaining novel about the hit man who kills other hit men. This time he is protecting a film director who just happens to be married to his ex-wife. Sex and violence in the usual clean prose. Enjoyable diversion.

Autobiography   John Stuart Mill
Fascinating personal account of the political and social philosopher’s life (1806-1873). I grew to like and respect him more as the narrative progressed, for his incredible intellect, his honesty, and even humility. Even though it took some work to get used to his style, really enjoyed the book.

Quarry’s Choice   Max Alan Collins
Entertaining novel about a hit man sent to the Biloxi strip for a job in the 1970s. Plenty of sex, drugs, and violence in clean, efficient prose. Had a good time.

Pay Any Price: Greed, Power, and Endless War   James Risen
Risen’s continuation of what he started in State of War: The Secret History of the CIA and the Bush Administration. Deeply depressing, detailed accounts of specific examples of the utter corruption of the political-economy of the American war on terror since 9/11. A little too journalistic, but well done. Makes me sick.

The Big Seven   Jim Harrison
Deeply entertaining novel about an ex-policeman who gets involved with a criminal family in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Harrison’s usual blend of humor, lust, pain, and thoughtfulness, all described in apparently-unrefined prose that turns out to be beautiful. Loved it.