Monday, March 6, 2017

The Ranger   Ace Atkins
Interesting thriller about an army Ranger who goes home on leave to find his uncle dead and the town he grew up in submerged in corruption. Of course, he fixes it. Very readable prose, more actual characterization than often is the case in this genre, and general believability. Found it to be a pleasant, fairly satisfying diversion. First in a series, may try the next one. Enjoyable enough. Glad I read it.
Guilty Thing: A Life of Thomas De Quincey   Frances Wilson
Relies heavily on De Quincey’s autobiographical writings, at times it seems just to be regurgitating them. But provides a good sweep of his life. Prose is pleasant and effective, though De Quincey himself remains a little elusive until the end, this book provides a good overview. Surprised and very interested that Poe was so strongly influenced by him, and that De Quincey was read and so esteemed in America. Enjoyed it very much even though my opinion of De Quincey is now more realistic, his life got very sad at the end as he got more prolific and brilliant. Good writing and research. Excellent, brief summary at the end of De Quincey’s profound influence. Glad I read it, kind of sad it has ended.