The Histories   Herodotus

Herodotus’ (484-414 BCE) histories of Persia, Egypt, and Ionia covering religion, social traditions, politics, geography, and wars, especially the Persian empire that dominated the period. Really the first work in what we in the western world consider history. Divided into nine sections named for the muses. MacAulay’s translation, though from the 19^th Century, is clear and readable. An important and impressive work, and not just because it may originally have been presented orally. Trying to fill in another gap in my education.

Thin Air   Richard K. Morgan

Complex mystery novel that takes place on a far-future, colonized Mars. Murder everywhere, intricate political intrigue, staggering violence and brutality, and a very well developed future described in great and convincing detail. The technology is impressively thought out and believable. Became completely immersed in it, a very enjoyable distraction. Didn’t want it to end.

Schopenhauer in 90 Minutes   Paul Strathern

Very short introduction to Schopenhauer, though not much about his actual philosophy. Primarily covers his life, his bitter relationship with his mother, and his many affairs. Too bad, his ideas influenced Nietzsche, Wagner, Freud, and Wittgenstein, among others. While I enjoyed it well enough, and I learned about Schopenhauer’s life, I don’t understand the elements of his thought any better. One good thing about the book is that it really did take only 90 minutes to read.

Ship Breaker   Paolo Bacigalupi

Young Adult novel about a dystopian America caused by the effects of global warming. Nailer is a ship breaker who gets involved with a swank girl and the corporate intrigue of her family. The same world of Bacigalupi’s adult novels, which I loved, and like them very well written, enjoyed it well enough. Disappointed that the two following novels focus on a different character. Not a bad read at all.

The Maples Stories   John Updike

A one-volume collection of all eighteen stories about Richard and Joan Maples Updike wrote throughout his career. As always with Updike, he explores the rich emotional complexity and nuances of a relationship in highly intelligent, luminous, exquisite prose. Humorous, and at times, deeply moving. I really miss Updike’s writing, wish he were still alive. Loved every word.

Tales From Ovid   Ovid (trans. Ted Hughes)

Twenty-four of Ovid’s Metamorphoses beautifully translated by Ted Hughes. Much better examples of the quality of Ovid’s poetry, though he is still no Virgil. Many of the tales/myths that have entered western civilization down to the present, such as Echo and Narcissus, Tiresias, Venus and Adonis, Midas, etc. Though I have always been more interested in the Greeks, glad to have filled this gap in my education.

Ovid in Love   Ovid

Love poems by the Roman poet. Published in 1968, the book itself has beautiful, sensual drawings as well. Didn’t like the poetry that much, but very glad to fill this gap in my education. None of the bawdy, graphic poems he is famous for, at times the verse seems almost adolescent, though maybe that is the translation. Surprisingly, a couple of poems about abortion. Very glad I read these poems.

Brief Answers to the Big Questions   Stephen Hawking

A deeply disappointing collection of essays covering topics such as “Is there a God”, “Is Time Travel Possible”, etc. Written for people who know nothing at all about science. Should more accurately have been titled “Shallow Answers”. Hawking was a brilliant  thinker about physics, but he wasn’t able to build any kind of a persuasive argument in any of these essays, and he makes a bad logical mistake in the essay about God. Too bad, would have liked some intellectual stimulation. Wish I had saved my money.

The Ghosts of Galway   Ken Bruen

Most recent in Bruen’s Jack Taylor series, all of which I have read, as well as all his other books.  This time he gets further involved with Emerald, a sinister group of super patriots, and all his own ghosts. This one is even more emotionally bleak and violent than the others with many of the main characters killing themselves or being murdered, some by Taylor himself. But it’s all told with Bruen’s quick, sharp, powerful prose. Enjoyed this one very much.

Past Tense   Lee Child

Latest novel in the Reacher series, all of which I have read. Once again, Reacher is on the road, this time trying to get from Maine to San Diego for the winter, but he stops in New Hampshire to see his father’s home town. Of course, there are really bad people doing really bad things that Reacher has to stop. Two separate plot arcs gradually converge, both plausible and interesting, into a slightly weak ending, it just seems to fall apart a little too easily. Enjoyable and engrossing read, and once again, the real star is Child’s prose. Not his best, but liked it a lot.

Red Cat   Peter Spiegelman

A very well written and executed mystery. John March’s brother demands that he find a woman who is threatening him and his family. Of course, she then turns up murdered. March painstakingly follows what clues he has. Spiegelman does an excellent job of creating the atmosphere and environment in which March works. A lot of detail about the characters. All the relationships are fraught and unraveling. The murdered woman is an especially fascinating character. Really enjoyed this very good novel.

Holy Ghost   John Sandford

Latest in the Virgil Flowers series. This time  there are shenanigans and murder in Wheatfield, Minnesota surrounding visitations from the Virgin Mary who looks suspiciously like one of the town’s women. Like the other books in the series, the banter among the cops and the idiosyncratic townspeople are the most enjoyable elements. Even the sub plots weren’t so bad. But Sandford took so long with the police procedural that it got a little tedious. All-in-all an enjoyable, very well written distraction.

The Darkening Age: The Christian Destruction of the Classical World   Catherine Nixey

Disturbing and infuriating history of the concerted Christian efforts to destroy “pagan” culture and thought as Christianity became the dominate ideology between the first and fifth centuries of the Christian era. Nixey’s attempts to make it a popular, almost entertaining, history weaken it, and the organization was a little chaotic, but the information that does come through is very important, and works to undermine the Christian propaganda about that period. Very informative and useful history.

Wrecked   Joe Ide

Third novel in the very enjoyable IQ series. The main narrative arc leads Isaiah to Grace, she is his Irene Adler, which leads to love and serious danger, and unfortunately, too many chases. But like the other IQ novels, the real entertainment is the characterizations. The hood is filled with unique and interesting people. As usual, Ide’s prose moves things right along effortlessly. Had a very good time reading it, wish there were more of them.

They Shoot Horses Don’t They   Horace McCoy

Emotionally bleak, 1935 novel about two people involved in a marathon dance. Captures the desperation of life in Depression-era America, as well as any history could. Authentic prose, vivid characters, and engrossing plot. A very quick, rewarding read.

Pale Horse Riding   Chris Petit

Sequel to Butchers of Berlin that finds Schlegel, Morgen, and Sybil in the Auschwitz garrison investigating corruption and murder. Even though Petit seems to get a little lost inside his own plot toward the end, it all works. Once again, Petit’s austere prose is just right for the situation. I was hanging by a thread at the end, but it was ok. Really enjoyed reading it. Wish there were another in the series I could read now.

A World of Thieves   James Carlos Blake

Well-written novel about a family of bandits in 1920s New Orleans and west Texas. Good characterizations, effective first person narrative, and historical accuracy. The John Bones bogeyman sub plot kind of gets in the way, and even minor characters have involved stories to tell, which got a little tedious, but in all, really well done. Moved right along, cared about the characters, felt authentic. Really enjoyed it.

The Butchers of Berlin   Chris Petit

Excellent novel about policemen in 1943 Berlin trying to solve a series of gruesome murders. Good characterizations, a complex plot that continues to reveal surprises, written in a readable prose. Took a little while to get going, but it was well-done right from the start. Felt like I was there. Very accurate portrayal of the nihilistic, amoral, sinister, brutal, and corrupt Third Reich. By the end couldn’t put it down. Really liked it, so much, I ordered the sequel.

Aspen Pulp   Patrick Hasburgh

Nicely written, engaging novel about a former ski instructor and television writer who returns to Aspen, Colorado. Everything goes sideways when he inadvertently gets mixed up with drug dealers and far-right militiamen. Some strange and unjustified plot twists, too many coincidences, and unlikely escapes made it difficult to take seriously. The ending was much too sweet. But it moved right along and kept me distracted for a couple of days. Enjoyed it well enough.

Blown   Mark Haskell Smith

Novel about a Wall Street investment banker who embezzles $17 million and takes off for the Caribbean, and the people the bank sends to get the money back. Written in Smith’s usual engaging style, but without the usual affectionate humor for the characters of his previous books. And, after an entire narrative of fatalism, a surprising and unconvincing ending. Still a quick, entertaining read.

William James: In the Maelstrom of American Modernism   Robert D. Richardson

Very well written, highly-informative intellectual biography of a pre-eminent figure in American intellectual history, and someone I have been interested in for a very long time.  James is the American philosopher, if that is not an oxymoron, who articulated pragmatism. Covers all James’s work in detail while clearly showing us James the man. Provides a good glimpse of American intellectual and social history of the time (1842-1910), as well. Excellent use of letters to and from him. A very, very good biography, really enjoyed it and profited from reading it.

Raw   Mark Haskell Smith

Novel about the romance between a reality TV star who doesn’t really know the difference and an intellectual wannabe author needing a dose of reality. I really enjoyed and cared about the characters in the two Smith novels I’ve read previously, even most of the bad guys, but I didn’t like any of these characters. None of them were written with the affection with which he wrote the others, I guess. Even so, the novel is well done, a quick, enjoyable read. Glad I found Smith, just the lighthearted distraction I need. On to the next one.

Delicious   Mark Haskell Smith

Another very entertaining novel from Smith, this one set in Hawaii with competition between indigenous and invading mainland production catering companies. Inventive, interesting, and well-constructed plot and characterizations, both good and bad, all presented in very good, readable prose that moves right along. And, as usual, several love stories and relationships that are what it’s all about. Really enjoyed it, couldn’t put it down.

The Air Raid Killer   Frank Goldhammer

German novel that takes place in Dresden at the end of World War II. Max Heller, detective inspector, is chasing a serial murderer who commits ritual murders during air raids. Characterizations are a bit thin, and the plot took a while to get going, but it picked up, and there are some good twists toward the end. Excellent, moving description of trying to survive the senseless fire bombing in February 1945. All-in-all, an enjoyable and interesting read.

Salty   Mark Haskell Smith

Turk Henry, ex-heavy metal bass player, and his ex-super model wife go on vacation in Phuket, Thailand, and that’s when all the trouble starts. Kidnappers, pirates, a corrupt ICE agent, beautiful Thai hookers, and the heat lead to self-discovery and humor for everyone. Nicely written, lots of fun, very entertaining comic novel. Right from the beginning, wanted to see what happened to these people. Really enjoyed it, wish it hadn’t ended.

The Shadow District   Arnaldur Indridason

Icelandic mystery novel that takes place during World War II and the present day. Written in very simple prose, the narrative develops in both times simultaneously. Unfortunately, that causes problems when the present day investigator is trying to figure out things that have already been explained. The ending was completely unconvincing when one of the murderers decides to just give up and explain everything. Disappointing.

Noir   Christopher Moore

Another delightful, humorous, heartwarming, and deeply entertaining novel by Moor. It’s 1947 in San Francisco and bartenders, waitresses, aliens, crooks, Chinatown, and a narrating black mamba all come together for adventure and enjoyment. Very well written, highly imaginative, and fun. Wish it hadn’t ended.

Super Sad True Love Story   Gary Shteyngart

Well-written, interesting novel about dystopian America in the very near future. The narrative framework is diary entries by Lenny and text messages of his lover Eunice that chronicle their relationship and the devolution of an already-teetering United States. This format works very well, especially the language of the text messages. The love story is sad, and the creeping dystopia seems true. Even though the weak ending undermines the power of the story, I enjoyed this book, very well executed overall. Glad I read it.

You Were Never Really Here   Jonathan Ames

Novel about a former Marine and FBI agent who is now a private contractor who finds kidnapped young women. Written in spare, simple, very readable prose, the narrative unfolds quickly. Unfortunately, it ends abruptly with no resolution, only part way through the protagonists search. Deeply frustrating, even dishonest. Too bad. 

Zone One   Colson Whitehead

Extremely well written and accomplished novel about a post-zombie-apocalypse world, that isn’t. As the protagonist recounts his many escapes and losses, the book gets progressively sadder and the ending, though unanticipated, feels inevitable. Quite a bit above what you would think of as a zombie novel, it’s much more about the characters and what it is like for them to be at the end of the world. Very good.

Twisted Prey   John Sandford

Latest in Camp’s Lucas Davenport series. This time he’s in Washington, D.C. investigating an apparent assassination attempt on a Minnesota senator. As usual, Camp’s prose is excellent and pulls the narrative right along. The procedural elements are very well laid out, and there was a good deal of tension. Even though the ending is weakened by a measure of improbability, it was good. I’ve read many of the books in this series, and I liked this one as much as any of them. Good distraction while it lasted.

Distant Star   Roberto Bolaño

Brief, brilliant novel tracking poet, air force pilot, and serial killer Carlos Wieder through the crimes of the Pinochet years in Concepción, Chile and “the shifting anthology of Chilean poetry”, to Barcelona many years later. Written in clear, straightforward prose, at least in this translation, the story unfolds in an almost off-handed narrative. Chilling, sad, and filled with remorse. Felt I should read at least one of Bolaño’s novels. Very good.

Greeks Bearing Gifts   Philip Kerr

Latest, and penultimate, Bernie Gunther novel. I've now read every one in the series. Written well enough, the narrative moves right along, but the plot is static, at best, what little action there is is told through never-ending dialogue, the character portrayals are shallow, once again Bernie’s romantic interest is completely unconvincing, and the cynicism is over the top. Kerr seems more interested in appearing erudite than writing well. Got tired of Bernie’s never-ending sarcasm. Whole thing got tedious. Too bad.

The Square and the Tower: Networks and Power, from the Freemasons to Facebook   Niall Ferguson
Well written look at history, primarily European, from the point-of-view of the struggle between networks and hierarchies. I had problems with Ferguson before I read this book, primarily his love of empires and oppression, especially the British Empire which he adores, and his extreme conservative politics, both of which are prominent throughout his analysis. I’m fascinated by networks, especially network theory, so the topic sounded tremendously interesting. Unfortunately, didn’t encounter any new ideas really, I have questions about his sources, and I found his conclusions unpersuasive.

A Legacy of Spies   John Lecarré

Beautifully written filling out and re-examination of the spy story told previously in his The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, this time from the point-of-view of Peter Guillam. The prose pulls us effortlessly through the narrative. Perfectly executed, and, if possible, even sadder than the original. Cornwell explores all his old themes again, especially the toll taken on those who worked in espionage during the cold war. Loved it. Very, very good.

The Three Way Tavern: Selected Poems   Ko Un

A collection of poems by “the pre-eminent Korean poet of the twentieth century.” Unfortunately, these poems seem to be a good example of Robert Frost’s claim that “poetry is what’s lost in translation”. That seems especially true of Un’s Sŏn poems. Still, very glad I read this collection.

Joyland   Stephen King
Have felt for a long time that I should read a Stephen King novel because of his influence in American fiction. This mystery novel, part of the Hard Case Crime series, is about a series of carny murders back in 1973. It’s a coming-of-age story of sorts, as well. I was disappointed by the writing and the adolescent characterizations. Also, there was no real edge to it, the series notwithstanding. But it was an engaging distraction for a couple of days. Not very good, but no regrets.

The Blinds   Adam Sternbergh
Entertaining, well-written novel that follows the narrative structure of a western, small town in west Texas, sheriff, standing up to outside invaders, with a little science fiction sprinkled in. Imaginative, readable, though a little short on characterization, and the ending seems too optimistic for the plot. But an enjoyable diversion.

Ezra Pound and His World   Peter Ackroyd
Brief but very good biography of probably the most influential poet of the twentieth century. Filled with excellent photographs, as well. Answered the questions I had about him, his politics, poetry, and sanity. Very readable. Just what I was looking for.

The Night Market   Jonathan Moore
Entertaining, well-written, inventive novel about a near future San Francisco policeman investigating a very strange death. It just gets more complicated from there. A blend of science fiction and mystery that is plausible and well-executed. Found the ending unjustifiably optimistic, but not too bad. Really enjoyed it. Couldn’t put it down.

Normal   Warren Ellis
Short, well-written, imaginative, and highly intelligent novel about academic futurists confined in a remote rest farm because peering into the future has driven them mad. In turns hilarious, sad, and deeply troubling, but also very entertaining. Though known more for his graphic novels, this is the third excellent novel I’ve read by Ellis. He’s a very good writer. Really glad I read it.

Ultraluminous   Katherine Faw
Very well written, emotionally bleak novel about a high-end prostitute working in Manhattan. A first-person narrative in clear, precise prose perfectly suited to the main character’s emotional disintegration. Even though you see it coming, devastating conclusion. A quick, powerful read.  

Bhagavad Gita
A beautiful and profoundly spiritual text.  This, more than any other “sacred” text I have read seems purely spiritual and conveys an understanding of life. I do not like the explanations for why it is acceptable for Arjuna to kill people, Krishna is a harsh god. I also am uncomfortable with the Lord/God references even though they can be understood to portray a reverence for the foundation of existence throughout the universe, which I liked. Loved the clarity and simple beauty of Mitchell’s translation.

Four Quartets   T.S. Eliot
Four of the most beautiful and philosophical of Eliot’s poetry. I used to read these poems every year, but it has been a while. Very rewarding to read them again, and I see things in them for the first time, my life having changed so much in the last couple of years. Even so, Burnt Norton and The Dry Salvages are still my favorites. “There is no end of it, the voiceless wailing.”                  “ but this thing is sure,

                          That time is no healer”

The Bear   William Faulkner
Read this novel forty years ago, and it seems just as great now. The beautiful, intense, well-crafted prose moves us through the lives of McCaslins and the death of the Mississippi wilderness symbolized in the hunt for and killing of Old Ben, a monumental bear that has eluded the encroaching civilization for generations. While I remembered parts clearly, it was fresh and powerful once again, got me through some tough stuff, as well.

The Wanted   Robert Crais
Latest in the Elvis Cole series. This time Cole and Pike help a woman track down her son and solve a series of eighteen burglaries of very high-end homes. Plot moves along well, and Crais’ prose is clear and readable, but there isn’t as much humor and emotional power compared to previous books. Wish Pike had been more involved, and the final confrontation was kind of weak. Nonetheless, a very enjoyable, quick, and entertaining read.