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.