In The Galway Silence   Ken Bruen

Latest in Bruen’s always entertaining and emotionally brutal Jack Taylor series. This time his nemesis is Michael Allen, and as always, everything that matters to Jack is taken from him. I’ve read all Bruen’s books, and I am still astonished by what Taylor causes, and even more by the losses he endures. As always, the best part is Bruen’s sharp, quick prose wound as tight as Taylor himself. Really enjoyed it, if that’s the right word. Couldn’t put it down.

The Foreigner   Francie Lin

Novel about a Chinese-American man who goes to Taiwan to inter his mother’s ashes and gets involved with local human traffickers. I found the character of Emerson, the protagonist, very dislikable. Not sure if that is intentional, or just a mistake by the author. There is nothing masculine about him, and the one sexual encounter is embarrassingly unconvincing. Also, what progress he makes toward freedom from his past and awakening turns back on itself at the end. Lin’s prose is beautiful, but the preponderance of emotional nuance is completely out of place against the narrative action. Didn’t like it, too bad.

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.

Righteous   Joe Ide
Second novel in the I.Q. series about the Sherlock Holmes figure based in the hood. This time he’s rescuing a friend’s sister from Triads while figuring out who killed his brother eight years ago. Language and dialogue aren’t quite as inventive and authentic this time, but the plot and characterization are good, the narrative comes together nicely, and, unfortunately, the excellent ending made me wish the next book in the series was already available. Enjoyable, entertaining read, like the protagonist and series quite a bit.

The Fifties   David Halberstam
Well-written, overview history of the decade when the United States became the country it is now. While not exhaustive, this is a thorough account focused on the people who embodied the staggering postwar affluence that generated suburbs, rock and roll, malls, big cars, fast food, McCarthyism, the pill, the beginnings of the women’s movement, huge Hollywood stars like Brando, Dean, and Monroe, the Cold War, the Korean War, Ike, desegregation, the generative stages of the Civil Rights Movement, the great migration, and the “changes that were taking place every day in more subtle ways because of the ferocious commercial drive of television and its effect upon both consumers and industry.” A very, very good book, informative and readable, really glad I got to it.

Duino Elegies   Rainer Maria Rilke
Very nice dual-language edition. Nearly every phrase is exquisite, even in Stephen Mitchell’s translation. Again, a little astonished that a person can write with such beauty. This time, except for some well-loved passages, it was like I hadn’t read them before. Still love these poems, always will.

                        “Ah, but what can we take along
into that other realm? Not the art of looking,
which is learned so slowly, and nothing that happened here. Nothing.
The sufferings, then. And, above all, the heaviness,
and the long experience of love...”

                                            "The Ninth Elegy"

My Absolute Darling   Gabriel Tallent
Beautifully written, deeply disturbing novel about the incestuous relationship between Julia “Turtle” Alveston and her monster of a father who abuses her sexually and emotionally. Extraordinary details about the physical world and her inner life. Outstanding portrayal of her personality that completely justifies the narrative development, and very-well written characters, good and bad, most often in authentic dialogue. Very good, but hard to read emotionally.

Sourdough   Robin Sloan
Read this book because I loved Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore so much, and this novel has the same inventiveness and wonder in the same light, readable prose. Story of a young woman, sourdough starter, the future of food, and, as always, love. An interesting blend of hard technology and mysticism, very bay area. Entertaining, enjoyable, and worth every quick page. Really liked it.

The Midnight Line   Lee Child
Latest Reacher novel. This time, he’s in Wyoming and South Dakota trying to return a woman soldier’s West Point class ring. Get’s involved with a very sophisticated opioid drug ring. Written in Child’s usual crisp, intelligent, highly-readable prose. But most of the interactions between Reacher and the other searchers weren’t as interesting as in past novels, almost got a little tedious in the  middle. But, a quick, entertaining, and enjoyable read. Sad, too. Wish I had another one.

I.Q. Joe Ide
Very inventive, entertaining novel about a contemporary Sherlock Holmes character in urban Los Angeles. The Holmes figure is a young black man, Isaiah Quintabe, thus the title, whose sidekick is Dodson. Pretty good characterizations, and good writing, but the real power of it is the dialogue, which is very good. Plot is a little thin, but not bad. Very enjoyable read, couldn’t put it down, even the way I am now. Really looking forward to the next one.

Deep Freeze   John Sandford
Latest, very entertaining Virgil Flowers police procedural, based again in the fictitious Trippton, MN. He has to solve two murders, both with some difficult wrinkles. Not as much humorous repartee, this time, and I miss Virgil’s sexual adventures now that he’s with Frankie, but still good. All of it told in Camp’s clear, very readable prose that moves things right along. A very nice, enjoyable distraction.

Later Short Stories, 1888-1903   Anton Chekhov
Re-read these stories because I read a statement in a review that Lady With a Dog is the greatest love story ever written. It, like all the others, is really good, but hard for me to agree it is the greatest. Really enjoyed re-reading The Bet again, one of my all-time favorites. Liked Shelby Foote’s introduction as well. Reminded me what real literature is about, even in translation. Really good stories.

Tampa   Alissa Nutting
In this novel, the main character “unrepentantly recounts her elaborate and sociopathically determined seduction of a 14-year-old student.” She particularly wants the most emotionally vulnerable boy she can find, so he can be easily used and manipulated. All this while she’s married. I could only survive a few chapters. The prose is good, and some of the characters are well and humorously described. But, I found the whole thing deeply disturbing, and I kept thinking what critics, especially feminist critics, would say about a man targeting for an affair the most vulnerable 14-year-old girl he could find in his class. Would it even get published? Why is this ok?

The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye   David Lagercrantz
Deeply disappointing next volume in the Lisbeth Salander books. Lagercrantz has completely missed her character and sidelined her in the narrative. The plot is stiff and predictable, filled with unbelievable characters and sidebars. It all gets adolescent treatment, and the resolution is completely unconvincing. He has undermined and trivialized one of the great literary characters of the 21^st century. A complete shame. A waste of money, as well. A really bad book.

Home   Toni Morrison
Latest, brief novel by the Nobel Prize winner, the third book of hers I’ve read. Employs a narrative technique where the protagonist writes a critique in the first person of the narrator’s third person account, though not sure what that adds for anyone other than the author herself. Got almost propagandistic toward the end, and I found Frank’s recovery unjustified. I though A Mercy was excellent, and Playing in the Dark: Whiteness and the Literary Imagination was deeply mistaken. Unfortunately, this book is closer to the second, but glad I read it.

Wolf on a String   Benjamin Black
Novel about the court of Rudolf II in 1599 Prague, where a young visiting scholar improbably gets tasked with solving the murder of Rudolf’s mistress. Much court intrigue, and far too many prose flourishes, Banville seems completely infatuated with his own style, found myself skipping over-long descriptions of unnecessary things. Fairly interesting, follows the same structure and method of his Quirk, mysteries. Not a waste of time, but not great.

You Belong to Me   Colin Harrison
Beautifully written “thriller” about the American wife of an Iranian-American financier and the multi-layered connections to them both. Harrison is great at portraying the richness of the webs that bind people, families, and communities underneath their seemingly-normal lives. Really liked the protagonist, Paul. As usual with Harrison, the worst possibilities triumph, though there are, this time, some survivors. Another very good read.

No Middle Name: The Complete Collected Jack Reacher Stories   Lee Child
As the title indicates, a collection of all the Reacher stories Child has written, plus a new novella. Entertaining, like the novels, though it is easy to tell the older stories because the prose hasn’t yet gotten to the precise, clear style of the more resent work. Enjoyed reading them all very much, wish they hadn’t gone by so quickly.

Prussian Blue   Philip Kerr
Most recent Bernie Gunther novel. More interesting than the previous few because he’s back in Nazi Germany, working for them against his will. He’s up at Berchtesgaden, Kerr’s pretentious homage to Der Zauberberg with Gunther as a jaded Castorp? Longer, with more detail, some unnecessary. Kerr eschewed any romantic involvement this time, probably a good thing, in the last few novels it was forced. Not as good as the first three, but enjoyable. Thanks to Charlie for giving it to me, glad I read it.

Habermas: A Very Short Introduction   James Gordon Finlayson
Excruciatingly tiny print in a small book, but a very intelligent, informative, thorough, and well organized introduction to and overview of Habermas’s work and thought. Habermas’s contributions to philosophy, sociology, and political thought are so extensive, getting them all together, even briefly, is a major accomplishment. Finlayson writes clearly and precisely. Excellent summary appendix at the end, though the book is so well done, it’s almost unnecessary. A very good book.

Golden Prey   John Sandford
Latest Lucas Davenport police procedural. I’m not really a fan of Davenport, but Camp’s prose is very readable, and the plot’s are always entertaining. This novel is the same, though this time there wasn’t as much funny cop chatter, and the two sinister criminals were much more sympathetic and interesting than the cops. Another quick read and pretty good distraction.

What Work Is: Poems   Philip Levine
Beautiful, personal, almost polemical poems about labor and life in the United States. Levine, and this book in particular, have had a profound influence on my poetry. re-read it for National Poetry Month. Loved it again, though this time I read it with some heartache because it is my last, and I’m no longer writing poetry.

The Book Thieves: The Nazi Looting of Europe's Libraries and the Race to Return a Literary Inheritance   Anders Rydell Disappointing book about the efforts to identify, and in some cases, return books stolen by the Nazis. Well enough written, as you would expect from a journalist. Based on the title, and my interest, I thought there would be much more history. Instead Rydell deals primarily with the present day attempts at identification. Also, he inserts himself into the narrative way too much for me. Besides, I am unconvinced that it really means something to return a book to the descendants of someone who was gassed and then incinerated by fascist racists. Too bad.

American Philosophy: A Love Story   John Kaag
Engaging tour through the history of American philosophy as a result of Kaag’s time working in Ernest Hocking’s library. I generally love books like this, intellectual history and analysis couched in a personal narrative. Kaag’s vituperative discussions of his first marriage, even though most of the blame is directed at himself, seemed much too personal, I felt like I was forced to look at something I didn’t want to see. But the book is pretty well written, and it did help rekindle my interest in James and Royce, so I’m glad I read it.

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.

Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War II   John W. Dower
Excellent, Pulitzer Prize-winning history of postwar Japan. Really liked the emphases on social and intellectual history, use of popular culture, such as, comedians, TV shows, magazines, songs, etc., and personal letters and diaries. Provides good insight into what life was like for individual Japanese. Very interesting details about the decision to keep the emperor in place, reflecting SCAP’s very conservative approach. Though I read this book about 10 years ago, it fit well with my current reading about Japan in the Pacific war. Very good book.

Confessions of an English Opium Eater   Thomas De Quincey
De Quincey’s idiosyncratic autobiographical sketches of his early life, as well as specific thoughts and reminiscences of the pleasures and pains of opium use, in his case laudanum. I was assigned to read this book in high school, but I didn’t, so, since I have always been interested in it, I finally got to it. I never would have been able to get through his prose back then, it was work enough now. The section on the pains of opium use was the most tedious, all his weird dreams, etc., but I enjoyed the book somewhat, and I’m really glad I finally got it done.

Sad Animal Facts   Brooke Barker
Imaginative, creative, delightful book of little-known facts about all kinds of animals. The drawings, though seemingly simple, convey the facts and emotions perfectly. A fun, quick read by the daughter of a good friend. Really enjoyed it.

Silence   Thomas Perry
Thriller about the attempt by Jack Till, a PI, to bring a woman back from hiding. Interesting narrative technique of focusing on two couples, Till and the woman he is returning, and the assassins hunting her. For me, too much interpersonal maneuvering. The whole thing got tedious, especially since Perry’s prose is only average. Nothing thrilling about it. Too bad.

The Fall of Japan: The Final Weeks of World War II in the Pacific   William Craig
Very readable, highly informative history of the last weeks of World War II in the Pacific. Excellent details about the struggle within the Japanese hierarchy about whether to surrender, Hirohito’s decision, and the subsequent failed coup, even though the book was written in 1967, and Hirohito’s full military influence wasn’t yet known. Fascinating accounts of the two atomic bomb missions, rescue of prisoners in China by the OSS, the arrival and tension of the first occupiers and their fear of being murdered, etc. Very interesting, enjoyed every page.

So Lovely a Country Will Never Perish: Wartime Diaries of Japanese Writers   Donald Keene
A collection of diary entries by Japanese writers during World War II. Disappointed  that it isn’t just the entries. There is far more commentary by Keene, and diary entries are used as examples of what he’s saying, though what he says is not bad. As he says at one point, “The diary is filled with brilliant passages that cry out for quotation.” Really wanted to read those passages and the diaries themselves. Also, Keane organizes the sections by topics that often seem of secondary importance. Not a bad book, but disappointing for me.

The Girl from Venice   Martin Cruz Smith
Engaging novel about a fisherman and the girl he fishes out of the Venice lagoon toward the end of World War II in Italy. I have really liked all of Smith’s novels, and this one is, like the others, very well written, but I found the characters thin, and the narrative line a little preposterous. Never was convinced by the relationship. Ok.

The Decline and Fall of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan: A Pictorial History of the Final Days of World War II   Hans Dollinger
Excellent pictorial history of the final 100 days of the war from German, Japanese, and allied sources. Impressive collection of photographs, detailed charts, complex maps, and primary documents. Very thorough, especially about the war in Europe. Extensive explanatory text, as well. If I have a complaint, it’s that the pictures and text, because there are so many of them, are small, and so, a little difficult to see. But that is not really a criticism. Much less coverage of the war in the Pacific, but what there is is thorough. This is an important historical reference gem.

Japan 1941: Countdown to Infamy   Eri Hotta
Detailed history of the months leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor that precipitated the Pacific war. Good background on the political and historical events that led to the disastrous decision. Hotta is extremely critical of the men whose fantasies started the war and nearly led to Japan’s destruction. A lot of detail about the conflicts between those who wanted to avoid war and those who wanted war. Very sad reading about all the miscalculations and hubris that led to such profound misery and suffering, especially for the Japanese. Prose is a little academically sterile, but the book is informative and well done. Glad I read it.

Night School   Lee Child
Latest in the Reacher series, number 21, all of which I have read. This time he’s in Germany in the 1990s trying to stop a sale to terrorists. The same quick, sharp-edged prose, intelligence, and just enough narrative tension for a deeply entertaining read. Once again, though, the female sexual interest seems contrived, and a couple of things Reacher knows seem improbable. But a very fun read, once again. Enjoyed it.

The Windup Girl   Paolo Bacigalupi
This novel is so beautifully written, so well imagined, that it’s difficult for me to say anything meaningful about it. In a wholly believable future devastated by genetically altered disease and climate warming, political, technological, genetic, and biological conflict propels the very-interesting characters toward the overwhelming conclusion. See, told you I couldn’t find anything to say. Emiko is the windup girl of the title, and she survives. Loved this book, wish it hadn’t ended.

The Dream of the Golden Mountains: Remembering the 1930s   Malcolm Cowley
Beautifully written, insightful memoir of the 1930s while Cowley worked as an editor at The New Republic. Chapter one is an outstanding overview of the social situation of the Great Depression. Excellent description of the enticements of Communism for intellectuals, especially writers, of the period. Interesting account of Cowley’s involvement with the Harlan County coal strike. The chapter “Grass Grew in the Streets” is a fascinating depiction of the things people did to get by, especially in the early years of the depression. This is an excellent depiction of the literary, intellectual 1930s in the United States. Made me wish we were still like that. The few insertions of purely personal history worked very well. I loved this book.

Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945   David M. Kennedy
Detailed political history of the United States through the depression and WWII. Very thorough, balanced account of The New Deal, but disappointingly meager information on the actual American people, subtitle should read “The American Government in depression and war”, there’s no social or intellectual history at all. Interesting historical, political, and economic assessment of The New Deal. Good chapter on the buildup to war. Fascinating account of the contortions the Roosevelt administration went through to aid Great Britain while remaining “neutral.” The war is described in only broad strokes and emphasizes major encounters, political as well as military, and Kennedy kind of skips around. Language is a little too flowery for a serious history book, which this is, but that’s not really a criticism. Overall disappointing because even after 858 pages and with all the facts he presents, my understanding of the 16 momentous years described did not grow at all. Too bad.

Dust to Eat: Drought and Depression in the 1930s   Michael L. Cooper
Brief but excellent history of the conditions of the depression and dust bowl in the 1930s, and the resulting migration of hundreds of thousands of people to California. Clear, simple prose highlighted by excellent Dorothea Lange photographs. Not a lot of detail, but good broad strokes for an effective overview. Goes well with my other reading on the period.

Nonzero: The Logic of Human Destiny   Robert Wright
Describes human cultural evolution as derived from the ongoing progress of nonzerosumness, a concept from game theory. Besides being an incredibly clumsy term, I am deeply suspicious of looking back over history and seeing patterns that lead inevitably to where we are now. Also, I think he is straining to identify an underlying logic to anything to do with human “development.” Interesting history of the increasing complexity of human cultures. Wright really gets off kilter in the second part of the book where he talks about natural selection “designing” and “inventing” things. His engaging prose style made it an enjoyable read, but I am completely unconvinced by the “logic” he thinks he sees, and his notion of a human destiny. The third part about teleology and spirituality at the end was so bad to be embarrassing. A shame.

Escape Clause   John Sandford
Entertaining, well-written, latest Virgil Flowers police procedural. This time Virgil is investigating the theft of endangered tigers from the Minnesota Zoo, multiple resulting murders, and an attack on his girlfriend. The plots develop nicely, the characters are interesting enough, and the banter is humorous. As usual, Camp’s prose is clear and pulls things right along. Very enjoyable, I like Virgil, didn’t really want it to end.

Terminal World   Alastair Reynolds
Science fiction novel about a far-distant future earth. Begins with what might be understood as a gloss on Dante’s journey. Characters get a little thin, almost stereotypical. Reynolds kind of falls in love with the world he created and spends too much time describing details that aren’t really important to the plot, and there is a lot of discussion among characters, so the narrative bogs down a little. And the lengthy, and much-too-numerous, conversations are stilted and implausible, got tedious. The ending is weak. Too much work for the payoff, too bad.

Men in Dark Times   Hannah Arendt
Collection of essays about people, political and intellectual, under duress during the war years in Europe. Especially interested in Rosa Luxemburg, Karl Jaspers, and Walter Benjamin. As always, Arendt is highly intelligent, analytical, and insightful. Unfortunately, she discusses quite a few people I do not find interesting or that  influential, such as Roncalli, Dinesen, and Gurian. Wish she had included an essay on Heidegger. Her work, in general, is important and was highly influential in the 20^th century.

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind   Yuval Noah Harari
Disappointing book about homo sapiens. Liked his use of the term sapiens to designate what we usually call humans, and humans to designate all homo genus species. But the book has an odd condescending tone, as if the its audience is in middle school, and Harari is giving them a moralistic lecture. For example, “The story of these fundamental features of our universe is called physics…The story of atoms, molecules and their interactions is called chemistry.” Unfortunately, none of the information was new to me. Not a good book, a waste of time. Really glad I didn’t purchase a copy.