Will Travel for books

August in Review

8/30/2019

August was an incredibly busy yet productive and fun month. It marked the first of the fiscal year at work where we held our annual conference in Las Vegas. We celebrated my father-in-law's birthday in Vegas the weekend before this conference. Speaking of birthdays, I had a birthday (hint: I am now twice the legal drinking age...yikes!) The second week of the month I was in Korea for business. And my kids started back to school, 1st and 2nd grade.

I managed to read a total of 4 books. Each one interesting in their own way, all very different from one another. Novels by Le Carre, Perrotta, and Russo. And a Non-Fiction Novel by the stupendous Capote.

Before we get to the books, here is a photo of my kids on their first day back to school...

Now on to the books...

The Naive & Sentimental Lover by John Le Carre
First American Edition
***

This novel is a complete detour from all of his other works that are filled with governmental workers, spies, politicians, and villains. The Naive is a love story, yet a very quirky one at that. About a straight-laced successful man becoming enamored with a bohemian couple and deciding to forego work and responsibilities and his own wife in order to prance around in Paris and other extravagant and seductive locales. It was as if Le Carre and Henry Miller spent a scandalous week together consuming as much absinthe and hallucinogenic drugs as possible and afterwards Le Carre crawled home to his writing desk where he wrote this twisted stream-of-consciousness tale. It was messy at times. Overall, a tad above average at best.

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
First Edition
*****

Capote is a master of the pen. I am embarrassed to say this was the first time I have read this book. It is grim and insightful and rich...rich with characters and stories-within-stories and scenery...and life and death! This is a non-fiction novel, therefore everything in this book actually took place. Most of the quotes are to a 'T'. Capote did extensive research and it shows through his brilliant re-telling. A family of 4 is gruesomely murdered, seemingly for no reason whatsoever. A true scene of macabre. A hunt of the killer or killers ensues. Capote then takes us into the minds and shoes of the killers themselves...the why, the how...breaking down their lives and psyches. A gripping tale for sure...you never want to stop reading!

Mrs. Fletcher by Tom Perrotta
Signed First Printing
****

I enjoy a Tom Perrotta novel or short story. His characters are always full of life and flaws. His stories are filled with satire, fearlessness, and laugh-out-loud humor. He does not hold back with this story about a 40-something woman who is dealing with single life, possible breakdowns, her clueless sometimes-wayward college-aged son, her own sexuality, and the fact that someone anonymously texted her calling her a MILF. It is a quick read, and a great one at that!

Mohawk by Richard Russo
Signed First Printing + Signed Re-Issue
****

If you are following my blog and/or IG, you will know I am awestruck by Russo. He is one of my favorite authors. Similar (yet better in my opinion) to John Irving. He is what I call an Americana Novelist. He gives us more than a glimpse into American culture, diving deep into communities and individual personas. The characters he creates come to life and stick with you long after you turn the last page.

Mohawk is his first novel and it is brilliant. It is about a town in upstate New York and its inhabitants; within the 1970s. There are rich characters, mysteries that slowly unravel, and stories that will engulf and enrich. Worth the read!

What did you read in August?
What are you currently reading?
What do you recommend?

Thank you and don't forget to check out my Goodreads Page!

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July in Review

7/31/2019

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July was a sweltering month here in Texas, but a great one! My son turned 6...it is an old saying yet so true: they grow up way too fast! We rescued a new puppy from the Humane Society, I am sure I will feature him sitting beside my books in the near future. Work took me to Cincinnati, OH (first time and I really enjoyed it) and back to Hawaii. Regarding work, we wrapped up our Fiscal Year, a successful year in which I finished with over 100% in bookings!

Book-wise it was as strong month. How I read a total of 6 books at over 1,600 pages is beyond me. I enjoyed each one and most of these had a slight intertwining theme that was not planned which I found fascinating. Works from Brown, Cunningham, Doctorow, Brodsky, Hill, and McCarthy.

Before we get to the books, here is my amazing son, Conor, over the years. Still can't believe he is already going into first grade here in a couple weeks...

Now on to the books...

Origin by Dan Brown
First Printing
***

Dan Brown's fiction is enjoyable, although predictable and downright silly at times. Origin is the latest Robert Langdon adventure. We find the professor of symbology and religious iconology this time unravelling the mysteries behind the unveiling of answers to the most sought after questions: 'Where do we come from?' and 'Where are we going?'. Attacks on religion aside, it was a fun ride. But - and it is a big 'but' - I was really disappointed in the answers...I was expecting something much more profound. There was such a huge build up of around 300 pages, and then bam a huge let down. I really do hope Brown abandons Langdon, at least for awhile, and writes another stand-alone novel!

Golden States by Michael Cunningham
Signed First Printing
***

I love reading an established author's first novel. You can always sense greatness, in fact sometimes their first effort is their best effort. In the case of Cunningham, his first is not as bad as he wants you to believe (he'd rather you not read it and has taken it off his oeuvre). There is not much substance to this novel, but you can surely sense his greatness. The story sort of meanders at times, just as the protagonist, David Stark, does as he approaches and swims through the depths of adolescence. A story about growing up, finding oneself, and making it through a broken home. A nice story, not awful at all...and hopefully Michael Cunningham will soon realize this fact.

Welcome To Hard Times by E.L. Doctorow
Signed Re-Issue
****

Another first-novel. This time by the great E.L. Doctorow. This a little bit of a departure from most of his later novels and short stories. If you were to tell me that William Styron, or Thomas Berger, or even Patrick DeWitt wrote this novel I would believe you. It takes place near the Badlands in a town called Hard Times. A mean SOB wreaks havoc, killing, raping, and nearly burning down the whole damn town. Even so, our subtle hero decides to re-build the town and establish a place of decency...will he succeed? A great and gritty tale!

Nobel Prize for Literature - 1987
Watermark by Joseph Brodsky
First American Edition
***

This is a love story, an ode, to Venice, Italy. And I liked this novella about as much as I liked visiting the city Venice itself...It was just so-so. Some beautiful scenery/prose. No watered-down passages in this book, however not much substance; not much of anything grows out of Brodsky's serene and delightful words. It was nice and it was pretty, yet perhaps I will like Brodsky's poetry much more, how I like Venice's sister cities of Florence and Rome significantly more?

NOS4A2 by Joe Hill
First Printing
****

Ok, WOW! I did not expect to like this as much as I did. I have read most of Joe Hill's work and I personally like him already over his father, therefore I knew this one would be good, but his best-to-date?...nope! I love how Hill blends horror with comedy and mystery. NOS4A2 is about a man named Manx who takes kids from their 'rotten' parents and delivers them to a place called Christmasland where Christmas is year-round and unhappiness is never allowed. It is also about a young lady named Vic McQueen who uses her 'inscape' abilities to find things and people...and now she must find Manx and his Wraith. An extremely enjoyable ride, unlike the one his victims take within the Wraith!

Child of God by Cormac McCarthy
First Printing
*****

This may just be my favorite McCarthy novel. And that is saying a lot, considering I gave 5 stars to the Border Trilogy. But, man was this book terrifying, gripping, and even gratifying in a twisted way. And the Faulkner-esque writing is superb...but of course you expect this from McCarthy. This is a book I cannot wait to read again within the next 5-10 years to see what my thoughts are then. This story takes place in the hill country of Tennessee and our protagonist/antagonist is a 27-yearold orphan who turns to brutality and disgust after losing his home. The savage violence he commits are not usual, they are breathtakingly gruesome, yet you find herself craving the bloody yet poetic descriptions McCarthy offers and spews. So poetic, so moving, so terrifying....so brilliant!

What did you read in July?
What are you currently reading?
What do you recommend?

Thank you and don't forget to check out my Goodreads Page!

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June in Review

6/30/2019

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June was a delightful month filled with a lot of firsts for me and some great reads! My first time going to Japan where I spent time in Tokyo, Misawa, and Okinawa. What a beautifully serene Country filled with extremely nice people and elegant architecture and breathtaking views! Quickly became one of my favorite countries to visit. Since I am a foodie, I experienced a lot of firsts culinarily speaking whilst in Japan: Barracuda sushi, basashi (look it up), Habu (snake) Sake, real Kobe beef cooked in front of you, an oyster the size of your head, and many more. My tastebuds (and I) were in heaven! In Tokyo you can also find Book Town within Jimbocho; several bookstores stretching across several blocks. You can spend hours browsing here...and trust me I did...where I found a couple Haruki Murakami books in the original Japanese editions. Work also took me to Washington DC for just a couple days.

The books I digested this month were also delightful. A gritty yawn from Stone, a delectable tome by Tartt, a french delight from Lemaitre, and a wholesome novella by Updike.

Before we get to the books, here are a few photos from my trip to Japan...

Now on to the books...

Bay of Souls by Robert Stone
Signed First Printing
***

Robert Stone is hit or miss for me. And this one was slightly off the mark. Given the premise - a married professor in the midst of a midlife crisis falls for an eccentric colleague who believes herself to be possessed...he then follows her to her native island to participate in odd rituals but must be aware of not only supernatural enemies but also political corruption - it could have been much better. It had its moments, but overall a true yawn.

The Little Friend by Donna Tartt
Signed First Printing
****

I really wish Donna Tartt would write more. I so admire her work. She is one of my favorite living authors, yet she has only published a total of 3 novels. This one is her second novel, and although not my favorite (that distinction goes to her first The Secret History) I found myself fully immersed in the plot, story, characters, and her beautiful style. The setting takes place in Tartt's native state of Mississippi. It starts off with the gruesome murder of Harriet's older brother when she was only a baby, too young to really remember. However, fast forward to her being 12 years old she swears she remembers her brother and suddenly, yet secretly, decides she is going to find her brother's killer. The Little Friend is more about small town living, sociology, socioeconomic factors, and growing up in a shattered home...then it is a murder mystery. A wonderful novel that I highly recommend!

Prix Goncourt - 2013
The Great Swindle by Pierre Lemaitre
Signed First British Edition
****

I collect all of the Prix Goncourt winners, at least the ones that have been translated into English. I find that some do not translate into English all that well, while others are brilliant in perhaps any language. The Great Swindle is part of the later category. I never wanted to put down this epic thriller ride! The plot centers around 3 main characters who survive the Great War (WWI). A horrific tragedy on one of the last days of the war binds these 3 together for life. A corrupt Capitaine and 2 soldiers who try to carve out lives of their own in post-war France...through scams and swindles and hard crimes. Through these great swindles, their lives get even more entangled, so much that you are sure they will never be able to be unwound. Lemaitre is a great writer, and I am looking forward to reading more from him in the future.

Of The Farm by John Updike
First Printing
****

Reading John Updike is like slicing through butter with a hot knife. He is so subtle, simple, quaint, poetic, and smooth.

Of The Farm is about just that...a farm that has been in Joey Robinson's family for several years. Joey now lives in NYC and visits his mother from time to time, who is now the sole resident of the farm. His mother is elderly and is concerned only about what is to happen to the farm once she is 'gone'. On this last visit, Joey brings his new wife and step-son, which causes sticky social situations throughout the story/visit. Updike could have easily named this novel The Mother, since the plot really encircles her and her demeanor. This was a very enjoyable short read.

What did you read in June?
What are you currently reading?
What do you recommend?

Thank you and don't forget to check out my Goodreads Page!

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May in Review

5/31/2019

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Overall, May was a good month. Book-wise it was a so-so month, closing in on disappointing. But personally, it was a great month. May saw our kids graduate from Kindergarten and 1st Grade...we couldn't be more proud of their academic achievements, both of them reading almost 2 grades beyond their current grade. Athletically, they both passed their first belt test in Tae Kwon Do. For Memorial Weekend, we spent time at the beach house in Port Aransas where the kids saw their uncle catch a shark! They also enjoyed riding jet skis and playing on the beach. With regards to work, I only had to go out of town once, to Hawaii.

As mentioned, the books I chose for May weren't exactly fabulous (with a couple exceptions). Which surprised me since all selections were from some of my favorite authors: Erdrich, Naipaul, Palahniuk, Rushdie , & Roth.

Before we get to the books, here is a photo of my kids on one of their last days of school. It was crazy sock day for Caroline, and Conor wanted to showcase what he was reading at the time...

Now on to the books...

NBCCA - 1984
Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich
Signed First Printing
****

I enjoy a good Erdrich novel, as the Native American way of life and mysticism that encompasses it thoroughly interests me. Love Medicine is her first novel and you see the foundation for her other works which have gone on to win the National Book Award and other elite awards. This is a novel of two intertwining families set within a North Dakota reservation in the mid 1900s. Erdrich gives us more than a glimpse into Native American life; the hardships, the beauty, and the pain. All through interlocking stories with characters that are so well developed and easy to love. Very poetic, as only Erdrich can be.

Nobel Prize for Literature - 2001
The Mystic Masseur by V.S. Naipaul
First American Edition
***

I was hoping for something more fun, perhaps outrageous or ridiculous. Instead I got a blasé story about a man on a quest to find himself. Even though the story did not intrigue me, the writing is still superb and flawless. A true masterpiece in literary sense, especially being a first novel. We see Ganesh fail at being a schoolteacher and a masseur, only to become a revered man of the community as a politician and a 'mystic'. Delightfully humorous and you can't help but like Ganesh, most of the time anyway.

Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk
First Printing
**

Ugh. This is all I can say about this rubbish. Ok, I can say more... I expected more. A great premise: A writer's retreat gone wrong. Where several people are locked in a cavernous theatre for 3 months with no way to leave, little to no food, and told they should just focus on what they came here for: to create their masterpiece. It starts out very promising, the book that is. Told in short stories by the various attendees, the stories themselves are sometimes horrifically absurd (just how I like my Palahniuk) and other times plain boring. But outside of these aside-stories is where the not-so-good absurdness occurs. People mutilating themselves for no true reason. Others sabotaging the structure to make it either more miserable or near impossible to ever attempt escape. Feel free to skip this one (sorry Chuck, still love ya!).

Grimus by Salman Rushdie
Signed First American Edition
**

Another 2 star, however I was not disappointed since I was going into this one without much anticipation. Having read that Rushdie himself discredits this book, his first novel, I knew it wasn't going to be great. There were good moments and a lot of potential but it just fell flat. If you were to put into a blender The Alchemist, The Sibyl, and Thus Spoke Zarathustra, and blasted this concoction on high, this is the mess you would poor into your glass. With a blend of philosophy, theology, adventure, science fiction, and mysticism you get the tale of Flapping Eagle, a man who drinks an immortal potion before traveling the physical and inter-dimensional world for around 500 years. So many times I had to re-read a page or two to try to make sense of what was taking place. One passage in the novel popped for me and should be Rushdie's mantra: "I do not care for stories that are so, so tight. Stories should be like life, slightly frayed at the edges, full of loose ends and lives juxtaposed by accident rather than some grand design. Most of life has no meaning - so it must surely be a distortion of life to tell tales in which every single element is meaningful?"

PEN/Faulkner Award - 1994
Operation Shylock by Philip Roth
Signed First Edition
*****

Wow what a brilliantly spun spy-like tale. How Philip Roth never won the Nobel is beyond me. No one writes like Roth did. No one is as creative the way Roth was. No one places himself (or herself) smack dab in their stories the way Roth did...which lifts the tale into a whole other literary realm, in my opinion. This is more than a story of a doppelgänger / identity theft. A thesis on Zionism and 'Diasporism'. An internal look at Jerusalem with its Jewish and Arab neighbors; the interlaced communities, groups, ideologies. Philip Roth discovers that there is another Philip Roth tromping around Europe and the Middle East pretending to be the literary Roth. Problems only exacerbate from there...with extreme diaspora ideas being contributed to Roth himself, to million dollar checks, kidnappings, and more craziness. Roth is at his finest here...playing with us all along the way...Portnoy's Complaint on idealogical and perhaps psychological steroids. Utterly brilliant!

What did you read in May?
What are you currently reading?
What do you recommend?

Thank you and don't forget to check out my Goodreads Page!

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April in Review

4/30/2019

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April was the busiest month I probably have ever had with regards to work, especially travel. This week will mark my 5th week in a row on the road. The locations: San Jose, California, Raleigh, North Carolina, Korea, Alaska, and this week I am back in Hawaii. Needless to say, my circadian rhythm is completely out of whack! Somehow I still managed to squeeze in a visit to the San Antonio Book Festival where I got to meet and speak with the great Ben Fountain who wrote the impeccable Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk. When I wasn't on travel, the rest of the time was spent with my family and we enjoyed a very nice Easter.

A lot of time on a plane equated to a lot of books read. 6 books in total from Ishiguro, Kang, Johnson, Lethem, and Murakami. All fabulous!

Before we get to the books here are a few photos from my visit to Korea...a remarkable beautiful Country.

Now on to the books...

Nobel Prize for Literature - 2017
The Unconsoled by Kazuo Ishiguro
Signed First American Edition
****

Reading Ishiguro is like floating through a dream...or in the case of The Unconsoled, 'fighting' through a dream. This is such a mesmerizing and at times frustrating novel. You want the character to react a certain way only for Ishiguro to make him do the complete opposite.. This is a story of a renowned pianist who is invited to a precarious town...it only gets more peculiar from there where he finds himself entangled in an almost stream-of-conscience by-the-minute-ever-changing schedule and happenstances. So odd, I have never read anything like it...therefore I absolutely loved it!

Man Booker International Prize - 2016
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
First American Edition
****

The Vegetarian is a bizarro novel in the bane of Kafka. A young woman is haunted by nightmares which in turn turn her away from eating meat altogether. This decision disgusts her parents and husband and others close to her, for this is not natural in her Korean customs. Yet what is really not natural is how she begins to (so it seems) turn into some sort of plant-life as she succumbs to her nightmares and fears and digs deeper into her new found vegetal life. An interesting novel for sure.

Angels by Denis Johnson
First UK Edition
****

Denis Johnson has been a favorite of mine for the past decade, and we lost him way too soon last year. Angels is his first novel. It has the essence of Jesus' Son and seems to borrow from Burroughs and Vollmann. No doubt Johnson knows all to well the underbelly of America and can instantly transport you there whether you like it or not. A story about 2 losers, 1 man and 1 woman. A man hellbent to live a life of crime and make it 'big' and a woman lost in the world and unfit to mother her children. Yet we root for these 2...Johnson is not only a great writer he is a sociologist miracle worker.

A Gambler's Anatomy by Jonathan Lethem
Signed First Printing
****

Because of this novel I am now addicted to backgammon. What this says about the quality I am not too sure. I digress...Lethem wrote a real winner here. Could it be better? sure. Could I use more mysterious man in the world of gambling halls fighting it out with the rich armed only with his backgammon board? sure. But was this a great novel, regardless? absolutely. Bruno is not only a master backgammon player but he might just be psychic...so he thinks. After a comfortable existence winning money from whales for years, he encounters a curious woman and a blast from his past which sends him down a spiraling road all while dealing with a possible cancerous tumor obstructing his vision. Lethem always gives you so much in his novels...this was a great read!

Hear The Wind Sing by Haruki Murakami
First English Language Edition
****

If you were to ask me who my favorite living author is, 9 times out of 10 I would say Haruki Murakami. I love his mastery of the subtle dreamy musically intelligent literary style he composes. Hear The Wind Sing is his first novel and you can see a great foundation being set for his novels like Kafka By The Shore, Sputnik Sweetheart, 1Q84, etc. Is this first novel flawless? absolutely not. Yet it has magic and believability. A simple story about an aspiring writer who befriends a man named Rat in a bar and then mysteriously meets and dates a strange woman with only 9 fingers. Reading Murakami is living through one of his dreams...so fascinating.

Pinball, 1973 by Haruki Murakami
First English Language Edition
****

Pinball, 1973 is Murakami's 2nd novel. You see growth in this one but it is a little disjointed at times. Took me a little while to get into this one and I did find myself wandering. Not as good as Hear The Wind Sing, until about 3/4 of the way through...then it just popped for me. This is a sequel and we still have Rat and we still have the Narrator. The story centers around the Narrator's brief obsession with pinball and running/working his translation business. More bizarre things happen in this novel, as in the Narrator living with a set of twins seemingly not of this world. And if you have read any of Murakami's later work you will find intertwining themes. Love me some Murakami!

What did you read in April?
What are you currently reading?
What do you recommend?

Thank you and don't forget to check out my Goodreads Page!

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March in Review

3/31/2019

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March was a marvelous and fun-filled month! Friend's birthdays, nephew's wedding, and a family vacation crammed into a work trip. My nephew, who recently graduated from Naval Nuclear School, got married to his high school sweetheart in Dallas, TX. It was a beautiful wedding! Only work trip of the month was back to Hawaii where I presented at a conference while my wife and kids played in the sun and sea. Nice to be able to cram in some vacation time while on the road as much as I am. It was the kids' first time to Hawaii, and needless to say they loved it!

I read 4 novels in March, with mixed reviews. Works by Frazier, Coetzee, Garland, and Hornby. One thing I realized after these last 2 selections: most of the books I have read thus far have been made into films...this has not been intentional. Interesting, however.

Here is a photo from Hawaii on our last night checking out this beautiful island.

Now, on to the books...

Varina by Charles Frazier
Signed First Printing
***

Perhaps I am being a little unfair with this rating, since I recently read the impeccable Cold Mountain. But it just did not capture my attention thoroughly. The writing, however, is superb. Varina is the story about the woman who was married to Jefferson Davis (the President of the Confederacy). Through the lens of Varina, we see the country on the brink of war before witnessing firsthand the American Civil War, then we take a walk through the aftermath where persecutions take place and hard times are realized. We end sometime around the turn of the last century and we are left with compassion for Varina. A nice story, but not as beautifully told as Cold Mountain.

Man Booker Prize - 1983
Nobel Prize for Literature - 2003
Life & Times of Michael K by J.M. Coetzee
First American Edition
***

I believe there are those who are enamored with Coetzee and those who find his writing a little above average. I happen to fall into the later group. With the premise and plot, this could have been much better in my opinion. Michael K. is a young man who attempts to traverse a worn-torn country in order to take his ailing mother back to her hometown. He does not gather the right documents for his travels, which is just the beginning of his problems. His mother winds up dying, he finds himself being accused of being an army deserter and then aiding guerrillas, gets entrapped inside a resettlement camp before being imprisoned. Adventurous at times, however Michael K. is so directionless I find it hard to really be consumed by this novel.

The Beach by Alex Garland
First American Edition
****

Having never seen the movie I really didn't know what was going to happen. Didn't know if I was going to come across another species, cannibals, aliens, dream-like scenarios, or just a simple back-packing trip gone awry. This novel was excellent. Literarily speaking, not top-tier by any means. But a great suspenseful novel that makes you want to keep reading and reading. We follow Richard, a young man trekking through Thailand and other parts of Asia. He mysteriously is given a map to a secluded beach. Seeking solace and the unknown he embarks on this adventure and gets more than what he bargains for. A great read. Now I need to see the movie.

About A Boy by Nick Hornby
Signed First American Edition
****

I thoroughly enjoy Nick Hornby's writing. So smooth and absorbable. He can truly write about human conditions, spirits, and relationships. He is serious, quirky, funny. I found myself laughing out loud several times whilst reading this novel. Will is a middle-aged man who is not too keen on 'real' relationships or kids, especially ever having one of his own. Through unexpected and unconventional means a young boy, Marcus, enters his life and changes his entire make-up for the better. What a wonderful novel!

What did you read in March?
What are you currently reading?
What do you recommend?

Thank you and don't forget to check out my Goodreads Page!

2 Comments

February in Review

2/28/2019

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February was another fabulous month. We celebrated my wife's birthday and our 10th year anniversary (actual anniversary January 17th) in the wine country of Napa, California. We visited the wineries of Domain Carneros, Round Pond, Clos Du Val , Nickel and Nickel, and we attended the Trilogy release party at Flora Springs. All wonderful, yet our favorite was Nickel! With regards to work, my territory has changed...I now cover Hawaii, Japan, Korea, and other islands in the area. Therefore, I had to go to Hawaii for a week to meet my new team (beautiful views, however no beach time). Work also took me to San Jose, California.

Once again it was a great month in the books. All 4 authors I consider among my favorites currently writing today. And 3 out of 4 of these books were actually made into films. Novels by Chabon, Frazier, Dexter, and Eggers.

Before we get to the books, here is a photo of the birthday girl and I at Nickel and Nickel...

Now on to the books...

Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon
Signed First Printing
****

Having never seen the movie with Michael Douglas, I was not sure what I was getting myself into with this novel. Considering it is Chabon, I knew there were going to be crazy characters and I would more than likely have a great time. And I was certainly not disappointed. What a ride it was with sentences like this: ..."having engaged...in activities as diverse as...committing grand larceny...he was now on his way to spend Passover...with the family of his dissolute professor's estranged wife, in a dented Ford Galaxie within whose drunk lay the body of a dog he had killed". A brilliant novel!

National Book Award - 1997
Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
Signed First Printing
*****

Admittedly this was slow going at first but once I got a hang of Frazier's style, I was awestruck. He brilliantly paints picturesque landscapes amongst the ugliness and sadness of war and grief. Nearing the end of the American Civil War we are allowed into the world's of Inman (a soldier trying to make his way back home from the calamities of war) and Ada (a young woman who must learn to live anew within a rugged life she is not used to). At the heart of this tale is a heart-wrenching love story. One of the most beautiful lines and one which somewhat sums up Cold Mountain: "...he loved her and wished to marry her, though he realized marriage implied some faith in a theoretical future, a projection of paired lines running forward through time, drawing nearer and nearer to one another until they became one line." A must read!

The Paperboy by Pete Dexter
Signed First Printing
****

I always enjoy Pete Dexter. As a former journalist, he can always spin a story and he creates some of the most memorable characters. The Paperboy takes us right into the bowels of the business of investigative journalism and into the life's and inner-workings of these 'paperboys'...2 brothers and a not-so-trustworthy co-worker. The main story they are involved in: attempting to prove a man innocent who sits on death row inside a Florida prison. Sometimes dark and twisted, sometimes laugh-out-funny, yet always downright brilliant!

What Is The What by Dave Eggers
Signed First Printing
****

Wow, what a novel! This is a biographical novel of a Sudanese immigrant (an original 'Lost Boy'), named Valentino Achak Deng. Eggers did take liberties with this story, however most of what Valentino experiences and survives within this novel did truly happen. This is a novel which will make you literally shed tears and laugh out loud in public places. How Valentino survived as a displaced immigrant for 15 years within Africa before coming to live in America is a story of determination and faith and grit. From witnessing his home country of Sudan being torn apart by its own government and outside influences and sink into a civil war, to walking thousands of miles just barely escaping the jaws of lions and crocodiles and the bullets of those hunting him down, to finding a temporary home in Kenya at a refugee camp, to finally finding 'peace' in America...whew! A must read for sure!

What did you read in February?
What are you currently reading?
What do you recommend?

Thank you and don't forget to check out my Goodreads Page!

2 Comments

January in Review

1/31/2019

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2019 started out marvelously! My company has a wonderful policy around the holidays: Mandatory shutdown for 2 weeks. Therefore I was well rested when I started back to work on January 7th. Lots of enjoyable family and leisure time. And I did not have to travel for work during the entirety of January, which was a pleasant relief.

It was a fantastic month when it came to reading. I read one of the most acclaimed novels within the last 100 years, by Walker. A riveting tome of a novel, by Auster. And a rollicking spook-fest, by Bradbury. A very enjoyable month in the books indeed!

Let's take a look, shall we...

Pulitzer Prize for Fiction - 1983
National Book Award - 1983
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
First Printing
*****

This is such a powerfully written novel. And very unique in that the dialogue and prose is all done through letters written, mostly to God. If you do not tear up while reading this novel...if you do not get utterly pissed off reading this novel...are you human? Set in the South in-between the two world wars, we find 2 African-American sisters who wind up leading very different lives. One is raped by the man she believes to be her father and finds solace in writing letters to God. The other finds escape in missionary work. The sisters are apart for 30 years but this does not break their bond. This a story of race, gender, and most importantly...love.

4321 by Paul Auster
Signed First Printing
*****

Paul Auster has such a unique voice. No one writes like him. His prose is his one, his stories are like no other. You can't truly say this about many authors. And this novel, 4321, is possibly his magnum opus...the work that should put him in conversations regarding the Nobel. It is that amazing! 4321 is really a novel told in 4 different ways. 4 different lives lived out by one person - Archie Ferguson. Beginning in 1947 and taking us up to the early 70's, we get to witness the best and worst of America in the eyes of Ferguson and other rich characters. Although this novel is over 850 pages, I can truly say I did not want it to end. One of the best!

Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
Signed Corgi Paperback
****

Bradbury is either hit or miss for me. And this was a big hit! I dearly loved the theme and the characters, especially the 2 boys and the father. Reading this made me feel like I was 12 years old again...living vicariously through these 2 young boys as they witness a wicked carnival pull into their small midwest town close to midnight. The cast of characters that this carnival brings will give any kid nightmares. What is even more frightening is that there may be more than just a sense of evil surrounding the rides and the carnies. A true delight!

What did you read in January?
What are you currently reading?
Anything you recommend?

Thank you and don't forget to check out my Goodreads Page!

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2018 - 52 Books, 2 other Countries, and 12 States!

12/31/2018

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Once again, I surpassed my goal (40). On average, I read 1 book a week...a total of 52 books. Some good, a few fantastic, and others just meh. But overall a fantastic year in the books! 😁 My average rating - on a scale from 1 to 5 - was 3.8 (oddly this was also my average rating in 2017). Another interesting stat (pulled from Goodreads), I read a total of 16,896 pages in 2018.

I attended more literary events and book signings in 2018 compared to any other year in the past. I was honored to be able to hear Benjamin Alire Saenz speak at the San Antonio Book Festival in April. Also in April, I literally stumbled upon one of my favorite authors, Christopher Moore, at Powell's Books in Portland. And in October I attended the Man Booker Prize Shortlist Readings in London where I got to meet Richard Powers, Rachel Kushner, Anna Burns , Esi Edugyan, Robin Robertson, and Daisy Johnson.

2018 was a great year. After having 2 major spinal surgeries over the last 3 years, this past year was my most healthful in nearly 10 years. Both of our children are in school full-time: Caroline in First Grade, Conor in Kindergarten. They both go to San Antonio Christian School and we absolutely love it! We were blessed to be able to go on a few vacations (and staycations). My wife and I enjoyed a weekend getaway to Denver in March. Along with a few friends, we spent the weekend in Houston and took in an Ed Sheeran concert. We surprised our daughter on her birthday in September by taking her to a Taylor Swift concert, also in Houston. in August, my wife and I made our annual trek to Las Vegas. And, in October, my wife's parents holidayed with us in London, UK and Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Being my in-law's first time in London, we were their tour guides. My father-in-law used to live in Amsterdam, therefore he showed us around this beautiful eclectic city. A wonderful holiday! I am still traveling a lot for work and in 2018 I went to 12 different states: Illinois (2), Colorado (2), California, Washington, D.C. (4), Alabama (3), Florida, Oregon, New Mexico, Utah (2), Oklahoma, Nevada, & South Carolina (2).

Now back to the books...

Here are my top 10 Books I read in 2018:

My Top 10 Books of 2018 (listed in order of when I read them):

Little Big Man by Thomas Berger
2666 by Roberto Bolano (My ultimate favorite!)
The Royal Family by William T. Vollmann
Nobody's Fool by Richard Russo
Everybody's Fool by Richard Russo
Lincoln In The Bardo by George Saunders
The Overstory by Richard Powers
The Long Take by Robin Robertson
Life And Death Are Wearing Me Out by Mo Yan
Sabrina by Nick Drnaso

My least favorite book I read this year:

The Order Of The Day by Eric Vuillard (This literary history piece about the rise of Hitler and how big corporations assisted in his rise won the 2017 Prix Goncourt. To me, this was also a complete snooze fest.)

My favorite book series I read this year:

The Sully Series (Nobody's Fool & Everybody's Fool) by Richard Russo. (Where I discovered one of my favorite fictional characters ever. And if you haven't heard me say it yet, it is true...if I could write like anyone I might just choose Richard Russo!)

Here are some photos of the series I read in 2018 (Planning to finish the Empire heptalogy in 2019)...

A look at all the books I read in 2018, in one photo!

Here is the complete list of the books I read in 2018 and a rating for each (listed in order read):

Laughing Boy by Oliver La Farge ****
Little Big Man by Thomas Berger ****
The Return of Little Big Man by Thomas Berger ****
Ten North Frederick by John O'Hara ****
Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller ***

Tropic of Capricorn by Henry Miller ***
Anthills Of The Savannah by Chinua Achebe ***
The Bone People by Keri Hulme ***
The Red Barn by Nat Baldwin ****
Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson ***
Robogenesis by Daniel H. Wilson ***
2666 by Roberto Bolano *****
Whores For Gloria by William T. Vollmann ****
Butterfly Stories by William T. Vollmann ***
The Last Cigarette On Earth by Benjamin Alire Saenz ****

The Royal Family by William T. Vollmann ****
Short Short Stories by Dave Eggers ***
Snow Falling On Cedars by David Guterson ****
Nobody's Fool by Richard Russo *****
Everybody's Fool by Richard Russo *****
The Battle by Patrick Rambaud ****
The Stonemason by Cormac McCarthy ****
The Vivisector by Patrick White ****
Burr by Gore Vidal ****
Lincoln by Gore Vidal ****

Italy by Giosue Carducci ****
1876 by Gore Vidal ****
Empire by Gore Vidal ****
The Final Solution by Michael Chabon ***
Hollywood by Gore Vidal ***
Less by Andrew Sean Greer ****
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward ****
Lincoln In The Bardo by George Saunders ****
Improvement by Joan Silber ***
War Dances by Sherman Alexie ****

The Overstory by Richard Powers *****
The Mars Room by Rachel Kushner ****
The Long Take by Robin Robertson ****
Washington Black by Esi Edugyan ****
Milkman by Anna Burns ****
Everything Under by Daisy Johnson ***
Magic by William Goldman ****
Flights by Olga Tokarczuk ***
The Order Of The Day by Eric Vuillard ***
An Artist Of The Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro ****

Life And Death Are Wearing Me Out by Mo Yan *****
The Tale Of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu ***
Noir by Christopher Moore ****
Sabrina by Nick Dranso *****
A Plantation Christmas by Julia Peterkin ****
Midpoint by John Updike ****
Tossing And Turning by John Updike ****

Here are a few photos from our vacations and staycations...

Hope you all had a fantastic 2018 and I wish you all an even better 2019!

Thank you for being on this journey with me!

Don't forget to check out my Goodreads Page!

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December in Review

12/30/2018

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Firstly, I hope everyone had a magnificent Holiday Season!

December was a month filled with family, friends, festivities, and fruitcake! We had a wonderful 'adults only' Christmas party at our house where we enjoyed food, laughter, and (some very creative) cocktails. We also hosted Christmas at our house again this year, where we had family come in from near and afar. Our kids had a joyous Christmas. And, of course, we ate way too much! With regards to work, in December I found myself in Alabama and South Carolina.

It was also a wonderful month of reading, where I read 6 books from Shikibu, Moore, Drnaso, Peterkin, and 2 from Updike.

Before we get to the books, here is the photo we used for our Christmas card this year.

Now on to the books...

The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu
Tuttle Paperback Edition
***

How do you critique and review the first novel ever written, over 1,000 years ago? It's a struggle...yet so was reading this book. Mostly boring and just did not hold my attention. Absolutely have to give credit to Shikibu for writing something so unique for it's time and a piece that has been emulated in countless other works. The novel itself is about a young prince named Genji who has many affairs and perhaps actually falls in love. Glad I read it, but meh.

Noir by Christopher Moore
Signed First Printing
****

I had the privilege of meeting Christopher Moore at Powell's Books in Portland, Oregon this past April, where I picked up his latest novel and got him to sign it for me. If you ever have a chance to attend one of Moore's events, please do!
I thoroughly enjoyed Noir. It is a tad different from his other fantastical quirky novels. Taking place in the heart of noir classics, 1947 San Francisco, we follow Sammy 'Two Toes' on a rollicking adventure which includes dames, Men in Black, comical bar patrons, crimes, secret clubs, and a deadly snake. So fun!

Sabrina by Nick Drnaso
First Printing
*****

Well, I truly was shocked by this novel. I have only read about a handful of graphic novels, therefore I was not going into this one with the highest of expectations; although it was the first graphic novel to be long-listed for the Man Booker Prize. The subtle artistry and theme, the simplistic drawings and dialogue make this novel so impactful and rich.
The title character has gone missing, which causes her boyfriend, Teddy (who is barely holding it together) to move in with our protagonist, Calvin, a U.S. Airman who is dealing with his own domestic issues. Events only escalate, escalate into a world of conspiracies and fake-news craziness. A wild ride you don't want to end. Highly recommend, especially if you are living in America today!

A Plantation Christmas by Julia Peterkin
Signed First Printing
****

Julia Peterkin won the Pulitzer for Scarlet Sister Mary. I have not read it yet, but I am glad I read her Christmas novella. A short read of about 26 pages. A throwback to how Christmas was once celebrated in the South with gayety and fun for all. Beautiful descriptions of food and wonderful festivities and fellowship gatherings. If you are losing your Christmas spirit, give yourself a pick-up with this lil' gem.

Midpoint by John Updike
First Printing
****

I typically end the year with poetry. Nearly half-way through Updike's poetry collection, this was one of my favorites. Written when he was around 35 years old ('midpoint' in his life). You will find a great collection of poems, mostly seductive and sometimes downright raunchy. It is Updike, after all.

My favorite was "Midpoint" which is a a 5 part poem, each part very different.

A must for your poetry collection!

Tossing And Turning by John Updike
First Printing
****

Last book of the year, more poetry by Updike. I just love Updike's creativeness and whimsical prose. This collection varies in style and material. You can almost witness a coming-of-age with regards to each poem within this collection.

My favorites:
"Apologies To Harvard", "Business Acquaintances", and "Marching Through A Novel".

What did you read in December?
What are you currently reading?
Anything you recommend?

Thank you and don't forget to check out my Goodreads Page!

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