I’m a big sucker for pro wrestling memoirs and when I heard Bob Backlund was writing one, I jumped at the chance to get it. The truth is, while I’m a I’m a big sucker for pro wrestling memoirs and when I heard Bob Backlund was writing one, I jumped at the chance to get it. The truth is, while I’m a huge fan of the 80s and 90s wrestling scenes, I know next to nothing about the 70s, which is where Backlund rose to prominence, so this was going to be material that was mostly new to me. Bob held the WWE Championship for nearly six years from the tail end of the seventies into the middle of the eighties, so my interest was piqued into how a reign of this length was sustained.
Unfortunately, new doesn’t always mean exciting or interesting. As far as wrestling memoirs go, this was drier than a ski hill in the summer. Bob Backlund was straighter than parallel parking, and his story had the intensity of a grocery list. I’m not faulting the guy, he made a lot of the right choices throughout his career – it’s probably why he’s still above ground, clear of any addictions and also on his first marriage. While most of his peers were running around ripped on cocaine, binge drinking and finding love in all the wrong places, Bob was hopping into bed early in the hopes of a vigorous morning workout.
There are some interesting bits here and there given Bob’s experience working all over the United States during the territory days but you’re out of luck if you’re looking for any dirt. There are very few, if any, instances where Bob would criticize a guy. It seemed that everyone he worked with was “great”, which is fine – but it doesn’t make for a compelling read.
The most disappointing aspect of the book had to be that he didn’t begin to talk about his return to the spotlight in 1992 until the 95% mark (read this on my Kindle) and it’s all of about four pages in length. I did like that his conservative, preachy character was inspired by a loudmouth rant from Rush Limbaugh on the radio – but that’s about as much insight given with regards to that portion of his career.
Backlund’s memoir was an OK read at best that really dragged in the middle when all the stories seemed to blend together. I can’t say I would recommend this above other more nuanced and enthralling reads about the carny lifestyle of a pro wrestler....more
The second installment of James S.A. Corey’s Expanse series brings with it some new faces as well as familiar ones. We meet UN dignitary Chrisjen AvasThe second installment of James S.A. Corey’s Expanse series brings with it some new faces as well as familiar ones. We meet UN dignitary Chrisjen Avasarala, a driven politician with about as much social tact as a sledgehammer; Sergeant Bobbie Draper, a Martian Marine who witnesses her entire team annihilated by a monsterous protomolecule giant; and Dr. Prax Meng, a father desperately searching for his kidnapped daughter. They are joined by Captain James Holden and the crew of the Roci, who following the EROS incident, have taken up contract work with Fred running missions for the Outer Planets Alliance.
During another outbreak of the mysterious alien substance on Ganymede - a moon orbiting Jupiter - Bobbie watches her entire team fall to the rage of a mutated beast. While the battle plays out, Prax’s daughter Mei, is taken. When Holden and his team arrive under the guise of a relief ship to investigate the destruction, they meet up with Prax and agree to help him find his daughter.
Meanwhile on Earth, Chrisjen Avasarala is meeting with high ranking UN dignitaries on whether or not to accept a meeting with Mars in an effort to clear up the hazy details surrounding the Ganymede incident and further prevent interplanetary war. As she investigates potential involvement of several UN representatives, she forges a friendship with the recently displaced Bobbie Draper as she becomes Avasarala’s liaison to the Martian Navy.
To further complicate things, strange crystallized structures form on the surface of Venus following the crash landing of the protomolecule infected Eros station. Indeterminate electronic pulses begin to coincide with protomolecule activity off the mysterious planet, raising further questions of the alien organism’s intent with our solar system.
Caliban’s War is a worthy follow-up to Leviathan Wakes. While it does tend to get bogged down in a fair amount of political maneuvering, those chunks of the story help to expand the world and give a greater scope to the threat facing humanity. By infusing a dynamic character like Avasarala into those scenes, it helps to move things along quickly while also adding some humor.
Despite the massive shadow the protomolecule is casting over Earth, Mars and the Belt, the political powers cannot seem to get their heads out of their own asses. Rather than banding together to try and vanquish their common enemy, they spend too much time squabbling and posturing. This allows Holden and his crew ample time to fly under the radar so to speak and conduct their own investigation. It also allows the author to continually shift around viewpoints and freshen things up.
Speaking of the crew of the Roci, my complaints last time about them having a total lack of depth seem to be less important. Although I still hunger for more of their backstory, I’m fine with them as surface characters for now as I’ve kind of grown fond of their chemistry. Hopefully Corey intends to dive into their histories sooner or later. After all, I still have seven books ahead of me as well as a few novellas and short stories, so there’s lots of time.
As soon as I put this one down, I picked up the third novel, Abaddon's Gate. I’m going to fly through this series. Hopefully Corey keeps a strict schedule for releases and doesn’t go all George RR Martin on me - I’m not sure I can handle that....more
Back in 1978, Lawrence Block released a book detailing his advice for prospective novelists. Now, nearly forty years later, while much of the materialBack in 1978, Lawrence Block released a book detailing his advice for prospective novelists. Now, nearly forty years later, while much of the material is still relevant, Block decided to add and expand the text with the digital world in mind. Now dubbed, “Writing the Novel: From Plot to Print to Pixel”, Block’s gives important information for both amateur and professional authors alike by offering guidance in moving through the fields of writing and publication.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This marks only the second book I’ve read to date about writing - the first being Stephen King’s On Writing - and just like King’s, Block’s tips mirror those of several other authors whose advice I’ve taken in: you have to write for yourself first and most importantly, there’s no ONE way to approach the craft.
Applying the lessons within Writing the Novel isn’t like picking up a cookbook and producing a perfect meal, but rather taking what’s offered and using it to form your own routine, your own method of attack when it comes to forming a story. When it comes to the sections on both seeking publication as well as approaching self-publishing, the direction offered is invaluable. Block knows both worlds well and it shows in the details he offers up regarding the pros and cons of each option.
Being a prospective writer myself, I found this book informative and would recommend it to anyone looking to venture into the literary world. It’s given me renewed interest and has me eager to apply what I’ve learned....more
Velvet Templeton has been accused of setting up the murder of a field agent within her super-spy organization, ARC-7. While many simply viewed her as Velvet Templeton has been accused of setting up the murder of a field agent within her super-spy organization, ARC-7. While many simply viewed her as the complacent secretary, it comes to light that Velvet used to be a field agent herself – and a kick-ass one at that!
On the run and desperate to clear her name, Velvet begins assembling her own list of potential suspects as she tries to narrow down the real culprit.
Building on a hell of a first trade, Brubaker and company produced an enthralling read with this second volume that I consumed in a single sitting. Epting’s pencils and Breitweiser’s colors are just jaw-droppingly gorgeous and more than add to an already compelling story. I’m not sure if it’s Brubaker’s direction or Epting and Breitweiser’s god-given talent but they’re providing a visual presentation unlike any comic I’m currently reading.
Velvet continues to be a great character. Her back is constantly against the wall, but she shows no signs of slowing down. I suppose it doesn’t hurt that she has little alternative but she’s bright, quick on her feet and deeply confident. Did I mention she’s also in her mid-forties? How many series currently going today showcase that type of character?
I’m really looking forward to getting my hands on the next trade. Hopefully we get to see it this summer in keeping with the trend of putting out one book per year. Can’t wait to see where this one is headed....more
Having a career that requires one to be analytical doesn’t always translate well into personal life. After a whirlwind romance, Robin falls hard for aHaving a career that requires one to be analytical doesn’t always translate well into personal life. After a whirlwind romance, Robin falls hard for a client; an artsy world traveler who whisks her away to Morocco for six weeks of sun and relaxation.
Approaching forty and desperate to start a family, Robin grows frustrated as she’s unable to become pregnant. Following a discovery about Paul’s past that might provide answers to why she’s have difficulty conceiving, she walks out on her husband. After cooling down, she returns to an empty hotel room in shambles with blood spattered walls. Now the prime suspect of a murder investigation, can Robin uncover the circumstances involving her husband’s disappearance?
A copy of The Blue Hour was provided by Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, I just wasn’t into this story. I found the main character far too neurotic and self indulgent to really enjoy any of what the author was presenting and for me, that’s generally a deal breaker – especially if you’re writing in a first person narrative. And while there weren’t many of them, I found the sex scenes unbearable. I wouldn’t say I’m a prude (there are some steamy images in those Brubaker/Phillips comics I’m always raving about), but I’m not a big fan of sexual play-by-play, I instead subscribe to the theory of “less is more”.
I may not have been the audience for this one. The first third of the book read like a romance novel, which put me off almost immediately. I love thrillers and I love mysteries but something about The Blue Hour just didn’t click with me....more
The future that author James S.A. Corey presents here is akin to the Wild West – a gritty, messy look at population expansion beyond Earth. There’s a The future that author James S.A. Corey presents here is akin to the Wild West – a gritty, messy look at population expansion beyond Earth. There’s a reason why we’re all still screwing around on the rock we were born from; living in space is hard. Literally everything needed to support life is on this planet and this planet alone. Space is a cold, unforgiving place – “a hard vacuum”, as many characters call it, and survival is dependent on factors which require political discourse and trade agreements, so the ongoing threat of war is always present.
Leviathan Wakes wasn’t at all what I thought it was going to be, which isn’t a bad thing. The story shifted and changed so often over its nearly six-hundred page length (view spoiler)[ (zombies, alien weapons, intergalactic war?!) (hide spoiler)], that I was never bored. I think my biggest enjoyment came out of the fact that the story didn’t get bogged down in the technicalities of how space travel, colonization and all that stuff actually works. In the post story interview at the back of the book, Corey admitted to labeling the novel “working man’s sci-fi”, which kept the science-y stuff light while playing up the dingy, grittiness of space travel. That’s what I enjoyed the most and likely why I loved the TV show Firefly so damn much.
The novel’s two protagonists, “Earther” James Holden and “Belter” Detective Joe Miller, had their own story lines that played out in dueling chapters – a direction that worked really, really well. While Miller was a little more world weary and downtrodden than Holden, both had their insecurities that made them two sides of the same coin, so the shift from one viewpoint to the other was rather fluid.
That being said, while I was happy the technical side of things were kept light, some of the characters weren’t quite as complex as I would like them to have been. Alex and Amos merely existed for quips and jokes (although they did have me laughing) or to play devil’s advocate for Holden’s tougher decisions, which is fine but didn’t give them any lasting appeal or cause me to miss them when they weren’t around. Even some of Holden’s past decisions with regards to relationships seemed rather cliche and while I’m a sucker for the boozing, brooding detective, Miller managed to feel a little disingenuous at times.
Leviathan Wakes was still a compelling read. You know a book is good when you’re sitting in your cubicle at work, unable to wait until you get home to read more. I grabbed the box set of the first three books so I picked up Caliban’s War as soon as I put down Leviathan Wakes. On to book two!
** This review feels very messy. I'd recommend checking out Kemper, Carol and Becky's reviews - they seem to mirror most of what I'm trying to say....more
The Night & The Music holds eleven Scudder short stories that cover a wide spectrum of his literary life. The first few tales take place while Matt waThe Night & The Music holds eleven Scudder short stories that cover a wide spectrum of his literary life. The first few tales take place while Matt was still sucking down bourbon and coffee while the latter bring us up to his marriage with Elaine as well as his friendship with Irish gangster Mick Ballou.
There’s a lot of great stuff in here, particularly a story that involves Scudder investigating the suspects of a robbery/murder titled By Dawn’s Early Light. It draws a lot of parallels to A Long Line of Dead Men, one of my personal favorites in the Scudder saga.
I found it pretty jarring to go back to Scudder’s beginnings. It goes to show just how much the character had grown over time. I’ve grown accustomed to Matt and Elaine living together as well as TJ popping up on occasion - both of which are elements missing from the first half of the book. Matt was just treading water in those early years, unsure of who or what he was supposed to be. Seeing him seemingly drift through life was like watching another person.
It goes without saying that “One Last Night at Grogan’s” is an important story that every fan of Block’s signature detective should seek out. While Block has on more than one occasion believed he was finished with Scudder, this one definitely gives you that feeling he’s content to put the series to bed.
The release of The Night & The Music is kind of like a best-selling musician releasing a compilation of their b-sides; those extra tracks that you wouldn’t find on a greatest hits album. That’s not to say they’re of lesser quality, they’re more for fans you would consider “completists”. After all, it’s nice to get all those “songs” in one easy-to-find “album”....more
“Glass became suddenly aware of the sound of the river. It was an odd thing to notice, he thought. He had clung to the river for weeks. Yet suddenly h“Glass became suddenly aware of the sound of the river. It was an odd thing to notice, he thought. He had clung to the river for weeks. Yet suddenly he heard the waters with the acute sensitivity of new discovery. He turned from the fire to stare at the river. It struck him as strange that the smooth flow of water would create any sound at all. Or that the wind would, for that matter. It occurred to him that it wasn’t so much the water or the wind that accounted for the noise, but rather the objects in their path.”
Mauled by a grizzly while on an expedition through the mid-west United States, fur trapper Hugh Glass is left with injuries so catastrophic, he’s not expected to survive. Two men are tasked with staying behind burying him upon his death while the rest of the troop forge ahead. Fed up with waiting for Glass to expire, the two men rob him of his possessions, leaving while he’s still clinging to life. Furious that his comrades would abandon him without means to defend himself, Glass is driven by a thirst for vengeance as he slowly recovers.
This might be one of those rare times when a movie is better than the book. From what I’ve seen, the screenwriter kind of plays around with structure and injects a little more emotion into the story, giving the plot a deeper narrative. While I found the story of Glass’ redemption compelling, Punke wrote in an almost droll, dull style that made parts of the book drag with what seemed like a fair amount of filler. After all, while this is based on a true story, it is listed as a novel, so Punke could have played around with the subject matter a little. Then again, these are just my issues with it....more
***There may be spoilers in here for those who haven't read Time Salvager***
After rescuing his formerly doomed sister from the past and rushing her in***There may be spoilers in here for those who haven't read Time Salvager***
After rescuing his formerly doomed sister from the past and rushing her into the present, former Chronman James Griffin-Mars is devastated to learn that she has become gravely ill. Without a doctor, it seems as if she will die. As James sets off in search of help, his partner and resident scientist Elise continues to lead their tribe through the dilapidated landscape of what was once known as Manhattan. The situation has become dire; the tribe is low on food as well as under the pursuit of a ruthless Valta mega corporation charged with trapping and killing them. Can they survive long enough for Elise to discover a cure to rid Earth of its deadly plague? Will James’ sister get the help she needs? Or will they be crushed under the boot heel of their enemies?
Time Siege has a different feel than its predecessor. For one thing, James isn’t spending as much time moving about in the past because of his deteriorating health. Seeing as James may die during his next jump, travel is not advised. Without being able to provide for his tribe the only way he knows how, he retreats inward as his crippling alcohol addiction worsens leaving him an even more conflicted character than the first time around. I thought this was excellent character development that creates another level of depth to the novel’s lead.
Other main characters continue to grow as well. Elise steps up in a big way as leader of her tribe as she continues to search for a cure to the deadly environmental plague afflicting Earth. Playing the role of the reluctant leader, she evolves by taking on more responsibility and dealing with James’ struggles with addiction. In regards to “The Mother of Time”, Grace Priestly, while she takes a slight step back in terms of presence, a few returning characters show up to play a big role in the story. I won’t ruin the surprise but Chu reintroduces them in a creative way.
One thing Chu doesn’t seem to get a lot of recognition for is his ability to write action scenes. Just like with his Tao series, the fighting moves fast and furious placing the reader right in the middle of these awesome battles between either large armies or even just two people wearing exo-suits. I’m always fascinated by how sci-fi authors can write such vivid combat using completely fictional technology and Wesley Chu is no exception.
I’m really digging this series. While I have some issues with something presented in the epilogue, I can’t wait to see how the third and final book in the series plays out. I have faith that Wesley Chu knows where he’s taking this and I’m looking forward to finding out. Time Siege is a thrilling, summer-blockbuster of a novel....more
Katie and Eric Knox are parents to Devon, a young, talented and ambitious gymnast with Olympic aspirations. Devon has sacrificed her childhood in exchKatie and Eric Knox are parents to Devon, a young, talented and ambitious gymnast with Olympic aspirations. Devon has sacrificed her childhood in exchange for hard work and dedication to her craft while Eric and Katie have sacrificed their personal lives and finances to help Devon realize her full potential. As Devon approaches the age where she can compete for a spot in the coveted senior elite level, a few short steps away from making the national Olympic team, a death in the family of Devon’s coach not only completely upends the gym, it sets in motion a tidal wave of increasingly horrifying events that will threaten Devon’s future.
Abbott does a fantastic job shining a light on a young woman who has only known one goal, one purpose in her brief life. Through constant drills and competitions, Devon’s body has been sculpted into a hard, gymnastic tool complete with a robotic, sociopathic brain to boot. As the story progresses, Katie begins to wonder what kind of child she and Eric are raising, something that is then twisted into a sign that Katie doesn’t believe in her daughter’s ability, creating a rift in the Knox family.
With Devon’s mother Katie as the central figure throughout novel via a closely played third party perspective, Abbott manages to keep her in the dark while the drama unfolds and dark secrets begin to surface. As Katie continues to learn more, everything her family has built becomes impossibly fragile as it builds toward a pretty memorable ending.
Throughout You Will Know Me, Megan Abbott was able to keep me on the edge of my seat which made putting the book down a damn near impossible task – I even had to sneak in a few chapters at my desk during work! If there’s one thing that Megan Abbott does well, it’s ripping up the clean, white carpet of everyday life to reveal the rotting wood floor that lies underneath....more
For a long time, this book was my “white whale”. Up to recently, I had three of Joe Hill’s novels (Heart-Shaped Box, Horns, NOS4A2) in hardcover and aFor a long time, this book was my “white whale”. Up to recently, I had three of Joe Hill’s novels (Heart-Shaped Box, Horns, NOS4A2) in hardcover and although 20th Century Ghosts was easily accessible in paperback or for download on my Kindle, I felt I needed to match my existing format and seek out the rare hardbound edition.
With every second-hand bookstore I entered, this illusive short story collection was front and centre in my mind. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t find it. A few months ago I had all but given up until my lovely girlfriend surprised me with a copy for Christmas! Did I mention it was signed? My name might not be “Tom” but who cares? Close enough.
20th Century Ghosts is a collection of short stories dealing with the subjects of death, loss and fear. Although Joe Hill is an accomplished horror novelist, not everything in here will give you the willies. In fact, although one of the better stories - the collection’s namesake, 20th Century Ghost - features a spooky specter, it’s more nostalgic and sweet rather than scary.
There are some great ones in here that I really enjoyed. “Best New Horror” tells of a magazine editor who has fallen into a rut - both professionally and personally - before coming across a new story so enthralling that it sets him on a quest to find its reclusive author. “Pop Art” did a real number on me and is probably my favourite of the bunch. It is a sad, coming of age tale about two friends who experience profound loss - did I mention one of them is an inflatable human?
I still struggle with short story collections in that I’m so accustomed to long-form fiction that reading several tales in one session tends to burn me out a lot faster. I need to process a story after I finish one and then refocus on another. Maybe they’re better read in short bursts. I should probably adapt this strategy in the future.
20th Century Ghosts is a glimpse into Hill’s past as several of the stories were written just as he was starting out as a published author - a time when he was relatively unknown and people didn’t know he was Uncle Stevie’s boy. It’s worth checking out for die hard fans and genre fiction enthusiasts alike....more
“The Bruins story of all time had Esposito recuperating at Mass General after surgery. In burst a masked surgeon - Orr in blue scrubs. “OK wop-po, you“The Bruins story of all time had Esposito recuperating at Mass General after surgery. In burst a masked surgeon - Orr in blue scrubs. “OK wop-po, you're coming with us.” Acting on Dr. Orr’s orders, teammates wheeled Espo out the door and into an elevator. The kidnappers peeled off existing railings to ram their fallen comrade’s gurney out of the hospital. Finally, they were bobsledding Esposito through icy Boston streets. “Turning, stick out your hand,” Orr instructed Phil at one point. Minutes later, they arrived at Bobby’s bar, the Branding Iron, for yet another Bruins team party.”
Stephen Cole looks at hockey’s wildest, most unpredictable era: the 1970s. By following the decade’s most dominant teams - the Boston Bruins, the Philadelphia Flyers and the Montreal Canadiens - Cole examines the game's transition from the classy sportsmanlike conduct of the 50s and 60s to the rough and tumble brutality of the 70s.
By the time the disco decade danced onto the scene, the NHL had been experiencing a lull in popularity. Luckily for them, the game was evolving. Gone were the days of sportsmanship and honour; enter mullets, missing teeth and bruised knuckles. When Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito’s Boston Bruins changed how the game was played with their mixture of skill and intimidation, you either had to get with the times or get out of the way.
It wasn’t long before Orr’s army inspired the famed Broad Street Bullies, Bobby Clark’s ferocious Flyers, a team that destroyed and punished their opponents in the rink. While they were busy bruising bodies, the Montreal Canadiens were constructing an unbelievable juggernaut. By the time 1976 rolled around, the Habs produced a team so full of talent, that even today they’re still arguably considered the greatest hockey team ever assembled.
While the bulk of the book’s focus is on those three hockey clubs, Cole also sheds some light on the 1972 Summit Series, the rise of the WHA (World Hockey Association) and the NHL expansion. They’re welcome distractions from the sometimes monotonous play-by-play but it also left me wanting more information - especially on the WHA. There are probably other books written on the subject, so it’s a minor complaint. After all, Cole can’t include everything.
Hockey Night Fever is an uncompromising look at the vicious yet brilliant talent assembled in hockey’s most tumultuous decade....more
Private investigators Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro are hired by a group of Massachusetts politicians to track down a missing person believed to hPrivate investigators Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro are hired by a group of Massachusetts politicians to track down a missing person believed to have documents detrimental to the upcoming passing of a new anti-terrorism bill. As Kenzie and Gennaro begin to dig deeper into the case, questions arise surrounding their client’s true motives.
I thought this was an absolutely gripping read. Lehane has enjoyed success working on the critically acclaimed HBO series The Wire, so it’s safe to say he understands the grittiness required when writing about crime on the streets. Boston was a great choice for the novel’s setting as it’s no secret Bean Town has a long and sordid history with organized crime, gangs and racism. Seeing the two detectives maneuver through cops, criminals and corruption made for solid storytelling.
It isn’t all setting though. Kenzie and Gennaro themselves are compelling characters; both have their own deep-seated issues they have to work through. From a young age, Kenzie was abused by his now late hero fire fighter father while his partner Gennaro currently deals with daily abuse from her jealous, alcoholic husband. Both have to tiptoe around the fact that Kenzie is blatantly in love with Gennaro and aside from some gentle flirting, it threatens to strain their relationship as co-workers.
I’m not sure how I managed to miss out on this series up to now but something tells me it will not take long to fly through the rest of it.
Side note: This is the same series that spawned the 2007 movie Gone Baby Gone. While I remember watching it when it first came out, I can’t recall if I liked it. I will say this - I have a hard time seeing Casey Affleck as Patrick Kenzie. I plan to watch the movie again after I pass that novel in the series, maybe my opinion will change....more
After crossing Oslo’s drug kingpin The Fisherman, low-level thug Jon flees to a tiny mountain town a stone’s throw from the North Pole. Careful not toAfter crossing Oslo’s drug kingpin The Fisherman, low-level thug Jon flees to a tiny mountain town a stone’s throw from the North Pole. Careful not to get too comfortable as his enemies are just over the horizon, Jon takes up the temporary alias of “Ulf”, a hunter from the city, and befriends a single mother, Lea, and her young son, Knut.
Already suffering from a drug-deprived insomnia, Jon underestimated just how difficult it would be to live where the sun never sets. Coupled with intense paranoia surrounding the arrival of his would-be assassin, Jon’s sanity begins to unravel in the face of his mortality and the safety of those he has grown to love.
Midnight Sun is the sort-of-sequel to 2014’s Blood on Snow. While we’re following a different character, the plot remains similar in so much as we have a rogue employee on the run from his vengeful boss. Although the original was planned as a stand-alone, Nesbo clearly loved playing around in a world uninhabited by his signature character Harry Hole and decided to continue following the exploits of The Fisherman, a Scandinavian crime-lord and his disobedient staff.
In keeping the timeline rooted in the 1970s, Nesbo doesn’t have to bother with cell phones, computers or any “new” technology keeping the plot pretty bare-bones, giving him more time to spend inside the character’s head as he waxes philosophical on life, depression and music.
Midnight Sun, while not exactly a fresh and exciting presentation, is still a solid read. It’s a little old-school crime fiction that hardboiled readers should be able to blow through in an afternoon. ...more
I began reading this book around mid-December but given the chaotic nature of my life at the time, I found it nearly impossible to focus. Seeing as ElI began reading this book around mid-December but given the chaotic nature of my life at the time, I found it nearly impossible to focus. Seeing as Ellroy’s American Tabloid is a novel that commands your attention, a wandering mind will do you no favors. So when things settled down, I picked it back up, determined to dive back into the world of mid-20th century America and read all about The Kennedys, the FBI/CIA, Jimmy Hoffa and the Communist Red Scare.
With American Tabloid, Ellroy is uncompromising in his presentation of US history - he lays it out, warts and all. While I enjoy crime fiction from this era, I’m not a connoisseur when it comes to the actual events that occurred surrounding JFK and his rise to power, so there were many instances when I had to seek out the answer to the question, “did this really happen?”
Man, saying that there’s a lot going on here would be an understatement. However, Ellroy attempts to boil the story down to three central characters: power-driven Kemper Boyd, a “retired” FBI agent tasked by director Hoover to infiltrate Robert and Jack Kennedy’s committee; Ward Littell, an FBI agent with an intense hatred for organized crime; and Pete Bondurant, a retired cop working as a cleaner of sorts for the reclusive Howard Hughes.
There’s little rest for Ellroy’s cast when they’re all playing the long con through major events in the early 1960s; keeping track of their movements was like watching one of those street grifters with the ball-cup shuffle. I found myself continuously re-reading chunks of texts and whole chapters as I tried to stay in the loop. I’m not sure if anyone else has had this issue but at times it became downright exhausting. Not a fun novel to read at night before bed when you’re falling asleep.
I’m big on Ellroy and his jackhammer-style prose, a method that inspired another author I enjoy in Don Winslow. Sometimes you want to read a story that hits you like a machine gun, you know? Short, punchy sentences that accentuate both the blunt violence as well as the hardness of his characters.
Despite often being listed as his defining work, in my opinion American Tabloid falls just short of my favorite of his novels, The Black Dahlia. That being said, I’ll keep exploring Ellroy’s back catalogue. I can’t wait to dig further into the underbelly of American history.
***It’s worth noting that due to Kemper sharing the same name as one of the three main characters as well as always sporting an Archer-inspired avatar, I had trouble picturing Kemper Boyd as anyone other than the super-spy himself....more
Author Robert Harris presents a world where Germany came out on top following WWII. Hitler remains as head of Germany’s WesternWhat if Hitler had won?
Author Robert Harris presents a world where Germany came out on top following WWII. Hitler remains as head of Germany’s Western European empire with several of his key associates like Joseph Goebbels and Reinhard Heydrich in positions of power.
Following Germany’s discovery of the cracking of the Enigma Code, the Reich cruised to victory over its enemies in Europe. The United States’ victory over Japan still ended with the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but it was delayed by a year. During that period, Germany had the time to build their own atomic bombs, ushering in a cold war with America.
With Germany enjoying unprecedented economic success coupled with a vast, overreaching empire, a question still lingered – whatever happened to the Jews? The official explanation was that they were sent west, settling in towns far from Hitler’s empire. However, rumors of mass slaughter still persist.
We pick things up in April 1964, in the days leading up to both Hitler’s 75th birthday celebration and a visit from U.S. President Joseph Kennedy (JFK’s father). The story follows Xavier March, an investigator for the Kripo (the German police) as he looks into the mysterious death of Josef Buhler, a secretary and deputy governor of Nazi-controlled Krakow. As more bodies begin to pile up and the Gestapo begins to claim jurisdiction, March’s curiosity gets the better of him.
He forms a friendship with an American reporter and together, they begin to establish a connection among the deceased. As they continue to investigate behind the back of the SS, the duo threatens to uncover Germany’s darkest secret.
My only complaint deals with what felt like a shoehorned romantic connection between March and MaGuire. The setting should have been enough to sustain a reader’s attention. While It wasn’t all that central or forced, it just felt like an unnecessary trope within what was already a rich plot. Otherwise, I thought this was a hell of a read. It’s strange to say that I enjoyed reading about a world in which Hitler had won because let’s be honest, that would be a nightmare scenario. However, it was interesting visualizing a revitalised Berlin featuring monuments and statues to commemorate the Reich’s resounding victory. I suppose I’m just a sucker for alternate timeline stories and “what-if” scenarios....more