Fiction

Background

Released in 1996, The Notebook was a hit in the first week of release. Nicholas Sparks had written two other novels previously which were not and still not published. This book was pulled out of a “slush” pile and literary agent Theresa Park offered to represent Sparks.

Since then, it has been made into a major motion picture in 2004 and has even been adapted to a Bollywood film, “Zindagi Tere Naam”.

My Thoughts

The Notebook is the quintessential chick flick. Maybe that’s the case for the book as well. I didn’t care for it. There was a number of times I stopped reading and asked myself, “What?” It makes little to no sense to me. Romance has it’s place and I like the idea of an elderly couple still in love. However, there were a few too many tropes and ridiculous notions for me to enjoy the book.

Recommendation

I didn’t enjoy the book. However, I did enjoy the movie. Perhaps it was because I was holding hands with someone through it. If forced to read the book again, perhaps holding hands with my wife would be the way to do it.

Background

Published in 2014, “The Target” is the third book featuring hitman Will Robie. This time, he has to protect the interests of our country both domestically and abroad by doing the impossible and supporting another while doing it.

My Thoughts

The same as last time, I enjoyed a good shoot ’em up book of the nearly invincible Will Robie. He is joined by his female equivalent and we are treated to see their North Korean superior.

Recommendation

A good book. Start the series at the first book or some of it won’t make any sense.

Background

Published in 1960, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a classic novel written by Harper Lee, set in the Depression-era South, which follows the story of Scout Finch, a young girl growing up in a small town in Alabama. The novel explores themes of racism, prejudice, and the loss of innocence, as Scout and her brother Jem, along with their friend Dill, become entangled in the trial of a black man accused of raping a white woman. Through the character of Atticus Finch, Scout’s father, the novel also examines the nature of courage, integrity, and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.

My Thoughts

This is another book which was useful to re-read with more mature eyes. I certainly read it back in school but I didn’t remember any of it. It was well written and gives a vivid picture of what life was like some time ago. It’s important to revisit these to remind us of how ridiculous we can be. The world portrayed seems almost unbelievable by today’s standards.

Recommendation

You’ve likely read it before but you might want to read it again.

Background

Published in 1967, “The Outsiders” is a story about teens growing up in rival gangs of different socioeconomic circumstances. The book deals with prejudice and shows how similar we all are.

My Thoughts

A great book about how teens think and their troubles. It’s sad in a few ways but not the least in that, we humans, can find any reason to fight over just about anything. It’s certainly been the case throughout all of history and isn’t likely going to stop anytime soon.

Recommendation

A great read. It’s worth the time.

Background

Published in 2013, The Hit is the next installment following the hitman Will Robie. He is asked to track down a fellow operative and eliminate her. However, when he comes to understand her perspective, will he be able to follow his orders?

My Thoughts

A fun book, The Hit was another enjoyable shoot ’em up from the near invincible alpha male with a moral code. Ah, living vicariously…

Recommendation

If you like the action, read this book. However, make sure to read the first book “The Innocent” first.

Background

Published in 1989, F is for Fugitive is the sixth novel from Sue Grafton in her alphabet series. Kinsey Millhone is yet again thrust in the middle of a mystery with some nods to previous books.

My Thoughts

This book went by pretty fast and I enjoyed the 80s references and the general feel of the book. However, the plot is feeling a little formulaic.

Recommendation

Not bad.

Background

Published in 2019, Redemption is the fifth and final book in the Memory Man series by David Baldacci. Amos Decker is the memory man due to a head injury he sustained in his first and only play in the NFL. Not only was his personality changed but he now has a perfect memory which he uses for the Ohio police and later the FBI.

Decker comes back to his hometown to visit the graves of his wife and daughter. His very first homicide conviction walks up to Decker in the cemetery and proclaims his innocence. The man is killed the next day and makes Decker doubt what had happened. His second look at the evidence leads him to more than he bargained for.

My Thoughts

Not a bad ending. I’m glad to see there is some evolution in the character but this is likely a good place to leave it. Amos Decker almost seems to have super powers in this book. He is burned, shot, blown up, battered, and still has his perfect memory which blows the case wide open. It was a little much at times.

However, it was still a fun read.

Recommendation

A must read to finish out the series.

Background

Published in 1988, “E” is for Evidence is the fifth installment of Sue Grafton’s Alphabet Series. The protagonist is Kinsey Millhone. A no nonsense private investigator who solves crimes while only occasionally bending the rules.

Kinsey begins by doing a simple insurance claim on a warehouse fire but quickly becomes framed as a co-conspirator. She doesn’t know who she can trust as the framers seem to know every step she takes.

My Thoughts

This book was a little more personal than the rest. We see Kinsey make a friend out of a rival/enemy and even meet her second husband. We, as readers, are able to see why she has been so guarded and why she hasn’t been in a hurry to have men in her life.

Recommendation

A good read. There are some themes which aren’t for children.

Background

Published in 1987, “D” is for Deadbeat is the fourth installment of Sue Grafton’s Alphabet Series. The protagonist is Kinsey Millhone. A no nonsense private investigator who solves crimes while only occasionally bending the rules.

This book starts with Kinsey trying to collect on a bad check she was written. The man writing the check ended up dead and you wouldn’t believe who killed him…

My Thoughts

A pretty good read all and all. I liked how there were just some things that the protagonist just couldn’t fix. Life is like that sometimes and it is good to see a written work struggle with those issues.

Recommendation

A good read but not for the kids.