For the continuous readers of the series this latest represents a slight detour from the previous works as Gabriel Allon is no longer with the "officeFor the continuous readers of the series this latest represents a slight detour from the previous works as Gabriel Allon is no longer with the "office' but instead doing art restoration on masterpieces. But of course when an old friend comes knocking and asks for help... Gabriel jumps right in.
The beauty of the Gabriel Allon series is that the books are not just entertaining... Silva always manages to include something in the storyline that will open up the eyes of the reader to something Silva feels important enough to write about through his series.
This one is no exception and Silva provides some interesting insights into the nucleus of this story in his afterward that is quite amazing.
Silva adresses the possibilities of todays world in this latest Gabriel Allon tale. Russia is at the center of attention and What If????? thingsA gem!
Silva adresses the possibilities of todays world in this latest Gabriel Allon tale. Russia is at the center of attention and What If????? things do not go as originally planned in the Ukraine?
Silva uses a real historical event as the center of the story with the theft of the painting "The Concert" by Johannes Vermeer in 1990 as the start of the series of events that almost leads the world to a nuclear confrontation. One of Silva's best to date in the Gabriel Allon series. ...more
Regis Philbin takes the reader on a tour of the entertainment industry from the mid-20th century until now as Regis shares stories of the people that Regis Philbin takes the reader on a tour of the entertainment industry from the mid-20th century until now as Regis shares stories of the people that heavily influenced his life and career. This is a brilliant who's who of the entertainment business over the last 70 years. Regis either knew, worked with, or at least met almost everybody who was anybody in the business. Regis was one of the great ones in the business and he never let his ego get in the way. A great read for anyone interested in the history of movies, television or entertainment in general....more
Intense first hand story about the investigation, trial and eventual execution of a serial killer told by the FBI 'profiler' that helped work the caseIntense first hand story about the investigation, trial and eventual execution of a serial killer told by the FBI 'profiler' that helped work the case. Explicit detail and the victims lives and families come to life and really display the tragedy that took place. The scenes in the court and after are terrific as to what happened to finally get the killer to justice. ...more
This is more than a memoir. Great information about the making of the epic "Spartacus" including some of the major stars that appeared in the movie. BThis is more than a memoir. Great information about the making of the epic "Spartacus" including some of the major stars that appeared in the movie. But, the more important part of the book was Douglas standing up for what he beleived in as he was instrumental in getting the movie made and released during a time when Hollywood was under the severe shadow of "McCarthyism".
This is a great read for movie buffs and also political history buffs....more
Woodstock was a moment in time: three days in August of 1969. But, those three days live on forever. A great account of everything that happened beforWoodstock was a moment in time: three days in August of 1969. But, those three days live on forever. A great account of everything that happened before and directly after by the man that made it all happen because of his intense vision and passion.... Michael Lang. ...more
There are some things that Harry Bosch just can't let go! Harry worked a murder case that went unsolved while working for the LAPD. The case involved tThere are some things that Harry Bosch just can't let go! Harry worked a murder case that went unsolved while working for the LAPD. The case involved the cold blooded murder of a family... the parents and two children. After they were killed they were buried in a hole in the desert. So, when Harry was given the opportunity to come back and join a special task force that would handle 'cold cases' or unsolved cases he jumped at the opportunity to hopefully finally close this case.
Teaming up with Detective Renee Ballard the two do their thing and of course create some ripples along the way. Great story... Be warned... the ending is rather ominous! I wonder what comes next?...more
What is Real? 1954: An island, a prison/hospital for the criminal insane... a hurricane! That is the setting and as the story develops the reader is nuWhat is Real? 1954: An island, a prison/hospital for the criminal insane... a hurricane! That is the setting and as the story develops the reader is nudged along as two Federal Marshalls arrive at the island to help catch an escaped prisoner. The tension is non-stop as one of the Marshall's has a secret reason for wanting to be on this island. But, this is not as straightforward as it may sound... many twists... and as the reader discovers along the way... when dealing with the minds of the criminal insane... it is hard to tell where reality begins and fantasy reigns....more
Literally jaw-dropping! Sir Ernest Shackleton was 'driven'... or 'consumed'.. or better yet 'crazed' in his passion to reach and explore the South PoleLiterally jaw-dropping! Sir Ernest Shackleton was 'driven'... or 'consumed'.. or better yet 'crazed' in his passion to reach and explore the South Pole and Antartica. Fiennes captures every important moment in the process. Shackleton faced death a number of times during his expeditions: in bitter, bitter cold with hurricane force winds, trapped on ice flows, on a small boat in seas with 100 foot waves and always concerned about food supply. Fiennes writing is simply gripping as you follow Shackleton through his adventures. What makes it more relevant to the reader is that Fiennes is an explorer himself and has 'walked the walk' that Shackleton pioneered and was able to give personal refernce points as to the struggles that Shackleton faced and endured along with the members of his teams. This is a first class adventure story as well as providing the historic background of the times during the early 20th century. ...more
Jmaes Lee Burke has Dave Robicheaux on the scene right after Hurricane Katrina devestated the New Orleans area in 2005. As it has been well documentedJmaes Lee Burke has Dave Robicheaux on the scene right after Hurricane Katrina devestated the New Orleans area in 2005. As it has been well documented since this natural disaster and its handling displayed a level of leadership incompetence in government on both the local and the federal levels that resulted in almost total anarchy in the area for those left behind. Robiceaux finds himself right in the middle as he investigates the shooting and killing of looters taking advantage of the situation. The scenes dealing with Katrina and the direct aftermath are very good and Burke does not hold back any punches as to the levels of incompetence that were displayed by those in power....more
A story that will simply grab you as you share the experiences of one family caught in two worlds... that of their native Colombia and also the UnitedA story that will simply grab you as you share the experiences of one family caught in two worlds... that of their native Colombia and also the United States. This is a story of one family... of seperation, of pain... and also of love... as the family is split apart and now must live in two worlds (Colombia and America)trying to put their family back together again, while also trying to simply survive... in a world where violence and uncertainty seems to be the norm.
A timely history of George Washington as he entered his presidency and the struggles he had to help create this new government in America. Philbrick uA timely history of George Washington as he entered his presidency and the struggles he had to help create this new government in America. Philbrick uses the past to help us better understand the present. As America today faces many issues and struggles seemingly tearing us apart... so did George Washington as he became our first President. It was a time of contorversy, contradiction and extreme partisanship among our original forefathers. Hmmmm.... seems a lot like today. Well worth the read to see how Wasington dealt with the issue of slavery, both on a national and personal scale, and the forming of our new governement as he worked with his Cabinet while trying to learn as much as possible about this new nation and its people as he took a tour of the country soon after he took office. Philbrick reminds us that these men were all... "just men" and none were perfect... but it seemed they all had one focus and that was to help create this new nation... even though there were bitter arguements about how it should work....more
Outstanding memoir written with the eye of a professional and yet the story is deeply personal.
Madeleine Albright who served as both a United Nations Outstanding memoir written with the eye of a professional and yet the story is deeply personal.
Madeleine Albright who served as both a United Nations Ambassador and as a Secretary Of State uses that professionalism to share the story of her family during WWII as they struggled first to get out of Czechoslovakia and then were key participants during the war from London where her father did a radio broadcast. Albright also tells how many of her family were caught in the holocaust and died in the concentration camps. Great detail that centers around the plight of Czechoslovakia as it was first taken over by Hitler and then after the war became a communist country. Albright talks about the leaders who had to go into exile and then returned to try and help build back the country as well as the spirit and determination of the people themselves to save their country. Very good read....more
Fascinating behind the scenes look at the change in the presidency after the 2020 election. Woodward uses his title 'Peril' to give a sense of where weFascinating behind the scenes look at the change in the presidency after the 2020 election. Woodward uses his title 'Peril' to give a sense of where we were as a country during this period but then follows with ...is there more to come. I have to admit... "Peril" reads like a thriller. ...more
Excellent collection of short stories dealing with Chinese people and culture... along with the always present China 'elephant in the room' - the poliExcellent collection of short stories dealing with Chinese people and culture... along with the always present China 'elephant in the room' - the politicis! The dialogue in the stories between the various characters is at times amusing, also sad... but always makes a point! One of the more profound lines comes in the last story called "Detective Dog" and has a Chinese mother sharing her thoughts about life to her family: “No politics, just make money… and when it came to China- See nothing, hear nothing, say nothing. Do you hear me?” That is a great line. Powerful stories and extremely relevant to today....more
Wow! What if? What if we lived in a society where we were no longer in complete control of our families and our children, where the state has the finaWow! What if? What if we lived in a society where we were no longer in complete control of our families and our children, where the state has the final say if there is an 'issue'? Frida Liu lives in just such a situation. Frida made a very poor decision and left her yung child alone for a few hours while she both: needed a break, and wanted to check in on some work. Frida got caught. As a result she was sent to a school for good mothers where she woould be for a year and expected to show that she CAN be a good mother. During this time all communication with the child, if any is allowed, is controlled by the school. Get the picture... Frida is given a doll, as is each of the other 'bad' mothers, to use as a learning tool. But this is like no other doll and the time spent in this school is ... interesting and quite disturbing.
In "Mouth To Mouth" we are basically eavesdropping on a conversation between Jeff Cook and the narrator which is taking place in a first-class airportIn "Mouth To Mouth" we are basically eavesdropping on a conversation between Jeff Cook and the narrator which is taking place in a first-class airport lounge while their flight is delayed. The two were acquanitences about twenty years ago while at college... they were never really friends. That's why it was a bit odd when Jeff unveils himself to the anonymous narrator and shares with him the story of his life since college. A story he has never told anyone.
Soon afteer college Jeff was at a beach when he saw a man drowning. Jeff ended up saving the mans life and would eventually be a part of this strangers furture... in a variety of ways. This is a mystery/thriller that explores our perceived version of the truth: what is fact and what is fiction. It also explores whether we are the puppets or the puppeteer as we move through life. Do things simply happen... or do we make them happen... innocently or diabolically! A first class thriller that can be easily read in one sitting at less than 200 pages.
Jennifer Egan provides a lot of food for thought on how we 'cope' and adjust to the exponential changes that are taking place in our lives through tecJennifer Egan provides a lot of food for thought on how we 'cope' and adjust to the exponential changes that are taking place in our lives through technology. How do we keep connecting to family and friends? How do we find love and more important... privacy? Egan takes the reader a little bit into the future where a new technology called "Own Your Unconscious" offers you the opportunity to 'access every memory you've ever had, and to share your own in exchange for access to the memories of others.' This becomes a highly seductive new 'toy' for many, but not all. Egan also shares the past of her main characters that are now part of this new world and provides glimpses of how they got to the present... and it was not always pretty. It is an amazing story of people caught between their own lives and the ever changing world due to the continued drastic advances in technology. Many of the advances may look so good and so tempting but Egan cautions... beware of the 'Candy House' as Egan writes in one of my favorite quotes from the book:
“Nothing is free! Only children expect otherwise, even as myth’s and fairy tales warn us: Rumpelstilskin, King Midas, Hansel and Gretel. Never trust a candy house! It was only a matter of time before someone made them pay for what they thought they were getting for free. Why could nobody see this?”...more
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