Murder - Family Style By: Frances Lipsig

A quick look at 10 cases of familial murder.  Some were dryly presented and little hard to get get through, some had some quite colorful commentary which made them more intriguing. An ok read.

The Genteel Murderer By: Charles Norman

It seems odd to say what a fun read this is, considering it's about a murderer for profit, but, fun really is the only word I can use.  Told in a light and jaunty style of reportage this book outlines the life and crimes of Thomas Griffiths Waineright.  Waineright thought himself a gentleman and really did hobnob with the literati of the time, and Dickens saw him in his cell in Newgate Prison, and years later wrote a short story based on an aspect of this case.  Really, a quick and fun read!

 

The Art Thief By: Michael Finkel

 

An unbelievable tale of a real life art thief, who is unlike any art thief you could imagine.  Stealing in broad daylight from occupied museums, auction houses, art faires and churches simply to admire the art.  Not to fence it and make money.  Reading about his crimes is truly extraordinary.  Finkel's way of presenting the information without judgement is an amazing feat of reporting and writing.

Hangman's Holiday By: Dorothy L. Sayers

I'm pretty sure that I've read this book a long, long time ago, becahuse the short mysteries were very familiar.  Regardless, theses shorts really showcase Sayers' mastery of the mystery genre.  Brilliantly plotted and inventive with her signature wit these are the perfect introduction to two of her greatest characters.  Lord Peter Whimsey and Montague Egg couldn't be more different yet the are both perfectly suited for amateur sleuthing.  Lord Peter is the more well know, but  Mony Egg is my favorite.  How she ties in his job as a traveling salesman to his ability to sniff out clues is deliciously clever.  I highly recommend this collection.

 

Go Gently Gaijin By: James Melville

 

It took a bit for me to get into this story,  but I think that was more making the mental switch from the previous book I read which was set in 1953 Hollywood, to this one which is set in 1980s Japan. A twisted set of mysteries, beautiful settings, fascinating insight into Japanese customs and a lot of sly wit made this a really fun read.

Dream Town By: David Baldacci

God I Love this series.  The third in the Archer series, Dream Town takes place in 1953 Hollywood, with all of the glitz, glam, fakery and back-stabbing you'd expect, plus Baldacci's richly detailed characters and superbly plotted mysteries.  A fantastic read!

 

Home By: Samm-Art Williams

A simple piece about a man and his connection to his home, and all that that can and does mean. A three person play that has some wonderful imagery in its beautifully written lines. Almost like a lyrical poem, there is a lot of music in the dialogue and monologues which make this piece just that much more powerful.

To The End Of The Land By: David Grossman

I'm probably in the minority on this one, but I did not like it at all.  I didn't care for any of the characters, I didn't care for how the story was structured (I don't know if that is a fault of the original or the translator), I felt it was way too long.  It wasn't helped by bringing up plot points that were dropped and never discussed and/or resolved.  What made this especially disappointing was the fact that I read and LOVED Someone to Run With by the same author. 

 

A Girl's Guide to Chaos By: Cynthia Heimel

I'm sure that when this was first produced, it was hilarious and a little titillating and shocking--but reading now it seems a little dated.  I definitely enjoyed reading it and did chuckle out loud at several points.  My favorite line: "If she can't fry it or fuck it, she can't bothered."

Assassins By Stephen Sondheim & John Weidman

Of all of Sondheim's works, Assassins is my 2nd favorite (Sweeney is my top one-what does that say about me?!). The truly sad statement about this show is that the feelings/thoughts/hurts expressed by the characters in this show, as still relevant, if not more so than when the show was originally done 30+ years ago!

Falsettos By: William Finn and James Lapine

Reading the script/libretto for this inventive musical highlights Finn's poetry and his brilliance in character development.  The inclusion of In Trousers is a special treat-to see where it all began!  I do recommend reading this edition because Frank Rich's afterward is insightful, heartfelt and is a treat for fans of this show!
 

Men on Men 2 Edited By: George Stambolian

I'm sure that when I bought this 30+ years ago it was for prurient reasons.  Now that I have some age, life experience and what I hope is maturity and wisdom I can appreciate this collection of short stories for their literary merit.  An extremely diverse, well curated collection of stories by gay men about gay men.  Each story is unique in its perspective, it's angle of attack and its focus.  Some really great reads in this collection.

Making Priscilla: The Hilarious Story Behind The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert By: Al Clark

I'm going to assume that I read this 29 years ago when it came out, because it was in a bookcase covered with dust.  It was such fun to revisit the making of this iconic movie, which I will be re-watching this weekend!

Night Screams: 22 Stories of Terror Edited By: Ed Gorman & Martin H. Greenberg

A beautifully curated set of creepy tales to read late at night!!  Some are completely creepy, others let your imagination do a lot of the work, and still others have a great deal of heart.  There really is something for everyone in this collection.

 

The Catcher in the Rye By: J. D. Salinger

I first read this book when I was 18, and loved it.  I re-read it when I was in late 30s, and thought is okay.  Now that I'm in my 50s and I've re-read it again with a little more life experience, years, and maturity, I have to say, I'm not thrilled with this.  I know it's a classic and it's supposed to be this extraordinary story, and I'm sure it was when it first came out-but it has not held up well.  Unpopular opinion: Holden Caufield is just a lazy, immature, spoiled brat. 

the most dangerous thing By: Laura Lippman

This was so not what I expected!  In reading it I felt it was an interesting story of chiildhood friends growing older and apart.  This lulled me into a sort of complacency so that the ending of the story sucker punches you in the worst and best ways!  Tautly written and told from several point of views this thriller is as deceptive as it is simple.  

Aunt Dan and Lemon By: Wallace Shawn

I performed in a production of Aunt Dan and Lemon when I was in college.  I found the script in my office and decided to read it again...30+ years after I performed in it.  I can honestly say that I still haven't a clue what the play is about, YET, I absolutely love this piece.  There is a LOT to process and unpack in this monologue heavy piece which I love-it is incredibly thought provoking!  I still don't know how all comes together or the point of it, but it is a fascinating read none the less!

Our Town By: Thornton Wilder

Embarrassed to admit that I've never read this piece of Americana-I'm glad I finally got around to it.  Deceptively simple in its premise and staging this piece is rich in heart and depth.  A slice of life piece that is so effective in its languid simplicity. 

 

Tammy Does Boston By Judith Hughes & Michael Maylszko (Photographer)

My train seat mate picked this charming book up as a gift for her grand-niece, and showed it to me on the train trip home.  It's an adorably charming tour of Boston's landmarks from a dogs point of view. So cute!

The Brownie Scouts in the Circus By: Mildred A. Wirt

I realize I'm not the target audience for this book, nor would I have been the target audience for it back int he 40's when it came out, but I found this to be exceedingly charming!  I can totally picture a young girl reading this in the 40's and being entertained, excited and empowered by the characters and the story.  I have no idea how I ended up with this book in my apartment, but I'm glad I found it.  

The Life and Hard Times of Heidi Abramowitz By: Joan Rivers

An absolutely hilarious and raunchy romp through the life of fictional tramp, Heidi Abromowitz.  I defy anyone to read this and not hear Joan Rivers' voice as you read!  Despite the smut and raunch, if you read closely, you will see that this whole book is an illustration of Rivers' whip smart intelligence!

The Event Horizon Murder By Greg Hickey

I was privileged enough to read this novella in a serialized form prior to it's publication. Each chapter was emailed to me by the author; one chapter a week. As this was a thriller, the suspense and OMG moments were heightened because I had to wait a week. This seldom practiced form of storytelling telling/publishing should be brought back as far as I'm concerned. The heightened suspense, the having something to look forward too made this reading experience incredibly special!

Water Aerobics for Seniors By: Julia Warman

I bought this for my husband who is a water aerobics instructor, and thought I'd give it a perusal. With easy to follow instructions  it lays out some wonderful exercises to do safely and effectively in the water. Could have done with a bit more editing to fix the typos, missing and/or extra words, but still a handy guide for anyone interested in aqua exercising.

 

First Born By: Will Dean

I can't even begin to describe this story without giving away major plot points.  Suffice it to say, it is expertly crafted, full of OMG moments that will make your jaw hit the floor and, as is always the case with Dean's works) you will question why you were rooting for the person(s) you were rooting for.  Brilliant storytelling!

One Good Deed By: David Baldacci

This is the first book in the Archer series.  I actually read the second book before this one, so I was well aware that Archer survives.  Its a sign of brilliant storytelling, that despite, knowing he makes it to the second book, I was on the edge of my seat and worried throughout this book!

 

Fairy Tale By: Stephen King

I was expecting some gory horror version of a fairy tale, and there was far less of that in this fantastic tale than I was anticipating.  Instead, what I got was an absolutely beautifully told story of a boy coming into his own.  A redemption story of sorts, wrapped in its own fairy tale using famous fairy tales as it's not so subtle vehicle.  Don't let the size of this book intimidate you, you. will fly through it, like a monarch butterfly on the wind.

Regeneration By: Pat Barker

Oof-at times difficult to read, but that's the point of this brilliant, sensitive and gut wrenching anti-war novel.  Blending real people with fictional, Barker evokes  World War I starkly and in great detail.  The reader finds themselves rooting for all the characters and seeing the war through all of their eyes.  Quite a remarkable and effective piece of storytelling!

 

The Boy From The Woods By: Harlan Coben

 

This was an incredible read.  The characters are so unique and perfectly sculpted. Hester, I have to say is such a kick-ass character, she needs her own series.  The book doesn't end like one hopes it will, but it somehow works. None of the action goes where you think it will, and that's all that can be said about the plot without giving something vital away.  This was so engrossing, and thrilling and sciting to read.  I can't rave enough about this book!!!

I Never Saw Another Butterfly By: Celeste Raspanti

A very upsetting, yet deeply moving and lovely piece, based on actual poems and writings from the children of Terezin as told by one of the handful of survivors.  This one piece packs a powerful punch.

 

Eruption By: Michael Crichton/James Patterson

Despite some boo-boos with some plot points (someone being told something in one chapter then several chapters being told the same information as if they hadn't already been told-this happened in a couple of places), this action packed story is a fitting addition to Crichton's publishing accomplishments.  Despite it being written by James Patterson from Crichton's research and notes after his passing, it has all the hallmarks of a Crichton work.  Plenty of science easily blended into the plot, lots of action, and characters that you root for and some you really wish would get their comeuppance! 

The Clemntine Complex By: Bob Mortimer

Have to admit, for the first several chapters of this book, I had no idea what was happening, I only knew that I was tickled by what I was reading.  It turns out that this is a delightfully quirky mystery, full of humor, heart and squirrels.  If you looking for a charming read to kill some time, you can't beat Clementine!

 

A Steady Rain By: Keith Huff

A second reading of this piece still packs a punch. It's still chaotic in the reading , but if you give yourself over to the chaos I found that the characters come more to life and the struggles are heightened. I didn't given myself over the first time I read it, so I'm glad I gave it a second read.

Eclipsed By: Danai Gurira

A reread of this riveting play surprised me. I found much more humor in it the second time around. That humor adds more poignancy and pathos to whole piece. 

Six Degrees of Separation By: John Guare

A quirkily funny, but ultimately devastating look at society, race, and life in general.  Having seen this piece on stage numerous times and having loved the movie, the play reads well and is as powerful on the page as it live.

The Cliffs By: J. Courtney Sullivan

While I really appreciated the research involved and presented and liked some of the characters, this novel felt very messy to me. I couldn't find a focus for it, so my mind wandered while reading..not a good thing to happen. I felt it had too many story lines, and the ending was a bit precious.  I think I got the overarching point of the invisibility of women and other marginalized populations throughout history (and the present), but the presentation of it in the book felt meandering, and disjointed.

 

Junk By: Ayad Akhtar

A second reading of this tome of a play confirms my original review*. Akhtar can take the most complicated and layered of subjects and not only teach the reader something, but enthrall, entertain, horrify and feel.  Simply put Akhtar and his work are brilliant! 

*Original review can be found on this blog in 2018, April 

https://bookhog2.blogspot.com/2018/04/a-play-about-finance-not-something-i.html

The Invisible Hand By: Ayad Akhtar

A second reading of this powerful piece, solidifies Akhtar's place as my favorite contemporary playwright.  His ability to create characters that are complex and real from the get-go is extraordinary.  In the Invisible Hand he makes the audience feel for all the characters which considering the setting and action of this piece is nothing short of super-human! 

 

Disgraced By: Ayad Akhtar

A second reading of this devastatingly brilliant play-hits much differently now, ESPECIALLY with the current state of the world. I highly recommend an of Mr. Akhtar's work!

Satirical Sci-Fi Manuscript By: A Friend

Heavy on the the satire and sci-fi/fantasy, less so on the queer, which is good because its treated as commonplace in the book, which is as it should be.  This manuscript draft has a great story line, lots of action and really great characters.  It could use some more editing to shorten it, focus the satire so it's not trying to skewer everything and everyone, and remove some of the overly wordy similes.  Glad I was given the opportunity to read it, and I did enjoy it.

The Five By: Hallie Rubenhold

This meticulously researched book, takes a deep dive into the lives of Polly, Annie, Elisabeth, Kate and Mary Jane, the 5 women killed by Jack the Ripper.  This book is infuriating in it's plainly stated societal and social explanations as to the treatment of women in Victorian London-infuriating because not much has changed in one hundred and forty years!  Societal "norms" and laws forced these 5 women (and thousands more) into an endless cycle of poverty, degradation and shame.  I fell into the same trap of thinking that these 5 women were all prostitutes and Jack the Ripper was hunting prostitutes, only to learn that only one of the 5 was actually a sex worker.  The other 4 were wives and mothers, who, due to circumstance found themselves destitute.  This is a must read for anyone interested in the Ripper case.  It is a gut wrenching look at 5 women who were brutally murdered by society and then by a madman.  Rubenhold has given humanity back to Polly Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elisabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes and Mary Jane Kelly.

 

The 9th Man By: Steve Berry with Grant Blackwood

 

Another great series from Berry!  A long standing conspiracy gets a new treatment in this thrilling, action packed story starring Luke Daniels, from the Cotton Malone series. From Europe to the Bayou, to the mountains of the Midwest, Luke is dragged into a mystery to wends its way to an astonishing conclusion.  I;m thrilled that Mr, Berry has chosen to give Luke his own series!

Death in the Air By: Kate Winkler Dawson

A meticulously researched and engagingly readable book on two vastly different topics. Though seemingly disparate Dawson manages to show the links between the worst air pollution disaster and a notorious serial killer.  Yup-that's what the book is about, and I highly recommend it to anyone.  Fascinating, harrowing, infuriating and enlightening all at once.  A supremely easy read thanks to Dawson's deftness with language and setting the proper tone.

 

The Edge By: David Baldacci

I have to admit, I loved this more than I loved the first book in this series!  Travis is such a great character, he's accomplished and manages some tricky and difficult situations, but Baldacci has also given him a humble streak which makes him more human.  This twisted tale has so many mysteries within it, that to discuss the plot would give something away, so I'm not going to.  Read it and Enjoy!

Revival By: Stephen King

Oh...creepy, just...creepy! A languidly told tale of faith and faith interrupted and that languidness adds to the creepiness factor of the whole story.  Reading this, I was constantly on edge, waiting for some imaginary shoe to drop.  This is rich and tense storytelling at its best!

 

DC Comics: The Ultimate Character Guide By: DK Publishing

 

Reliving my childhood, and with DC and Marvel movies, my adulthood too, with this character guide was great fun. What really made this special was seeing the art work for the different characters in their current incarnation and if they are long standing hero or villain, the original artwork.

Tinseltown By: William J. Mann

I've long been fascinated by the William Desmond Taylor murder case, and this is a fantastic addition to to lore surrounding that unsolved case.  Mann mages to make a very compelling case as to who actually committed the 102 year old murder, and at the same time, ties it neatly into the rise of Hollywood, the studio system, scandal mongering, and early cancel culture!  An extremely deeply researched book, that reads like a novel.  A perfect read for any true crime buffs and/or Hollywood history buffs.

 

You Like It Darker By: Stephen King

A collection of 12 short pieces of fiction, with King's unique perspective.  All are brilliant and they each stand on their own.  The two longest pieces are actually the best.  One is particularly gripping, the other is a good old fashioned ghost story which also happens to be a sort of prequel to Cujo!  A really terrific read!

Lisey's Story By: Stephen King

A wonderful allegory of the muses that haunt all creative, Lisey's Story is an epic tale, of love.  Yes, Stephen King hs written a love story and it's gorgeous.  Lisey and Scott's bond is unbreakable despite ther trials and tribulations they faced together and alone.  Of course, it's still Stephen King, so it's not a mushy love story-there is still plenty of his signature terror and spookiness.  This was such a wonderful surprise!

 

The Candid Life of Meena Dave By: Namrata Patel

 

Oh what a delight it was to spend time with Meena and the residents of the Engineer's Building!  If you haven't read this charming, moving and delicious novel about coming into one's own and the meaning of family, then you have missed out on one of the great joys in life!

The Last Kingdom By: Steve Berry

God, I Love Steve Berry's books!!  He seamlessly combines history with a top notch thriller and I can't get enough of it!  In the 17th outing of Cotton Malone, we have the conundrum of what do a "mad" Bavarian King and a set of Islands stolen by the US have in common? The Last Kingdom will answer that question and in the most spectacular fashion!!  This one is not to be missed!

 

 

 

The Deal Of A Lifetime By: Fredrik Backman

 

I defy anyone to read a Fredrik Backman book and not be moved.  Backman manages to pack a great deal of life, love and family into a short amount of pages.  This novella is a stunning look at the selfishness of one man that unexpectedly lead to selflessness.  Absolutely beautiful!

The Theory of Anything By: Greg Hickey

Told in the reverse, this thought provoking novella (the prequel to The Friar's Lantern) is a fascinating look at chaos and random theories told through horrible tragedy... or it is a horrible tragedy told through the chaos and random theories.  Either way you see it, this short novel will move you and cause you to think on the nature of life and happenstance.  Truly fascinating!