The Assassin

Plot. The winning formula for Clive Cussler novels usually contain three elements: strong characters who behave with consistency; a fast-paced plot; and technical or historical accuracy that adds interesting detail. Until reading the latest novel in the Isaac Bell series titled, The Assassin, I found that formula in almost all of Cussler’s novels, and I could count on some reliable reading entertainment from the combination of those elements. In this novel, I found the Isaac Bell character to seem flat despite his escapades. Other characters, especially John D. Rockefeller in this novel, were developed so narrowly or inadequately that they came across as caricature. The plot here was well-paced, and the historical details were interesting, but the weak character development made this a less entertaining novel for me than previous books in this series and in the others from the Cussler franchise. Rating: Three-star (It’s ok) Click here to purchase The Assassin from amazon.com.

Funny Girl

Sixties. Nick Hornby gets certain elements exactly right in his novel titled, Funny Girl. First, when describing life in England during the 1960s, he seems to capture a wide range of how much in the society changed during that decade and he uses the transformation in selected characters to reinforce the overall changes. Second, his dialogue always advanced the plot and developed the characters. Finally, the flaws in his characters and their foibles made for great humor, while never coming across as judgmental or nasty. Protagonist Sophie Straw is a memorable and complex character who epitomizes the transformation in the positions of women during that time. The creative talent in every era can bring focused attention to what is really going on in the world. Hornby kept me interested and engaged in the lives of these characters and I loved reading this novel. Rating: Five-star (I love it) Click here to purchase Funny Girl from amazon.com.

The Wisdom of the Beguines: The Forgotten Story of a Medieval Women’s Movement

Resourceful. I think the first time I heard the word “beguine,” it was in hearing Cole Porter’s song, “Begin the Beguine.” His reference was to a popular dance in the 1930s, which became even more popular after his terrific song. In 2013, I read a newspaper article about the death of last beguine. So, when I ran across Laura Swan’s book titled, The Wisdom of the Beguines: The Forgotten Story of a Medieval Women’s Movement, I picked it up and started to hum the Porter tune. I stopped humming after a page or two and was delighted to read about these resourceful women who gathered in community from medieval times into the 21st century. Spoiler alert: these women were not dancers and they were not nuns. They were laywomen who banded together for their mutual support and for service to their communities. There hasn’t been enough accurate examination about the lives of women in society throughout history, since so much of contemporaneous history has been written by men. Any reader interested in learning something new about interesting women should consider reading this fascinating book. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase The Wisdom of the Beguines from amazon.com.

Munich Airport

Examination. The first person narrator of Greg Baxter’s finely written novel titled, Munich Airport, grieves the death of his sister, laments the decline of his elderly father and ruminates about his own life. The psychological problems among the characters in this novel are more than enough for any family. What redeems the gloomy subject is Baxter’s fine writing, and the ways in which he captures the process of introspection and self-examination. Fans of literary fiction will enjoy this prose, and those readers who like psychological fiction will spend much time reflecting about the lives of these characters. By setting the action in an airport, Baxter highlights the existential loneliness that can be felt while physically present with many other people. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase Munich Airport from amazon.com.

Only One Thing Can Save Us: Why America Needs a New Kind of Labor Movement

Feisty. Labor lawyer Thomas Geoghegan has written a feisty and cogent book titled, Only One Thing Can Save Us: Why America Needs a New Kind of Labor Movement. Few readers will agree with his argument in whole, but his presentation of the argument about the need for a new labor movement is worth reading by any citizen, manager or worker. Geoghegan’s views are firmly held and are informed by his life experience, especially with the clients he’s represented. I laughed and winced at the cases he describes, and I enjoyed the clarity of his prose and the convictions he presents with passion. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase Only One Thing Can Save Us from amazon.com.

Geek Sublime: The Beauty of Code, the Code of Beauty

Idiosyncratic. There may be a perfect audience for Vikram Chandra’s book titled, Geek Sublime: The Beauty of Code, the Code of Beauty. I thought I was in that audience, but if am, it’s in the standing room only area at the back. Despite effort, I’m just not geeky enough to “get it.” Chandra is both a fine writer and a good computer programmer. When he writes about coding, I could almost understand the artistry and beauty he described. Other readers who know more about coding might understand. Lacking understanding, I got the geek, but never the sublime. I suggest reading a sample before you decide if you’re a member of the audience for this idiosyncratic book. Rating: Three-star (It’s ok) Click here to purchase Geek Sublime from amazon.com.

Spoiled Brats

Clever. The clever, funny and imaginative stories in a collection by Simon Rich titled, Spoiled Brats, kept me amused and entertained from beginning to end. Rich observes our contemporary behavior closely and draws the humor out of our self-absorption. Any reader who needs a good laugh should pick up this collection and read any or all of the humorous stories by this very talented writer. I laughed a lot as I enjoyed and admired Rich’s creativity. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase Spoiled Brats from amazon.com.