Local bookworms offer up their favorites
Saturday, July 19, 2008 11:30 PM PDT
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Editor’s note: This is a longer version of beach read recommendations that appeared in the This Day section of Sunday's edition of The Daily News. Please use the story comment option to pass along your own hot books for the lazy season.
From Leslie Slape, Daily News crime reporter:
“Water for Elephants,” by Sara Gruen. This historical novel about circus life in the 1930s engrossed me right away, when narrator Jacob Jankowski witnesses a murder that he keeps secret his entire life.
Gruen tells the story through the memories of Jankowski, now in a nursing home but once the veterinarian for the Benzini Brothers, a second-rate traveling circus. The events going on around Jacob in the nursing home move the story along as much as the events in Jacob’s memories. Jacob’s character is the most sympathetic, but I also felt drawn to his friend Walter, and of course to Rosie, the elephant who only understands Polish.
The characters are intense, including the beautiful Marlena, star of the show; her manic-depressive husband, August; and the tightwad owner, Uncle Al. “Water for Elephants” is much more than an atmospheric tale about circus life in the Depression; it examines love, loyalty, aging and one’s moral compass.
From Deb Bemm, Kelso teacher and Red Cross volunteer:
I am a total Jodi Picoult fanatic, along with most the staff at Butler Acres Elementary School in Kelso, where we pass them around. Picoult is one of the few authors in my mind who can grab you within the first page — or even paragraph — and hold you until the end of the book, where she then totally blows you away!
There are so many twists and turns, and even when you have already figured out where she is going, or think you have, she ultimately “gets you” in the end. I have read many of her novels in two or three days (possibly an obsession thing) and have found myself on more than one occasion, at 2 a.m., shouting out “NO!!!!!” or sitting and crying as I come to the end of one of her books.
My favorite is “My Sister’s Keeper,” but they are all amazing.
As for my other summer reading: Every two or three years I return to my old favorites like “Little Women,” “Gone With the Wind,” “Not Without My Daughter,” or any biography. I am a definite “repeat reader.”
From Cathy Zimmerman, Daily news feature editor:
Deb Bemm got me into reading Jodi Picoult, and she also loaned me “The Zookeeper’s Wife.” The latter book is non-fiction, which makes its suspense and details even more compelling to read than fiction. The author is Diane Ackerman, whose cloying metaphors sometimes bug me, but overall her use of detail builds a whole world you’re soon living in. When you put down the book it’s like you’re surfacing.
The zookeepers of this poignant history managed the Warsaw Zoo in Poland, a lush, exotic compound, through World War II. The story of how they sheltered Jews and other friends endangered by the German invasion of Poland, how they respected and tended the animals, the subtle depiction of their relationship and the vivid portrayal of the zoo grounds and an entire grand city under siege makes this book as much a page-turner as any thriller.
My other beach reads:
“Gentleman and Players” and “Five Sections of an Orange,” both by Joanne Harris. A hybrid French-British author, Harris writes keen psychological mysteries, my favorite kind. “Gentlemen” is the newest, a moody study of class in England that cloaks a good mystery. “Five Sections” is a WWII story that unravels what happens to a rural family when a French town is occupied.
Anything by Denise Mina. Last summer I discovered this Scottish mystery writer and have since gobbled up four of her books. Her most recent titles follow a cop reporter in Glasgow, a terrific characterization of a gritty, street smart young woman. Each book has a tightly written murder plot, but the back story of Paddy Meehan’s family, her boyfriend, her editors and the cops she works with, sucked me in completely. I need deeply written characters in mysteries, people I care about. Then, of course, real things happen, sometimes real bad things. Those titles, and you have to read them in order: “The Field of Blood,” “The Dead Hour” and “Slip of the Knife.”
Mina’s first trilogy was the Garnethill series, which I haven’t read, and a stand-alone thriller I did read that’s creepy and character-driven called “Deception” (also titled “Sanctum”).
A new discovery just last month was “In the Woods” by Irish writer Tana French. Set in the Dublin suburbs, this book reminded me of “Mystic River” — place driven, and grounded in the lives of children forever damaged by kidnapping and murder. Her prologue, about being a kid in summer, is so beautiful it reminded me of James Agee. French can go from writing about being 11, to writing about adult fears and defenses, and cut to the bone in each period. I can’t wait to get her newest book, “The Likeness.”
Guilty pleasures and fast reads include a used copy of Mary Tyler Moore’s autobiography I got at Your Market Place, “The Diana Chronicles,” by Tina Brown — a big, fat, well researched and written but still gossipy read about the monstrously wealthy and dysfunctional royals; and “Ten Days in the Hills,” Jane Smiley’s sometimes tedious satire about movie-obsessed and oversexed Hollywoodies who hang out in a beautiful house in the days after the Oscars.
The following recommendations for the thriller genre are from Jim LeMonds of Castle Rock, retired R.A. Long English teacher and author of “South of Seattle” and “Deadfall.”
“I’m a tough critic. I expect good writing, solid plotting and interesting characters. And I like my mysteries to be gritty and edgy. I’ve noticed that I’ve been reading more books from foreign writers of late. I guess that’s my way to tune in to other cultures.”
Billingham, Mark — Won the Sherlock in 2003. Books include “Lazy Bones,’ “Sleepy Head,” “Scaredy Cat,” “The Burning Girl.” Detective Inspector Tom Thorne confronts all sorts of horrific crimes in London. A very strong writer and an appealing lead character.
Block, Lawrence — Most of his stuff is set in New York. Matt Scudder is his main man. Block is considered to be one of the best living mystery writers. It would be good to read some of the early stuff in the Scudder series first, but I especially liked “When the Sacred Ginmill Closes.”
Bruen, Ken — Great reviews and numerous awards for Ken Bruen. I especially like the books that feature Jack Taylor, who has been booted from Ireland’s police force. He lives a very dark existence. Staying involved with a few cases is all that keeps him going. Excellent writing.
Burdett, John — I enjoyed ‘Bangkok 8’ and “Bangkok Tattoo,” with police detective Sonchai Jitpleecheep.
Connelly, Michael — Loved the first books especially, include “Black Echo,” “Black Ice” and “The Concrete Blonde.” Main man in the early stuff is LAPD Detective Harry Bosch. Won the 2003 Anthony Award for City of Bones and the Edgar for Best First in 1992. Strong writing.
Crais, Robert — Main man is Elvis Cole, assisted by ex-special ops man Joe Pike. Funny at times. Well-plotted, well-written, easy to read.
Crumley, James — Montana writer. He had two series going early, one featuring C.W. Sughrue and the other Milo Milodragovitch. More recently, Crumley has put them together. They leave a trail of bodies wherever they go. Crumley can really write. 2003 CWA Golden Dagger nomination for “The Final Country.”
Davis, Lindsay — Roman mysteries starring Marcus Didius Falco. I like this type of period stuff. Davis is good, but when it comes to Roman Empire stuff, I actually prefer Steven Saylor (see below).
Eisler, Barry — Set in Japan. Main character is John Rain, a Japanese-American living in Tokyo. Rain is an assassin, but an appealing one. Titles include “Rain,” “Rain Fall,’ “Hard Rain,” etc. Eisler knows the terrain.
Ford, G.M. — Seattle writer. Started with a series that featured private detective Leo Waterman, who was assisted by a group of bums known as “The Boys.” Those were good. Ford has produced additional titles, my favorite of which is “Fury.”
Hall, James — Part of the big Florida mystery movement. The guy is a poet, so that gives him an advantage when it comes to style. Main man is Thorn. Sort of in the Travis McGee mold.
Hiaasen, Carl — Funny, off-the-wall, easy to read. Probably the leader of the pack among the big Florida mystery crowd. I love his whacked-out characters. He’s a newspaper man. Early stuff includes “Tourist Season,” “Double Whammy,’ “Skin Tight.”
Hunsicker, Harry — Nominated for the Shamus Award for his first book, “Still River.” How can you say no to a main character named Lee Henry Oswald who lives in Dallas?
Huston, Charlie — Get ready for a wild ride. Main character in the opening trilogy is Hank Thompson, a bartender in Manhattan. He volunteers to watch his neighbor’s cat. What could go wrong? Oh, my. First book is “Caught Stealing,” followed by “Six Bad Things” and “A Dangerous Man.” First one was nominated for the Edgar. Very dark and violent. Nice guy forced into a situation where he is forced to do very bad things in order to survive.
Kerr, Phillip — This is the guy who wrote the trilogy I mentioned that is set in Germany. Includes “March Violets,” “Pale Criminal” and “German Requiem.” I also read one he set in Russia called “Dead Meat.” He is a superior writer. The three I mentioned, which feature Bernard Gunther, are as good as it gets.
King, Jonathan — The Blue Edge of Midnight won the 2003 Edgar for Best First Novel. Also wrote A Visible Darkness, Shadow Men, Killing Night. Most books star PI Max Freeman, who lives on the edge of the Everglades.
Konrath, J.A. — Really enjoyed these. Lead is a copy named Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels. Titles included “Bloody Mary,” “Whiskey Sour,” and more. An odd blend of superior humor (maybe the funniest mystery writer out there) and raw, dark evil. Nominated for 2005 Anthony for Best First Mystery.
Lehane, Dennis — Since “Mystic River’ (won the Anthony and Barry awards), he’s a little more commercial, though still very good. I love the first books, which included “Darkness Take My Hand,’ “A Drink Before the War” and “Sacred.’ Features a pair of detectives assisted by the incredibly interesting Bubba Rogowski.
Limon, Martin — I liked “Slicky Boys” and “Jade Lady Burning.” Features Army investigators George Sueno and Ernie Bascom. Set in South Korea.
Liss, David — More period stuff. He got a lot of good press for “A Conspiracy of Paper,” which won the Edgar for Best First Mystery. Set in the 1700s in England. Ex-boxer, now detective, is a Jew living in London. Excellent story line and great atmosphere. All tied to the volatile financial markets of the day. Also wrote “The Coffee Trader’ and “A Spectacle of Corruption.”
MacDonald, John — Big John wrote all sorts of stuff, but those Travis McGee novels will live in the mystery world forever. The guy was a master. Great characters and dialogue. McGee is the prototype for so many of the hard-boiled detectives that came later. Some people say MacDonald’s stuff is “too simple.” Don’t kid yourself. He strips things down and cuts through the bullshit. How many mystery writers have won the American Book Award?
McBride, Stuart — Stories are set in Aberdeen, Scotland. Logan McCrae is a cop with the Grampian PD. Strong writer. Great reviews. First book was “Cold Granite,” which won a Barry Award. Writing is spare, blunt and believable.
Mosley, Walter — The guy can flat-out write. I love the Easy Rawlins stuff and the way Mosley shows you the racism in LA during the ‘40s and ‘50s without being preachy. Easy’s psychopathic friend Mouse is a one-of-a-kind “helper.” “Devil in a Blue Dress’ is the first one. Some people don’t know that Mosley also has books that feature ex-con Fearless Jones (Fear Itself). These are also excellent. But stay away from Mosley’s sci-fi, which present a big drop in quality.
Nunn, Kem — Loved “Pomona Queen,’ “Unassigned Territory’ and “Tapping the Source” which hits the surf scene in California. Quirky humor combined with violence and good writing. “Unassigned Territory” has a religious angle.
Parker, T. Jefferson — T. Jefferson really impressed me out of the gate with his first two books. I thought he got sloppy for a while so I stopped reading him. In the last few years, he has bounced back with super work, including “Silent Joe,” “California Girl,” and “Cold Pursuit.” He’s won the Edgar twice and is on a roll.
Riordan, Rick — Tres Navarre is the main character. Set in San Antonio. Riordan has won the Edgar, Shamus and Anthony. Favorites included ‘Big Red Tequila,’ “The Widower’s Two-Step” and “The Devil Went Down to Austin.”
Saylor, Steve — Roman mysteries featuring Gordianus the Finder. A step above Lindsay Davis when it comes to plot and overall style.
Siler, Jenny — Seattle-Missoula connections. Strong writer. I enjoyed both of her first books, “Easy Money” and “Iced.”
Spiegelman, Peter — He’s received a lot of notoriety in the last couple of years for “Black Maps,” “Death’s Little Helpers” and “Red Cat.” Spiegelman won the 2004 Shamus Award for Best First Mystery. Set in New York. Private detective John March is the black sheep of his high-brow family. Stories always deal with finances, stocks, etc.
Straley, John — Alaska writer. Won the Shamus Award in 1993 (Best First Mystery) for “The Woman Who Married a Bear.” That one and “The Curious Eat Themselves” are my favorites. Private detective is Cecil Younger. Cecil is very funny and has some serious issues that make him very appealing. Great sense of Alaska comes through in these books.
Walter, Jess — Won the Edgar in 2005 for “Citizen Vince.” Also wrote “Land of the Blind” and “Over Tumbled Graves.” Lives in Spokane and sets his stories there.
reasonable1 wrote on Jul 20, 2008 11:59 AM:
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