Books and other stuff I feel like discussing
By education and experience - Accountant with a specialty in taxation. Formerly a CPA (license has lapsed). Masters degree in law of taxation from University of Denver. Now retired. Part time work during baseball season as receptionist & switchboard operator for the Colorado Rockies. This gig feeds my soul in ways I have trouble articulating. One daughter, and four grandchildren. I share the house with two cats; a big goof of a cat called Grinch (named as a joke for his easy going "whatever" disposition); and Lady, a shelter adoptee with a regal bearing and sweet little soprano voice. I would be very bereft if it ever becomes necessary to keep house without a cat.
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Books Update - part the Second
THE TRINITY GAME by Sean Chercover
A televangelist begins to utter strange prophecies, which, beyond all reason, prove accurate. Weather reports, stock market fluctuations, sports scores. Needless to say, unsavory types who make money from the gambling industry would like to have him silenced. The evangelist's nephew is an investigator for the Vatican, and he ends up working to establish the truth of what is going on. Chercover has written a very thoughtful book - not all the questions raised by the plot are answered, which I thought was a wise choice. Questions of belief and doubt are very personal issues, worthy of much more thought than the few hours spent reading a suspense novel. However, I think it's a good thing that the issues are raised every now and then, in a manner leaving readers to decide for themselves.
THE GRAPES OF WRATH by John Steinbeck
Another choice by a book discussion group. I read it years and years ago - probably in my college days. Much of what I thought I remembered about the book was heavily based on the movie version. So I enjoyed a return visit to the original print version. I had forgotten that Steinbeck alternated between chapters which followed following his characters, and other reflections on the history of the events of the depression years.
LIVE BY NIGHT by Dennis Lehane
Lehane recently won the prestigious Edgar award for best novel. The story begins in early 20th century Boston and follows a small time hood throughout his career. He eventually rises to run a multi-faceted organization on Florida's Gulf Coast. The reader grows to respect the main character, while retaining a measure of unease with the scope of his criminal activities. I haven't read all the other nominees, but Lehane has written an award worthy book.
SUSPECT by Robert Crais
The two main characters each work in law enforcement, and each has suffered significant emotional trauma in the line of duty. Maggie was trained as a military dog, and was an eyewitness to her handler's death from an IED explosion. Scott is an officer with the LAPD, and he is recovering from physical and emotional wounds received in an attack which killed his partner. Scott applies to the K-9 corps, thinking he won't have to work with a partner. He sees Maggie cowering in her cage and asks to work with her. Thinking that this will provide a reason to retire them both, the powers that be agree. In very satisfactory fashion Scott and Maggie make their unlikely partnership work. Definitely a book for dog lovers.
BENEDICTION by Kent Haruf
Haruf is a Colorado treasure, writing lovely small novels set in a fictional small town set on the wide open Colorado plains. His latest features the owner of a hardware store in the small town - approaching the end of his life since cancer treatments have ceased to be effective. The book is a gentle, thoughtful portrait of small town life, and a realistic view of human relationships. If you haven't read anything by him, you're missing something special.
To be continued -
A televangelist begins to utter strange prophecies, which, beyond all reason, prove accurate. Weather reports, stock market fluctuations, sports scores. Needless to say, unsavory types who make money from the gambling industry would like to have him silenced. The evangelist's nephew is an investigator for the Vatican, and he ends up working to establish the truth of what is going on. Chercover has written a very thoughtful book - not all the questions raised by the plot are answered, which I thought was a wise choice. Questions of belief and doubt are very personal issues, worthy of much more thought than the few hours spent reading a suspense novel. However, I think it's a good thing that the issues are raised every now and then, in a manner leaving readers to decide for themselves.
THE GRAPES OF WRATH by John Steinbeck
Another choice by a book discussion group. I read it years and years ago - probably in my college days. Much of what I thought I remembered about the book was heavily based on the movie version. So I enjoyed a return visit to the original print version. I had forgotten that Steinbeck alternated between chapters which followed following his characters, and other reflections on the history of the events of the depression years.
LIVE BY NIGHT by Dennis Lehane
Lehane recently won the prestigious Edgar award for best novel. The story begins in early 20th century Boston and follows a small time hood throughout his career. He eventually rises to run a multi-faceted organization on Florida's Gulf Coast. The reader grows to respect the main character, while retaining a measure of unease with the scope of his criminal activities. I haven't read all the other nominees, but Lehane has written an award worthy book.
SUSPECT by Robert Crais
The two main characters each work in law enforcement, and each has suffered significant emotional trauma in the line of duty. Maggie was trained as a military dog, and was an eyewitness to her handler's death from an IED explosion. Scott is an officer with the LAPD, and he is recovering from physical and emotional wounds received in an attack which killed his partner. Scott applies to the K-9 corps, thinking he won't have to work with a partner. He sees Maggie cowering in her cage and asks to work with her. Thinking that this will provide a reason to retire them both, the powers that be agree. In very satisfactory fashion Scott and Maggie make their unlikely partnership work. Definitely a book for dog lovers.
BENEDICTION by Kent Haruf
Haruf is a Colorado treasure, writing lovely small novels set in a fictional small town set on the wide open Colorado plains. His latest features the owner of a hardware store in the small town - approaching the end of his life since cancer treatments have ceased to be effective. The book is a gentle, thoughtful portrait of small town life, and a realistic view of human relationships. If you haven't read anything by him, you're missing something special.
To be continued -
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