Back in NY

I've recently read a book by Douglas Kennedy called "The pursuit of happiness". Although somewhat predictable, it was an interesting and entertaining book. I couldn't really figure out if the author condoned the extra-marital affair that was the center of the book or not. The events of the book, however, did ring true and could very well be pieces of a true story. The good news for me is that my library has more books by D. Kennedy. True to the title of this item New York is the venue for most of the book.
Another book by a NY based author was loaned to me by my daughter. "Assassination Vacation" by Sara Vowell (her latest book) was very entertaining and I recommend it. It is cheeky and left of center so you have to be up for that if you're going to read it. Sarah is a true New Yorker, although she grew up in Montana. The book, however, does not confine itself to NY. Washington D.C. site of two of the assassinations she writes about (Lincoln & Garfield) is naturally a central location for a book about presidents. There are lots of interesting facts (and tips if you want to have a strange vacation) in the book served up in an engaging and easy to follow manner. I guess I'll try the other S. Vowell book my daughter left here after her last visit. The Wikipedia entry for Sarah is very interesting - lots of radio to listen to.

Mallory and Butch

I am thankful for series. I have just finished rereading the Mallory series by Carol O'Connell. It just gets better.
The Butch in the title is for Butch Karp and the latest paperback - "Counterplay" by Robert K. Tanenbaum. I did enjoy reading the latest installment in the adventures of the very special Karp-Ciampi clan, but it is doubtful if I could actually recommend these books to anyone in my circle of friends. Adding the pope the cast of characters was a bit off the wall. A note on form: the book I got through my friendly internet book store was higher and slimmer than the usual paperback and, as my son pointed out, heavier.

Mallory and Axel

My library came through for me once again. The latest book in Carol O'Connell's Mallory series "Shark Music" was obviously high on their list and by reserving the book I think I was the first or second person to get to read it. In this book Mallory takes off to follow Route 66. Boy, does that bring back memories - the old TV series and the times we followed that road driving from California to Texas. They are clearly a lot of Route 66 buffs judging by all the websites. Mallory's journey is one of nostalgia, to a certain extent. But being Mallory she also get involved with a serial killer. I do like the characters and even played hookey from work to finish the book. There is speculation that this might be the last in the series, but only time will tell.
As I was at the library to pick up the Mallory book I cruised the stacks and brought away "The Song before it is Sung" by Justin Cartwright. The book is about a the fate of a patriotic German in the 30's and 40's. The story goes back and forth from present time to the historical tale. The protagonist is a 35 year old man who is caught up in the letters of an Oxford don to a German count It started slow, but just got better and better. I guess I will see if the library has anymore books by Justin Cartwright.

England and L.A.

Two of my low price books were okay reads, the first was "The Blood Doctor" by Barbara Vine. Vine, who is really Ruth Rendell, always has something interesting for her readers. This one was a bit predictable as the title mentions blood and there are lots of people mentioned who died of haemophilia. But she uses a back and forth from present to late 1800's to early 1900's, setting mostly London, but other European points as well. Sort of the historian's story together with the history (which is used alot). The second book I got cheaply by buying 4 and paying for 3 clearance sale books was "Never Count Out the Dead" by Boston Teran. I guess a lot a people like Teran as his books have either won or been shorlisted for prizes, but he was a bit bloody for me. Sort of "what a tangled web we weave" type where people think that they can solve their problems by lying, cheating, stealing, and murdering. But the book was fast of pace, had some interesting characters, and south California is always a trip. I guess I might try another Teran if it shows up on the discount table.