I saw the movie version back in 2011. I was curious if the book version was different, overall not much difference. Some humor, particularly related tI saw the movie version back in 2011. I was curious if the book version was different, overall not much difference. Some humor, particularly related to government bureaucracy. Sad that the author was so ill that he couldn't attend the movie premiere, and passed away in 2013. ...more
A quick read. Mostly sci-fi with some horror at the end. I understand there are two versions, the second was released in 1997, so my tattered paperbacA quick read. Mostly sci-fi with some horror at the end. I understand there are two versions, the second was released in 1997, so my tattered paperback is the original. Basically what happens when AI becomes sentient and wants to reproduce itself in human form. Based in the future of 1995! Most of the book I found a little tedious and sci-fi oriented. The last fifty or so pages I found more entertaining and horror based. I don't believe I ever saw the movie and don't plan to. Unless you are and ardent Koontz fan and want to read all his books, you might want to skip this one....more
Hard to decide between a three and a four star rating, so three and a half it is! The first 'Die Hard' movie is loosely based on this novel. The basicHard to decide between a three and a four star rating, so three and a half it is! The first 'Die Hard' movie is loosely based on this novel. The basic premise is the backbone of the book, but the setting is earlier in L.A.'s history, and our protagonist is a bit older--a veteran ace of World War II. Instead of visiting his ex-wife on Christmas Eve, it is his daughter who works at the oil company based in the high-rise. His grand kids are also in attendance at the company Christmas party. The ending is a little different, and believe it or not much more violence than in the movie. The reason I couldn't quite make it to the fourth star is that it just seemed to drag out towards the end. Thorp wrote a previous novel with the same character Joe Leland, called 'The Detective'. This was made into a movie starring Frank Sinatra. I'm still debating whether I want to read it, or the novel '58 minutes' by Walter Wager that 'Die Hard 2' was based on. This is one of the rare occasions I liked the movie version better. A couple of side notes--Thorp as a recent college graduate worked for his father's private detective agency, then later on taught college level literature and worked as a freelance journalist. He also wrote the novel 'Rainbow Drive' which also became a movie starring Peter Weller. ...more
A little disappointing after reading 'Icebreaker'. This seemed more of a formula Bond book. One of the notable things is the incorporation of microcomA little disappointing after reading 'Icebreaker'. This seemed more of a formula Bond book. One of the notable things is the incorporation of microcomputers back when they hadn't infiltrated every household in the US. The other is the bad guys using a dirigible to try and complete their evil mission. I'm taking a little break before preceding on to 'Nobody Lives Forever', ...more
I read 'Memorial Day' back in 2021 and thought I'd take a little break--three years wasn't what I had in mind! This is best book in the series so far-I read 'Memorial Day' back in 2021 and thought I'd take a little break--three years wasn't what I had in mind! This is best book in the series so far--quite a few twists in the plot I wasn't expecting. Flynn had a way of writing characters that even some of the 'bad' guys seemed sympathetic to me. Of course Rapp and his team kill plenty of terrorists. One really shocking death (no spoilers here) mid-book, and a surprising ending I really enjoyed. I'm taking a short break , then moving on to the next book in the series 'Act of Treason'....more
I've read a couple of Hirschfeld novels. Pretty much a formula--but some escapism from real life!I've read a couple of Hirschfeld novels. Pretty much a formula--but some escapism from real life!...more
My wife read this book last summer, and she couldn't stop telling me about how good it is and that I should read it. After letting it sit a year, so iMy wife read this book last summer, and she couldn't stop telling me about how good it is and that I should read it. After letting it sit a year, so it seemed more removed from all the stories she related to me from it, I decided it was time.
From the moment I started reading, Schilling makes the reader feel he is tagging along on every one of his experiences. This book is great on so many levels. Of course it is an 'Elvis' book, but not just any book about Elvis. From meeting by chance at a pick-up football game at a Memphis park just as Elvis is starting his music career, to Presley's final days, Schilling is a full participant. Schilling not only writes about Elvis, but vividly captures the early days in Memphis, filming movies in Los Angeles and Hawaii, and the days of concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas. Schilling incorporates his own life experiences beyond being a member of the Memphis Mafia. This includes his personal relationships and experiences working as a film editor, actor, and later working with the Beach Boys and Billy Joel. Unlike some other books, Jerry seems to write from a perspective without a personal agenda. Priscilla, and Lisa Marie both read and approved of Schilling's book. If you're an Elvis fan, or like a heartfelt story of a remarkable friendship this book is for you. This is one of those few books that now that I've finished it, I'm sad that journey is over....more
My wife read this, and recommended I read it. A quick read. I knew he had served as Physician to the President under President Trump, was a Rear AdmirMy wife read this, and recommended I read it. A quick read. I knew he had served as Physician to the President under President Trump, was a Rear Admiral at the time, and now represents the Texas 13th Congressional District.
There was so much I didn't know. After graduating from medical school he joined the Navy and completed the Undersea Medical Officer Program, making him a diver and a doctor. He also is a trained parachutist, and completed his residency in emergency medicine. In 2005 he was deployed to Iraq and worked as an emergency medical physician with a surgical shock trauma platoon. In 2006 he became a physician in the White House Medical Unit. He served as the Physician to the President for Presidents George W. Bush, Barrack Obama, and Donald Trump.
Much of the book is going through his training and military experiences before being selected for the WHMU. I found his experiences working in the White House interesting. I didn't realize how extensive that unit is. I also found his experiences working for the Obama presidency notable. At the time he had many friends in the administration and was friendly with Obama. After serving in the Trump presidency he was shunned by many of these people. Jackson goes on to write about his nomination to head the Veteran's Administration, and how political insiders derailed his nomination process. This in turn led to a seemingly politicized Defense Department Inspector General investigation, which partially inspired his decision to run for Congress.
Whether you're a Republican, Democrat or apolitical you should read Jackson's book to get a sense of his work ethic and determination to succeed. You also get to read about his political opinions, including having to run his political campaign during covid. The only reason I couldn't quite give it five stars is he tended to be a little repetitive in his writing, particularly in the beginning. ...more
I reread 'License Renewed' last month. Realized (thanks to Goodreads) that I read the second of Gardner's Bond books 'For Special Services' back in 20I reread 'License Renewed' last month. Realized (thanks to Goodreads) that I read the second of Gardner's Bond books 'For Special Services' back in 2016 and remember it well enough not to reread it. I think 'Icebreaker' is the best of Gardner's Bond efforts so far. Really enjoyed the setting in the frozen Finland, Russia, etc. during our Southern California desert record heat wave. Some surprises for me in this one. I'm taking a little break before moving on to 'Role of Honor....more
I probably wouldn't have read this book, but it was a gift and looked interesting. I've never hiked the Appalachian Trail, but I have hiked parts of tI probably wouldn't have read this book, but it was a gift and looked interesting. I've never hiked the Appalachian Trail, but I have hiked parts of the Pacific Crest Trail here in California in my younger days. Part of the book is a chronicle of Bryson and his hiking partner Katz' adventures and mishaps. The other part is a little history of portions of the trail, and towns along the way. Sprinkle in a few pages here and there on climate and other sciences--and that sums up the book. There is also some humor. Some reviewers seem annoyed that it isn't just one of the above. I found the mishmash enjoyable reading. Parts certainly reminded me of why I stored my backpack and gear away. Yes, you can see beautiful parts of the country without slogging through mud, bugs, and freeze-dried food. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the various biomes along the AT. My experiences here in the West have been in much drier environs for the most part. I certainly was reminded of missing parts of 'civilized' life--ice cold milk, warm showers, and soft beds among them. A good introduction to the AT--and backpacking in general. Now I'm debating if I watch the movie version. Somehow the casting doesn't quite fit with my take on the characters....more
Bing West was a Marine who served in Vietnam, and was an assistant secretary of defense under Ronald Reagan. He is a prolific writer, went to Iraq as Bing West was a Marine who served in Vietnam, and was an assistant secretary of defense under Ronald Reagan. He is a prolific writer, went to Iraq as an embed sixteen times, and also took numerous trips to Afghanistan. This book is exactly as advertised and more. Beyond the frontline accounts of the daily battles from front line marines and soldiers, Bing chronicles the strategies from White House and senior policy makers and negotiators. The reader also gets a since of who was leading the insurgent groups inside Fallujah. A nice conclusion summarizes the missteps made by our officials trying to reestablish a country while conducting a war in it at the same time. This hardback edition has great satellite photo maps inside the covers. the front inside cover highlights the battle plan for the cancelled April 2004 offensive, while the back inside cover shows the November 2004 offensive. A photo section and bibliography are included. Extensive notes accompany each chapter. I have one of West's other books 'The March Up' about taking Baghdad with the First Marine Division. If reading about the Iraq War is your interest this is a must read....more
A very conversational look at Secretary Rice's time in the George W. Bush Administration. Starts with her meeting the former President, campaigning foA very conversational look at Secretary Rice's time in the George W. Bush Administration. Starts with her meeting the former President, campaigning for him which then leads to her service as his National Security Advisor. Of course much happened during her tenure in this position, including 9/11 and the invasion of Iraq. Besides her professional efforts and views the reader gets glimpses of Rice's personal and family life. The second part of the memoir is about her years as Secretary of State. Despite being confirmed with the most 'no' votes of a Secretary of State since 1825, she managed to champion democratic governments and negotiate efforts to try and maintain peace throughout the world. She still holds the record for most miles logged as Secretary of State. I'm amazed how anyone can still have a personal life and serve the country in this role. It seems like a 24/7, 365 day a year job. She served in some of this countries most turbulent times concluding with the financial meltdown at the end of the G.W. Bush Administration. In between she negotiated peace between Hamas and Israel, tried to contain Kim Jong Un, dealt with Putin and his invasion of Georgia and trying to intimidate Ukraine, tried to negotiate with Iran on nuclear transparency, dealt with the Iraq War, negotiated with India and Pakistan not to go to war, and much more. She attained much, but still disheartening that fifteen years later most of these issues continue, and some have worsened. A great read if you're interested in this slice of history, or want to know Condoleezza Rice better. A few maps are included, and I was surprised that there weren't any photos. Most importantly--Thank you Secretary Rice for your service....more
Read 'Along Came a Spider' back in May, and this is just as good if not better. I'm definitely hooked on the series, but I'm taking a little break befRead 'Along Came a Spider' back in May, and this is just as good if not better. I'm definitely hooked on the series, but I'm taking a little break before reading 'Jack and Jill'. My wife has a couple of books she wants me to read. I have several of the Cross books that I've inherited. I can't imagine how Patterson can keep up the quality!...more
A quick read. Reminds me a little of those 'Ripley Believe It Or Not' books. Some stories are really not that mysterious. Some stories I have read aboA quick read. Reminds me a little of those 'Ripley Believe It Or Not' books. Some stories are really not that mysterious. Some stories I have read about before. Others were a first time reading experience for me. All of the stories are footnoted. There are also a few photos. Many of the stories could've been fleshed out, but they serve as a starting point if the reader wants to do more research on an occurrence. ...more
A quick read. Each chapter focuses on a 'woke' topic associated with a particular letter of the alphabet. A gimmick that really isn't needed, but lendA quick read. Each chapter focuses on a 'woke' topic associated with a particular letter of the alphabet. A gimmick that really isn't needed, but lends a way to organize the material. A nice mixture of the issue, some historic perspective and of course Failla's jokes. If you're a fan of 'cancel culture' you probably won't care for this. If you've seen his monologues on his show, the chapters are very similar but without his fast paced delivery....more
Rob Morris is a teacher and former pilot. He had a unique idea to write about World War bomber crews by interviewing surviving crew members and writinRob Morris is a teacher and former pilot. He had a unique idea to write about World War bomber crews by interviewing surviving crew members and writing their individual stories. Although I've read about the air wars of World War II, I was introduced to much new material. Some stories are told by crew members that were shot down, and spent the remainder of the war in POW camps. Other chapters are told by Jewish crew members that could potentially have worse consequences than others if shot down over Germany. Some reminiscences are of being on crippled planes crash landing in neutral Switzerland and Sweden, and spending the remainder of the war in prisoner camps as bad as German ones. In some of these cases our already damaged planes were fired on by Swiss ME-109s, and/or neutral flak crews. Perhaps the most interesting story was about American B-17 pilot Werner Goering who was believed to be a nephew of Hermann Goering the head of the German Luftwaffe. Genealogical tests conducted after the publication of the book proved this not to be true, but still a good story. The book also includes a photo section. If you like reading about World War II and want a little different perspective, I recommend this book....more
I saw the movie back in 2013, and even though the book isn't really like the movie, I thought I'd check it out. Based on reviews I read, people seemedI saw the movie back in 2013, and even though the book isn't really like the movie, I thought I'd check it out. Based on reviews I read, people seemed to either really like the book or hate it. At first I was amazed at Brooks' ability to create 'voices' of so many differing characters around the world in this fictional setting of a global catastrophe. Sort of like a zombie take on Tolkien. Some of it can be taken as social commentary on the state of our global political affairs. I discovered that I could only read a few sections at a time, as I found the work bleak and dreary. By the end the 'voices' of the survivor characters all seemed to blend together in a pessimistic take on the new future of the world. Overall, I prefer the movie. If you're into zombies and being depressed this book might be for you....more
A collection of horror short stories. I like short stories, and I like horror. Erotic horror maybe not so much. Interesting note, one of the editors (A collection of horror short stories. I like short stories, and I like horror. Erotic horror maybe not so much. Interesting note, one of the editors (Michael Garrett) was Stephen King's first editor....more
A well researched book by a man with 25 years of experience working with Iraqis. He was a staff member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for fA well researched book by a man with 25 years of experience working with Iraqis. He was a staff member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for fourteen years, wrote several reports on Iraq and took a special interest in the Kurdish region of the country. During the 1991 uprising he visited Kurdish Northern Iraq and was nearly captured by Saddam Huessin's forces. Kurds gave him fourteen tons of written materials captured from the Iraqi secret police. He was involved in the Iraq constitutional process from 2003 to 2005. He also served as a Deputy U.N. envoy to Afghanistan. Although Galbraith served in Democrat administrations, and later was chairman of the Vermont Democratic Party, I found this book to be balanced on spreading the blame around to multiple administrations and individuals both Democrat and Republican.
Some key points I thought interesting: Prior to H.W. Bush's Axis of Evil speech, Iran was actually cooperating with the United States in Afghanistan, sharing intelligence on al-Qaeda, and permitting US Forces to conduct search and rescue operations for downed American pilots in their region. Bush's speech indicated to them that they might become America's next target, and all cooperation ceased.
Galbraith points out that we didn't have a plan in place to protect Iraq's museums National Library, or financial institutions. He blames arrogance of the Bush administration to listen to experts. Galbraith notes that the American servicemen and women who took control of Baghdad were competent, disciplined, and task-oriented professionals but that the political leadership was to busy making a case for the war and war planning that they didn't focus on the infrastructure and security of Iraq. Much of this he blames on Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld.
Paul Bremer was appointed as the leader of the Coalition Provisional Authority. He had never been to Iraq, and did not speak Arabic. He had no experience in nation-building, and had less than two weeks to read-up on this assignment before taking it on. He certainly had little knowledge of the country and instead of seeking Iraqi input seemed dead set on maintaining his own power base. Upon his arrival state department professionals that were knowledgeable about Iraq and the Middle East were encouraged to leave or marginalized. These staffers had been assembled by Bremer's predecessor Jay Garner. In place of these professionals with experience, the White House appointed loyal Republicans with little to no relevant experience. These new in-country CPA employees benefited from an extremely generous pay structure--so much so that employees reached their maximum allowable income for federal government service after only six months. This required them to be sent stateside just as they were gaining basic experience in-country.
Government contractors such as the company Custer Battles defrauded the coalition of millions of dollars without providing the agreed upon security needs of the Baghdad Airport. In March of 2006 a federal jury found Custer Battles liable for thirty-seven separate acts of fraud.
Galbraith pointed out all the faults of the Bush administration, covered the forming of the Iraqi Constitution, and what he believes should have been done differently. I concur that the Bush administration had a rather naïve approach to governing Iraq after the disposition of Hussein, and certainly political cronyism also had a detrimental impact. However this cronyism seems to rear it's ugly head in every administration no matter the political stripe.
In a country that's borders were cobbled together by the League of Nations and the British after World War I that consists of three major differing ideological groups (Sunni, Shia, and Kurds) expecting any kind of non-chaotic peaceful resolution into a new democratic Iraq was a pipe dream. This certainly came to fruition with the rise of ISIS. The Kurds have a regional government, and would like their own independence but the rest of Iraq and Turkey are not in favor. A delicate government balance rules the country that still sees violence, infrastructure issues, and is drought stricken.
The book includes appendices, photos, an index and is well written. Interesting and factual without being dry. If you're interested in this part of the world, or United States involvement in the Middle East this book is a must read....more
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