Jim McManus wrote Positively Fifth Street to investigate two things for Harper’s Magazine: the murder of Ted Binion, and the 2000 World Series of Poker. He tells you right up front that he mostly just wants to play in the 2000 World Series of Poker (it’s common for journalists to participate, to get a front-row seat to what they’re covering). He loves poker, and gambling, and Vegas, and despite a promise to his wife to keep “Good Jim” in the driver’s seat, “Bad Jim” takes over quite a […]
It’s a dirty business
I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would! Primary Colors was initially written anonymously but later revealed to be by Joe Klein (a political columnist). The book focuses on Henry Burton, a congressional worker who still believes in the good that politics can do, as he gets sucked into the campaign of Jack Stanton (who is basically Bill Clinton). As Stanton’s past is revealed (an affair, a draft dodge, another affair…) Henry loses his idealism and the reader gets an excellent view of politics behind the […]
And so it begins
For a rabid Stephen King fan, I took a really long time to get to the Dark Tower series. I wanted to wait until it was all done — I’d heard the gasps of Dark Tower fans when King was struck by the van, and I didn’t want to be one of the many stranded with an unfinished series. But then he did finish it, and still I drug my feet, until my best friend (hi Cat!) told me to read the damn thing (I […]
Cormoran Strikes Again!
The Silkworm wasn’t quite as stellar as The Cuckoo’s Calling, but still an interesting and well-written detective story. I wasn’t quite as wrapped up in this case as I was in Lula Landry’s (probably because the victim wasn’t so likable), and I thought the ending was a bit outrageous, but the Robin & Strike relationship progressed wonderfully and it had a great cast of characters. “Writers are a savage breed, Mr. Strike. If you want life-long friendship and selfless camaraderie, join the army and learn to kill. […]