book reviews

Scott Turow, Ordinary Heroes. Usually, I like Turow. His books are gritty and well plotted. But this one dragged. I found the main character dull, his situation improbable and not that interesting, and overall, I think historical fiction is not Turow's forte.

Sterling North, Rascal. I love this book. I've read it countless times, but the simplicity of the writing has never lost its sweetness. The story of a young boy in World War I, his love for the raccoon kit he raises for a year, and the ways that the events of the world impact his life combine to make a lovely book.

Louis L'Amour, Showdown at Yellow Butte. This was an interesting twist - the protagonist rides into town as a member of the wrong side and has to decide for himself which faction he's going to back. There were a few too many characters, a little more complexity (and injury) than absolutely necessary, but overall, it's a solid book.

Mike Resnick, Hazards. This merry-go-round was not at all what I expected. Take Indiana Jones, Mickey Spillane, and James Bond, give them some serious drugs, spin them around a few times, and set them down in a South America that never actually existed, and you come close. (The closest analogous author I can think of is Barry Hughart, whose Bridge of Birds series has a similar level of antic lunacy.) Well worth the reading!