I read and enjoyed the first novel in this series, and I usually like Winslow. It's mandatory you read the first volume before this one. The second inI read and enjoyed the first novel in this series, and I usually like Winslow. It's mandatory you read the first volume before this one. The second in the series of three just fell flat. I got about 2/3rds of the way through it and just quit. VERY different from the first one. Doubtful I'll bother with the third when it appears....more
"Nothing happens in the movies that doesn't happen in real life." (Really? Living Dead? Zombies? Godzillas?) One of the mostNever Go Back by Lee Child
"Nothing happens in the movies that doesn't happen in real life." (Really? Living Dead? Zombies? Godzillas?) One of the most ridiculous comments ever made, and made by someone who, apparently having nothing else to do, had read through Reacher's file -- begun on him before age six when, at a special screening put on by Army Psy-Ops, he attacked a monster on the screen with a switchblade. Age six mind you. Apparently, they loved his instant aggression, when all the other kids recoiled in fear.
Such an implausible story. Reacher, who never seems to lack for funds and always has cash on hand, (or just happens on his version of an ATM, a burning meth lab) travels across multiple states to visit Major Susan Turner, the commander of his old outfit, because he liked the sound of her voice. Then it turns out he is the object of a huge conspiracy that he, of course, solves forthwith after having been reinstated into the army. It would seem none of the new brass, including his JAG lawyers like him -- I can understand why, he's about the most abrasive personality ever -- but the non-coms all seem to fawn over him. He also remembers the smallest details of those who had served under him even after 16 years and knows what they are currently up to in spite of his peripatetic lifestyle with no home base, nor cell phone, etc. Banking for him must be a nightmare.
He insists he likes women, has as many affairs as possible, has no kids or responsibilities, yet when faced with a possible paternity issue from 16 years before (the timeline issue is another problem for me) he reveals little interest in the child.
Reacher has got to be the least likable paladin (I really hate to denigrate Richard Boone's character but don't want to call Reacher a hero.) He's what one critic described as a "good" psychopath because he kills loads of people, but theoretically only those who "deserve" to die, so those of us in the audience rooting for the vigilante, are supposed to like him.
I think he's one of the most boring characters in any series. He doesn't read, seemingly has no interests, and evinces no interest in anything nor the least bit of introspection. At least Lisbeth Salamander She knows herself, explaining to her rapist, as she’s about to take revenge, ‘Keep in mind that I’m crazy, won’t you.’ And yet, we read on, wondering what anti-social act is just around the corner. Feel free to skim. You'll miss little. ...more
Audiobook. I don’t know if it was the narrator or just the silliness of the story, but I finally abandoned this after making it about 75% through. I jAudiobook. I don’t know if it was the narrator or just the silliness of the story, but I finally abandoned this after making it about 75% through. I just couldn’t get into the plot with its contrived features: the ex-government assassin who’s now a flight instructor approaching penury but with multiple contacts in the agency; the friend’s son accused of murder and overwhelming evidence he did it; the corrupt Congressman; the coincidences that are too numerous to count, and the landlady with a sarcastic tongue and heart of gold. Oh yes, the beloved cat name Kiddiot who is obnoxious, and the on-off relationship with a sheriff’s deputy who lives 200 miles away.
Perhaps you’ll like it, I found it a bit juvenile....more
Got about half way through and even though it was just read-while-you-mow trivia, just couldn't continue. Just too implausible, brutal, and silly. NotGot about half way through and even though it was just read-while-you-mow trivia, just couldn't continue. Just too implausible, brutal, and silly. Not rated because I didn't finish it....more
I stumbled on this book while searching for some solid history of the Phoenicians. The publisher’s blurb sent my skepticism into overdrive when I noteI stumbled on this book while searching for some solid history of the Phoenicians. The publisher’s blurb sent my skepticism into overdrive when I noted the book is described as a “fictional novel,” an irritating redundancy, perhaps an editorial oversight or more likely stupidity. That being said, reviewers keep talking about the “facts” in the book despite the double warning that it’s a novel and fiction. Of course there’s always the possibility that the novel, being fictional, doesn’t exist....more
As Ceridwen notes, (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) this book gets the award for the most ironic title of the decade. I haven't read this boAs Ceridwen notes, (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) this book gets the award for the most ironic title of the decade. I haven't read this book nor will I since supporting Sandusky would be the furthest thing from my mind. I followed the trial and resulting mess at Penn State quite closely.
Sandusky's behavior throughout the charges and counter-charges remained baffling. It seemed clear from the beginning that his world was about to explode around him and why he didn't settle immediately is strange. One can only surmise that he believed what he was doing was right. Even more horrible was the failure of his charity, The Second Mile, which he proceeded to bring down with him. Just how culpable they were in providing providing Sandusky with a stable of potential victims may never be known.
I realize this has nothing to do with this book but everything to do with the author's behavior, I urge you to read the trial transcripts, available at http://centrecountypa.gov/index.aspx?.... You'll also find there the Paterno v the NCAA case. A tragedy worthy of Shakespeare (not that I've read much Shakespeare but he's always fun to cite.)
A propos of nothing there is a nice hotel near the Sandusky exit of the Ohio Turnpike. I apologize if my review doesn't have the scintillating wit of Ceridwen or Manny....more
If you really want to start a food fight leading to extraordinary vitriole, just mention you are for (or against) organic food, raw milk, GMO, veganism, or whatever. So it's with some trepidation I link to this review in the New Republic about Richard Horan's new book. As someone who at one time in his life milked over 100 cows twice a day for several years, and who now lives surrounded by several 1,000 + acre farms (all family owned), I know that things are not quite as simple as the advocates of both sides would have us believe. (Full disclosure: I really, really like big farm machinery - see my photos.)
Ironically, this is an argument that can occur only among those who never have to worry where their next meal comes from. Those who are hungry can't afford to be picky and would be more than happy with road-kill. When anti-GMO types condemn and prevent "Golden Rice" from being introduced, a product that has the potential solve a serious vitamin deficiency where rice is a major staple (http://www.gatesfoundation.org/agriculturaldevelopment/Pages/enriching-golden-rice.aspx) I think we need to reexamine our self-righteous arrogance.
From the review: "Unfortunately, personality and politics get in the way of Horan’s good intentions. The resulting book says a lot about what is wrong with today’s food crusaders—and I distinguish these from the many thoughtful and hard-working people, some of whom are sketchily profiled in Horan’s book, who are trying to help re-balance a food system that is severely out of whack. Our food choices matter, but the food crusaders are so intent on preaching their gospel that they have developed withering scorn for anyone whose answer to the question “What’s for dinner?” differs from theirs.... "But many organic and local-foods proponents assume that they have already attained a moral victory, and everyone who buys conventional stuff can go to hell. A study published earlier this year in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science** found that exposure to organic foods actually makes people less altruistic. Subjects in three different groups were shown pictures of foods labeled organic (like apples and spinach), comfort foods (like ice cream and brownies), or neutral-seeming control foods (mustard, rice, oatmeal). Afterward, participants who saw the organic foods were willing to spend less time helping a stranger in need, and their judgments of moral transgressions were significantly harsher than those who viewed the other foods. The comfort food group was the most generous. Someone please pass me the double chocolate chip."
From an article about the Social Psychological study***: "The findings are especially interesting when considered hand in hand with previous studies, including a 2010 paper in the journal Psychological Science titled "Do Green Products Make Us Better People?" It found that when people feel morally virtuous about purchasing green or organic products, they sometimes experience a "licensing [of] selfish and morally questionable behaviour," otherwise known as "moral balancing" or "compensatory ethics." The 2010 study suggests that such a "halo of green consumerism" makes people less likely to be kind to others, and more likely to cheat and steal."
Note that I'm not sure it's fair to go after those who prefer to eat organic food for feeling morally superior since the same kind of arrogance is obvious in those who ride bicycles, don't drink (that's me I'm afraid,) exercise, own guns, belong to a church, or indulge in any kind of behavior that permits them to create their own little tribe of morally superior adherents. Then again, perhaps this feeling of moral superiority is endemic to Americans, many of whom descended from those little Puritan shits.
**Wholesome Foods and Wholesome Morals? Organic Foods Reduce Prosocial Behavior and Harshen Moral Judgments. Social Psychological and Personality Science, first published on May 15, 2012
***
Do Green Products Make Us Better People?
Psychological Science
February 2010
,
first published on March 5, 2010
(subscription or purchase required, but if you want a pdf copy send me an email and I'll forward one along to you.)
It's rare that I abandon a book. I got about 100 pages in and realized I just didn't care. Something struck me as very artificial about the charactersIt's rare that I abandon a book. I got about 100 pages in and realized I just didn't care. Something struck me as very artificial about the characters, almost cartoonish. Sorry. I'll try one of other books as he comes highly recommended....more
After having that little flash window in the right hand corner grabbing my unwanted attention multiple times, I bought this for my iTouch. $4.99 app. After having that little flash window in the right hand corner grabbing my unwanted attention multiple times, I bought this for my iTouch. $4.99 app. Abandoned after 1st chapter so I won't comment on the book only the presentation which I found silly. It's possible it would work better on a PC, but I didn't want to spend more money to try it out. Another annoying thing was that the book did not resume where you had left off. I hate that. The video seemed to add little to the content. I suppose the idea is interesting, but it just didn't work here -- for me anyway, but then I'm old and decrepit....more
Not a bad story, but the narrator of this audiobook drove me nuts. Couldn't finish.Not a bad story, but the narrator of this audiobook drove me nuts. Couldn't finish....more
I know several GR friends recommended this, but perhaps I'm going through too much of a reality phase. I just could not get into this. Got about half I know several GR friends recommended this, but perhaps I'm going through too much of a reality phase. I just could not get into this. Got about half way through and chucked it....more
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