Another book in the Outlander series... I love the characters but I do wonder if the extending of their adventures is beginning to make the author tired. There is a lot of this-n-that in this book. And some points that I know I am missing because it has been so long since I have read the six books preceding this one. I could start over every time a new book comes out, I suppose....
Other reviewers have noted that some of the characters are acting 'out of character' in this book, and I do agree. The author separates Jamie and Claire, then makes Claire think Jamie is dead. Whereupon, due to the revelation that she has been distributing seditious literature and is about to be arrested, she accepts the marriage proposal of John Grey, who can protect her from arrest. What??? Claire is a "patriot", yes, but she is a physician and her decision to take on the risky business of distributing seditious pamphlets seems arbitrary. And it is hard for readers to believe that Claire would remarry so quickly after Jamie's supposed death. Not after reading six novels on the extraordinary character of their love.
Oh, well. I'll keep reading but as with many series, the bloom is fading as the books keep coming. What a shame.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
In the President's Secret Service - Ronald Kessler
I picked this book up (sadly, in hardcover with a corresponding price) because I am interested in national politics and thought it would be a good supplemental reference for a novel I have been working on regarding a (fictional) president. And I am re-watching "West Wing" episodes on Netflix.
Okay, so how much do you learn about Secret Service procedures? The answer is not too darn much. There is something about how the agency got started (their first responsibility was catching counterfeiters) and how they eventually became responsible for the president, VP, family members, and presidential candidates. There is also some gossip about former presidents - interesting, but not compelling reading. Okay, Hillary Clinton was mean. Jimmy Carter faked a lot of his "just folks" persona -- please, people!
On the other hand, perhaps this book, which does break silence on the agency, will lead to someone actually writing a book with the information I would like to have.
Okay, so how much do you learn about Secret Service procedures? The answer is not too darn much. There is something about how the agency got started (their first responsibility was catching counterfeiters) and how they eventually became responsible for the president, VP, family members, and presidential candidates. There is also some gossip about former presidents - interesting, but not compelling reading. Okay, Hillary Clinton was mean. Jimmy Carter faked a lot of his "just folks" persona -- please, people!
On the other hand, perhaps this book, which does break silence on the agency, will lead to someone actually writing a book with the information I would like to have.
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