2013 Summary

The final new book I read in 2013 was actually a collection of short stories that I read for my evening class on "The Hard-Boiled Detective". I thought it would be fun to take a course on fun fiction, and this course introduced me to a few new authors and some folks who also like to read. So I read, in full, The Mammoth Book of Private Eye Stories. That was book 55 for the year, so I did accomplish my goal to Read a Book a Week this year.

There wasn't much memorable this year in fiction. A good non-fiction read this year, however, was Going Clear by Lawrence Wright, an expose of Scientology's origins and practices. As one might suspect, it's a story of a massive con game, mixed with a level of intimidation that is frightening. Great that this was published, but I am sure it simply is not getting the attention that it should. One wonders how often the church tried to cover up or suppress knowledge of this book or coverage of it in the media.

Other books I read included Under the Dome by Stephen King, which I read because the book was adapted to the television show. I disliked the book enough to avoid the television show completely. Not that it was badly written, but because King shows people in all their ugliness.

Early Decision by Lacy Crawford was a book on admissions to university that I picked up because of professional interest. It is about a "coach" who helps students with their applications to elite universities. As with Admission, last year, it was an interesting background for a fairly traditional 'reexamine your life' story.

I have a few new books waiting on my shelf, but I actually am seeing out the old year and beginning the new by re-reading Shogun by James Clavell, an epic novel about Japan in the early 1600s. Ripe with culture, custom, love and war and politics, it is one of my favorite books.

Hoping for happy reading in the new year!