The Library - What are you reading now?

[Golden FE Ranger]

I went through the forums and did not find any threads on the topic, so I decided I would start a new one to discuss what people here are reading. Maybe it will die quickly due to lack of interest, but with the interesting group we have here I thought the discussion might be worthwhile.

Currently I am reading Secret Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines With the Elite Warriors of SOG by US Army Major (Ret) John Plaster. Regardless of one's feeling about the war in Vietnam, there is no denying the courageous efforts by the members of MACV-SOG who conducted secret missions behind enemy lines in the denied areas of Laos and Cambodia. Major Plaster grew up in northeast Minneapolis, graduating in 1967 after which he volunteered as an Airborne-Infantryman and eventually for Army Special Forces. IMO, he is a local hero and his stories of the work of SOG members are truly legendary. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history, or anyone who would just like to read about courage under fire.

I am looking forward to reading about what other GPLers are reading and their thoughts.

[Greyeagle]

Exodus by Leon Uris. Can't believe I haven't read this before...

[The Rube]

Gotti: Rise And Fall by Jerry Capeci.

I had just finished "Wiseguy" by Nicolas Pileggi (the book "Goodfellas" came from) and wanted to compare the differences in styles of the main characters/families.

I've read them multiple times, and still find enjoyment from them both. Side note: it's amazing how many word-for-word phrases/quotes/etc Goodfellas used from the book. Henry Hill himself said the movie was probably about 95% true.

[streakygopher]

Exodus by Leon Uris. Can't believe I haven't read this before...

Holy crap, I'm ready this now too! Always had an interest in the formation of Israel. Love the way Uris intertwines a fictional plot against the backdrop of real history. When you're done with this one, read Trinity...I think I might like it even better...looks at the historical struggle and seeds of the IRA in Northern Ireland, Ulster, against the British set in the turn of the 20th century.

Both of these books reflect quite poorly on the imperial english.

Next up: Friedrich Hayek, ROAD TO SERFDOM

[The Rube]

I do have a question. Having seen "Red Cliff" (see the movies thread) and also being a fan of "The Romance Of The Three Kingdoms" video game (about Chinese history), how does the book of the same name as the video game read? Anyone know? Does it read like a textbook, or does it read more like a documentary sort of style?

The history is really interesting to me. Also, if anyone can recommend a good read on Russian history, that'd be fabulous. I don't want droning, but do want a non-fictionalized account, if that's possible.

[gopherhockeyfan7]

Just finished reading Deception Point by Dan Brown capping off I believe the last book of his that I hadn't read. I really enjoy his style of writing. Having all of the chapters basically being no longer than two pages actually keeps me reading longer. I always say "oh just one more little one" and all of the sudden I finish the book. Definitely my favorite author as of now.

I'll probably start the next Vince Flynn novel that I haven't gotten to yet. Not sure which one in the Mitch Rapp series I'm currently on so I'll have to research that a little bit. I've always enjoyed stories that revolve around the government, conspiracies, and such.

[Handyman]

Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It is the story of of Lincoln and his cabinet and how they all came to be. It is so dense with information it can be tough to read but man I love it! Lincoln was a political genius.

[streakygopher]

Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It is the story of of Lincoln and his cabinet and how they all came to be. It is so dense with information it can be tough to read but man I love it! Lincoln was a political genius.

I'd like to read that. Lincoln fascinates me. If you want to read a fly-on-the-wall diary during the civil war period, Walt Whitman, the famous poet, wrote a journal during his days in army field hospitals and in Washington during the war.

http://www.amazon.com/Walt-Whitmans-Memoranda-During-War/dp/0195307186/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1282566369&sr=1-3

[SouthTexGopher]

I'm re-reading "The Goal" by Goldratt. If you've even run a manufacturing plant, this is a fantastic book to help you focus on the important stuff.

[Golden FE Ranger]

I'm re-reading "The Goal" by Goldratt. If you've even run a manufacturing plant, this is a fantastic book to help you focus on the important stuff.

This was required reading when I started working at National Steel back in the day. While going through some things last week I came across it and thought I should re-read it again.

[davescharf]

I'm re-reading "The Goal" by Goldratt. If you've even run a manufacturing plant, this is a fantastic book to help you focus on the important stuff.

I read that when I was in the Cameron Brooks JMO transition program before I left the Air Force. I'm not even in manufacturing and I found it an interesting read.

Right now I'm reading a book on how to use sign language with my daughter. Other than that it's mostly magazines currently (Fortune, Mental Floss, and the occasional Bridge Bulletin magazine)

[Zwak]

Now that all of my big summer events are done, I'm going to sit down and read Carl Hiaasen's new book Star Island. He is one of my favorite authors.

[Dances With Gophers]

"John Adams" by David McCullough. I love reading about our history...

[stan_5150]

I just finished 1984 a couple of weeks ago. I forgot how good it is.

[Chris Eckes]

I'm reading a couple books right now:

American Gods by Neil Gaiman (almost done, still not sure what to think of it. It's good, I think, maybe it just hasn't clicked with me yet...)

Tai-Pan by James Clavell. This is my second read of Tai-Pan. What a great novel. Anyone who hasn't read Clavell should check him out. Pretty much all of his books are masterpieces.

[MarkDL]

"Persian Fire" by Tom Holland. A history of Xerxes invasion of Greece. The first clash of empires between East and West; Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis. This book was well written and very exciting.

Up next "Genesis 1948" by Dan Kurzman, a history of the 1948 war between Israel and the Arab states.

[Elm Grove Gopher]

Great thread idea-

I recently finished "The Business of Happiness" by Ted Leonsis (AOL guy and Caps owner), am finishing "The Battle" by Arthur Brooks (President of the AEI), and I hope to start (and I'm looking forward to this one as I've heard some good things about it) "The Upside of Irrationality" by Dan Ariely. He also wrote "Predictably Irrational", and I imagine that may get read after this one.

[Bjer0110]

I recently read A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. Great book literally about nearly everything involving the history and development of modern science. Bryson is a really funny author and provides great insight into little known scientific developments and experiments.

I just started reading Save the Cat! The Last Book On Screenwriting That You'll Ever Need. It's amazing. Less academic than Syd Field's book Screenwriting. It's more about the pitch and how to sell mainstream scripts. I'd reccomend it to anyone who likes screenwriting.

[Kelly Red]

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Sort of a rip off of Battle Royale but for younger readers, (Don't let that scare you, Stephen King called it the best book he read all summer), I'm reading it with my niece. Or better yet, read Battle Royale, a FABULOUS book! Both concern groups thrown together by a mysterious government and forced to kill or be killed. In BR the groups break down along high school factions; the jocks, the nerds, the loner, the mean girls, the young lovers. Would you kill your best friend? Or would they kill you? In HG, it is set in America's future and the games keep the districts in line with punishment or reward. Both are page turners and hard to put down once you start.

[Golden FE Ranger]

"Persian Fire" by Tom Holland. A history of Xerxes invasion of Greece. The first clash of empires between East and West; Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis. This book was well written and very exciting.

Up next "Genesis 1948" by Dan Kurzman, a history of the 1948 war between Israel and the Arab states.

I will have to check out "Persian Fire." I recently finished Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield. It is the story of the Battle of Thermopylae seen through the eyes of a servant to one of the 300 Spartans. I was going to wait to write more about it because it was truly an amazing work.

[sunbone]

Now that all of my big summer events are done, I'm going to sit down and read Carl Hiaasen's new book Star Island. He is one of my favorite authors.

Love his books, just recently finished Skinny Dip. Think that might be my favorite of his. Right now I am reading Road Dogs by Elmore Leonard. I always love it when I discover there are one or two more Leonard novels out that I haven't read yet.

[Aldy]

Just finished the Stieg Larrson trilogy - I liked the first two books ("The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo" and "The Girl Who Played With Fire") but the third book ("The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets' Nest") was a bit long and could have been condensed into the second book. Frederick Forsyth is one of my favorite authors so I'll probably give his new book, "The Cobra", a try. His book, "The Day of the Jackal", is one of my favorite reads. I tend to read mysteries, spy thrillers and books on history.

[eHo]

Frederick Forsyth is one of my favorite authors so I'll probably give his new book, "The Cobra", a try. His book, "The Day of the Jackal", is one of my favorite reads. I tend to read mysteries, spy thrillers and books on history.

I'm reading it now. Not too bad.

[Greyeagle]

Now that all of my big summer events are done, I'm going to sit down and read Carl Hiaasen's new book Star Island. He is one of my favorite authors.

Love his books, just recently finished Skinny Dip. Think that might be my favorite of his. Right now I am reading Road Dogs by Elmore Leonard. I always love it when I discover there are one or two more Leonard novels out that I haven't read yet.

Two of my favorites & I didn't know Hiaasen had a new one out. If you like Hiaassen give Tim Dorsey a shot, he's another wacky Florida author and his main character (Serge A. Storms) is, ummmmmmmmm, unique.

[BlueBandit24]

Just finished reading Deception Point by Dan Brown capping off I believe the last book of his that I hadn't read. I really enjoy his style of writing. Having all of the chapters basically being no longer than two pages actually keeps me reading longer. I always say "oh just one more little one" and all of the sudden I finish the book. Definitely my favorite author as of now.

I'll probably start the next Vince Flynn novel that I haven't gotten to yet. Not sure which one in the Mitch Rapp series I'm currently on so I'll have to research that a little bit. I've always enjoyed stories that revolve around the government, conspiracies, and such.

Those books are right up my alley. I'm a sucker for the international/domestic conspiracy stories. Right now I am reading Robert Ludlum's The Janson Directive...pretty much in line with the Bourne books. Solid read.

[Greyeagle]

Those books are right up my alley. I'm a sucker for the international/domestic conspiracy stories. Right now I am reading Robert Ludlum's The Janson Directive...pretty much in line with the Bourne books. Solid read.

Me too, give Daniel Silva a shot, good reads.
If you like mystery give Lee Child a try. Reacher rules.

[bringbackjiffypop]

Just finished the Stieg Larrson trilogy - I liked the first two books ("The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo" and "The Girl Who Played With Fire") but the third book ("The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets' Nest") was a bit long and could have been condensed into the second book.

I recently read those, too. I liked the first and last, but thought the second one kind of dragged and contained useless information like the guy abusing his wife on the island. great, lisbeth is a caring person. but it slows down the plot something awful. I was all about the revenge in the 3rd book.

Currently reading Post Captain by Patrick O'Brien. It's the second book in the Aubrey-Maturin series. It's a lot more technical and in-depth than the Hornblower series, but much slower reading. However both have incredible action sequences (as seen in the move Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World).

Two other books I'd highly recommend are Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools by Greg Mortenson(sen?). He's a former mountain climber who made it his mission to improve education in rural pakistan.

[Snowcool08]

I'm about to start Malcolm Gladwell's latest book "What the Dog Saw." I've read his previous three: Outliers, The Tipping Point, and Blink were all very good books.

[Kelor]

Currently I'm reading:
The Leader Who Had No Title by Robin Sharma (Jury is still out on this one. I'm glad it's short)

I just finished two fantastic books:

The Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell - Seriously this is top notch

Golf's Sacred Journey by David Cook - It came highly suggested and I now will do the same.

[dxmnkd316]

I've been reading Einstein: His Life and Universe and A Short History of Nearly Everything as my bathroom material. Great reads, both of them.

Einstein is amazing in you enjoy reading about just his life OR if you love reading the science. Fantastic so far.

[Kelor]

I forgot to mention one I can't wait to read: Hunting Eichmann. I've heard it's fantastic.

[Handyman]

Those books are right up my alley. I'm a sucker for the international/domestic conspiracy stories. Right now I am reading Robert Ludlum's The Janson Directive...pretty much in line with the Bourne books. Solid read.

I didnt read that one, though I read pretty much everything else. Apocalypse Watch and the Tristan Betrayal are the best non-Bourne books. (AW is going to be made into a movie I believe)

Someone mentioned John Adams...if you get the chance watch the HBO series based on the book...outstanding! I have a ton of DMs books but hardly the time to read them.

A book I read last year which I highly recommend is "The Last Full Measure" about the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry that fought in pretty much every major battle in the Civil War. There is another book with the same name (it is the sequel to Killer Angels which is also a friggin fantastic book) so make sure to get the right one. If you dont know the story of the First Minnesota (I didnt until a couple years ago) look it up and read the accounts. (or go to the Capitol there is plaques and murals) I wrote a lesson plan where I make the argument that regiment saved the Civil War for the North. Just an epic story!

[The Rube]

I'm reading a couple books right now:

American Gods by Neil Gaiman (almost done, still not sure what to think of it. It's good, I think, maybe it just hasn't clicked with me yet...)

I read that one in about 2 days, on a recommendation from a friend (actually, he demanded I read it). I just couldn't put it down. I also didn't know what the heck to make of it....until I finished it. Still an odd story, but totally mesmerizing.

[Chris83]

Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It is the story of of Lincoln and his cabinet and how they all came to be. It is so dense with information it can be tough to read but man I love it! Lincoln was a political genius.

Tremendous read; just a spectacular book.

Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything" is fantastic, as is his "A Walk in the Woods".

[streakygopher]

I forgot to mention one I can't wait to read: Hunting Eichmann. I've heard it's fantastic.

Thanks for the tip...on order from Amazon...now can't wait to read it too.

[bringbackjiffypop]

If you dont know the story of the First Minnesota (I didnt until a couple years ago) look it up and read the accounts. (or go to the Capitol there is plaques and murals) I wrote a lesson plan where I make the argument that regiment saved the Civil War for the North. Just an epic story!

For their performance throughout the civil war (similar to Easy Company), or from the 2nd day of Gettysburg? Concerning their performance at Gettysburg is an argument that I've heard from a few people. I need to get that book though. I know the basics of the story, but not too much of the specifics.

[Handyman]

If you dont know the story of the First Minnesota (I didnt until a couple years ago) look it up and read the accounts. (or go to the Capitol there is plaques and murals) I wrote a lesson plan where I make the argument that regiment saved the Civil War for the North. Just an epic story!

For their performance throughout the civil war (similar to Easy Company), or from the 2nd day of Gettysburg? Concerning their performance at Gettysburg is an argument that I've heard from a few people. I need to get that book though. I know the basics of the story, but not too much of the specifics.

The 2nd day at Gettysburg...they saved the Union line and the battle by going "300" on the bit. What is crazy is they then fought on Day 3!

If you go to the Historical Society you can see the flag they captured on the third day

The book is long, and it is based on letters and hournals written by the men of the unit and other firsthand accounts and gives a wonderful account of what the men went through.

[SouthTexGopher]

The 2nd day at Gettysburg...they saved the Union line and the battle by going "300" on the bit. What is crazy is they then fought on Day 3!

If you go to the Historical Society you can see the flag they captured on the third day

The book is long, and it is based on letters and hournals written by the men of the unit and other firsthand accounts and gives a wonderful account of what the men went through.

If you ever get to Gettysburg, do check out the monument to the First Minnesota. It will make you proud.



As a side note, if you're interested in an interesting Civil War story - or if you happen to ever be in the Richmond area, check out the site of the Battle of the Crater in Petersburg. We did a tour of it when I was stationed in Virginia. Incredible story.

[gopher_ears]

If you dont know the story of the First Minnesota (I didnt until a couple years ago) look it up and read the accounts. (or go to the Capitol there is plaques and murals) I wrote a lesson plan where I make the argument that regiment saved the Civil War for the North. Just an epic story!

For their performance throughout the civil war (similar to Easy Company), or from the 2nd day of Gettysburg? Concerning their performance at Gettysburg is an argument that I've heard from a few people. I need to get that book though. I know the basics of the story, but not too much of the specifics.

The 2nd day at Gettysburg...they saved the Union line and the battle by going "300" on the bit. What is crazy is they then fought on Day 3!

If you go to the Historical Society you can see the flag they captured on the third day

The book is long, and it is based on letters and hournals written by the men of the unit and other firsthand accounts and gives a wonderful account of what the men went through.

Pale Horse at Plum Run: The First Minnesota at Gettysburg by Brian Leehan is a terrific book that was published in 2004 by the Minnesota Historical Society Press and is still in print. Since it focuses on the First's role at Gettysburg, it goes into more detail than Richard Moe's excellent Last Full Measure. Any good public library in Minnesota should have it. After reading it, I realized why that battle flag is staying in Minnesota.

[MAP]

Apart from my Gopher hockey fandom, I am an avid history buff. The First Minnesota saved the day on the second day at Gettysburg when the last Confederate attack of the day was on the verge of breaking through a gap in the Union line. At least one, maybe two, brigades of Alabama volunteers was charging toward the gap in the line, close to 2000 confederates. The Union general on the scene-General Winfield Scott Hancock had only the First Minneosta to hold the line. He rode up to the Colonel of the First Minnesota, pointed his sword at the battle flags of the Alabamans and said, "Colonel, take those colors." The Colonel said "Yes sir" and the First Minesota made its gallant charge, which slowed the confederate advance long enough for the General to find reinforcements to plug the hole in the line. Of the 240+ soldiers on hand for the First Minnesota, only 47 could walk back to the Union lines. The First Minnesota had an 82% casualty rate for the charge.

Truly The Last Full Measure of Devotion

I have recently begun reading the detective novels of Robert Crais, set in LA. His main characters, Elvis Cole and Joe Pike, are unique.

[cavedog]

David Feherty "A Nasty Bit of Rough"
Steig Larsson "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
David Cross "I Drink for a Reason"

[Golden FE Ranger]

I just finished two fantastic books:

The Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell - Seriously this is top notch

Golf's Sacred Journey by David Cook - It came highly suggested and I now will do the same.

"Lone Survivor" is unbelievable. Marcus Luttrell is a true American hero and the story is one everyone should read. Rest in Peace Danny Dietz, Matthew Axelson, MOH winner Michael Murphy and the eleven SEALs and eight Army Night Stalkers aboard the Chinook helicopter "Turbine 33" who attempted to rescue the SEALs.

For those interested, the book SEAL of Honor tells the life story of Michael Murphy and is a great read. A little trivia some might find interesting here: Although the mission the SEALs were on is often referred to in the media as Operation Redwing or Red Wing, the actual name was Red Wings as the commanding officer was an avid hockey fan. The follow on operation was named Operation Whalers.

[psych]

I have visited Gettysburg 4 times in my life, and I must say that going to the statue of the First Minnesota never gets old, and usually gets me a little choked up.

[Aldy]

A book I read last year which I highly recommend is "The Last Full Measure" about the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry that fought in pretty much every major battle in the Civil War.

I'll have to give the book a try. My great-great grandfather was a sharpshooter in the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry and fought in the The Battle of Gettysburg. He fought in many battles and was "under fire" over 300 days and survived. I have copies of the letters he wrote to his family during the war and are cool to read.

[Golden FE Ranger]

A book I read last year which I highly recommend is "The Last Full Measure" about the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry that fought in pretty much every major battle in the Civil War.

I'll have to give the book a try. My great-great grandfather was a sharpshooter in the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry and fought in the The Battle of Gettysburg. He fought in many battles and was "under fire" over 300 days and survived. I have copies of the letters he wrote to his family during the war and are cool to read.

Wow! Aldy, that is quite the legacy. I am sure those letters are truly a family treasure.

[DrunkHockeyGuy]

I saw the thread title and got excited. Thought we were having a happy hour. Proceed.

[dxmnkd316]

hahaha. I miss the library. Especially on tuesdays. Fantastic cheap burgers.

[Aldy]

[/quote]

Wow! Aldy, that is quite the legacy. I am sure those letters are truly a family treasure.[/quote]

The letters used to be a family treasure. One of my dad's relatives had possession of the letters and several years ago decided to sell them to a Civil War collector for big bucks. Needless to say, the family members were not too pleased!!

Fortunately, my dad has a large plaque that was given to my great-great grandfather from the military that lists all of the battles he was in and the number of days under fire. Someday I hope to inherit it and pass it down to future generations.

[Handyman]

My great grandfather fought for Russia in WWI. I found this out as I was reading a book about WWI (A World Undone which I highly recommend) from my father who told me how he was always told stories (backed up in the book) that my great grandfather was sent to the front lines with a broomhandle because they had no guns. He was shot 6 different times but survived!

His son, my grandfather fought with the First Marines in the Pacific Theater in WWII. That was the unit that was featured in The Pacific on HBO!

Me, I took 2 weeks of karate

[Golden FE Ranger]

\Me, I took 2 weeks of karate

Thanks, I needed some humor tonight.

[MNGophers29]

Ok so most of these books sound pretty adult-like to me. When I was in middle school I was big into the Hardy Boys, both the original version and the newer, modern books. I love mystery, page-turning type books that you just have to read one more chapter because the last one left you hanging. I didn't read books again really until this past fall. I was at Barnes & Nobel with the lady friend and I saw the section of local authors. One of the books was Purgatory Ridge by William Kent Krueger and I picked it up and read the synopsis and it talked about how the lead character, Cork O'Connor was from a ficticious town just south of the BWCA and that he was 25% Native American and 75% Irish. He is the sheriff up there and the county his is the sheriff for has an indian reservation on it. The book rang true for me because I have the same blood and grew up at our lake home in Cass Lake and like Cork, I wasn't trusted by my full blooded Ojibwe cousins friend and I had trouble with the whites for hanging around the natives.

Anyhoo, I read the book in 2 days and then found out there were 8 other books inthe series and I had just read the 3rd one. I went back and read every book over the next few months. Since then, I have recommended them to friends and family and everyone has loved them.

Sorry for the long post, but to make a long story short, they were amazingly written, brought back my passion for reading as I found myself completely absorbed into the characters of the book. I only wish there was a TV series or movie made for them! Now my problem is finding books that measure up.

[Aldy]

Ok so most of these books sound pretty adult-like to me. When I was in middle school I was big into the Hardy Boys, both the original version and the newer, modern books. I love mystery, page-turning type books that you just have to read one more chapter because the last one left you hanging. I didn't read books again really until this past fall. I was at Barnes & Nobel with the lady friend and I saw the section of local authors. One of the books was Purgatory Ridge by William Kent Krueger and I picked it up and read the synopsis and it talked about how the lead character, Cork O'Connor was from a ficticious town just south of the BWCA and that he was 25% Native American and 75% Irish. He is the sheriff up there and the county his is the sheriff for has an indian reservation on it. The book rang true for me because I have the same blood and grew up at our lake home in Cass Lake and like Cork, I wasn't trusted by my full blooded Ojibwe cousins friend and I had trouble with the whites for hanging around the natives.

Anyhoo, I read the book in 2 days and then found out there were 8 other books inthe series and I had just read the 3rd one. I went back and read every book over the next few months. Since then, I have recommended them to friends and family and everyone has loved them.

Sorry for the long post, but to make a long story short, they were amazingly written, brought back my passion for reading as I found myself completely absorbed into the characters of the book. I only wish there was a TV series or movie made for them! Now my problem is finding books that measure up.

Good choice of books. I've read his first two books, "Iron Lake" and "Boundry Waters" and enjoyed both. I've picked up his next three books to read down the road.

For those who like mysteries, there is a book store in NYC called Partner & Crime, and on their website, http://www.crimepays.com, they list their favorite 100 best mystery books. It's a good site to pick up recommendations for authors that specialize in mysteries.

[Golden FE Ranger]

For those interested in the work of local authors, I might recommend the Prey series by John Sandford. The series is long, nearing on twenty books right now. The lead character, Lucas Davenport, is begins as a Minneapolis police officer. Of interest to those here, he is a University of Minnesota Alumni and a former GOPHER HOCKEY player. The books follow Lucas across the state as he investigates serial killers. Although the plots are a bit more than a stretch because, let's face it, MN does not see that many serial murder investigations, the books read really quickly and are easy to imagine when many of the buildings, roads, and other details are familiar with those who live here. If you are interested, Rules of Prey is the first in the series. Enjoy.

[davescharf]

hahaha. I miss the library. Especially on tuesdays. Fantastic cheap burgers.

It was better though when it was Foul Play in the mid 90s...no where else on campus could you drink so much for so little.

To get back on topic, there's a lot things it sounds like I would enjoy. Thanks for the suggestions

[GopherHockeyFan]

For those interested in the work of local authors, I might recommend the Prey series by John Sandford. The series is long, nearing on twenty books right now. The lead character, Lucas Davenport, is begins as a Minneapolis police officer. Of interest to those here, he is a University of Minnesota Alumni and a former GOPHER HOCKEY player. The books follow Lucas across the state as he investigates serial killers. Although the plots are a bit more than a stretch because, let's face it, MN does not see that many serial murder investigations, the books read really quickly and are easy to imagine when many of the buildings, roads, and other details are familiar with those who live here. If you are interested, Rules of Prey is the first in the series. Enjoy.

Highly recommend the prey series. The Virgil (That F'in!) Flowers series is excellent as well. I am also a big fan of Vince Flynn and Lee Child but now that I am finished with those three authors I am looking for something else. I have read 2 of Kent Kruegers books and might finish those up.

[Golden FE Ranger]

For those interested in the work of local authors, I might recommend the Prey series by John Sandford. The series is long, nearing on twenty books right now. The lead character, Lucas Davenport, is begins as a Minneapolis police officer. Of interest to those here, he is a University of Minnesota Alumni and a former GOPHER HOCKEY player. The books follow Lucas across the state as he investigates serial killers. Although the plots are a bit more than a stretch because, let's face it, MN does not see that many serial murder investigations, the books read really quickly and are easy to imagine when many of the buildings, roads, and other details are familiar with those who live here. If you are interested, Rules of Prey is the first in the series. Enjoy.

Highly recommend the prey series. The Virgil (That F'in!) Flowers series is excellent as well. I am also a big fan of Vince Flynn and Lee Child but now that I am finished with those three authors I am looking for something else. I have read 2 of Kent Kruegers books and might finish those up.

It sounds like we have similar tastes. I have finished all the Prey novels, have one more of those f'n Flower novels by Sandford, and Vince Flynn can not write fast enough, IMO. If VF could write a novel a month, I would keep up. He is that good, and this is coming from a Johnnie commentating on a Tommie .

[Snowcool08]

Speaking of local authors, I've thoroughly enjoyed the two books of essays that Chuck Klosterman has written. "Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs" and his latest "Eating the Dinosaur" have a lot of essays about pop culture and what Klosterman thought of it and are both entertaining to read. I have read his fiction stuff, but it's just not as good.

[Zwak]

Wow! Aldy, that is quite the legacy. I am sure those letters are truly a family treasure
The letters used to be a family treasure. One of my dad's relatives had possession of the letters and several years ago decided to sell them to a Civil War collector for big bucks. Needless to say, the family members were not too pleased!!

Fortunately, my dad has a large plaque that was given to my great-great grandfather from the military that lists all of the battles he was in and the number of days under fire. Someday I hope to inherit it and pass it down to future generations.

My great grandfather was the personal artist for General Grant. He was allowed to follow Grant around and draw sketches of the action. My dad was on Channel 2 about 8 years ago showing off some of his grandfather's sketches. If you are interested, you can view the episode at this link. Scroll down to Sept. 27 2002 and you will find it under Civil War Story

http://tpt.org/almanac/archive/archive.2002-3q.html

Sorry for being off topic.

[george]

I too am a big fan of Krueger and Sanford, less so of Flynn (want to talk about trouble with suspension of disbelief regarding a plot line? ) and Child, although I do read their books.

[dxmnkd316]

Broken Prey by Sandford is pretty awesome. A chunk of the story takes place down near the U. Pretty awesome.

[BlueBandit24]

I like my books to border on the fantastical. If a main character was as underwhelming and pedestrian as myself, well, I'd be a little bored.

I just started Tom Clancy's Clear And Present Danger. I generally pick up books at book sales and Clancy is always available en masse so I picked up a bunch. You can definitely learn a lot through Clancy novels.

[Next Crosby]

I like my books to border on the fantastical. If a main character was as underwhelming and pedestrian as myself, well, I'd be a little bored.

I just started Tom Clancy's Clear And Present Danger. I generally pick up books at book sales and Clancy is always available en masse so I picked up a bunch. You can definitely learn a lot through Clancy novels.

Just got done reading The Hunt for Red October. It's my first Clancy novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can you recommend any other books by him?

[BlueBandit24]

I like my books to border on the fantastical. If a main character was as underwhelming and pedestrian as myself, well, I'd be a little bored.

I just started Tom Clancy's Clear And Present Danger. I generally pick up books at book sales and Clancy is always available en masse so I picked up a bunch. You can definitely learn a lot through Clancy novels.

Just got done reading The Hunt for Red October. It's my first Clancy novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can you recommend any other books by him?

I have read two Clancy novels: The Hunt for Red October and The Cardinal of the Kremlin. Red October was a bit better IMO but The Cardinal was good as well. I have a bunch of others lined up: Red Rabbit; Debt of Honor; The Sum of All Fears; Executive Order; Patriot Games; The Teeth of the Tiger; The Bear and the Dragon; Red Storm Rising; and Rainbow Six. Given how I enjoyed his first two, I am guessing these are going to be good reads as well.

I have also read several of Clancy's Op-Center and Net Force books, which aren't actually written by Clancy but are a product of his series. All of those were entertaining as well.

[eHo]

Has anyone read any of W.E.B. Griffin's books? I've only read his Presidential Agent series books and have enjoyed those.

[dxmnkd316]

I like my books to border on the fantastical. If a main character was as underwhelming and pedestrian as myself, well, I'd be a little bored.

I just started Tom Clancy's Clear And Present Danger. I generally pick up books at book sales and Clancy is always available en masse so I picked up a bunch. You can definitely learn a lot through Clancy novels.

Just got done reading The Hunt for Red October. It's my first Clancy novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can you recommend any other books by him?

Rainbow Six. By far my favorite of his novels that I've read.

[BlueBandit24]

Has anyone read any of W.E.B. Griffin's books? I've only read his Presidential Agent series books and have enjoyed those.

I've read The Hostage (I don't believe that is in the series) and it was a pretty solid book. An easy read even though I thought the ending was a bit abrupt.

[Next Crosby]

I like my books to border on the fantastical. If a main character was as underwhelming and pedestrian as myself, well, I'd be a little bored.

I just started Tom Clancy's Clear And Present Danger. I generally pick up books at book sales and Clancy is always available en masse so I picked up a bunch. You can definitely learn a lot through Clancy novels.

Just got done reading The Hunt for Red October. It's my first Clancy novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can you recommend any other books by him?

Rainbow Six. By far my favorite of his novels that I've read.

The video game was awesome so I'm going to get on that.

[SouthTexGopher]

"Red Storm Rising" is one of my favorites from Clancy...as is "Without Remorse." Both are excellent books to get yourself into reading Tom Clancy, although "Red Storm Rising" may seem far-fetched for those born after 1989.

[dxmnkd316]

I like my books to border on the fantastical. If a main character was as underwhelming and pedestrian as myself, well, I'd be a little bored.

I just started Tom Clancy's Clear And Present Danger. I generally pick up books at book sales and Clancy is always available en masse so I picked up a bunch. You can definitely learn a lot through Clancy novels.

Just got done reading The Hunt for Red October. It's my first Clancy novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can you recommend any other books by him?

Rainbow Six. By far my favorite of his novels that I've read.

The video game was awesome so I'm going to get on that.

It really is a badass book. Hell, I'm going to start reading it again. It's been sitting on my shelf since I used it as plane reading material on the way to NYC and Europe. It's a long ass read.

[SouthTexGopher]

Has anyone read any of W.E.B. Griffin's books? I've only read his Presidential Agent series books and have enjoyed those.

I've read quite a few of W.E.B. Griffin's books. They've been a fun read...but I'd add just one "they were good, but" statement to that. Both the "Brotherhood of War" and "The Corps" were excellent series, but it seemed like Griffin became lazy toward the end of both. "The Corps" started out very good, but seemed to get muddled toward the end of the series - too many characters and it seemed like the author was reaching. As for "Brotherhood of War," it just seemed like he gave up in the last book. I can distinctly remember thinking "wait, that's it?!?"

[Greyeagle]

Just got done reading The Hunt for Red October. It's my first Clancy novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Can you recommend any other books by him?

Read the Jack Ryan series in the order of publication.
One thing I don't like about Clancy, espcially as the series progresses, is he can say in 20 pages what some authors can say in two. I find myself skimming a lot when reading his books.

Has anyone mentioned Christopher Moore? Great writer and Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal might be one of, if not the, funniest book I've ever read. Really good.

Couple of quotes:
"It's wildly irritating to have invented something as revolutionary as sarcasm, only to have it abused by amateurs."

"I know that even now, having watched enough television, you probably won't even refer to them as lepers so as to spare their feelings. You probably call them 'parts-dropping-off challenged' or something."

"Josh: "What is this thing?"
Gasper: "It's a Yeti. An abominable snowman."
Biff: "This is what happens when you {BEEP} a sheep?"
Josh: "Not an abomination, abominable."

[BlueBandit24]

One thing I don't like about Clancy, espcially as the series progresses, is he can say in 20 pages what some authors can say in two. I find myself skimming a lot when reading his books.

Clancy does write some substantial novels. His hardcover books look like a dictionary. It can read like a textbook at times, but once you get past that it is a lot of good stuff.

If you're a fan of Dexter on Showtime (I love it), I would recommend the Dexter series by Jeff Lindsay. I have only read the first book but it really lays the groundwork for the series.

[Handyman]

I would suggest the Bourne Books as they are pretty awesome. Well the first and third were The Bourne Supremacy was a worthless book. The Bourne Ultimatum is one of the Top 5 books I have ever read. (I only read the books written by Ludlom, not the dreck that came later by other writers)

The Late Shift was a very good read, it is about the Leno vs. Letterman fight for the Tonight Show. (was made into a movie that was quite good) The author has planned a sequel for the Conan vs. Jay fiasco as well.

I read both of Howard Sterns books in high school, they are actually quite well done.

[st8ofhockey]

Started reading Shakey, the biography of Neil Young, last week. It's interesting, but at close to 800 pages, it'll be a while before I get through it.

[bringbackjiffypop]

Some thoughts on Clancy and Ludlum:

Agree that you should read Clancy in the order of publication, and NOT chronological. Red Storm Rising is a stand-alone book, if i recall correctly and NOT part of the Jack Ryan series. Executive Orders may sound familiar at the beginning if you follow current events. Didn't care a whit for Teeth of the Tiger, but I read somewhere that Tom Clancy wanted to end the series and didn't really care how. Red October and Clear and Present Danger were my two favorites. Sum of All Fears confirmed that Tom Clancy HATES the Vikings. Also the Hymn to the Red October is still my favorite movie theme of all time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPsL2WVhFCc

The Bourne books and the Bourne movies are as different as apples and dolphins, but both are quite good. The second book really has nothing to do with the other two, but still contains some good action sequences.

I forget who, I think it was FE, mentioned books from northern MN where the main character was a quarter native american and three quarters irish. In a related note, I also recommend the Tony Hillerman books. Most of them take place on the great Navajo reservation in New Mexico and its environs, but Fly on the Wall is more of a political thriller takes place in an unnamed midwestern state that sounds eerily like Minnesota. The others are all Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee novels and are usually very interesting.