BOOKS THREAD

In that case, I can't tell you how much you'll enjoy the Hill Country stuff.

 

That disturbia is what makes Fahrenheit 451 so prescient, good and effective. I read it years ago, in a high school English or sociology class, I think. To this day, it remains one of the best, most memorable books I've ever read.

 

I read it almost 20 years ago and I thought the same thing back then.

 

Which means, Angola, you better procure a copy of "Path to Power" (the first book in the trilogy) posthaste.

The first 100 or so pages is devoted to the Hill Country stuff.

I said this earlier on this and probably another thread, but this is one of the best biographies you will ever read. Period. Caro's research is between meticulous and other-worldly; his turning that research into readable, interesting, informative prose is outstanding.

 

I'll say. I picked up a bargain-bin copy of "The Power Broker" recently and it was absolutely fascinating - the researching and writing as much as the story itself.

 

Agree with all this, with one slight quibble -- the Hill Country stuff, I'd argue, goes throughout much of the book beyond the intro. His race for the 10th District seat, etc.

 

Good catch, Finish. I forgot about LBJ's be-bopping all over the area. That's some good stuff on the area and its people, etc.

 

I don't know if anyone has mentioned it on this board, but I would like to let all of you know about my new book, which was released last month by John F. Blair, Publisher. The title is "Chasing Moonlight: The True Story of Field of Dreams' Doc Graham."

As the title suggests, its a biography of the loveable old doctor from the movie who played in one major league game, but never got to bat. Here's the link to it on amazon.com with more information if your interested: http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Moonlight-Story-Dreams-Graham/dp/0895873699/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226327552&sr=8-1.

I think it's a great story of a really interesting man and ballplayer. If you like it, spread the word since my publisher is a independent and has only been publicizing it hard in the South and in Minnesota.

Thank you,
Brett Friedlander

 

Caro actually spent nights camping outside in the hill country by himself so he could get a feel for the quiet and loneliness.

Anyway, I recently finished Tender is the Night and I continue to be particularly intrigued by old F. Scott's ability to reveal the vanity that underlies virtue. This is a great, great novel with scenes that will be etched in my memory forever.

Now I'm starting Tropic of Cancer and wondering if it was such a good choice, afterall ...

 

Last Stand at Fox Hill..8,000 marines v. 100,000 Chinese. Same guy (Drury?) who recently wrote the almost as great "Halsey's Typhoon" ....great research, interviews to get all the minutiae.

 

Just finished Connelly's latest, which he said was inspired by Season 5 of The Wire. It stars an experienced crime reporter, given the pink slip because he is too old and is paid too much. The accuracy of the newsroom scenes is just as chilling as the chase of the serial killer.

http://www.amazon.com/Scarecrow-Michael-Connelly/dp/0316166308

 

I've picked up "American Lion," the Pulitzer Prize-winning bio of Andrew Jackson, and I'm underwhelmed so far.

It seems like it would be difficult to make Jackson's early years boring, but this guy has managed the feat.