August Reading List:
Richard Stark is the pen name of the prolific Donald E. Westlake, whose contributions to the canon of literary tough guys and hard-boiled crime are extensive and excellent. His most famous criminal character is "Parker," a professional robber specializing in big heists with big scores. Parker is the main character in 24 out of 28 Richard Stark novels. First appearing in "The Hunter," he has been portrayed on screen by tough-guy actors like Lee Marvin, Jim Brown, Mel Gibson, and Jason Statham. Stark/Westlake described the writing, like Parker himself, as "fast and mean...crisp and lean, no fat, trimmed down." "The Score,” is book 5 in the series,(you can read them in any order). It is a tale of a heist—or a "score" in criminal parlance — into which Stark’s character Parker is roped in. The book dives into the criminals' planning and execution stages, following Parker throughout. Stark's storytelling evokes a bygone era of genuine tough guys, a refreshing contrast to today's beta males overly in touch with their feelings. Parker is no petty criminal; he only deals in big scores, and this one is monumental. He and his gang plan to rob an entire town!
The Devil's Hand by Jack Carr: James Reece Book 4
I continue to love the James Reece series by former Navy SEAL turned bestselling author, Jack Carr. I've discussed the previous books in other reading lists, and this one doesn't disappoint. Taking a page from the real-life events of the global pandemic (which is when I suspect Carr was writing this novel), the story finds James Reece employed by the CIA in a black-ops role. The President enlists him to exact revenge on those responsible for the 9/11 attacks, who have eluded justice for two decades. Reece discovers that some of his targets are killed before he reaches them, taken out by another terrorist seeking revenge against the U.S. This terrorist plans to unleash a highly lethal weaponized virus within the continental U.S.
The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury -
I've been following Ray Bradbury's advice to read one short story, one essay, and one poem daily, leading me to this Sci-Fi anthology based on short stories by the legendary Ray Bradbury which follows a man who meets an unusual woman and finds himself tattooed or, as he calls them, illustrated from head to toe. perhaps Bradbury’s best-known book of short fiction, in part because of the 1969 movie starring Rod Steiger and Claire Bloom.
The book serves as a cautionary tale about the future of mankind. Bradbury offers readers a great experience, whether they're fans of science fiction or not. It contains elements of politics, religion, and imagination about the future and the past. If you've never read anything by Bradbury before, this is the perfect place to start.
As I mentioned above I've been following Ray Bradbury's short story “Challenge”, leading me to revisit one of Stephen King's earlier short story collections. Night Shift has been a favorite since my teens, and it continues to captivate me. I first read this book when I was fourteen or fifteen and so many of the stories stuck with me. Jerusalem’s Lot (a kind of prequel to Salem’s Lot), I Am The Doorway, Quitters Inc., Sometimes They Come Back. The Lawnmower Man (not the terrible Pierce Brosnan movie version which has literally nothing to do with the short story), and The Last Rung On The Ladder. The stories offer something new with each reading, revealing King's evolving style over the years. Works like 11/22/63 show his maturation as a writer, but the rawness of his early stories/novels packs a punch in a way that his more recent longer books do not. It reminds me not to overthink my writing. Have fun and let er rip, which King certainly does in this collection.
The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden
Occasionally, a book lives up to its hype, and The Housemaid is one such title. I’d never heard of the author before but her name stuck with me. Almost sounds like a superhero alter ego’s name, or a character in a Billy Wilder movie. Advertised relentlessly on my Amazon page since its release, I finally took the plunge. It was worth the wait. This fast-paced novel keeps you guessing until the very end. It's about an ex-con who goes to work for a wealthy family in Long Island, NY, where things are not as they seem. The story's twists feel earned and are always entertaining, reminding me that fiction should be thought-provoking but also fun. This book accomplishes that. It is a breeze to read and will have you wide-eyed and hurriedly flipping its pages at the best parts.
I finally read this popular thriller by former flight attendant turned bestselling author TJ Newman. The story of her career transition alone intrigued me, but it's the compelling hook that truly sold me. The best fiction books put readers in the characters' shoes, making them ask, “What would I do?” Newman achieves this brilliantly in Falling. The story centers on a commercial airplane pilot whose family is held hostage. The captor gives him an impossible choice: crash the plane or lose his family. The novel not only takes us into the mind of the pilot but also his wife, who is held captive, the head flight attendant, and even the passengers. We wonder, “What if that were me? What would I do?” The novel has been optioned as a movie and I am sure it will make a good one.
I Believe by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
Rabbi Sacks, who passed away in 2020, served as the Chief Rabbi of United Kingdom and Commonwealth and was a prolific speaker and writer on Judaism. However, his wisdom transcends religious boundaries, touching on broader philosophical ideas rooted in the Old Testament. The book is organized into chapters corresponding to the weekly Torah portions, each offering insights into life lessons we should glean from them. Rabbi Sacks's writing is accessible, whether you're religious or merely familiar with Samuel L. Jackson's "Ezekiel 25:17" speech in Pulp Fiction. This book is perfect for cover-to-cover reading, weekly Torah study, or casual browsing. To get a sense of Rabbi Sacks before diving into his works, you can find a collection of his teachings on YouTube, where his wisdom endures.
This is a great list, thanks for sharing! I remember wanting to read The Housemaid, but accidentally picked up The Maid by Nita Prose….not the same and won’t make that mistake again…lol!
If you are ever on the go and don’t have time to read, I have a collection of short stories on my podcast A Cup of Fiction.