Book Review Marathon

Since I’m very behind in my book reviews, the following “quickies” are provided to catch me up!

Ghost In the Wires by Kevin Mitnick and William S. Simon

Famous hacker tells how he manipulated people, phones and computers, just for fun. Read if computers and technology fascinate you.

The Odds: A Love Story by Stewart O’Nan

Burned out couple on the verge of financial collapse take a trip to Niagara Falls. The wimp husband thinks the trip is to rekindle the marriage and win a bucket load of cash to pay off their debts. The whinny wife just wants to get it over with. Don’t bother.

Manhunt by James L. Swanson

This is the story about the 12-day hunt for John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln’s slayer. The different perspective makes an over-told story interesting. Read if you are a Lincolnphile.

Quiet by Susan Cain

This book is about research and observations on introversion. Fascinating. Read it if you like non fiction and learning new things.

Wolf Hall: A Novel by Hilary Mantel

Beautifully written story told many times before about Henry VIII and Ann Boleyn, but with a cast of thousands. Mantel is a very clever writer. Read if you like period pieces and/or are a Henry VIII-phile.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Slightly crazy woman raised in communes, home-schooled, etc. provides interesting insights into life, in the context of her very unprepared hike of the Pacific Coast Trail. Fun interesting read.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian 

by Sherman Alexie

Kid raised on a Seattle Indian reservation decides 

to go to school off the reservation. Entertaining writer 

and an interesting look into the life of the kid’s tribe
and their lifestyles and customs.