Just finished "Bad Things Happen" by Harry Dolan. This was his first novel and he's off to a great start.
One quote on the back cover of this book caught my eye, Stephan King showing his approval - "Great f***ing book, man. I was totally hooked." Like most of you, I've never actually met Stephan King, but that seems exactly like the sort of thing I imagine him saying. That aside, I completely agree with him.
This book is a mystery, but it doesn't follow that predictable pattern of many mysteries. The mystery isn't why I liked the book, though. I enjoyed Dolan's writing, and his main character, David Loogan, is so likable. Loogan is mysterious; the reader isn't quite sure what all Loogan is holding back, but there is surely something. In addition to mysterious, he's charming, even when he (apparently) is trying not to be. This story could take me anywhere and I'd still go along for the ride, just to learn more about this Loogan character. He is captivating.
The book is entertaining, and from page one, like Stephen King said, I was hooked. I really like Harry Dolan's style and will be reading more of his work. David Loogan is in Dolan's newest novel "Very Bad Men". Keep an eye out for a review of that, coming soon to a book review blog near you.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
We Die Alone
When I picked up "We Die Alone" from the library I didn't remember anything about it. Couldn't help but wonder why I'd pick out (yet another) depressing book. The title is misleading - the meaning is without the help of others, we'll die alone. This book, a nonfiction account of a WWII survival story, proves that without question.
Honestly, this is one of the most incredible survival stories I've ever read, and I've read quite a few. At the start, the author, David Howarth, states that all he wrote really happened even though it's hard to believe and he's correct. It just amazed me all this solider endured.
OK, here's a quick summary. A small team of Norwegians return to German occupied Norway in March 1943. They arrive by boat in the far north, on the Arctic coast. The main character of the story, Jan Baalsrud, is 26 years old. He is not the leader of the team, but within minutes of arrival, he's on his own. Did I mention it was March? In the Arctic? It was cold and there is snow, lots and lots of snow. The challenges appear insurmountable.
Without his team and their gear, their goal is now impossible - they were going to recruit and train locals to help overthrow the Germans when the time came. So, alone, Jan decides the smartest plan is to head for neutral Sweden, where he can hopefully make his way back to London to begin again with a different team. The book is basically his journey.
While reading this book, time and time again, I'd think, "no one could survive that", and yet... The locals Jan meets along his way endanger their lives and the lives of their families to help him. The extremes these total strangers go to are no doubt how this book got it's name.
I think I've sufficiently demonstrated that I loved this book. This ranks near the top of survival book genre. If you enjoy such books, this is a must read. Highly recommended.
Honestly, this is one of the most incredible survival stories I've ever read, and I've read quite a few. At the start, the author, David Howarth, states that all he wrote really happened even though it's hard to believe and he's correct. It just amazed me all this solider endured.
OK, here's a quick summary. A small team of Norwegians return to German occupied Norway in March 1943. They arrive by boat in the far north, on the Arctic coast. The main character of the story, Jan Baalsrud, is 26 years old. He is not the leader of the team, but within minutes of arrival, he's on his own. Did I mention it was March? In the Arctic? It was cold and there is snow, lots and lots of snow. The challenges appear insurmountable.
Without his team and their gear, their goal is now impossible - they were going to recruit and train locals to help overthrow the Germans when the time came. So, alone, Jan decides the smartest plan is to head for neutral Sweden, where he can hopefully make his way back to London to begin again with a different team. The book is basically his journey.
While reading this book, time and time again, I'd think, "no one could survive that", and yet... The locals Jan meets along his way endanger their lives and the lives of their families to help him. The extremes these total strangers go to are no doubt how this book got it's name.
I think I've sufficiently demonstrated that I loved this book. This ranks near the top of survival book genre. If you enjoy such books, this is a must read. Highly recommended.
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