More fun with books

Last weekend I had a serendipitous literature day.

On Friday I got a NY Times book section email. Neal Stephenson, author of Cryptonomicon, Snow Crash, etc., has a new book, "REAMDE." I checked the library web site and it had 54 reservations. For a 1000+ page book it won't be available for a year or two. So I went to B&N and bought a copy. Then, reading through the Washington Post National Book Festival section, I see the Neal is speaking and signing books on Sunday. I took the Orange Line Metro to the National Mall, met some book folks and had both the novel and my writing book signed. A good day.

I might look for one specific book at the library, but then I just browse. Came across Ice-T's book "Ice - A memoir of gangster life and redemption-from South Central to Hollywood." I like Ice-T. I liked his rap music and the hard core rock of Body Count. Maybe you don't like it. I'm not asking you.

Recovery Reading

Haven't posted lately. Mighty "not-well" from late June. Call it the troubles. Or my 2011 summer break. For recovery I watched a lot of the Travel Channel. Tried to play guitar and bass. And began reading again. One author a friend recommended is Walter Mosley. So far I've read:

The Leonid McGill Mysteries:

* The Long Fall

* Known to Evil

* When the Thrill is Gone

Detective novels set in New York City. The protagonist, Leonid, is a recovering rough guy, trying to do good after doing so much bad. I like the characters - nothing too deep, which is important while getting my thinker working again.

I've also read two of the three Socrates Fortlow books, and will start the third today.

* Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned

* Walking the Dog

* The Right Mistake - The further philosophical investigations of Socrates Fortlow

Socrates spent 27 years in prison for murdering two friends. He lives in a 1.5 room squatter house down an alley in Watts. Like Leonid, Socrates is tries to live his life to make things better, having taken responsibility for his actions. He is violent, but as the books progress he considers his anger and his reactions. He considers his place in society and struggles with reconciling issues in the black community.

I did read one Carl Hiaasen book, "Star Island." It was the first thing I read after the hospital. An easy read, Hiassen characters. Nothing to hurt my head.