Elmore Leonard’s “Maximum Bob” because I hadn’t read him before, but like the movie versions of his books. This one in particular because the title amused me. Sort of a fun read, but lacking the dark depth or engagement of a Jim Thompson.
Kem Nunn’s “Tapping the Source” because I’m a sucker for surf novels, awful as most of them are. This one, like his Dogs of Winter, is especially infuriating because the guy can write. Unfortunately, the sharp, vivid prose fails to compensate for the completely over-the-top storyline. I believe even the kitchen sink was in there.
Kent Haruf’s “Plainsong” because I love that book and my dad never returned the copy I loaned him.
early morning fog, partial clearing 
“Dogs of Winter” is one of Barbara Ehrenreich’s favorite books.Have you seen Kem Nunn’s new HBO TV show, John from Cincinnati? It’s pretty goofy. Not in a good way.
One of Ehrenreich’s favorite books? Really? I would not have guessed.I enjoyed Dogs of Winter because I got a kick out of reading about places based on areas around here – and like I said, he can write – but it’s just too much. You know when you’re watching some slick action flick and it’s decent acting and writing, so you’re going along with it just fine, but then one thing happens that’s a bit unrealistic and then another thing happens that undermines your attempt at suspending disbelief until finally you just can’t take it and what could’ve been a perfectly good movie is ruined? That’s how I feel about his books.Runaway sister, drugged out predatory porn subculture and a surf film magnate? Sure. But when you throw in the Satanic cult, that’s a little more than I’m willing to swallow. That said, I’d like to see John from Cincinnati, but we don’t have TV, much less cable. We do watch DVDs on the iMac – speaking of Cincinnati, I’m anxious for WKRP! The first season’s out!
re: Plainsong, I think I still have the copy I bought when it was required reading at CR. If you’d like it, I’ll bring it in for you to keep. It’s much better read, than sitting on my shelves collecting dust. Let me know. You know where to find me. :-)BTW- Nice seeing your family at the Crabs game yesterday, even if you and Bobby were at a distance.
…but then one thing happens that’s a bit unrealistic and then another thing happens that undermines your attempt at suspending disbelief until finally you just can’t take it…“Jumping the shark,” they call it. Literally, in the case of Dogs of Winter.Although he didn’t really “jump” the shark in that book, come to think of it.