good reader gone bad

Peter David wrote this novelization of the film based on the screenplay by Mark Frost, Simon Kinberg, and Michael France, which is, in turn, based on the Marvel comic book. Reed Richards is a weenie. Ben Grimm clobbers stuff. Johnny Storm needs a smack upside the head. Sue Storm is played by Jessica Alba in the movie, which is more than enough reason to watch it. The book is ok. The comics are better.

Published in mass-market paperback by Pocket Books. ISBN 1416509801

World War II vet Joseph Burke is a man who doesn’t care about anything. He agrees to be Jackie Robinson‘s bodyguard during his first year with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Protecting the ballplayer’s life, brings Burke back to life. Robert B. Parker has crafted a moving historical novel that is part crime novel and part homage to the golden age of baseball. A nice read.

Published in mass-market paperback by Penguin. ISBN 0425199630

The Red Sox won the 2004 World Series. Tim McCarney and Tom Deady blogged the 2004 Red Sox season. I read the book, a compilation of their blog entries, and started reading their blog this season. Required reading for Red Sox fans. Yankees suck.

Published in trade paperback by AiT/Planet Lar. ISBN 1-932051-39-2

Kelly Barr agrees to help her roommate play Michigan cheerleader for her 84 year-old boyfriend, Tony Paradiso, but a couple of killers spoil the party. Detective Frank Delsa isn’t sure what Kelly is up tp, but he likes her style. Another smooth tale from the master, Elmore Leonard. You can’t go wrong with any of his books.

Published in mass-market paperback by HarperCollins. ISBN 0060083964

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book by Keith R. A. DeCandido, but his characters are vividly drawn and the story is engrossing. I guess this is sort of a tribute to the television show The West Wing with a trek twist, giving us a view of Federation President Nan Bacco and several months of her administration. Different and entertaining.

Published in mass-market paperback by Pocket Books. ISBN 1416500154

I can count on Michael A. Martin and Andy Mangels to provide a fast-paced and enjoyable read. This novel is the first of a series featuring Captain William T. Riker and his first command. We get a wildly diverse crew, Klingons and Romulans in a bad mood, Spock, and numerous threads from the Star Trek tapestry of tales.

Published in mass-market paperback by Pocket Books. ISBN 0743496272

If you’ve read any books by or about Richard Feynman, then you have to read this collection of his letters, edited by his daughter, Michelle Feynman. The letters, written over most of his lifetime to family, friends, and complete strangers, tell you nearly everything you might want to know about the man.

Published in hardcover by Basic Books. ISBN 0738206369

I guess I’ve finally caught up with recent reading. PI Garrett is back in action, along with his housekeeper Dean, Pular Singe, and, of course, the Dead Man. Once he wakes up, the Dead Man is pulling everyone’s strings, Garrett is getting his ass kicked and giving a little of what he’s getting, all to learn why an underworld boss is in a coma and what a basket of odd kittens may have to do with it. As usual, author Glen Cook pens a wild fantasy noir novel that’s difficult to put down.

Published in mass market paperback by Penguin. ISBN 0451459741

Una McCormack writes a deeply emotional novel about the aftermath of Sisko’s decision to bring the Romulans into the war against the Dominion by deceit, told in sixth season episode In the pale moonlight. This a fine portrait of Sisko, Garak, their similarities and differences.

Published in mass market paperback by Pocket Books. ISBN 0743491513

Keith R. A. DeCandido concludes his crossover tale weaving together the adventures of Archer, Kirk, Sisko, Picard, and Janeway. The Maquis discover a third weapon, while Picard and Klag of the IKS Gorkon must deal with the fourth and most terrible weapon. This duology is a fun read.

Published in mass market paperback by Pocket Books. ISBN 0743419235