Wrestling With Literature (Plug)

I have started a new semi-regular column on Online Onslaught that looks at wrestling-related books. Check out the inaugral version of "Wrestling With Literature" here.

daily show authors

There used to be a column to the right hand side about the books and authors that appear on the Daily Show. But that has been put to rest. Why? Well, when I came up with the idea, I sent an email into the show through their website asking for such a list to be included on their site. I could never remember the authors name the day after I would watch them pimp their book on the show and thought that it would be great to have a list available to refer to. After waiting a couple of months with no response or list, I went ahead and started my own here on this site. But then about a week ago, I was again at the site of the Daily Show, and lo and behold, the list exists. So instead i provide a link here and at the right in place of my list. Enjoy.

The Motive

By John Lescroart

I was told to read Lescroart because of the apparent similarities between his body of work and John Grisham's. If The Motive is any indication, I don't really see the similarities.

Don't get me wrong - this wasn't an awful book. It just didn't have the style and creative flair that Grisham routinely exhibits. What I really reminded me of was a novel-length version of Law & Order. Which means cops with attitude, a heated trial and a host of suspects leading to a surprise conclusion.

The two main characters are Abe Glitsky, a veteran former cop asked by the mayor to take an assignment he doesn't want to get involved with; and Dismas Hardy, an attorney and Glitsky's best friend, who opts to represent a suspected killer in the very same case.

The book is done in three parts, starting with the Law & Order-esque murder and progressing through the case to an ultimate conclusion. In that respect, the book is satisfying; it definitely fleshes out the details and puts some meat on the characters. And the conclusion is differently a bit of a surprise.

So why am I not thrilled with the book? Perhaps I've been spoiled by Grisham, but I was just looking for a more compelling story. Something that makes you disappointed when you reach the end. As it is, I'm not sure I'd re-read this one again as I have most of the Grisham books, but I'd certainly be willing to give Lescroart another try. Maybe this just wasn't the one to start with...

The Omen

by David Seltzer

The is the first time i have ever read this book. Heard lots about it as its been out since 1976. The fact that I will read almost anything with a religious note to it makes it a bit strange that I have never read this before. It has spawned a couple of books that follow through with the story but most people are more familiar with the 5 movies that were released. I think only the first three were based on the novels and the last two were just screenplays.

The book is about the first 5 years of the boy named Damien Thorn. Given to the the Thorn family as a newborn when their child died in childbirth (kind of). Jeremy Thorn, the father of the family, learns over time that this innocent looking child is anything but. Bizarre accidents and odd surroundings lead Jeremy on a world wide trip to discover as much of the truth as he can. Followed by Haber Jennings, a photographer trying to explain his own odd findings and thinks that the Thorn family holds the clue.
This is actually a pretty good book. Easy to read and follow, and keeps you interested in the story throughout the book. Can't really compare it to the movie for you as I have never seen it, but I recommend the book.

amazon link here

A Preemptive Apology

Welcome to our little book review blog. Trevor and Tim, as well as other distinguished illuminati, read books and occassionally post a blurb on what they thought about them. We are not professionals, just opinionated. Enjoy.