'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler

The Big Sleep, Raymond Chandler (4.0)

As the basis for one of my favorite movies, I have been interested in reading the book that originally brought Philip Marlowe to life. Additionally, I had hoped that the book might elucidate many of the greyer areas of the movie. It did not disappoint. The book is filled with the witty dialogue of the movie – much word for word - as well as more detail on the steamier elements that were not allowed to be clear in a 1946 movie. Oddly, in addition to the great dialogue, one of the reasons I like the movie is that it is so confusing, every time I watch it; it’s like a new detective story that I have to unravel. The plot involves murder set amongst gambling, blackmail and drug use. In the movie, the blackmail material is not entirely clear. In the book, the naked pictures both used in blackmail and for purchase are center stage. The book is fast paced and still a bit complicated, but the vibrant characters with their attitudes and language are the highlight. Since much of the book followed the movie closely, I was surprised to find the Bogie-Bacall relationship was enhanced in the movie. Given their obvious chemistry, it made sense, but the book has a better angle to Marlowe’s feelings about her and others. If you are a fan of noir detective movies or books, you’ll enjoy this one.

'Beartown' by Fredrik Backman

Beartown, Fredrik Backman (3.0)

This is my least favorite Backman book so far. While I usually find his characters whimsical and his plots thoughtful, this book had a few faults I had a hard time forgiving. Set in a small northern Swedish town, the plot revolves around the town sport, hockey, and the various players both on the rink and off. It starts with a gun being held to a teenager’s head and then takes the reader back to the events that lead up to the event. While that narrative trick pushed the novel along at a relatively quick pace, I felt much of the background was contrived to keep you guessing as to who the two people were. This book was painful to read relative to Backman’s other books – long with some particularly ugly character behaviors. It seemed to take forever for someone to do the right thing. I did find it interesting that it was easy to forget that he is writing about a small town in Sweden, as it often felt that it could be anywhere. I guess we tend to forget that other countries have some of the same problems we have.

'Old Man's War' by John Scalzi

Old Man’s War, John Scalzi (4.0)

I found this book quite enjoyable to read. It’s a Sci-Fi novel with a unique premise: it’s set in a future where humans have found many other life forms in the universe. Once you reach retirement age (72, in this case), you can sign-up for the earth’s intergalactic military force. While very little is known about what this entails, the promise of rejuvenated bodies draws many retirees. We follow one widower who upon reaching 72, signs away his life (literally) and joins up. I won’t give away the rest as the fun of reading this book has to do with finding out his fate as he does. My one disappointment is that much of the events are very similar to ‘Starship Troopers’, written by Mr. Scalzi’s mentor, R. Heinlein. That being said, there is enough new and fresh about the characters and story to recommend it to those looking for a fun Sci-Fi novel.

'The Dragon Behind the Glass' by Emily Voigt

The Dragon Behind the Glass: A True Story of Power, Obsession and the World's Most Coveted Fish,  Emily Voigt (3.5)

It’s odd how a book about a fish I’ve never heard of could be so interesting. What started as a mystery into the dark side of aquarium hobbyists turned into a philosophical dip into endangered species, extinction and the quest to see something unique in its true environment. Mixed in were quite colorful characters and a glimpse into the political upheaval of the countries Ms. Voigt visited. Given that my interest in fish is, well, let’s say less than my interest in the effects such upheaval has on cultures, I enjoyed the mix of subjects. The book did come across more as a memoir at times, and less a non-fiction book specifically about fish. I also was surprised at the lack of references, given the facts given throughout the book.