Latest Reads and Views

Interesting things that I should blog about if I ever have time.

These are in no particular order, but things I've read and wanted to blog about. I can't return the books to my library until I've written a line or two. So, here goes...

Recent reads:

Ghost Eater, Frederick Highland
I met Frederick at a meeting of the Seattle Area Mystery Writer's Association. He seemed like such a great guy that I bought his book. I really enjoyed it. It was a good read, entertaining, interesting, kept me turning the pages.

The Collector of Hearts, Joyce Carol Oates
A very interesting collection of her short stories. This began my appreciation for short stories.

White Noise, Don Delilo
Very good reading material. An amazing writer.

The Bright Face of Danger, Max Brand
I read this to get some sort of idea of a traditional "western" - that is, something perfectly in that genre. A good quick read. Entertaining and interesting.

The Long Goodbye, Raymond Chandler
I'm becoming a big Chandler fan. Who can resist Chandler: creator of Phil Marlowe? I also read The Big Sleep recently. Hope to read everything of his some day.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, Rowling
Of course. I read it in one weekend. I really enjoy her books.

Prostho Plus, Piers Anthony
Who can resist a book about inter-galactic dentistry. I thought it was such a crazy idea that I had to read the book. Really a good book, I enjoyed every minute of it. Also a good introduction to the Sci-Fi genre, in case I ever want to even think about writing in that realm. I liked the book so much that I've purchased 3 or 4 more from him.

Recent Views:

I've been watching pretty much everything by Hitchcock. Last night it was:

"The Trouble With Harry" Hitchcock - a really funny flick. I had no idea Hitchcock ever made a comedy. It also had it's usual suspensefull and haunting moments.

"Suspicion" Hitchcock - a good, suspensefull movie. I wonder if it is the ONLY Hitchcock movie in which (HOLD ON - SPOILER HERE DON'T READ if you don't already know the MOVIE!!) no murder ever takes place.

"Wyatt Earp" - I didn't like it as well as "Tombstone" - but both movies seem to place a heavy emphasis on historical accuracy which is good.

"Dial M for Murder" Hitchcock - another very, very good and suspenseful Hitchcock Flick!! I really liked that one. You don't know right up till the end if "he's going to get away with it."


"Marnie" Hitchcock - a good, interesting and intriguing movie.

"Anatomy of a Murder" Hitchcock - another great classic, and rightly so. Suspenseful - reminds me a bit of Strangers on a Train. Also, who can resist a good movie with Jimmy Stewart in it?

"Sleeper" Woody Allen - I don't know why I picked that particular Woody Allen flick to watch. I love Woody's movies, and it had been a while since I'd seen it, so I saw it again. A lot of fun. A bit crazy...

I've seen a lot more movies than that, and read a bit more than that too, but those are the most notable. Bye for now...
~ Gus ~