I have read Western novels since I was twelve years old. When I wanted to relax I picked up a western. They were simple stories about uncomplicated times. I thought I had found a new author. Three first three books were maybe written for simpletons like myself because the plots were so predictable. The white hat not only won and the black hats easily disposed of, but the main character in each story became financially independent and so did all his friends. People in his stories mostly adored him, and then he went on to tell what happened to all the people in the story, what happened to them after the story ended. How his parents prospered, his girlfriend's parents and what all they accomplished and on and on. How he rose from poverty to being king of the hill. At one point I had to look and if the book was a western or a romance. Westerns have been a life long enjoyment. But it's over. This guy does everything but raise folks from the dead.
In the last few months, I read something that claimed Alan Furst was the best author of historical spy novels, better than John le Carré. I started reading his books and they are captivating. I highly recommend them. It doesn’t seem to matter in which order you read them.
Any suggestions as to how to pronounce "Ove"? Google “pronounce I’ve”. It seems to be oo-vuh. Swedish
@John McIntosh Thanks for the tip, John. I've been hunting for an exciting new author. Furst just might fill the void? I originally looked up the wrong author on Amazon. I'm going to look at it. I require large print or kindle because of eyesight. Thanks again.
The past two weeks I finished reading all of these books... the last one yesterday afternoon. So now it's time for another trip to the Library.
Started this book because my Dad had contracted this twice, ( which I didn't know could happen ) during his time with the Marines in WWII. I've been stationed in areas that had high percentage of Malaria cases. ( Southeast Asia, Africa, etc. ) Took my pills as directed. Saw how it can affect cultures, so was an easy pick for a book to read. We've been looking for a cure for Malaria since the 1940's.
"The Meat Racket", by Christopher Leonard. Most interesting read about the "curbing" of the Meat Industry in the U.S. via vertical structuring. It began with chicken only, by Tyson. As decades went by, beef began to be included. It's premise is similar to the exploits of the Hunt Brothers in their attempt to curb world markets in Silver. They failed, but Tyson and the few others did not, in the meat business. Their influence totally decimated the vast flourishing individual farming operations, especially the "Mom & Pop" farmers. Frank
I am rereading some of my gardening books right now as come Spring my youngest daughter wants to plant both a flower garden to attract Butterflies and Hummingbirds, etc. and a vegetable garden in the back yard of her new home. She wants our help in doing this so since it's been awhile since we've had large plots for these things I'm spending some time reviewing everything I used to know so well. Their new home has perfect spots for the flower and veggie gardens and we all are getting excited about the possibilities here. The veggie garden will be big enough for us to share the bounty with not only us but the rest of our family too.
@Babs Hunt Sounds like a nice plan. Wish I had the room for a veggie garden and the large trees in the back cover the entire yard. Nice for being outside, but too much shade to grow things. Good thing for me my son's yard is sunny and I can help myself to his garden. ( nice since I tilled it and water it most days...)
Yes @Tim Burr at my daughter's new home they have plenty of shade too along with nice size full sun spots. The couple who owned the home before really put some thought into how they wanted their back yard. There are four cozy spots for socializing with friends and family and each spot has seating as well as fire pits. They have a gazebo and small greenhouse...and right outside their patio coming through the back door is a 3 tier water fountain. On the end of one side of their home is a cozy nook with a hanging swing, a 4 seating patio set, one of the fire pits a barbecue pit area and a brick wall to mount a flat screen TV. Then you take a short path from that area and walk into the full sun area where the veggie garden will grown. There is even a little stream that runs at the back edge of their property. The back yard is set up like a private sanctuary in the middle of a subdivision full of brick homes. It's like entering a different world when you walk into their back yard.
When you get through the Appalachian Trail, you'll be in Millinocket. We are the northern terminus of the Trail.
Reading: Twenty Years Behind Bars. The Spirited Adventures of a Real Bartender. Jeff Burkhart. Chapters are only 3-5 pages each usually about some event or theme. Very light reading but interesting enough.