I’m a wild and crazy guy who reads a bunch of books at once, so here’s what I’m reading right now:
- Act of War by Brad Thor (car)
- Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (bedtime stories)
- Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin (work)
- The Last Coyote by Michael Connelly (bedroom)
- Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell (bathroom)
This is how I work. Rather than carrying books around – or using a Kindle or something – I just keep books in different areas of my life. That way if I’m ever sitting in the car or somewhere that I have to wait, I have a book. If I’m going to sleep, I usually try to read for about 15-20 minutes, so I have one by my bed.
So throw out your suggestions. I’ve ordered a few of your books – and I’m reading the Bosch and Harvath series because of your suggestions – so I take your thoughts seriously.
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I recommend Nelson DeMille’s John Corey series. The Corey character is a retired NYPD detective working on an anti terrorism task force and he has a great sense of humor.
Recently, I completed The John Rain series written by Barry Eisler. You will find yourself pulling for the appropriate bad guys (or not); don’t want to give this away. What I found amazing is that much of the series takes place in Japan and the Japanese culture and history is described in great detail. Although you may find the books predictable even a bit lightweight the revelations of the Japanese society held my interest. Certainly something different as they were written over the years and even partially re-written and still hold up well as a cultural comparison.
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If you like The Godfather and haven’t read the book, I highly recommend it. Movie was done very closely from book and reading the book just gives a lot more insight and some great background on characters esp Al Neri and Johnny Fontaine (Sinatra). Given the recent uproar over the Houston Astros I also recommend Baseball Codes by Jason Turbow. Finally, A Chance in Hell – about Battle for Ramadi in 2006.
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I made the mistake of reading Godfather right after we wrapped up in Fallujah. The food man, the food. I can’t remember ever being as hungry as I was while reading that book
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I read all of Mario Puzo’s books in about one year. I used to be obsessed with his books, organized crime, etc. Donnie Brasco, Sammy “The Bull” Gravano, Henry Hill, etc. My favorite Puzo book (aside from “The Godfather”) was “The Sicilian.” “Omerta” is another good one.
Thanks for the suggestions!
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Loved bother The Sicilian, and Omerta!
Mafia was my thing for a couple years. I’d read or watch anything, and listen to NY jarheads’ stories (legends from their neighborhoods)
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extreme ownership was interesting. i havent read talking to strangers but most of his books are good so maybe ill check it out.
i always recommend mark bowden books, if you havent read many of those. most people know black hawk down but doctor dealer and killing pablo were great and i liked his book on buddy ryans eagles (bringing the heat)
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“Talking to Strangers” is decent so far because of the stories it tells, but some of the content seems to only loosely be tied to the overall thesis. But it’s still an engaging and quick read.
Thanks for the suggestion on the Mark Bowden books.
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Haha; At some point in ones life they need to quit reading the thoughts of others and become inventive of their own! Get in tune with how their own life and brain functional thought process worx.
Otherwise one spends their entire life reading the thoughts & ideas of others while never discovering their own – assuming they have any to begin with – and maybe this is ones end result – they have no ability to create their own ideas; their own thoughts their own sparks with which to relish and enjoy life by hence they continue to hope for a spark of life from someone elses concepts & life and hence they always REED!
When young it is good to read the thoughts of others; but at some point in Life one must simply throw it all away; become in tune with ones own originality- assuming one has any to begin with – embrace it and discover what their own mind & heart is realy all about – again assuming that one has some capability – and yes I’ll concede most dont – but for those who can throw everyone elses bullshit aside and embrace and live their own thoughts, feelings, ideas and life that one has discovered to be the reality of oneself……. well most don’t or can’t! Needy basterds that they are!
Jez sayin…………..INTJohn
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Thanks for reading my blog!
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LOL. He tee’d that up for you and you knocked it out.
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