Daily Reading
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Nelson Demille's
The Lion's Game (fiction)
When I think about this book, the first thing that comes to mind is "What a ride." Nelson Demille is probably best known as the writer of The General's Daughter (A movie I have not seen), but after reading The Lion's Game it is obvious that his work and talent far exceed a simple book turned movie setup.
In all honesty, I have been a bit hesitant about this review, as the book's subject is the hunt for a Libyan terrorist in the U.S. Published in 2000, reading it after world events in the past two years, is a bit of an eerie experience as much of what Demille writes about has come up in the world's spotlight.
Still, this is an excellent book and it would be a disservice to cast it aside. Opening in a New York airport with the Anti-Terrorist Task Force's newest member, Detective John Corey, as narrator we are treated with sharp wit and solid story foundation that encourages further reading. What makes this story stand out though is the change in point of view, switching between the protagonist, John and the antagonist, Asad Kahlil. A great deal of the suspense in the novel comes from knowing what Asad is going to do and wondering just how close John and the ATTF are to figuring out his plans. Suspense is a great deal of what makes this such a great read, and drawing the reader into the story. However, it is worth noting that story defies the usual formula of thrillers, leading to revelations that give pause without being shocking.
There is no perfect novel though, and Lion's Game does have its flaws. The largest one is the ending, which seems a bit "that's it?" after the intense ride needed to get there. Indeed, getting there isn't half the fun in this book, it is the fun, which may disappoint some. Yet, once you start reading this, I can guarantee it will be difficult to put down.
Overall, I think this book is appealing to fans of thrillers, police dramas or books that bring something new to the table. Definitely stop by your local library and pick this up, or click the above link to obtain a copy from Amazon.com
9:26 AM
Book review is still brewing. Interview is on hold. Now for something completely different.
Iraq. Yes, the hot topic on every news station, newspaper and any other forum. It is certainly not my intent to add to the chorus of disharmony on the matter. Rather, the goal is to simplify things. Tired of everyone going on about this? Not sure what the fuss is about? Can't make heads or tails of the situation?
Read on.
Quick review: Iraq is a country in the mid-east led by Saddam Hussein. Iraq was the enemy during the Gulf War in the early 1990's. The U.S. managed to stop Iraq during the Gulf War, but we didn't topple Saddam. Coincidently, President Bush (Sr.) was president during the war.
Back to today: Hussein is still in charge. He's not exactly liked by the United Nations or the U.S. The U.S. is afraid he's making weapons of mass destruction and feels that if Hussein were overthrown, the problem would be solved. Iraq denies any ties to weapons of mass destruction (side note: would you admit to having ties to weapons of mass destruction?). Iraq's trying to work with the U.N. to keep the peace as it were.
In the U.S. , President Bush (Jr.) along with others would like to see Hussein out of there (side note: Could this have anything to do with his father's legacy?). Members of Congress, along with the American public and people all over the world are wondering why exactly. It is unusual for the U.S. be the primary aggressor in a conflict, and a lot of people cannot see what Iraq has done lately that would call for us to go to war with them. Bush and his supporters maintain that Hussein is a threat.
So, on one side you have people saying, "Iraq's a problem. We should send the military in."
On the other side you have people saying, "What's Iraq done to us lately? Aren't we still trying to deal with terrorists?"
Hope that clears things up.
1:19 PM
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