Book Reviews

In the last few weeks, I have read several noteworthy books.  The latest was The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by the Swedish writer Stieg Larsson.  It was a very good story, and not hard to read.  I understand there are two more books in the series, but I am in no hurry to read them.  I want to spread them out a little. Maybe this is because Mr. Larsson died after he finished writing the three novels, or maybe because the writing was somewhat intense and I need a break before I can continue with my vicarious look into the lives of these characters who live so much more intensely than I do, or even want to.  Whichever it is, it will be a while before I read the next book in the series.

Another book I read recently was The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins.  Mr. Dawkins makes a very compelling case for there not being a god, even in the introduction to the book where he points out that there would have been no Crusades, no Spanish Inquisition, no 9/11, and a whole bunch of other wars, attacks, killings, and imprisonments if there were no belief in a god by anyone.  Science would also have seen more discoveries and been able to answer more questions if religious beliefs hadn't gotten in the way.   A very disturbing and enlightening book, but very commonsensical.

Before that, I read a novel called Still Missing by Chevy Stevens.  The main character's story of abduction was told through her sessions with her psychoanalyst, each chapter being a new session.  Even though we know at the beginning of the book that the main character was saved, there is still a surprise ending.  Very good entertainment.

The Secret Lives of Somerset Maugham by Selina Hastings shows us the richness of the author's life and his unquenchable thirst for writing, whether it be books, stories, or screenplays. In spite or, or maybe because of, his bisexuality, his zest for travel, and his friendship with world leaders (think Winston Churchill), Maugham was a prolific writer who never failed to write for three hours every day after breakfast.  This book was very well written and really good.