Some Books. Mostly bad ones.

I have been shamefully remiss in my pursuit of good reading material.  I like to keep at least one good (quality) book of history or fiction at play as well as at least one good technical book.  However, during times of personal stress I resort to pulp mystery fiction, trashy war novels, and other pointless crap.

With that in mind, here are some of the books I have read lately.

The Hot Kid by Elmor Leonard 

Yet another winner from the master of witty banter and clever dialog.  Carlos is a cool headed Marshall who chases the likes of Pretty Boy Floyd, Dillinger, and the like all around Oklahoma in the thirties.  Apparently, they had sex in the thirties, too.  Who knew?

From the writer of Get Shorty, and Jackie Brown, this is another one worthy of falling asleep to.

They Call me Naughty Lola by by David Rose

This is just an odd book. It is a collection of personal adds from a newspaper in London, and I must say these people put the “W” in weird.  Many are hilarious and the complete collection is perfect bathroom reading material.  You know what I’m saying.

Shooter: The Autobiography of the Top-Ranked Marine Sniper by Jack Coughlin, Casey Kuhlman, and Donald A. Davis

The story of yet another Marine Corp Gunnery Sergeant who saw action in both Iraq wars and other conflicts.  He does offer some interesting observations on the changing role of the modern sniper in urban warfare.  No more hiding in the bushes, it is a different scene.

The Definitive Book of Body Language by Barbara Pease and Allan Pease

Having recently outted myself as one who struggles with conversations, meetings, and other social interactions, I devour books like this one hoping to implement the principles within and turn myself into some semblance of normal.  It never works, but I soldier on.  This book is one of the better in the genre, with great examples and real life scenarios.  Bottom line is this: Move less because people who have read this book are watching you.