Persuader by Lee Child

Today I finished reading Persuader by Lee Child.

I read this book as a part of my Learn to Write by Reading Project.

I love a good thriller.  This is a good thriller.  Jack Reacher is a marvelous protagonist.  I wish I had thought of him first.  No wonder the ladies love Reacher.

Writing Tools by Peter Clark

Today I finished reading Writing Tools by Peter Clark

I bought this book because some How-To book author recommended it.  I'm glad they did.  It is unique on my reference shelf.  Instead of talking about structure, characters, theme, etc., this book is about how to write.  I imagine it is what a line editor would tell you about your sentence.  Most of it went over my head rapidly.  But that doesn't mean I won't be back to it for a little more after I absorb what I learned during my first pass.  There's enough meat here to keep you re-reading for years.

The book jacket describes Peter Clark as a writer who teaches and a teacher who writes.  Every one of the 50 Tools is followed by a workshop (you know - homework).  I imagine if you successfully completed all of the workshops you'd be one heck of a writer.  Not that I'm likely to complete any of the workshops any time soon.  But I'll think about it.

This is a really good How-To book.  I give it four stars.

Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth

Today I finished Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth.

I read this book as a part of my Learn to Write by Reading Project.

The Athena Project by Brad Thor

Today I finished reading The Athena Project by Brad Thor.

I read this book as a part of my Learn to Write by Reading Project.

An interesting book.  I wondered if half of the technical and special forces organizational information contained in the book was true.  I don't think it could all be true.  I wondered what was true and what wasn't.  But then it's a novel.  I guess none of it had to be true.

True Grit by Charles Portis

Today I read True Grit by Charles Portis.

I read it as a part of my Learn to Write by Reading Project.

The new movie is in the theater.  I remember the John Wayne movie.  I may go see the new one.  Or, maybe not.  But I will read the book.  Books are usually better than their movies.

Creating Characters by Dwight Swain

Today I finished reading Creating Characters, How to Build Story People (1990) by Dwight Swain.

This is a solid addition to my reference bookshelf.  I did not find a lot of earth shaking new information on character development.  But, the book is well written and comprehensive.

I give it three stars.

Without Fail by Lee Child

Today I finished reading Without Fail by Lee Child.

I read this book as a part of my Learn to Write by Reading Project.

Go Reacher.

Worry?

She asked, "Do you want me to be more worried?"
"No.  Let's wait till we know what we're worried about."