Some summer reading, maybe a bit late

So some great big important news to start off this day: Goods is back, at a new location. He starts his comeback with a post, that, umm, just announces his comeback. I'm assuming there will be more to come soon.

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I've been reading a bunch this summer, some books have certainly been better than others. If you've read anything good this summer, go ahead and throw it in the comments section. Goody, this would exclude your php manuals and how to make babies books.

The Winter of Frankie Machine by Don Winslow
This is hardly the first mob/detective novel out there, but it might be the first surfing/detective/mob hitman story out there. This is the perfect book for the a beach blanket, light, interesting, and a quick read.

A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore
If you haven't read any books by Christopher Moore, I'm not sure this is the first one I would recommend. Either Lamb, the Gospel according to Biff Christ's Childhood Pal or Bloodsucking Fiends would be a better starting point. Moore writes fantastical stories with outlandish plot lines, yet somehow recognizable characters. In A Dirty Job, the main character, who is basically "your average Joe", becomes Death. Funny and zany situations ensue.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
For those who haven't gotten in on the Harry Potter phenomenon, I understand. You're not a child, you don't like fantasy books, blah, blah. But seriously, give it a shot. These are fun, energetic books that whir by. I think it took me about 5 hours to read this last one, and it was a fun five hours. And the characters? Let's just say that most literary works don't have characters with this many shades of grey.

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
Dennis Lehane is the author of Mystic River, which was a good book but was actually a better movie. He also has a series of five books out that feature the same two characters in a Spenser for Hire sort of vibe. These are all good enough books, well worth a read if you like those sort of books. In my opinion, Shutter Island was his best. It starts out as a murder/mystery based in the 1950's, and becomes, well, more. I don't want to ruin any of the details, but let's just say that by the end of the book, any surprise or shock that you feel has been earned.

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Don't worry Goody, next time I'll write about something with moving pictures.