A Strange Habit of Mind by Andrew Clavan

    Good book, well-written, gritty as expected.

The Tempest by William Shakespeare

     Enjoyed this mainly because we read the play, read about the play, and read it again "in translation." And saw the BBC movie version. A delightful classic.

The Mission Song by John le Carré

     Mixed-race son of a Catholic missionary priest to the Congo who speaks many languages works as an interpreter for security "entities." In London meets a Congolese nurse. Good characters, good writing. Evokes sympathy for Congo's plight. Sad ending but true to life I'm sure.

Bridge of Spies by Giles Whittell

     Didn't think this could be as good as Strangers on a Bridge but it was very good and complementary. Very well-written and well-researched. Lots of newer information that has emerged.

The Gods of Guilt by Michael Connelly

     A good read. Lincoln lawyer, Haller, is feeling guilty about events, juxtaposed to the idea of a jury assigning guilt like gods. Who is his jury?

Math Games with Bad Drawings by Ben Orlin

     A fascinating book of simple games that are fun, challenging, and demonstrate some deep math at the same time. An engaging book my grandkids also enjoyed. Hours of fun. Big book, more than one can really take in.

The Drop by Michael Connelly

     Bosch investigates death of the son of an enemy. Did he jump or was he pushed. Politics of homicide investigation in the big city. Also a serial murderer hides by pretending to be his father. (spoiler)

The Street Lawyer by John Grisham

     An older book I had missed. About homelessness, greed and lawyers who serve the poor. Good plot and characters. The good guys win.

Who Killed Miss Finch? by Peter Boon

 (read aloud)

    Fun mystery with Aspergers school librarian and his fellow "detective," an autistic student.

Death is a Two-Stroke Penalty by James Y. Barlett

 (read aloud)

    Fun mystery. Interesting things about golf and golfers and the "tour." Language warning.

AI Superpowers by Kai-Fu Lee

     Important topic but book didn't catch my interest. Vague about details, geopolitical.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

     Similar to Pride and Prejudice but different enough to be engaging. Characters one cares about.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

     Really enjoyed this, particularly her use of language. Dialogue fun to read.

Gently and Lowly by Dane Ortlund

     Wonderful exposition of Jesus's self-description. Book is basically an unfolding of the inexhaustible love of Christ. Given by Stu.

The Dark Hours by Michael Connelly

     A Bosch - Ballard story. Quite clever story with exciting ending.

Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology by Chris Miller

    All the most advanced chips for the entire world are made by one company in Taiwan and the machines that make the chips are made by one company in Holland. Any disruption of these would be catastrophic and Taiwan could be attacked at any time.     

Desert Storm by Michael Connelly

     Bosch and Ballard together work cold cases. Great story telling. Bosch is mellowing slightly.

Palace Council by Stephen L. Carter

 (read aloud)

    A very good, well-written novel of the struggle of the "darker nation." America in the Nixon era viewed from the wealthier level of Harlem is both interesting and shocking. More violent than I remember. Lots of characters but the main ones are well drawn.

Astoria by Peter Stark

     Amazing story of the founding of Astoria, Oregon by land and by sea. I enjoyed the amazing effort and was surprised that it actually ended in failure. Much suffering and tragedy. The distances and communication difficulty are like space travel! Well-written. One effect was change from Lewis and Clark route to one that became the Oregon Trail. Hell's Canyon needed to be avoided! And leave to go west early to avoid winter in the mountains!

Livid by Patricia Cornwell

     About microwave weapons. Slightly better than her recent works. Writing is decent.

Night Shift by Robin Cook

     Once I start I have to read to the end, despite formulaic plot and poor writing!

That Hideous Strength by C. S. Lewis

     Read for book group. Rulers, authorities, powers and dominions. Forces of good and evil. Prescient and timely and insightful. Classic. A treasure.

Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer by John Grisham

     Surprisingly engaging murder mystery with courtroom drama and nods to Perry Mason. Leaves room for sequel which I want to read.

The LEGO Story by Jens Andersen

     A long, detailed story of LEGO. The beginning is interesting about the family and their deep religious past. The setbacks, including two devastating fires, and the courage and determination. Much of the book is less interesting, about succession of the generations of this family-owned business.

A Share in Death by Deborah Crombie

 (read aloud)

    Murder in a British time share. Quite good writing. Another kindhearted single detective with eager female sidekick. Fun read but not very original.