"The Patriot Threat"

Thank you to the Goodreads First Reads program for a copy of Steve Berry’s latest thriller, “The Patriot Threat”.  I admit to being a huge fan of Berry’s early work, but I have passed on the last couple installments due to issues that are almost entirely absent in this latest book. 

Berry weaves a fascinating, detailed and well-written tale, occasionally utilizing original source materials, to connect the present day United States with its Revolutionary and Gilded Age past.  Secret documents stolen by former Treasury Secretary, Andrew Mellon, and presented in code to his nemesis, President Franklin Roosevelt, threaten to surface and destroy the modern American economy.  Berry calls on reliable Cotton Malone, Stephanie Nelle, and an assorted cast of characters to thwart attempts by a North Korean exile and the Chinese government to reach the secret first.

I was particularly drawn to the stories of the Haym Solomon debt and potential problems with the ratification of the 16^th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.  I found myself putting the book down repeatedly to Google these topics as they were developed, and was shocked to learn how real these issues were, or maybe still are!

Berry also excels when discussing the oppressive nature of North Korea, specifically the infamous prison camps designed to eliminate enemies and opposition for multiple generations.  Tragic beyond words.

The greatest difficulty for many authors is the ability to provide a satisfactory ending to a book.  I can enjoy the first ninety percent of a Steve Berry book, totally enveloped by his narrative, and then want to throw the book across the room after reading the last few chapters.  In this case, the never-ending fight/chase scenes at the conclusion were mercifully brief.   I believe people are drawn to these books because of the connection to real historical events and the often convincing alternate realities presented by Berry.  No one wants to read forty pages of silly chase scenes contrived to provide us a “thrilling” finale.  STICK TO THE STORY!!!

All that said, I could not put this book down and absolutely loved it.  This is the best Steve Berry book in a while, and I highly recommend it to other readers.  Five stars in its genre.

 

 

"This is the Life"

“This is the Life” by Alex Shearer arrived the other day via the Goodreads First Reads program, and I was immediately leery due to the “The Fault in our Stars” comparison on the back cover.  My fear of more John Green-like drivel was almost instantly quelled, however, and I found this to be an absolutely wonderful, heartwarming, and often hilarious novel.

Set in Australia, this is the story of two brothers dealing with loss.  Cancer stricken Louis must deal with the loss of his memory, his health, his identity, his freedom, and ultimately his life.  His unnamed narrator brother comes from the United Kingdom to aid Louis through his final weeks and deals with the loss of his brother while reliving often uncomfortable memories from their past.

While this was an “easy read” – two sittings for me - I hesitate to use the phrase as too many do so derisively.  This was an easy read because the story was so tight and well written that I couldn’t put it down.  The author weaves an increasingly sad narrative with introspective musings on loss and the meaning of existence.

One set of passages particularly resonated with me and precipitated a wonderful discussion with my wife and youngest daughter about the value of shared memories:

“The rest of it was all in my head – once shared memories that I now shared with no one…There was nobody left to know.  There was no other witness to all those ordinary, familiar, banal, dramatic, mundane, extraordinary, devastating events…And so it must be with all lives, and all those who survive for a while longer.  All our importances that mean so little to others – and all their recollections, so similar to our own, and yet which barely touch us, except in their evocation.”

 This is a substantial and sad novel of loyalty, family and loss, not to be so easily dismissed or (hopefully) lumped together with the works of John Green.  I highly recommend this book and intend to search out some of Mr. Shearer’s earlier works that somehow escaped me.

"Exam Room Confidential: The Wellborne Files"

I really enjoyed reading this debut novel from Dr. Siegel.  I was interested in the characters and the well-developed plot, but fascinated by the insider view of doctors and hospitals.  If half of what Dr. Siegel discusses in this “behind the curtain” novel is true, I will never look at the medical profession the same way again!  Some readers might be turned off by the heavy use of medical terminology, but I found it informative and well-explained.  The author is at his best when discussing the many daily conflicts of a physician and excels during extended debates of these issues.  On the down side, I found the timeline a little confusing in places after the first few chapters, and the attempts at realistic dialogue a bit forced and preachy at times.  Overall a very worthwhile read.  I look forward to the next installment of “Exam Room Confidential”.