What Did You Read in September 2024?
I hope everyone had a good month of reading! I further hope that (1) you will find something of interest in my reading list and (2) you’ll share what you read. I read a lot of good crime fiction, current nonfiction, theology, and a book on movies:
Not pictured FICTION:
Comeback (Parker #17, 1997) Richard Stark
Parker fans had to wait 23 years between Butcher’s Moon (1974) and Comeback (1997). We now have the luxury of moving from book 16 to 17 without delay, but I imagine that for fans in 1974, it was a tough wait. Comeback delivers, but maybe not as well as the incredible ride from Deadly Edge (#13) to Butcher’s Moon. In Comeback, Parker and company steal the gate receipts at the stadium appearance of a crooked evangelist, but things soon go off the rails after the heist. Parker is still Parker, and while there may not be many surprises here, Comeback is just that: a return to form for Stark.
The Night Visitor and Other Stories (1966) B. Traven
B. Traven is one of the most enigmatic writers of the 20th century, perhaps of all time. We may never know his real name, nationality, or date and place of birth. Most people know him as the writer of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1927, filmed in 1948), but that book only begins to scratch the surface of Traven’s greatness. The ten stories in this collection (including three novellas) convey an authentic, lived-in feel for Mexico, its people, and its culture. The title story involves an American in the Mexican bush whose imagination tries to deal with Mexican and Indian folk legends. It may or may not contain elements of the supernatural. “The Cattle Drive” challenges any Hollywood Western regarding authenticity and believability. The most noirish story, “Midnight Call,” concerns an American English teacher who finds a group of men knocking on his door in the middle of the night, seeking him out for his rumored medical knowledge. “Friendship” is one of the most remarkable dog stories I’ve ever read (and you won’t forget it, either). Yet the final story, “Macario,” a fantasy/fable based on a Brothers Grimm tale, will leave you awestruck, wondering why Traven isn’t required reading. Seek this out. (“Macario” was filmed in 1960 and can be viewed here.)
The Night Always Comes (2021) Willy Vlautin
My first encounter with Willy Vlautin's work was a nice surprise. Although this novel has more drama than I’m used to in my crime fiction, it’s necessary here. Lynette is a 30-year-old woman weighed down by debt, multiple jobs, caring for a developmentally disabled older brother, and a mother who’s reluctant to make an important decision that could make all their lives easier. The opening contains long conversations between Lynette and her mom, which appear tedious, but you find out later how crucial they are. I don’t quite buy the ending, but The Night Always Comes asks some tough questions about people barely scraping by contrasted with the greedy rich, yet handled in a way that avoids heavy-handedness. And it’s totally noir. I’m eager to read more by Vlautin.
Not pictured NONFICTION:
Mississippi Swindle: Brett Favre and the Welfare Scandal that Shocked America (2024) Shad White
Mississippian Shad White, the youngest state auditor in the nation, blows the roof off a welfare fraud case involving many individuals and agencies who should’ve known better. The most public figure in the story is former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, but the tale runs much deeper. The book is a quick read and short (under 300 pages) but lacks details and a stronger narrative to support them. There’s far too much “That happened, then this happened” reporting. White touches on the systemic problems, but being from Mississippi, I wanted to read more about what led to this particular problem, why it persists, and what can be done.
From the photo FICTION:
Somebody’s Done For (1967) David Goodis
I’m so thankful that Stark House Press is keeping the works of writers like David Goodis in print. Goodis’s final novel takes place on Delaware Bay, where Calvin Jander’s boat capsizes with no other people, boats, or land in sight. Almost exhausted from treading water, Cal’s hope springs to life as two men in a boat draw near, see him, but then turn around. I won’t tell you how Cal gets out of this predicament, but once he does, he might wish he’d drowned. This is dark stuff expertly handled.
From the photo NONFICTION:
Black Pill: How I Witnessed the Darkest Corners of the Internet Come to Life, Poison Society, and Capture American Politics (2024) Elle Reeve
I generally avoid political books, and I’m unsure how to review this one in a short format like this newsletter. I’ll simply link to Literary Hub where you can read various reviews. Many will find the book uncomfortable, if not offensive, yet America is in a dark place now, and Black Pill explains some of the reasons why.
How to Stay Married: The Most Insane Love Story Ever Told (2023) Harrison Scott Key
I recently met with my college pastor (from 40 years ago), who asked me if I’d ever read any books by Harrison Scott Key. Maybe I thought he was going to tell me that Key is the ancestor of the writer of “The Star-Spangled Banner” (he’s not), but instead, I learned about a writer who is both hilarious and heartbreaking. Key’s marriage journey is tough reading, and you often feel guilty laughing at his humor, but you both laugh and cry. Striking that balance is an extraordinary feat.
Daniel (Tyndale Old Testament Commentary #23, 1978) Joyce G. Baldwin
I’ve recently finished reading the Old Testament, struggling with many of the major and minor prophets. As kids in Sunday School, we learn many cool stories from the Book of Daniel, but you find those in the first six chapters. The remaining six are quite challenging. I was recently looking for a good introduction to Daniel, and while this one contains helpful information, my knowledge of ancient history (essential to understanding the book) was a hindrance. This isn’t Baldwin’s fault but rather mine. The dating of the book is also a huge issue, one I wasn’t prepared to immerse myself in this quickly. Most of the problems I encountered stem from my own ignorance. I hope to find a more general introduction to the book rather than a commentary. While I think I’ve found one, I welcome suggestions.
Christianity and Liberalism: 100th Anniversary Edition (1923/2023) J. Gresham Machen
Christianity and Liberalism is considered one of the most important theological books of the past 100 years and is still relevant, plus, it’s not a difficult read. You can read more about it here.
Not Even Nominated: 40 Overlooked Costars of Oscar-Winning Performances (2024) John DiLeo
My full review here.
Okay, now let me know what you read in September 2024.