8 Favorite Books Read In 2020


 "Every book is a new book if you haven't read it!  And so, let us begin.





"They Thirst" by Robert R. McCammon (1981)
"They Thirst" is not the scariest vampire novel you'll read from this heavily populated genre, but it does have fast legs that will carry you long into the night. (full review)









"Custer" by Larry McMurtry (2012)
A biography about Gen. George Armstrong Custer and the players and events leading up to the historic battle at Little Big Horn.  Reads quick and is perfect for readers who want to start with a light meal, rather than a full course.  McMurtry gives us a fast and fascinating read and it satisfied an itch I didn't even know I had. (full review)








"The Snowman" by Jo Nesbo (2010)
The story moves along quickly with plenty of plot twists and ducks to keep everything edgy.  And the author plays fair with the clues, which is always cool.  "The Snowman" was all good, but for a few of the Norwegian names that caused me to trip over my tonsils.  I got over it.  You will, too. (full review)








"End Of Watch" by Stephen King (2016)
This is the third and final story in the Stephen King trilogy that started with his book, "Mr. Mercedes."   There is plenty of mystery and action and page-turning suspense in all three "stand-alone" stories.  But here, SK takes us full circle back to Mr. Mercedes and gives us a satisfying conclusion that takes it to the house and leaves us with an almost perfect farewell. (full review)




"The Great Escape" by Paul Brickhill (1950)
There is no Steve McQueen motorcycling over fences like in the movie.  In this true story, only 76 prisoners actually made it through the tunnel,..and nearly all were recaptured.  And a huge number of those escapees were put to death under Hitler's order.  Author Paul Brickhill's retelling of this incredible escape may not be as flashy as the star-studded film, but then again, the truth here cuts much deeper. 




"The Hawkline Monster" - by Richard Brautigan (1974)
This gothic tale is like Lonesome Dove on crack.  The story is both naughty and bawdy.  Mysterious and dangerous.  And quirky as fark!  Chapters are no more than one or two pages in length and yet the writing never feels cheap.  "The Hawkline Monster" is one of those “under-the-radar” novels that are so much fun to discover. (full review)







"Spangle" by Gary Jennings (1987)
Gary Jennings takes us through the ins and outs and the goings-on of an up and coming circus in the late 19th century.  The strategy is keeping one step ahead and two steps afloat as they venture from one town to another.  Expect the unexpected.  At 900+ pages, "Spangle" is a commitment, for sure, but it's still one worth getting lost in. (full review)





And once again,  "Every book is a new book if you haven't read it!"  Go out and get you one.


"I'm Reading A Book"  -  Julian Smith

Good stuff.

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