Good Reads Vol. 3
Race to the Bottom of Crazy – Richard Grant
This book is classic Richard Grant who I am a devoted fan of at this point. His writing has evolved very well over the years and the books. This particular book is about him picking up the family and moving back to Tucson, AZ. I think mostly so he could write about the craziness that is Arizona. This is a great modern history of the area with all sides considered. Arizona is a crazy place and he brings his experiences to the pages in engaging and thoughtful ways.
He's also got a free documentary on his website: https://www.richardgrant.us/american-nomads-documentary/
It's one of the best documentaries that I have seen. Worth a watch!
Of course in this particular book he talks about his old friend Chuck Bowden. If you want to get into some dark, dark hard core reporting about life in the Mexican border towns, then you'll love Charles Bowden. He interviews some ruthless killers and the folks that are living with intensely elevated levels of crime in their lives. Sadly he passed away(~2014), but his books and audio recordings are still around, very well done and still relevant.
Punk Avenue – Phil Marcade, Legs McNeil
If you're into music, this is a fun, engaging, historical read. Like most books rooted in rock and roll band genre, it's full of crazy shenanigans, people behaving badly and a coming of age tale that's worth a read.
Legs McNeil also wrote “The Other Hollywood” which is an oral history of the porn industry Deep Throat era. Rated: Absolutely Awesome.
And Please Kill Me which is also about the 70's & 80's punk music scene.
Punk Aveneue is the only one on Audio so far, so the other two you'll have to read the old fashioned way.
Never Split the Difference – Chris Voss
Awesome book about negotiating and a good resource for opportunities in the field. His website is mentioned here, but he gives you enough information in the book that you don't need to go to his in person classes unless you want to. Of all the classes that I have ever jumped into, his is by far the most expensive. Worth it if you're in the field of professional negotiations it seems.
I did check out his Master Class after I read this and it's basically the cliff notes of the same information. The book is the best value.
A Someday Courtesan – Sephe Haven
Excellent coming of age story from Sephe Haven. Most of the book, you just want to cry for this woman. Her story is heart wrenching and aggravating. Like just stick up for yourself already! Ah, but that's the rub. She goes through hell to find herself and evolve herself into an empowered woman, sex worker and playwright. A worthwhile read or listen.
An Honest Woman – Charlotte Shane
This book started out wonderfully. A great memoir, fun and engaging. The second half of the book was heavily focused on her one client and what sounded like her dependency on him. I won't give any spoilers here but the relationship with her client seemed to overshadow the rest of her life and the 2nd half of the book. She makes only a brief mention that she has a life husband and that is at the very end, like an afterthought. It's one persons story but it didn't compel me enough to want to pick up her other book(s).
Billy Summers – Steven King
This was a fantastic read. This story was a fun twist on the modern day hit man that wants to get out of the business. It's got all of the elements plus just a hint at a supernatural edge that is Steven King style at it's best. Engaging, well written and a non-stop page turner!
Rose Madder – Steven King
2nd time around with this novel. It's heavier on the super natural elements which I enjoy. It's about real life monsters and it's rooted in female empowerment(or anyone who's dealt with real life monsters). I read this previously when I was holed up in a cabin in the woods mid-winter about 20yrs ago, so I remember it being a satisfying ending. I am however not at the end this time just yet.
This one would make a great movie and it's fun to think about who would play some of the characters. Haunting and memorable.