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Isolation Ward by Joshua Spanogle May 15, 2007

Posted by Book Reader in Joshua Spanogle, Scott Brick.
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It could have been a nice spin-out-of-control global dying out book, a la Stephen King’s The Stand, but it turns out to be simply a who-dun-it. While I understand why some people prefer this kind of page turners, I definitely prefer books focused much more on feelings, personalities, the mixture of good and evil in us. Jodi Picoult’s works are much more attractive to me…

Oh, talking about Mr. King… Didn’t the protagonist in Gerald’s Game use blood as the lubricant to get rid of handcuffs? And with no anesthetic…

So—if you are into Scott Brick’s narration, especially Nelson DeMille’s books, go for it. Otherwise, you may books that leave a deeper imprint on your personality.

Wild Fire by Nelson DeMille, or “John, save the world, please” November 18, 2006

Posted by Book Reader in Nelson DeMille, Scott Brick.
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So, John Corey saved the world again. Despite all the evil doings of resurrected Ted Nash, John succeeds.

OK, sarcasm aside. I just finished the book. It was a grasping story, an easy read, with a plethora of jokes and smart quick responses by increadibly smart and yet so arrogant and primitive hero. The plot is a mix of unbelievable (another CIA conspiracy theory) and—that’s scary—something that’s possible these days (e.g. the suitcase stuff the Russians missed when the USSR fell apart). The book was a good material for a Hollywood production, and I guess it’s bound to be converted to a major studio production sooner or later.

What was the best in the book?

  • John Corey, with his taste for “pigs in blankets” and incredibly witty responses to anything anyone can say. How he treated Rudi (?) from the gas station… That was classy.
  • Storytelling.
  • Narration by Scott Brick. I listened to the story read by Scott–an excellent narrator, very good in thrillers, but also amazing in e.g. The Heart of Darkness–and again, this was a great performance. Apparently, Scott enjoyed the job as well, and the hilarious jokes made him “waste a lot of takes,” which he admits himself in the interview with the author.

If you are looking for a good vacation-type of terrorism thriller, that’s the book for you. In the “entertainment” class of novels with is 5 out of 5.