I began the calendar year 2018 with the belief that, among other things, I would never be a fan of James Ellroy. Many readers have that one author they think they should like, perhaps because they are drawn to said author’s specific genre (for me, that’s mystery novels, particularly moody period pieces set in LA). And they try, try, and try again to get into their books with no luck. James Ellroy is that writer for me. I read American Tabloid years ago and it was a […]
The Hell of War on the Home Front
Read as part of CBR10Bingo: Almost award winner. Perfidia was nominated for the 2015 Folio Prize but did not win. It speaks to the times we live in that the depth of my cynicism has allowed me to appreciate James Ellroy novels in a way I never could before this summer. This is the second book of his I’ve read the last few months and it’s one of the best things I read in 2018. It could also be that this one is slightly better than the […]
I’d much rather watch people do what they do than talk to them across a desk
Draft no 4 – 3/5 Stars I don’t know much about John McPhee. I didn’t grow up reading the New Yorker or being around or knowledgeable about public intellectuals and they’re not much discussed in academic classes. What I was hoping this was is a book cataloging good writing and revision rules and advice the way books by like William Zinsser are. Instead it’s more like a writing memoir from a widely known and documented public career. There’s some advice here and there, but it’s […]
You Don’t Know From Gritty
L.A. Confidential by James Ellroy OK, well, if you’re looking for a quick little detective romp that makes you feel good about policing in America you REALLY need to look elsewhere. I knew this would be dark going in but man, this book is really dark and pretty graphic. I had to take a few breaks while reading it because it was getting a bit overwhelming. It is also one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. This story is way more […]
“I learn things late–and only the hard way.”
I am five reviews behind because I HATED this book & didn’t feel like putting the time into a review. So…does that count as a review? “I am best served in my life’s goals if I lay in the dark, brood, sleep, listen to classical music, spend time with my few friends, and chase women. That’s what I do. I chase women. I spend time with my few friends. I brood. I sleep. I earn money, and I work.” If you can read the excerpt […]
Sex and crime, described in sentences containing five words or less
LA Confidential was a present from my boyfriend, a James Ellroy junkie, so the pressure for liking this book was already high. And since I’m a bit of a contrarian (A bit?! my boyfriend would say), I’m predisposed to dislike things that others so vehemently love. I’ll find the holes to poke through, the flaws that are there — whether intentionally placed or not — and I’ll do my best to skewer the book/movie/show that others love so much. Because I’m a bitch. There’s a reason why […]