Cincinnati Babyhead

Speaks his mind on music & movies!

CB Checks Out The Library

download (6)

CB likes to read. Believe it or not. Yeah I know, this is supposed to be a place of music and film but you can put on some music while you read or read while you’re watching a real boring fucking movie with your gal or guy.

Anyway enough of my nonsense. I’ve been a story guy since I can remember. Whether it’s a film, a book, verbal whatever. I love a good story. So here are a few books that might give you some summer (or any other season you choose) reading. I won’t impress you with my high intellect and “Boy that CB sure has read some high brow stuff”. No. It’s the same as the music/film I love. These books I really dug.

Miami Blues

download (11) Without a doubt one of my favorite writers. Charles Willeford. This novel introduces us to Hoke Mosley, one of my all time favorite fictional characters. A Miami homicide cop with a bunch of baggage just trying to make ends meet and catch a psychopath. I think I might read it again after that intro.

Lonesome Dove

download (12) Just a great story by a guy who knows this stuff. A little longer than my usual reads but worth every page. A great American book. Hey, a great book.

 

Party Of One

41C4kPCr7+L You might recognize this guy. Our very own Music Enthusiast (some of our friends on this blog thing have hidden talents) does a fine job telling a story about  a young guy trying to get his shit together in Philly in the 70’s.  Good read with lots of humor and real characters. CB got a real feel for the time and place. “Doc. Well done”.

 

White Jazz

images (7) My first step into James Ellroy’s world. It’s a different place and not for the faint of heart. He pulls no punches and gives you the grit off the grit. Dave Klein is one bad ass cop dealing with everything that is sketchy in LA. You want nice, this isn’t the place for you.

 

The Big Rock Candy Mountain

images (8) In this Wallace Stegner story Bo Mason is looking for the big score, easy street, the big rock candy mountain. With a pocket full of dreams he drags his family along on his misguided quest. Great story. Why hasn’t it been made into a movie?

 

Red Dragon

download (13) This will grab you and take you for a one well written engaging thriller. Get into the mind of a serial killer. The book that started the whole Lecktor thing. It is a good read.

 

The Executioner Song

download (14) This true story had me all the way. So much to take in. The events, the people involved, the circumstances. You can’t make this kind of thing up. Absolutely fascinating. You will never forget the name Gary Gilmore.

 

Evergreen Dreaming : Trail Tales Of An Aging Hiker

download (16) Another creative output by one of our blog brothers (greenpete58). You know how much CB likes to take a walk, well he takes a hike with Pete who shares his thoughts and experience on his challenging wilderness outings. He meets them head on. Enjoyed hanging with Pete on this one.

 

The Killer Inside Me

download (7) Big Jim Thompson is another of my favorite writers. If you don’t want dark, scary and crazy stay away from deputy sheriff Lou Ford. A bonafide small town maniac.

 

Paris Trout

download (8) Pete Dexter doesn’t write a bad word in this book or any of his others. Go down south for this story of race, class and murder. Again not a light read.

 

The Hot Kid

download (9) How do you choose a book by Elmore. Just close your eyes and grab one. They’re all good. Carl (Carlos) Webster is a U.S. Marshal during the depression. You don’t want him coming after you. Lots of great characters brought to life by one of the best in the business. Dutch is a fave.

 

Ironweed

download (10) One of William Kennedy’s Albany books. I love this era and this story of a man’s fall from grace. Francis Phelan is being chased by the ghosts from his past. He’s a drunk, he’s a bum and he’s trying to deal with his messed up past. They made a good movie out of this one.

 

Cloudsplitter

download (11) Banks gives us a story about John Brown who just didn’t talk about ending Slavery, he did something about it. Is there anything scarier than a religious nutcase? Fact and fiction come together for a great read.

 

Blood Meridian

images (10) We are on the Texas/Mexico border in the mid 1800’s before it was safe for any living thing. Take a trip into McCarthy’s hell on earth.

 

If these writers don’t grab you check out the literary giants below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

52 comments on “CB Checks Out The Library”

  1. Vinyl Connection
    June 30, 2019

    What a list, CB! You is one prolific reader, mister. Often it’s more than I can manage these days to get through about a half of MOJO.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      June 30, 2019

      I always have my schnoz in a book of some kind. I haven’t done the mag thing for years. I get lots of music stuff from folks like you. Is MOJO still worth picking up?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Vinyl Connection
        June 30, 2019

        I grabbed one recently because the cover CD was a collection of unusual King Crimson tracks. Production values are good and the writing is well researched, but, like you, I’m no longer a regular follower of any mags.

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 1, 2019

        I seen that KC thing on a comment o you left on Music Enthusiast’s station. I was going to act on it maybe still can.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. hotfox63
    June 30, 2019

    Looks like enjoyable evening readings, CB! Hoke Mosley novels are terrific, always in the right tone and no word too much. Didn’t read “The Killer Inside Me” but saw the movie with Stacy Keach. From James Ellroy I know “The Black Dahlia”, but that was rather pale in comparison to Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood”.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      June 30, 2019

      Huge Willeford and Hoke guy. Never caught the Keach film (hard to find), New version a few years ago. Very good but ultra violent.
      You might enjoy ‘My Dark Places’ buy Ellroy. It’s non fiction about him investigating his own mothers murder in the 50’s. Uncensored and raw. I was going to add ‘In Cold Blood’ but I had to keep the list manageable. Maybe next round. A definite favorite read.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • hotfox63
        July 1, 2019

        I love “In Cold Blood”. The mixture of factual reporting and fiction makes a good fluent reading. Another great read is Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road”. I have some Pete Dexter (“Dead Wood”, “Paperboy”) on the shelf. How about “Stoner” by John Williams or Colson Whitehead’s “The Underground Railroad”? As Zappa already said: “So many books, so little time”.

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 1, 2019

        ‘Executioners Song’ is a cousin to ‘In Cold Blood’
        I’ve read all Dexters except the last one. Saving it like a good bottle of wine. The two you mentioned are both really good, ‘Deadwood’ being a particular favorite. I will definitely look into your recommendations. Thanks for that. I was kind of fishing for some suggestions. Zappa is right again.

        Liked by 1 person

      • hotfox63
        July 1, 2019

        Thanks, CB. I put “Deadwood” on top of the pile.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Yeah, Another Blogger
    June 30, 2019

    You’ve definitely added some books to my to-be-read list. That list is so long, I would have to live another 500 years to make a decent dent in it. Here’s a book you might like: I Am The Clay, by Chaim Potok.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      June 30, 2019

      I have the same list. But I do peck away at it. I already have a couple of your other recommendations and will add Potok. Always on the look put for new styles.
      Some of the books above lean towards the violent side. I think I noted them. Thanks for piping in Scotty.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. Jim S.
    June 30, 2019

    Thanks for the shout-out. I can’t speak for Pete but I’m pretty sure I don’t belong on a list with these authors. Speaking of reading, I just picked up Vol2. of a biography about Winston Churchill called “The Last Lion.” Daunting in scope and length but well worth reading. When I was younger I read a lot more fiction. Still do, but I probably read non-fiction 3 to 1 these days over fiction, especially history and biography.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      June 30, 2019

      No problem. I liked the book. I’m all over the map with my reading. I could have put down a few bios and history. ‘Stalingrad ‘ is a great read.
      I have several volumes of Winston books (inherited). I haven’t pulled the trigger but maybe you have nudged me. One of those historical people that I’m interested in. Two notes on Churchill. My great grandfather rode in the same wagon with Church in the Boer War. Yesterday I was watching the Sox/Yanks and they had a race between Henry Vlll, Loch Ness Monster, Freddie Mercury and Winnie. Freddie won.

      Like

      Reply
      • Jim S.
        June 30, 2019

        Hopefully your screenplay is well on the way. Seth Rogen can play the main character. He’s Canadian, therefore I assume you guys know each other. Don’t disappoint me on that one.
        Churchill was a fascinating guy. He did more in one year than most of us do in our whole lives. And that was before he was PM. And I am not referring to you as Sir CB due to your distant relationship to the aristocracy.
        I watched that pathetic slaughter of a game. The mascot race was the best part. It made me laugh. They nailed Freddie’s overbite. That was Churchill? I thought it was ‘Enery the 8th I am, I am. Sox losing again today. If they win the World Series again this year, I will eat Wayne Gretzky’s hockey stick.

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        June 30, 2019

        It was a pretty poor Winston but the cigar in his mouth was the give away. He had no wind and Freddie had the end kick.
        Yeah the Yanks have some heavy bats but it isn’t playoffs yet. Ball is such a streak game. All about the pitching. I’m watching right now. Sox are still in it.
        Not a big bio flick guy but there has been a few good Churchill ones and some great docs. I’ve been saving these Winnie books like a fine wine. Time to pull the cork.
        Seth who?

        Like

      • Jim S.
        June 30, 2019

        Yeah, the last half of the season could make a difference. Sox could pick up a pitcher before trade deadline. I’m going to a couple of games at Fenway and in fact, going to my first Yankees/Sox game when they’re next in town.
        There are some one-volume Churchill books out there. If you wind up picking up ‘The Last Lion’ it’s a commitment.
        I should know you wouldn’t recognize Seth Rogen. The last new movie CB saw was ‘Bridge on the River Kwai.’

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        June 30, 2019

        I take a trip to the ‘Bridge’ every year. See you at the next Sox game.

        Like

      • Jim S.
        June 30, 2019

        I’ll hold up a picture of Seth Rogen.

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        June 30, 2019

        Either that or go naked. Strike that .

        Like

      • Jim S.
        June 30, 2019

        Too late.

        Liked by 1 person

  5. 1dancequeendq
    June 30, 2019

    Some great choices on your list. Also some new authors/books to checkout. #lovereading

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      June 30, 2019

      These were just off the top of my head. It’s like music there are so many choices. Knowing a little about you I have a book that I was going to add (along with about a thousand others) that I think we have both read. Bit of a life changer. Does the Queen have a guess?

      Like

      Reply
  6. 1537
    June 30, 2019

    Ha, books! I did try one once.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Chris
    June 30, 2019

    Nice of you to support the writers from the blogosphere. I watched the Lonesome Dove mini-series which had some great scenes for sure, I imagine the book is even better

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      June 30, 2019

      The movie does a real good job. For a tv project it felt like a feature film. Casting again comes through. But it’s a great story.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. Sarca
    June 30, 2019

    Hey CB! I’ve seen two films based on books you’ve read – Ironweed and Paris Trout, and both have scenes in them that I’ll never forget.

    Seems you share similar novel tastes with Mars! Elmore is one of his favourites!

    Last week, I decided to start to re-read a novel I had read in high school but didn’t really engage with – Margaret Laurence’s A Jest of God. And I’m actually really liking it! But, reading it today, I can totally see how I wouldn’t be the least bit interested in the subject matter as a teen (spinster in her 30s, living with mom, frustrated with her life…). Anyway, I’ve always been a lifelong reader and continue to have a book on the go at all times.
    Cya!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      June 30, 2019

      I knew it it Sarca. I knew you were a word person. Us readers just have that vibe.
      Both films do a good job on the books. So many memorable scenes in both films (books). Just watched Ironweed (again) last week. Francis at his sons grave is a killer. Jack nailed it.
      I kinda got that feel from Mars. Does he laugh out loud like I do when reading Elmore’s books?
      Is the ‘Jest Of God’ a chick book or would CB get something out of it. A good story is a good story.
      I listed a Stegner book above. He has a couple that might fit the ‘Jest’ mould. ‘Remembering Laughter and his Pulitser winner ‘Angle Of repose’. Both very good in my opinion. Away from all that gangster/crime shit I love. Again. Good stories.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Sarca
        June 30, 2019

        This is my first Laurence novel, and seems to have sort of a women’s POV slant, can’t say for sure it would be up your alley, but what do I know?

        Mars def laughs out loud. Oh, and I forgot to mention his love for James Ellroy. I have a feeling if you were to come over, you would be right at home with our library!

        Also, Evergreen Dreaming sounds like a hike I’d like to take! Thx again, Cya!

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 1, 2019

        A good story will get me no matter the source. Mars and I have more than a few common interests. Yeah Peter does a good job on his book. I recommend it not just because he’s a fellow traveler in this thing we do but because it’s a good read. Check out some of the Amazon reviews.
        Thanks for doping by kiddo.

        Liked by 1 person

  9. greenpete58
    July 1, 2019

    Thank you for mentioning me and Jim, CB. But Mailer, Stegner, McMurtry and Leonard are some heavy names. I just started Stegner’s Beyond the Hundredth Meridian, which looks juicy. I previously tried Angle of Repose, but it didn’t grab me. I’ve noticed these days I lean more toward non-fiction than fiction. Am I turning conservative?? Speaking of which, I love your line “Is there anything scarier than a religious nutcase?” No, not much.

    In Cold Blood and The Executioner’s Song are both classics of true crime New Journalism. I lost sleep after reading the former in high school. Richard Brooks’ movie is just as hard-hitting. And McMurtry’s on my to-read list.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      July 1, 2019

      No problem on the mention. I enjoyed the reads. ‘Angle’ took me a bit to get engaged. I’ve done that with a couple of his books. ‘Meridian’ blows me away in that Powell did his thing with his physical challenges.
      I go through different jags with my reading and get into the non fiction and stay for a while.
      Both those last books you noted had an effect on me also. Yes the movie is ‘hard-hitting”. Catch the inspiration Pete and get the pen out. Later and thanks for the chat.

      Like

      Reply
  10. J.
    July 2, 2019

    Man, I’ve only read 3 books over the last couple of years (currently on number 3 – Pete Hamill’s Why Sinatra Matters) and I can’t tell you the last time I read an actual piece of fiction. Loads of good writers here, though – a couple of my favourites too (I love Leonard and Ellroy). Anyhoo, should I ever get ’round to reading more, I’ll add a couple of these to my list.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      July 2, 2019

      It’s called having the time. Right now I’m into another of Whyte’s books on your homeland ‘The Guardian ; The Tale of Andrew Murray’. A little fiction history.
      You are a Frank guy. I like his acting only wish he would have done more quality stuff because he was good.
      By the way i was listening to that Sales character to pointed me to. Took me a bit to catch on but I did and will listen some more.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • J.
        July 8, 2019

        I wish Sinatra had done a bit more. Would have been interesting to have seen how Clint Eastwood’s career would have panned out had Sinatra played Dirty Harry.

        Sales is one of my favourite of the year. He seems like a no messing kinda guy too.

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 8, 2019

        There’s something I didn’t know. Was Frank slated to play Harry?
        Yeah I like the grit on the Sales stuff.

        Liked by 1 person

      • J.
        July 8, 2019

        Yeah, Sinatra was the first choice and, as I understand it, had to pull out when he broke his arm. There’s a poster on the internet for it, as I believe it was all ready to go ahead. Eastwood didn’t get it till a few others said no.

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 8, 2019

        ‘Harry’ is a favorite of mine. I’m glad Clint got it. He probably was too.

        Liked by 1 person

      • J.
        July 8, 2019

        No doubt. I think it was Paul Newman that recommended him (when he turned it down). It could have been a very different flick, though… I reckon Clint fitted the role. Well, what the character became.

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 8, 2019

        I have that film embedded in my head with Clint and Andy

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Jim S.
    July 3, 2019

    Forgot to mention earlier that I read ‘Executioner’s Song’ years ago. Great book. True story: one day not long after that I was reading Rolling Stone. As I was reading an article about Gary Gilmore, I realized the writer of the article was Mikal Gilmore, and yes he is Gary’s brother and yes he was a music journalist for Rolling Stone. Not clear if he still writes for RS. But the whole thing was surreal and chilling.

    And I keep a list on Amazon of books ‘to read’ and now realize I had ‘Miami Blues’ on there. I sometimes forget what’s up there.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      July 3, 2019

      I remember when he wrote for that mag. Back when I actually used to read it. He wrote a book called ‘Shot In The Heart’ about his relationship with Gary and other things. A very good read and up for a revisit by me. One of the things I remember about it was there’s a connection with that family to Houdini. Great stuff.
      I have lists all over the place. Read that one Doc. Hoke is our kind of guy.

      Like

      Reply
      • Jim S.
        July 3, 2019

        That’s right. An award-winner. Never read it. Sounds interesting.

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Tony
    July 4, 2019

    A strong list, CB and a few in there that I love. I could talk Ellroy all day, just finished White Jazz earlier this year (ready for both This Storm and Underworld USA trilogy next.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      July 4, 2019

      Just read Bloods A Rover a while back. Perfidia on the shelf. Like Bruce’s new album I’m hearing of Ellroy’s new book This Storm from you. That is kind of cool and something to look forward to.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Tony
        July 4, 2019

        I’m a font of very niche, very specific news. And Dad jokes

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 4, 2019

        I know. Why I stay in touch. The biggest joke around my pad is ME. Is that a dad joke or what?

        Just think about that new Ellroy has my mind twisting. No kidding.

        Like

      • Tony
        July 5, 2019

        Perfidia was my intro to his novels. Loved the LA Quartet and the idea of a new series that leads into that… set amidst WW2… right up my alley

        Liked by 1 person

      • cincinnatibabyhead
        July 5, 2019

        Oh yeah some new territory for James but right up his “alley” also. Like a good cigar it’s sitting there waiting for me. I might dive in knowing there’s one to follow.
        I’ve been sitting on Pete Dexters last novel for a while. It’s calling also.

        Liked by 1 person

  13. BuriedOnMars
    July 26, 2019

    James Ellroy is great. I’ve only read a couple of his books. I need to read more. I’ve already commented on Leonard, but I’ll restate my love for his writing. Red Dragon and Silence of The Lambs are fantastic reads from Thomas Harris, but the rest of his work is trash. My interest in Miami Blues is peaked to the extreme.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • cincinnatibabyhead
      July 26, 2019

      Ellroy is in the circle of those crime guys I like Leonard, Willeford etc. He’s a little less humorous (unless you like darker humor) than the others but I love him.
      That whole ‘Silence Of The lambs’ thing got out of control. It became about cashing in. I have a take coming up on the original film adaptation of Red Dragon (Manhunter). ‘Black Sunday’ by Harris is good. Give it a try. Earlier book.
      Mars it is really hard for me to pick a fave out of those crime guys we’ve talked about but I think they would all give a nod to Willeford. Same bent style as Leonard and that great humor. The hoke Mosley books are prizes in my book pile.

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment

Information

This entry was posted on June 30, 2019 by in Books, Jim Thompson, Larry McMurtry and tagged , .

Shortlink

https://wp.me/p6PYHb-3Eo

Navigation

Categories

Categories

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.