What books are you into?

[bertowud]

I just read the 2nd novel by Alex Berenson, Ghost War. It wasn't as good as his first one, but I'm intrigued enough to read the third.

Also I picked up Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter by the same guy who wrote Pride & Prejudice & Zombies.

[Silktie]

(04-10-2010 09:25 AM)Obsession Wrote:  I've heard that its good to read John Le Carre's novels in a particular order. Anyone have an idea of which book I should read first?

They don't necessarily follow on each other, apart from the three books that make up the Karla trilogy. These three should be read in the order published:
1. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
2. The Honourable Schoolboy
3. Smiley's People

I prefer his older books that play out during the Cold War. Le Carre is a writer that moves with the times so his later books look at latter-day developments in the world. They are still very good books, but for me he is at his best when examining how the spying game was played during the Cold War.

The Spy Who Came In From the Cold is his first spy novel, so that is perhaps a good place to start, followed by the Karla trilogy.

Other books of his that I greatly enjoyed was The Little Drummer Girl, (although it's quite a complicated book and you have to pay attention), A Perfect Spy, The Tailor of Panama and The Constant Gardener.

[BAUER24]

Big fan of Chris Ryan, started to read Lee Childs books. Patricia Cornwall also very good author

[HellsBells]

I was rather disappointed by The Spy who Came In From the Cold, the writing was brilliant and compelling but I felt it was just too short.

(14-04-2011 09:24 AM)BAUER24 Wrote:  Big fan of Chris Ryan, started to read Lee Childs books. Patricia Cornwall also very good author

Just finished Chris Ryan's 'Who Dares Wins', and thought that was an excellent read, great with action concerning the SAS and MI6, although I feel I know about weaponry than is good for me!!

I'm currently a big fan of Bernard Cornwell, especially his 'Saxon Series' all about King Alfred the Great and his Warlord Uhtred (fictional character) and their battles against the pagan Northmen/Vikings. I read all 5 books in the series in two weeks, and then read them all again!

[JHyde]

I agree with Silktie's list and the order listed. Great minds!

If you like that sort of writing I'd also strongly recommend Graham Greene's stuff.

[Naivety]

I'm reading The Spy Who Came in From the Cold at the moment. I wouldn't have read it if it wasn't for Spooks, but I decided after the line from Towers at the end of the last series that it needed to be read. It's very dark, and I can easily imagine Harry as Leamus, or at least a younger Peter Firth playing the role of Leamus.

[Silktie]

For people interested in spy novels, I found Stephen Hunter's book Tapestry of Spies a pretty good read.

It plays out between the two World Wars, and is about the British trying to eliminate a spy they suspect the Russians recruited. The action takes place in Spain during the Civil War.

[A Cousin]

(20-04-2011 10:18 PM)Naivety Wrote:  I'm reading The Spy Who Came in From the Cold at the moment. I wouldn't have read it if it wasn't for Spooks, but I decided after the line from Towers at the end of the last series that it needed to be read. It's very dark, and I can easily imagine Harry as Leamus, or at least a younger Peter Firth playing the role of Leamus.

Me too, Naivety. Seemed like required reading. Not only for the veiled reference by Towers in 9.8, but also because TPTB have mentioned their attempts to return to a more le Carre-esque feel to the programme, e.g less bombs, more suspense. Although in my minds eye, PF/SHP is George Smiley. Hugh Laurie has been playing Control. Since I started wondering if the character of Alec in 9.8 was a bit of a nod to le Carre/Alec Leamas, Vincent Regan has been playing Leamas in my brain. Alternating back and forth with Russell Crowe who is not an actor I have liked very much recently, but he looks a bit like Vincent Regan and I am more familiar with Crowe's work, so....

Anyway, it's a great read. MR AC is looking forward to reading it too. Spooks has introduced me to so many new things. le Carre is only one of them.