The Red Fox by Anthony Hyde

I love 'faction'. David McCullough and Gore Vidal write some of my favorite books. The red fox would probably not be considered actual faction but it referenced actual historical events enough to spark my intrigue, and filled in the gaps enough to feel like an educational read.
Set in the early 80's and revolving around the declining Communist Russia, The Red Fox follows Robert Thorne, a journalist/novelist with an extensive background in Russia. Thorne finds himself entwined in a mystery unfolding when he comes to aid May Brightman, his former fiance and lifelong friend.

As the plot thickens we learn about May's father and his ties to the early communists of Russia. Naturally, the mystery boils down to money, as all except 'The DaVinci Code' must. We are drawn to believe that May is of famous descent and perhaps she is. We have all heard of Anastasia but this book finally got me to read up about her. Did you remember the theories of her 'disappearance'? Perhaps she had escaped the executions of the royal family? Recent studies would seem to say no, but in the early 80's it was widely accepted.

The story walked a fine line of fluffy and smart. I was drawn in enough to read the novel in a week but at the same time there were very few moments that I thought to myself, 'Oh for stupid'.

I won't actively seek another Hyde novel but if it falls in my lap I will give it a gander.

Skin Tight by Carl Hiaasen

What a fine Finnish name!

I just finished reading this novel. It was what the aqua and orange cover led me to believe it was, fluffy.
Just what I needed as I'm also reading a book analyzing the benefits and shortcomings of higher education in the U.S.

Based upon numerous allusions, it would seem 'Skin Tight' follows a character that runs an entire series by Hiassen. Stranahan is a bad ass who has zero qualms with taking justice into his own hands. This story deals in the world of plastic surgery, exposing some of the flaws, pointing out some of the irrational reasonings, and giving us a villian who has swindled, manipulated and, even, killed to get to his place in the community and to hold his place there.

I enjoyed how quickly I zoomed through this book, but I also appreciated how some of the issues broached resonated with me. There was a character who wanted to fix everything about her body even though, according to two other characters, she was physical perfection. Don't we all see the places for improvement blocking the beauty we contain?

I know I can list off all the problems I'd like to fix with my physique, alphabetically if you like. This book would push me to err on the side of caution. Perhaps it's all my perception of myself? Perhaps I'm perfect the way I am? Now I know that's not the case but still....one man's love handles are another man's treasure.

I will read more Hiaasen next time I need break from the academic.

Sharpe's Triumph by Bernard Cornwell

This book is the second installment of Mr. Cornwell's Sharpe series.

It was lent to me by very eager hands, assuming i would find it to be just as enthralling as he did.

I did not.

Don't get me wrong, the book was fun. The characters were quite fleshed out and the storyline is meant to follow actual historical figures and events but something was still missing. It felt a little too forced.

The character of Sharpe is the everyman who gets lucky. Of course luck is where preparation meets opportunity. He is a very innately capable soldier and is given the chance to prove it in precarious situations.

I guess this character felt a bit like me. I just can't wait to be put in situations to which I'm unfamiliar just so I can show how adept I am at reacting and adapting. Perhaps the same is true for all actors......

I will probably not continue reading this series but I am glad to have reached out and touched a piece of Mr. Cornwell's literature. I can enter a conversation about his writing if the opportunity arises.

furthermore, I can continue to be the Sharpe of LA. Ready without preparation, able to impress, every pressing onward.