I have read quite a few of Cook's books in the past, and have enjoyed them. This one was no exception. I started the book on the return trip from Hong Kong last Thursday.
The book's plot revolves around a series of MRSA-related deaths at the soon-to-be IPO'd chain of Angel Healthcare hospitals started by Dr. Angela Dawson. The deaths were investigated by the work of medical examiner Dr. Laurie Montgomery who was targeted for death by both the organized crime boss investing in the start-up and the lobbyists trying to sabotage the hospital. Montgomery was saved from certain death at the last minute and the crimes exposed.
The epidemiology of MRSA was a bit hard to follow, and aspects of the plot were unbelievable to a degree of being contrived. Nonetheless, the plot moved along at a respected pace, with 500 pages of events happening in a span of about 3 days. (There is a Prologue and Epilogue.)
I rate the book above-average.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Playing for Pizza by John Grisham
October 16, 2008
Paperback 2008, 308 pages.
This book describes the adventure of a quarterback Rick Dockery who was cut from the Cleveland Browns after throwing multiple interceptions that caused the team their playoff victory. He eventually found a job playing for the Parma Panthers of Italy, earning a couple of thousand Euros a month. The book ends with the Panthers winning the Italian Superbowl, and Rick traveling with his new girlfriend.
I picked up the book thinking it was another of Grisham's thrillers and soon realized it is of a different genre. I decided to buy it to read along the Hong Kong trip. It was an easy read, but not satisfying. Grisham could well be describing the life of most people on the street and make it equally “exciting.” No redemption, no real triumphs, just a person meeting with what life throws at him and adjusting. I am sure most aspiring authors think they can write an equally compelling book but think better of it. But this is Grisham, so he can expect reasonable sales. In any case, my reaction to this book is similar to that of “The Painted House.” At least in that book there is some mayhem! The book suffers from another of Grisham's problems: uninspiring endings, although it is not that bad here since the entire book is uninspiring.
To add insult to injury, I found out I had bought another copy of the book earlier and had forgotten about it. That is one reason why I write these blurbs so I remember what books I have read (but evidently not what I have purchased). Good thing Costco discounts the book by a large amount.
Paperback 2008, 308 pages.
This book describes the adventure of a quarterback Rick Dockery who was cut from the Cleveland Browns after throwing multiple interceptions that caused the team their playoff victory. He eventually found a job playing for the Parma Panthers of Italy, earning a couple of thousand Euros a month. The book ends with the Panthers winning the Italian Superbowl, and Rick traveling with his new girlfriend.
I picked up the book thinking it was another of Grisham's thrillers and soon realized it is of a different genre. I decided to buy it to read along the Hong Kong trip. It was an easy read, but not satisfying. Grisham could well be describing the life of most people on the street and make it equally “exciting.” No redemption, no real triumphs, just a person meeting with what life throws at him and adjusting. I am sure most aspiring authors think they can write an equally compelling book but think better of it. But this is Grisham, so he can expect reasonable sales. In any case, my reaction to this book is similar to that of “The Painted House.” At least in that book there is some mayhem! The book suffers from another of Grisham's problems: uninspiring endings, although it is not that bad here since the entire book is uninspiring.
To add insult to injury, I found out I had bought another copy of the book earlier and had forgotten about it. That is one reason why I write these blurbs so I remember what books I have read (but evidently not what I have purchased). Good thing Costco discounts the book by a large amount.
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