The books I read in September 2022
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| September 2022 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson |
Cliff's Notes
"Murieta"
Yet another historical novel, depicting an actual person, but based entirely upon myth and supposition. I will say that it is relevant to our times in its depiction of radicalized police violence. However, the author tends to lean toward the side of the perpetrators rather than the victims. But, that could be a reflection of the cultural attitudes of the his times as well as his own beliefs.
Published in 1854, the novel was not "historical" at the time it was written., but a recounting of recent events. It is a book of many firsts -- the first novel published in California, the first novel published by a Native American, and the first American novel to feature a Mexican protagonist.
However, when all is said and done, I don't recommend it.
"Noir"
This book is an anthology of new stories by many well known authors set in both past and present South Central Los Angeles. All of the offerings are strong. Two of my long time favorites are represented -- Steph Cha and Naomi Hirahara. Gary Phillips, two of whose books I have read over the past couple of months, also contributes a story in addition to editing the book.
This is the best book of the month and I highly recommend it.
"Tomorrow"
Said to be one of the first novels to depict a a post-apocalyptic America this is an excellent read. I enjoyed being able to compare and contrast it to "Earth Abides" (see last month) as to how each author thinks that civilization will, will not, rebuild.
A strong "two thumbs up".
"Requiem"
Elvis Cole is one of my favorite private investigators and I love stories set in LA, so this book is an easy hit. However, it is not one of the strongest in the oeuvre of Robert Crais. The story does have a really cool premise - Joe Pike's ex-girlfriend is murdered and it seems as though he did it. The book also has an interesting glimpse into a backstory for Pike as well - everyone has something to hide.
"Photography"
Sontag maintains that photography is an agent of the surreal rather than a reflection of the real. She presumes that her readers have a much better knowledge of Surrealism than I do. She also has a dim view in the direction that she sees the field as heading.
So the fault may lie within me, but my take on this collection of essays written between 1973 and 1977 is - Yeah, well, you know, that’s just, like, her opinion, man.
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