Capsule book reviews in 255 characters or fewer. A reading diary starting 1st Jan 2019 by Eamonn Griffin.
LBC phone-in host O’Brien discusses a range of topics (Brexit, gay and trans rights, Islamophobia), drawing on his radio experiences and his developing political identity. Not quite the book I was expecting, but some interesting points raised about critical thinking in the modern era, in a light, accessible way.
Author and folklorist Garner writes on (mostly) his Cheshire childhood of the 1940s. Splendid child’s-eye approach, without a hint of nostalgia or of adult reminiscence. Hugely recommended, even if you’ve not read Garner’s other work.
A pseudonymous postman reflects on the decline due to the corporatisation of the Post Office. A brief, bleak little book indicating how a public utility has been eroded over the decades. A useful indicator of what goes on to both deliver your post and put up with the slow destruction of a long-cherished service.
A former child soldier becomes involved in a scheme to rob Carlos Escobar’s former safe house. A brisk Miami-set thriller that’s pacy and with some interesting details, though it feels sketchy at times; still, any Harris is better than no Harris, even if this isn’t his best. work.
Epigrams on screenplay construction, by the co-writer of Blade Runner, among others. Useful little nuggets of wisdom. Not for the general reader (it’s like Bresson’s Notes on the Cinematographer, but for movie writing), though some good stuff here nevertheless.
