Nothing can compare to really captivating book.  Here are few novels that I found to be wonderful reading experiences. If you have something you’d like to recommend, please don’t be shy. My hope is that we can all share the wealth.

Body of Lies by David Ignatious.

This was recently turned into a confusing film by Ridley Scott , starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe.  As cliche’ as this may sound, the book was a lot better.  The author is intimately familiar with the Middle East and the CIA and understands how the war on terror is really fought.  This is a smart espionage story that takes you to places you never want to see in real life.  Don’t rent the movie…buy the book.

Replay by Ken Grimwood

This isn’t a new book. It’s probably something you’ve held in your hand at the used book fair and then tossed it back in the pile with Interview With A Vampire and Bridges of Madison County.  Published in 1998, this unique take on time travel was the late Ken Grimwood’s one hit wonder.

Even if you’re not a big fan of science fiction or fantasy, you’re bound to be intrigued by the novel’s unique mystery. Without  explanation, a man and a woman discover the ability to live their lives over and over and over again. Each dies in 1988  and returns  as a teen back in 1963 without losing accrued life experiences and with memories intact. This is the chance to live life again…this time allowing for new choices based on experiences playing over and over again.   This a very well-written novel that pays attention to the little details without stumbling on them.

The Dark Fields by Alan Glynn

This is a drug book. It’s a technological thriller and one really wild ride.  Imagine a pill that makes you not just smart, but something just short of Superman. You can teach yourself Portugues in an hour, charm just about anyone, motivate you to compose an opera or re-build a car engine. The price is steep. The pills are addictive and the results changes our hero’s life spectacularly. There extreme headaches, sudden bursts of anger and blackouts.

It’s easy to relate to the selfish appetite of the novel’s slacker hero. He takes advantage of what he can, when he can, and the ramifications of this addiction will play out in the world of the brilliant and super rich.  This is a great thriller and I understand the book was about to be turned into a movie. Shia LaBeouf was pegged to play the lead but his recent hand injury spared us this unfortunate adaptation.  I know you’re going to love this one.