Keith

I recently had the chance to reread Night, and was floored by how much ten to -cough- fifteen years can change one's perspective on a book. When I first read this book, I was unaware of any accounts of survivors of the Holocaust. I specifically remember not having a tangible emotional reaction to the horrors described by Mr. Wiesel, instead attempting to apply some sort of logic to it.

My sister-in-law who is in high school had to read this for a project, and to assist I picked it up once again. The reaction that I had to the simplicity of Mr. Wiesel's telling of an event that changed the face of humanity was visceral. My stomach clenched at hearing of the physical, emotional and spiritual abuse that he and his father were put through. The fact that the author never saw his mother and sister beyond the beginning of their forced exodus from Turkey left me tasting bile.

This book is a horrific account of a time in history that has left a smudge on humanity as a whole; not to experience it as an adult in society would be a crime.

I've been a fan of Robert B Parker since I was 10 years old. I've rarely read a book of his that I didn't love. When he passed away, I was nervous about other authors carrying on his legacy. Ace Atkins hasn't disappointed, and until now, neither had Michael Brandman. This book however missed the mark on all fronts. One of the things that I've thought distinguished Jesse Stone from Spenser was the fact that he was less likely to get into a brawl, and more likely to follow the system to accomplish his goals. In this book however, Jesse gets into a fist fight with retirement home administrators (no exaggeration... if you can believe it), and borders on police brutality. In addition, he willingly becomes bait so that a rival pimp can kill another. It felt so contrary from the character that I've read for so many books. Robert Parker wasn't known for overindulgent prose, and that is one of the reasons that I've liked his books; however, Brandman takes it to a new low. Jesse sat down. Jesse didn't agree. Jesse chase ball. Ugh, I'll stick to Ace Atkins who at least seems to stay true to the characters he writes.