Mark Martinez

In the wake of the Red Sox loss to the White Sox, I decided to revisit the past and read Bill Lee‘s autobiography, written with Dick Lally. Lee pitched for the Red Sox during the years that I became a baseball fan. This twenty-year old book is a breezy, amusing recollection of baseball in the seventies. Lee and Lally just wrote another book that will also go on my list of books to read.

Published in hardback by Viking Press.

Andy Mangels and Michael A. Martin have moved onto my short list of Star Trek authors who can be counted on for a good read. This volume features the continuing adventures of Captain William Riker's first command, the USS Titan and its diverse crew.

Published in mass-market paperback by Pocket.

Keith R.A. DeCandido presents us with a novelization based on the motion picture screenplay by Joss Whedon. The film and the book make for a fitting conclusion to the short-lived television series. And don't forget the comics.

Published in mass-market paperback by Pocket Star Books.

Kim Harrison introduces Rachel Morgan, witch, Ivy, her vampire partner, and Jenks, pixy and all-around loudmouth. Dark fantasy and romance all in one package. This first book in a series was interesting enough to pick up the second book. We'll see how it goes. Also available in Spanish with the title La noche del la bruja muerta.

Published in mass-market paperback by HarperCollins.

I enjoyed this retro TOS novel by David Mack. Mack introduces a fleet of new characters for this story arc, all very intriguing, as is the mystery of the Taurus Reach. Of course, Kirk, Spock, and a few other familiar characters are there. I'm looking forward to the rest of the story.

Published in mass market paperback by Pocket Books.

J. K. Rowling finally brings us Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts. Harry's growing up. He smooches a bit with Ginny. Good setup for the finale. I don't need to say anymore because everyone on the planet has read this book, right?

Published in hardcover by Scholastic.

This amusing collection of short stories is edited by Keith R. A. DeCandido who also contributes a story featuring Klag. Other featured captains are Riker, Picard, Elizabeth Shelby, Kira Nerys, Chakotay, Demora Sulu, David Gold, and Jonathan Archer. Of course, none of them can live up to the legend of Porthos, badass beagle and cheese connoisseur.

Published in trade paperback by Pocket Books.

The title is a mouthful, but Peter David comes through with this first-person tale told by Captain Mackenzie Calhoun. The Captain's table format gives both David and his character an opportunity to tell a very personal story. I found it entertaining. You can find PAD among the crowd of the cover art.

Published in mass-market paperback by Pocket Books.

World War II vet Joseph Burke is a man who doesn't care about anything. He agrees to be Jackie Robinson‘s bodyguard during his first year with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Protecting the ballplayer's life, brings Burke back to life. Robert B. Parker has crafted a moving historical novel that is part crime novel and part homage to the golden age of baseball. A nice read.

Published in mass-market paperback by Penguin.

Peter David wrote this novelization of the film based on the screenplay by Mark Frost, Simon Kinberg, and Michael France, which is, in turn, based on the Marvel comic book. Reed Richards is a weenie. Ben Grimm clobbers stuff. Johnny Storm needs a smack upside the head. Sue Storm is played by Jessica Alba in the movie, which is more than enough reason to watch it. The book is ok. The comics are better.

Published in mass-market paperback by Pocket Books.

Kelly Barr agrees to help her roommate play Michigan cheerleader for her 84 year-old boyfriend, Tony Paradiso, but a couple of killers spoil the party. Detective Frank Delsa isn't sure what Kelly is up tp, but he likes her style. Another smooth tale from the master, Elmore Leonard. You can't go wrong with any of his books.

Published in mass-market paperback by HarperCollins.

The Red Sox won the 2004 World Series. Tim McCarney and Tom Deady blogged the 2004 Red Sox season. I read the book, a compilation of their blog entries, and started reading their blog this season. Required reading for Red Sox fans. Yankees suck.

Published in trade paperback by AiT/Planet Lar.

I can count on Michael A. Martin and Andy Mangels to provide a fast-paced and enjoyable read. This novel is the first of a series featuring Captain William T. Riker and his first command. We get a wildly diverse crew, Klingons and Romulans in a bad mood, Spock, and numerous threads from the Star Trek tapestry of tales.

Published in mass-market paperback by Pocket Books.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book by Keith R. A. DeCandido, but his characters are vividly drawn and the story is engrossing. I guess this is sort of a tribute to the television show The West Wing with a trek twist, giving us a view of Federation President Nan Bacco and several months of her administration. Different and entertaining.

Published in mass-market paperback by Pocket Books.

I guess I've finally caught up with recent reading. PI Garrett is back in action, along with his housekeeper Dean, Pular Singe, and, of course, the Dead Man. Once he wakes up, the Dead Man is pulling everyone's strings, Garrett is getting his ass kicked and giving a little of what he's getting, all to learn why an underworld boss is in a coma and what a basket of odd kittens may have to do with it. As usual, author Glen Cook pens a wild fantasy noir novel that's difficult to put down.

Published in mass market paperback by Penguin.

Una McCormack writes a deeply emotional novel about the aftermath of Sisko's decision to bring the Romulans into the war against the Dominion by deceit, told in sixth season episode In the pale moonlight. This a fine portrait of Sisko, Garak, their similarities and differences.

Published in mass market paperback by Pocket Books.

Keith R. A. DeCandido concludes his crossover tale weaving together the adventures of Archer, Kirk, Sisko, Picard, and Janeway. The Maquis discover a third weapon, while Picard and Klag of the IKS Gorkon must deal with the fourth and most terrible weapon. This duology is a fun read.

Published in mass market paperback by Pocket Books.

Worf, the new Federation ambassador to the Klingon Empire, takes on his first diplomatic mission. The warrior must become a negotiator in the face of a civil uprising on a conquered planet. Author Keith R. A. DeCandido obviously enjoys writing about Klingons.

Published in mass market paperback by Pocket Books.

Keith R. A. DeCandido takes us to Feringinar with Quark and Ro Laren, then David R. George III offers a tale about Odo, Taran'atar, and the Dominion. While not as compelling as other books in this series, Niners should read this books to keep up with the ongoing relaunch.

Published in mass market paperback by Pocket Books.

Andy Mangels and Michael A. Martin contribute a tale about Ezri Dax and the secrets of Trill, while J. Noah Kim provides a story about Kira, the Sisko family, and Bajor. Both are intimate and fascinating. A must read if you have been following the DS9 relaunch.

Published in mass market paperback by Pocket Books.

If you've read any books by or about Richard Feynman, then you have to read this collection of his letters, edited by his daughter, Michelle Feynman. The letters, written over most of his lifetime to family, friends, and complete strangers, tell you nearly everything you might want to know about the man.

Published in hardcover by Basic Books.

It's three years later and nearly everyone associated with Excalibur and Trident has moved on in some way or another, except their creator, writer of stuff Peter David. He continues to crank out entertaining books like the world is ending tomorrow. Does he know something we don't? If only he didn't write so many stories that end with the words to be continued ...

Published in hardcover by Pocket Books.

I finally finished the last volume of the Baroque Cycle by Neal Stephenson. Taken as a whole, the complete trilogy is an amazing tale. I have no clue if the history illuminated by Stephenson is true and I don't really care. It was fun reading his books.

Published in hardcover by HarperCollins.

Greg Cox concludes, or maybe just continues, the story of Khan with this account of his years on Ceti Alpha V. Cox has written a series of fascinating books detailing late twentieth century according to Trek. This is an exceptional addition.

Published in hardcover by Pocket Books.

This is another lean mean Parker novel by Richard Stark. All of the Parker tales are quick and entertaining reads. Neither Parker nor Stark disappoint, but this time around, Parker runs. This doesn't happen often.

Published in hardcover by Mysterious Press.