When I did a list of books I own with one-word titles for my Thursday Thirteen some weeks ago, I remarked that I had enough on my shelves for several TTs. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! Here is the second batch, picked at random.
Son of “Books On My Shelves With One Word Titles”
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“Ragtime” by E.L. DOCTOROW I don’t like using tired old clichés, but this really is a panoramic novel. Set in the first decade of the twentieth century, mainly in New York, and bringing into the story some real people (Sigmund Freud, J.P. Morgan) to nudge the plot along. There is very little dialogue, for a full length novel, and a lot of what is said is reported speech, inside the narrative. This gripped me from the first page. Buy it here
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“Disclosure” by MICHAEL CRICHTON There was a very good movie based on this book a few years ago. The story is about a false accusation of sexual harassment, and the effect it has on the victim of the lie. Crichton manages to bring in lots of futuristic technology as well, but this is a lot more than just a sci fi book. Buy it here
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“Liner” by JAMES BARLOW The cover says that this book “holds the reader in a vice-like embrace” but if that’s true, the embrace doesn’t last forever. I read this story of an old cruise liner trying to outrun a typhoon when I first bought it, about ten years ago, but I remember very little about it now, other than the fact that I enjoyed it. Buy it here
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“Keystone” by PETER LOVESEY This writer specialises in period detective stories. I have a few by him, which may feature in future lists. This one is set not in England, as the rest are, but in the Hollywood of the silent movie era. Lots of period detail and a good story. Buy it here
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“Nuremberg” by AIREY NEAVE. This man was the first British officer to make a successful escape from Colditz. In 1945 it was he who served the 20 major Nazi war criminals with their indictments and was present throughout the Nuremberg trials. His insider’s account of personal meeting with some of the second rate nonentities who had helped subjugate most of a continent makes for fascinating reading, particularly his assessments of Speer, who got away with 20 years in prison, and Saukel, who was hanged. Buy it here
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“Until” by TIMMOTHY B. McCANN I took a creative writing class at our local college, taught by Timm McCann, and of course that prompted me to buy his book. It’s a very straightforward, and entertaining story of boy meets girl. That is oversimplifying. It’s a very enjoyable book. Buy it here
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“Lifemanship” by STEPHEN POTTER As you can tell by the condition of the cover, this is an old and very well used book. Potter first wrote “Gamesmanship, or how to won at sport without actually cheating” which was very successful, and he followed it with this, which is how to use various ploys (Lifemanship) to come out on top in allsorts of social situations, as devised by the College of Lifemanship in Yeovil. It is a brilliant joke, marvellously sustained. A soufflé of British humour. Buy it here
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“Comix” by LES DANIELS This is a coffee table book, but is far more than a collection of pictures. It is an in depth history of American comic books up to the 1970s, copiously and colourfully illustrated. I never knew how political MAD magazine used to be, for example, and how it’s appearance and format were so different in the early days. It seems, too, that comics were far more free until the censors stepped in and as usual ruined everything. Buy it here
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“Chameleon” by WILLIAM DIEHL I had this on my shelves for some years before I read it. I think I picked it up in a book giveaway in the late 1990s somewhere. Recently I checked out the reviews on Amazon which were generally favourable, so I read it. Maybe it’s just my small brain, but I lost the plot somewhere and I read it simply to finish it without knowing exactly who was who or what was going on. But that’s just me. You’ll probably enjoy it. Buy it here
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“Ringmaster!” by JERRY SPRINGER I’m not sure why I bought this (he said, trying to distance himself from it). I think I wanted to know a bit about how, and why, that show came about. Parts of it were quite interesting. I had not realised that Springer used to be an activist and left wing politician in the Vietnam days. Nor that his first season consisted of some very interesting investigative TV journalism, such as Springer living with homeless people for a week, to see things from their side. Then someone in the production company hit on the idea of putting so-called trailer trash in the arena to tear each other to pieces before a baying mob, as we see today, and the show’s success was guaranteed. Buy it here
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“Serpico” by PETER MAAS Maybe some of you have seen the film of this name, starring Al Pacino. This is the book upon which the film was based. As I recall (it has been some years since I read the book and saw the film) they match each other closely. Serpico joined the NYPD to save the city from crime and was astonished to see how many cops were routinely breaking the law. He eventually reported this corruption to an outside agency and some changes were made. It didn’t do Serpico all that much good because he had to go live in Switzerland so the NYPD couldn’t kill him. Buy it here
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“Solo” by JACK HIGGINS Another by this prolific author, who has featured in an earlier book list of mine. This one is about an internationally renowned concert pianist, who is a paid assassin in his spare time. Not as preposterous as it sounds; this is an exciting story. Excellent poolside reading. Buy it here
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“Thinner” by STEPHEN KING. Or rather, Richard Bachman. It was while this book was being released that King’s secret identity was discovered. For people who know King’s writings, it isn’t too hard to tell who the writer actually is, though. I think this is one of his better works. When I bought this copy, the secret of who Bachman really was had just been blown, so that yellow sticker was added to the front cover. Buy it here
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I've never heard of Peter Lovesey; his detectives sound worth checking out!
Chrichton, Higgins and King are among my favourites!
Thanks for visiting my Yeats TT!
Posted by: Tink | October 10, 2007 at 06:37 PM
You must have an amazing mind! You remind me of my history professor in college. He was constantly reading!
Posted by: Chelle Y. | October 10, 2007 at 06:55 PM
I haven't read an of the books you mentioned but I think I own a copy of Ragtime. Happy TT and thanks for stopping by.
Posted by: pussreboots | October 10, 2007 at 06:57 PM
Posted by: ellen b | October 10, 2007 at 06:59 PM
Ringmaster takes me back to my days of working in a mall bookstore. I saw the film version a few years ago. Considering I didn't pay for it, the movie wasn't too bad. By the way, I also remember "The Jerry Springer Show" before it turned into the daily fight fest.
Posted by: Malcolm | October 10, 2007 at 07:03 PM
Cool! I've read some of yours, too! Ragtime, Serpico and Disclosure.
Posted by: The Gal Herself | October 10, 2007 at 07:55 PM
A great list. More please. Thanks for stopping by!
Posted by: Xine | October 10, 2007 at 08:29 PM
Ragtime!
You did it again, Nicholas. More stuff I've read!
Happy TT!
Posted by: Susan Helene Gottfried | October 10, 2007 at 08:43 PM
That's funny. Springer & Serpico in the same group! Who'd a thunk it!
Posted by: Anglophile Football Fanatic | October 10, 2007 at 09:31 PM
I'm beginning to think you must own or live in the public library with all these books! :)
Posted by: WorksForMom | October 10, 2007 at 09:34 PM
So, with all this reading you do, when do you find time to play?? heeheehee....Happy TT.
Posted by: Lori | October 10, 2007 at 09:40 PM
When my son was in his teens he read Mad magazines. In fact he has the very first issue. I need to get up stairs in the garage and see what other treasures I have up there that I've forgotten about.
The only book I've read on your list this time is Desclosure.
Posted by: Mary Emken | October 10, 2007 at 10:21 PM
I wish I could read as much as you do! I'm with worksformom about owning or living in a library!
Happy TT, mine's up!
Posted by: No Nonsense girl | October 10, 2007 at 11:09 PM
re: “Serpico” - I loved both the book and the movie! And Thinner was an awesome read, too :-)
Posted by: Janet | October 10, 2007 at 11:35 PM
Are you a reader by any chance?!? hehe... great list!
Posted by: Jackie | October 10, 2007 at 11:50 PM
I am cracking up that you have Jerry Springer andStephen King on the same list!
Btw, I have never heard of a Toblerone candy. I'll have to look that up.
Thanks for visiting my TT.
Posted by: tommiea | October 10, 2007 at 11:53 PM
These are great books. And I LOVE one-word title books. They're so catchy! ;)
Posted by: Red Garnier | October 10, 2007 at 11:59 PM
You actually own Jerry's book?! ROTFLMAO!!! So not Nicholas-worthy. hehehehehehe
Love anything Michael Crighton scribbles. Well, except his last book. It was ho-hum, but every single one before that was bought in hard-back on release day.
Posted by: Wylie Kinson | October 11, 2007 at 12:21 AM
Ha ha!! Two more I've read. Let's see I've read Serpico - love it and the movie because I grew up with heroin addicts. And Disclosure! I don't remember it - not like the power of Serpico - but I know I read it.
Another great list!
Posted by: Open Grove Claudia | October 11, 2007 at 12:45 AM
Wow I think I am well read but nope not a one of them:<
Posted by: marcia | October 11, 2007 at 02:33 AM
I've read Thinner - that's it. Great book list once again.
Posted by: mom not mum | October 11, 2007 at 03:13 AM
I saw the movie Ringmaster(when it was on TV) was a real dumb movie so I opted out of reading the book.The Steven King movie Thinner was pretty ok I may have to buy the book I like reading books after I've seen the movie to see whar was left out happy TT
Posted by: Rae | October 11, 2007 at 03:14 AM
Can't say that I've read any of those. I'm more into historical fiction. However, the Jerry Springer book seems like it would be fairly interesting.
Great list!
Posted by: Lulu | October 11, 2007 at 03:25 AM
BTW - your verify comment thingie is really difficult to read. It took me 8 tries before I got it right. The numbers are WAY too fuzzy. :-)
Posted by: Lulu | October 11, 2007 at 03:26 AM
I read Disclosure years ago. Good read.
Posted by: Robin | October 11, 2007 at 03:46 AM
I'll take the Jerry Springer book, thank you very much. That's an eclectic collection to say the least.
Posted by: PJ | October 11, 2007 at 05:09 AM
As my mind tends to, I went on a tangent at the end of your list and tried to think of other King titles with one word. Only Cujo and Carrie came to mind, neither of which I own.
Thanks for my first Stephen King reference of the day. I think I have my TT for next week now. :)
How have you been?
~X
Posted by: Xakara | October 11, 2007 at 06:27 AM
Shame ... I can't say I have heard of many of these ... nor some of the Authors.
Posted by: Babyamore | October 11, 2007 at 06:48 AM
Your list makes me want run over to my own shelves and start counting the one word titles. Actually, that might make for a great rainy day project (smile).
Posted by: Lori | October 11, 2007 at 08:06 AM
I'd like to know how many bookshelves you have in your home! LOL
HAPPY TT.. BTW: Weeds is a great show. I think you can rent the first two seasons now.
Posted by: Secret Agent Mama | October 11, 2007 at 08:21 AM
I think I would love to take a look at your library. What an interesting collection you have posted. I've read a few of the authors such as Jack Higgins and Peter Lovesey though not the books you posted. Great TT!
Posted by: Gabriella Hewitt | October 11, 2007 at 08:32 AM
OK so this time I have one your list - Thinner. I love SK.
Posted by: HG | October 11, 2007 at 08:52 AM
I haven't read any of the books on the list, but like some of the others I wonder how many one word titles I have.
Posted by: scooper | October 11, 2007 at 08:55 AM
I've heard of some of those authors but haven't heard of any of those titles. Great list. Happy TT! Mine is up.
Posted by: katskrackerbox | October 11, 2007 at 08:57 AM
I'm ashamed to admit I know none of these, but then two words or more looks like the standard on my book shelves. :)
http://moondancerdrake.livejournal.com/
Posted by: Moondancer Drake | October 11, 2007 at 09:41 AM
Cool list :)
Happy TT!
Posted by: Emmyrose | October 11, 2007 at 09:44 AM
And again I don't know any of these books, some autors yes, but the titles doesn't say anything to me ! If I would start a list like this on TT I think I would have it for the next 10 years and books in German, English, French and Italian, lol !
Posted by: Gattina | October 11, 2007 at 09:50 AM
Don't know these. In one glance, on one shelf I see: Focusing, Creeker, and Jung. Not too many one word books around here.
Posted by: colleen | October 11, 2007 at 10:14 AM
I only have Comix but a couple others have piqued my curiosity.
Thanks for visiting my Hollywood Squares edition of my Thursday Thirteen.
Posted by: Dane Bramage | October 11, 2007 at 10:21 AM
Ohh Thinner was a creepy movie! I can't believe Jerry Springer actually wrote a book!
Posted by: Lesley | October 11, 2007 at 10:21 AM
I always feel smarter for having visited your blog, viewing all these books. Someday, I shall have shelves, and I shall fill them with all manner of books. Well, okay, sci-fi, computer manuals, and comics, but ah well, I guess I like fluff. :P
Posted by: Ghost | October 11, 2007 at 10:41 AM
You sure do have a lot of books! Happy Thursday Thirteen, and thank you so much for stopping by!
Posted by: Sue | October 11, 2007 at 11:00 AM
I think I will look into some of Peter Lovesy's books. Some of your other titles look quite interesting too, if only I did more reading for myself (well, besides blogs). Enjoyed your list again. Happy TT.
Posted by: Dawn | October 11, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Interesting - wayyyy more than I have. Although I am bookcase-deficient :-(
Happy TT13 :-)
Posted by: Frigga | October 11, 2007 at 11:46 AM
Quite a collection you have! My TT is late but ready for view..please stop by and enjoy!
Posted by: Laura | October 11, 2007 at 12:36 PM
Hi Nicholas! You certainly have a wide range of genres! You'll never get bored with a variety like that -- it's the spice of life!!
Happy TT
Posted by: Lara | October 11, 2007 at 12:43 PM
Unbelievable: there is actually one book in this list that I have read! LOL I leave it to you to figure out which one.
Sorry for my lack of communication lately. I am still struggling with my laptop, so my next mail might have to wait till the weekend...
Posted by: samulli | October 11, 2007 at 01:05 PM
I am always impressed at how many books you have read. Another good one, thanks
Posted by: Maribeth | October 11, 2007 at 01:12 PM
I like one-word titles, too. Great list!
Posted by: Joely | October 11, 2007 at 01:20 PM
ragtime appeals most to me of these but again I have not read any of them... must do more reading!
Posted by: TopChamp | October 11, 2007 at 02:06 PM
Well I almost read Serpico once but the copy I borrowed from the library had had most of the pages damaged...
Posted by: Mark Caldwell | October 11, 2007 at 03:05 PM
Totally different tastes in reading. I've never even heard of half these authors. I think though I do own a Michael Crichton book though. Did he write "Sphere". Thanks for checking out my "Bushisms". I love on Letterman when they do the segment on Presidential speeches. Happy 13!
Posted by: Joanne | October 11, 2007 at 05:27 PM
Very cool I will have to check some of these out.
Posted by: Amy R | October 11, 2007 at 05:50 PM
thinner was a great book!
Blessings,
Karla
Posted by: Karla ~ Looking Towards Heaven | October 11, 2007 at 05:53 PM
Another great list...
I might have to do that one day when I've unpacked by library from storage...again. *sigh* I hate not having my library. :(
So glad you visited my blog. I haven't been able to do rounds today. Another :(
~~~Morgan
Posted by: Morgan St. John | October 11, 2007 at 08:05 PM
Enjoyed another great list from you...I well remember the movie Serpico and should read the book.
Thanks for stopping by my TT...if we ever get to go to England, I'll be hitting you up for the non-touristy must-see suggestions :)
Posted by: Sheryl | October 12, 2007 at 12:29 AM
Thanks for stopping by my TT post! Books are great entertainment, and can be great tools. Thanks for sharing...happy TT!
Posted by: Sarah | October 12, 2007 at 12:35 AM
Hmmm Not read any of the books :( But sure will do try and read a few of them
Happy TT!
Posted by: Rims | October 12, 2007 at 05:05 AM
Thinner was a good book.
Posted by: Greg | October 12, 2007 at 05:35 AM
I have actually read one of the books on your list “Disclosure” by MICHAEL CRICHTON. Planning to read Solo by Jack Higgins, I have read some of his other books and enjoyed them.
Thanks for visiting my TT on Opals.
Posted by: Alasandra | October 12, 2007 at 08:43 AM
Thanks for the visit on my blog and commented to my Thursday 13...See you again soon.
I never heard the book yet..I better look around for it.
Posted by: lutchi | October 12, 2007 at 09:23 AM
I've been meaning to read "Disclosure". Crichton's books are usually better than the movies and that movie was actually very good.
I've also been curious about "Thinner". HBO has it running on their Movies on Demand, but I've come to believe that King's books do not translate well into movies. The only story of his that made a good movie was "Stand By Me" and few people know that was based on his writing.
Posted by: J. Lynne | October 12, 2007 at 11:15 AM
I see you're another bookaholic like me. Thanks for stopping by my blog and list of 13 books for Thursday Thirteen. I'll be back.
Posted by: infinitygoods.com | October 12, 2007 at 08:34 PM
Peter Lovesey, Peter Lovesey, Must remember, it looks like fun
Ed
Posted by: Ed | October 12, 2007 at 10:21 PM
Woohoo! I finally don't feel like such a dummy! I've actually read one of these, Thinner...I love Stephen King--actually, I wanna be Stephen King LOL. And I've read stuff by a couple, Higgins and Michael Crichton. Disclosure sounds good and I haven't seen the movie, so I'll have to try to read it!
Posted by: Danielle | October 13, 2007 at 01:59 PM
Wow... lots that I haven't read. I think I'd really like Comix and Lifemanship.
Posted by: marilyn | October 13, 2007 at 03:36 PM
Another very interesting list. I read Ragtime back in college, and didn't like it as much until I read it for pleasure. Funny, that.
I remember hearing that Springer, as a serious politician, was disappointed in the direction his fame had taken him; it guaranteed he could never go back into politics. Eh...I'm sure he'll survive ;-)
Posted by: MetaMommy | October 14, 2007 at 05:29 PM
i've never heard of most of those books! ;)
thanks for stopping by my TT this past week!
Posted by: Kendra | October 16, 2007 at 11:12 PM