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"The Fourth Protocol" by FREDERICK FORSYTH. If you want to know how to build a small atomic bomb in your spare bedroom, you'll be able to make a reasonable attempt after reading this thriller, always assuming you can get hold of the parts. That's what the Soviet spy in Britain does in this book. The step by step account of what he does is absolutely gripping, as is the work of British counter intelligence as they try to locate and stop him. So much material for spy novels was lost when the Cold War ended! Buy it here
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" Pride Of Kings" by JUSTIN SCOTT. The author uses the collective noun for lions and applies it to kings, in this case three of them -- George V of Great Britain, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia -- in a tale set in 1917. A British naval officer is sent to try to rescue the Romanov family following the Russian revolution. Lots of period detail, action, intrigue, and real characters taking part in a bit of fiction. Buy it here
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"Pole To Pole" by MICHAEL PALIN. The book that accompanies the second of Palin's long journeys. As the title suggest, he went from the North Pole to the South. It is his enthusiasm for the journey that makes his account so captivating. A travel book works if it makes you want to go visit the places yourself, and this one does. Buy it here
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"The Colorado Kid" by STEPHEN KING. At just over 180 pages, this is a tiny novel, compared to the size of King's usual tomes. In this one he ventures into the genre of the crime story, and in my opinion the results are rather disappointing. As so often, especially in short stories, he picks an old man as his main protagonist, or in this case he picks two of them. I don't think it worked too well, but you have to see for yourself. Buy it here
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"Stallion Gate" by MARTIN CRUZ SMITH. The title is the name of a place on New Mexico, close to Los Alamos, which was the site of the first ever atom bomb test. It's about the people involved, not the bomb itself, and Smith brings in real people who took part in the project in 1944 and 1945 to mingle with his fictional characters. Buy it here
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"What's It All About?" by MICHAEL CAINE. This autobiography is about fifteen years old now, but it still covers many of the most important films of Caine's career, not to mention his youth, military service, early days on the stage (it's hard to think of him as a stage actor isn't it?) and the start of his career. It has a nice easy style and I somehow doubt that it was ghosted. I've read it twice so far. Buy it here
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"Dangerous Fortune" by KEN FOLLETT. You can always depend on Follett. At least, that's my opinion. I have never been disappointed. This story is about intrigue, high finance and the goings on among the wealthy in Victorian England, with some murder and treachery thrown in. The plot takes many twists and turns, and is never unbelievable. Great fun! Buy it here
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"Westminster One" by TED WILLIS. When your characters don't use computers or mobile phones, you can tell that the whole thing is a bit dated. The story, though, about a Prime Minister kidnapped by terrorists, is still relevant to the troubles that plague us in our own world. The terrorists in this aren't Islamic fundamentalists, though, but are home-grown, old-style communists. The Prime Minister in question has a northern accent and likes plain ordinary food with HP sauce on it. A bygone world! It's an exciting story though, and a quick, fun read. Buy it here
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"The Night Time Guy" by TONY KENRICK. A thriller, told with a jocular lilt, about a man who is chosen to test a new eye medicine that will supposedly improve his vision. Of course, if it all went to plan there would be no story, so it doesn't and we have chases, danger, torture, beautiful women, and more. I've read two or three books by Kenrick and enjoyed them. I'm not sure why he isn't more widely known. Buy it here
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"Goshawk Squadron" by DEREK ROBINSON. Of all the books in this list, this is the one I expect will have been read by the fewest people, if at all. Even though it's about pilots in the First World War, it is a product of the 1960s, and the author's attitude, however worthy, gets a bit wearing at times. Still and all, it's an enjoyable novel for those who are interested in that subject matter -- which I am, obviously, or else I wouldn't have bought it. Buy it here
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"What Every American Should Know About Who's Really Running The World" by MELISSA ROSSI. This is something of en eye opener, even if the idea of corporations and religious organizations controlling our way of living in not new to you. We find out about how deeply Wal-Mart, News International, Haliburton, Monsanto and others have influence on government and policy, as well as less obvious entities such as Blackwater, George Soros, the Moonies and others. Rossi's tone is a bit shrill at times but what she tells us deserves to be known. Buy it here
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" Six Letter Word For Death" by PATRICIA MOYES. A pleasant little detective story from the early 1980s which I do not remember buying. In the world of fiction, especially as created by writers of detective stories, policemen, in this case a Chief-Inspector, often solve murders all on their own or, as in this book, with a little help from their wives. Let's forget all about forensics, computers, door to door questioning and all that boring stuff! Also, this is one of those cases where someone leaves cryptic clues for the police to solve. So like real life! But it's a nice bit of fun for a rainy afternoon. Buy it here
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"Sharpe's Sword" by BERNARD CORNWELL. You can't go wrong with the Sharpe books. If you've seen the TV movies based on these, you'll hear Sean Bean's Yorkshire accent as you read the dialogue, even though Sharpe was supposed to be a Londoner. This one is the fourth one Cornwell wrote and, like the ones before it, takes place during the Peninsular campaign in the war against Napoleon. No one can write a battle scene like Cornwell. Buy it here
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Hello Amy
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What Every American Should Know...has the pants scared off me already. I better get a copy quick.
Posted by: SandyCarlson | January 30, 2008 at 05:34 PM
Ah the spy novel looks intriguing and the detective book with those improbably proffered clues seems just right for a "school was canceled because of snow" day. Hmmm. May we have one of those tomorrow.
Posted by: Lilibeth | January 30, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Re #11: "Special interests" as they are euphemistically called here are scary powerful especially with the current administration.
Happy TT. Thanks for stopping by.
Posted by: pussreboots | January 30, 2008 at 05:53 PM
oops my first comment went off into cyberspace. Anyway I'll try again. I think I'd enjoy the West Minster One. happy tt...
Posted by: ellen b | January 30, 2008 at 05:54 PM
I like the cover of the Stephen King novel. If it's intended to duplicate the feel of 50s pulp fiction, it works for me.
Posted by: Malcolm | January 30, 2008 at 06:44 PM
See, you're too busy reading to be watching movies! :)
Posted by: Chelle Y. | January 30, 2008 at 07:09 PM
As usual, I have enjoyed most of these books. I haven't read the Stephen King book, but wondered about it as he talks about it in "On Writing." I'm terrified about who is running the world - terrified. What's amazing to me is that people don't seem to know that their choices are manipulated. Wow.
Happy TT, Nicholas - another great list!
Posted by: On a Limb with Claudia | January 30, 2008 at 07:32 PM
I love six letter word for death... Many of these I have not read... yet!
Posted by: susiej | January 30, 2008 at 07:49 PM
Sad to hear esp. about the Stephen King book. Too bad. I won't pay any mind to it if you say it's not worth it... Happy TT!
Posted by: Rhonda | January 30, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Haven't read any of the books on your list this time but, will go tomorrow and perchese, "What Every American Should Know About Who's Really Running The World". I read some thing a while back which was an eye opener( Our Own Worst Enamy). If you haven't read it you should.
Take care.
Posted by: Mary Emken | January 30, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Good list.
SJR
The Pink Flamingo
Posted by: SJ Reidhead | January 30, 2008 at 08:36 PM
I need to go back to school and learn how to spell purchase. ;)
Posted by: Mary Emken | January 30, 2008 at 08:36 PM
OmG! Wait, was that really your voice? Wow. Very...nice. LOL. :)
Once again, a list of books I haven't read, LOL.
And, RE your comment, I normally don't order 30 books a month, no, but I do love to read. Normally, I just get one or two books a month though.
Happy TT!
Posted by: Morgan | January 30, 2008 at 09:23 PM
Lots of goodly stuff to choose from!
Posted by: Sue | January 30, 2008 at 09:26 PM
That's some pretty heavy reading. It would keep me up all night lol Happy T13!
Posted by: Adelle Laudan | January 30, 2008 at 09:31 PM
"What Every American Should Know" -- your blurb really resonates with me today, the day when John Edwards dropped out of the Presidential race. Diminishing the powers of those special interests was the centerpiece of his campaign. Thanks for visiting my TT and of all your banners, this one is among my favorites. Made me wistful about enjoying warmer weather and very cold beer.
Posted by: The Gal Herself | January 30, 2008 at 09:47 PM
I've been meaning to read the Sharpe books since I watched a few of the movies on BBC America. I need to make a conscious effort to find them. As usual, a fabulous list.
Posted by: Missy | January 30, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Neat list. I might pick up What Every American Should Know.
Posted by: Journeywoman | January 30, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Nope, I havent read any of those books. Hey, have you ever thought about doing books on tape?? You have the perfect voice for it. I could listen to you for hours:) Happy TT and thanks for stopping by.
Posted by: Lori | January 30, 2008 at 11:55 PM
Pole to Pole was great. I was just talking about his old BBC show Great Railways Journeys of the World in a blog post Monday. Palin is wonderful =)
Posted by: Starrlight | January 31, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Didn't read any of those but I am interested in reading Stephen King's new novel.
Have a great Thursday.
Maribeth
Posted by: Maribeth | January 31, 2008 at 12:24 AM
What Every American Should Know About Who's Really Running The World
I am so there.
Posted by: Ann Bruce | January 31, 2008 at 12:40 AM
I thought you were too lazy to write, lol before I discovered this list. I don't think I have read any of these books, perhaps Ken Follet, they are always translated into french and the titles are not the same.
Posted by: Gattina | January 31, 2008 at 02:35 AM
Hi Nicholas--can't see the audio file, but this did remind me to get my paws on Palin's books. :)
Two TTs this week: one at Raven's Range and one at Raven's Roads. :)
Posted by: Linda R. Moore | January 31, 2008 at 03:04 AM
I had no idea that there was Michael Caine autobiography floating around out there.
I might have to look into that one - I love bios & I always enjoy seeing Caine...he's a class act all the way.
Posted by: Rasmenia | January 31, 2008 at 03:17 AM
Great TT as always, Nicholas, and once again, so lovely to hear your voice. As for the King novel (you knew I wouldn't be able to resist, didn't you!), a lot of people didn't like it because it lacked a conclusion, in the sense that it didn't provide answers to many of the questions established by the narrative. However, for the purposes of my thesis, it works perfectly, so I really liked it!
Anyway, have fun reading and commenting on TTs today.
Posted by: amypalko | January 31, 2008 at 03:45 AM
I have to expand my reading my reading pond. Although I've seen these books around (my husband reads them), I haven't tried it myself. I'm more the romantic fiction kind. They have such happy ending, yes, even crappy stories have happy ending.
Posted by: Shoshana | January 31, 2008 at 03:59 AM
More good books to check out. I LOVED hearing your voice on the audio file. That was a very cool idea! Oh and I swoon for a lovely British accent.
Posted by: zenmomma | January 31, 2008 at 04:51 AM
I haven't read any of these. Guess I got a lot of reading to do.
Posted by: Courtney | January 31, 2008 at 06:38 AM
Something else they all have in common: I'm not sure I've read any of them--unusual for me. I may have read the Forsyth and/or the Follett--I've read several books by both authors, but the titles don't ring a bell.
Posted by: Darla | January 31, 2008 at 07:00 AM
I love watching Michael Palin's travelogues, I'm sure I'd love his book too.
Posted by: Robin | January 31, 2008 at 07:20 AM
I always enjoy your lists, simply for the poetry of the titles. Do you think there would be an audience for a collection of the greatest book titles ever?
Posted by: Rian Fike | January 31, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Love your voice!!! You should do an audio file of you reading EVERY post!!!
I agree on Follett...have you read The Pillars of the Earth (reviewed on my blog this past week)?
Posted by: Di | January 31, 2008 at 08:34 AM
Hmm ... you've tweaked my interest and I may have to read the Melissa Rossi book. Thanks (as always) for an informative T-13. I considered leaving a book list of my own this morning, but went with Quotes instead since I'm "under the weather" and needed something quick and easy.
Hugs and blessings,
Posted by: storyteller | January 31, 2008 at 08:47 AM
I agree: Follett is quite reliable. The the Rossi book looks intriguing. Great list, as usual.
Posted by: melissa | January 31, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Michael Caine is a favorite of mine...may have to check our library here! When I read autobiographies, I can hear the voice...does that happen with you?
Posted by: Kristi | January 31, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Yet again I haven't read any of these books. I like the cover of The Colorado Kid, tres sexy.
Posted by: PJ | January 31, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Great list, I'd like to read the Stephen King book.
Happy TT!
Posted by: Miranda | January 31, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Will you come and read the books to me? Your voice is simply divine. I could have stopped there.
I'm back....I got lost in the blogosphere somehow, but I have found my way back.
Posted by: Penelope Anne | January 31, 2008 at 10:10 AM
I haven't read any of these...but I would like to read Pole To Pole! Sounds interesting...
Posted by: Janet | January 31, 2008 at 10:59 AM
As petty as it sounds, it's good to know that Stephen King isn't always wonderful! Wonder how he'd write a 'bodice ripper', don't you?
~Harris.
Posted by: Harris Channing | January 31, 2008 at 12:05 PM
in re what every american should know......whenever you see the name monsanto...be afraid, be very afraid!
my reading list increases each time i stop by.
thank you for another great tt!
Posted by: jayedee | January 31, 2008 at 12:33 PM
I think I'll buy What Every American . . . soon, me and my husband will read it, and then pass it around to friends. Thanks for the idea!
Posted by: Amy the Black | January 31, 2008 at 12:56 PM
I haven't read any of the books on your list this week. But I want to read "Sharpe's Sword" by BERNARD CORNWELL. I have really enjoyed the Bernard Cornwell books I have read.
Posted by: Alasandra | January 31, 2008 at 01:16 PM
Interesting list, Nicholas. The podcast intro really helped personalize it too. The Palin and Caine books looked the most intriguing to me, but there's a couple on there DH might like. Thanks for the recommendations!
Posted by: Kaige | January 31, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Hello there!
Another collection of great books.
Posted by: Mica | January 31, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Hello Nicholas.
Thanks for the comments.
Anyways, wish I could read some of those books.
Posted by: Gellianne | January 31, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Nicholas, I must confess that my favorite part of your TT13 is your audio intro. Could you come to our house and read us a story?
Gandalf & Grayson's Mom
(willthink4wine.com)
Posted by: Gandalf & Grayson | January 31, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Great list, really dig Follett too. Happy TT
Posted by: Chris | January 31, 2008 at 02:08 PM
I hated The Colorado Kid because there seemed to be no POINT to the whole thing. If there was it went over my head entirely.
"The Night Time Guy" sounds interesting. I'll have to see if our library has it.
Posted by: YummY! | January 31, 2008 at 02:44 PM
Happy TT, Nicholas - another great list!
The one that intrigues me is the Ken F. one. I love a good trecherous, Victorian novel. I'll have to look for this one.
Posted by: Christine | January 31, 2008 at 03:16 PM
Thanks Nicholas for sharing your opinion on your books..I have not read any of them.. I need to branch out and read different books.. Your voice is very nice sounding....
Posted by: Baba/night owl | January 31, 2008 at 03:17 PM
My interest is peaked by the Michael Caine autobiography. The What Every American Should Know book...I feel like that ship has sailed. We don't seem to want to know as it gets in the way of our fun.
My son would probably love the Cornwell book.
Great list. Thanks for visiting.
Posted by: Christa | January 31, 2008 at 03:34 PM
I have got to show this list to my dh. You have similar tastes.
Posted by: Alice Audrey | January 31, 2008 at 03:40 PM
The voice recording was a nice way to start your Thursday Thirteen. :)
Posted by: Laura | January 31, 2008 at 06:00 PM
Nicholas, I enjoy your audio intro's as much as I enjoy your TT's! :)
Posted by: Cindy Swanson | January 31, 2008 at 06:06 PM
What Every American Should Know About Who's Really Running The World - This one looks like an interesting read. It appeals to the Sociologist in me. Happy TT!
Posted by: Pamela Kramer | January 31, 2008 at 06:25 PM
What every American should know sounds intersting. I'm off to put it in my holds at the library. Thanks! Happy TT!
Posted by: Melissa | January 31, 2008 at 07:40 PM
the one about who's really running the world sounds interesting. thanks for stopping by. your comment made me laugh because those aren't even the hard ones! happy TT! :)
Posted by: jehara | January 31, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Happy TT Nicholas! It's been a while. It's nice to be back. :)
Have a great week!
Posted by: no nonsense girl | January 31, 2008 at 08:03 PM
I spent last night writing with some of my favorite writing babes, and have spent today running around, visiting. Now I get to your TT and all I want to do is collapse on the couch with a good book!
Happy TT (a bit late), Nicholas!
Posted by: Susan Helene Gottfried | January 31, 2008 at 08:15 PM
I don't think I have ever heard of the Stephen King one!
Thanks for visiting my TT.
Posted by: tommie | January 31, 2008 at 09:01 PM
You have a nice voice that would be suitable for a radio show, probably one on books. The Michael Caine book is a draw.
Thanks for explaining about the TV show "Just for Laughs." I couldn't understand how I've only been able to catch it occasionaly and without any network hype.
Posted by: colleen | January 31, 2008 at 10:45 PM
I've read most of Stephen King's books (reading Duma Key right now) but don't remember Colorado Kid. Hmm...I'll have to pick it up if I don't have it.
Posted by: Nicole Austin | January 31, 2008 at 11:29 PM
I'm embarrassed to admit that I've not read even one of these. And I thought I was such a book-lover. (hanging head in shame)
By the way, regarding your comment on my list...I added a footnote (which I should have done in the first place) to explain that it was all only meant in humor. Just wanted to let you know.
Posted by: Wendy | January 31, 2008 at 11:43 PM
Loved your intro. Was that really you? How cool is that? I'm pretty good technologically, but obviously, you're way better. I think "A Six Letter Word for Death" looks like a fun, fluff read!
Posted by: Forgetfulone | February 01, 2008 at 12:18 AM
hmmm, those are GUY books lol..stephen king may cross genders, so to speak, but not with a crime story.. very MANLY list.. happy thursday thirteen!
Posted by: badpuppydog | February 01, 2008 at 01:19 AM
the only one on here i've read is King's The Colorado Kid. i confess i was disappointed by it also.
What Every American Should Know... really interests me
thanx for visiting my tt pics of the room makeover.
Posted by: Joy Renee | February 01, 2008 at 03:10 AM
Thank you for sharing these interesting books. It's always enriching to read new things.
Posted by: Rach (Heart of Rachel) | February 01, 2008 at 05:32 AM
Great list...Thanks for coming by my blog! I'll be back for more!
Posted by: Laura | February 01, 2008 at 08:55 AM
ahhh, makes me want to go fishing again! beautiful!
Posted by: Chris | February 01, 2008 at 10:00 AM
We have such different tastes in books... once again, I haven't read any of these. I do have a buddy who is convinced that the illuminati has already determined that Hillary will be our next presedent. He's a bit off kilter that way though.
My fav orite part of your TT's is your voice recording.
Posted by: marilyn | February 01, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Interesting list. There's a couple I think I'll check into. Thanks. And happy TTing.
Posted by: Lisa Andel | February 01, 2008 at 12:36 PM
I think I want to read every book on this list...and for the first I've visited your blog...I haven't read ANY of the books on the list.
(I think you will like NCFOM, just based on these reviews)
You gave a good reason for us to read these books...the one about "who is running the world" reminds me of a scary movie...Syriana!!!
Posted by: Candy Minx | February 01, 2008 at 01:40 PM
"The Fourth Protocol" by FREDERICK FORSYTH"
Sounds like a book one should buy, not get from the library. Considering the US government can retrieve library records without a warrant.
Posted by: Auria Cortes | February 01, 2008 at 05:29 PM
I've tried posting and my comment doesn't appear. This is a test post.
Posted by: Auria Cortes | February 01, 2008 at 05:33 PM
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Posted by: Karen @ Simply A Musing Blog | February 01, 2008 at 07:54 PM
I never knew about that Stephen King book. I do want to read the one that is out now.
Oh, I saw "Sexy Beast" the other day after reading your TT from that week. It was awesome!
You have a nice voice!
Posted by: SwordMama | February 01, 2008 at 09:35 PM
I must admit I haven't read any of those books on your list. But if I had to choose one to read, I will definitely choose What Every American Should Know About Who's Really Running The World. I also checked out your TT #42. Out of all of your 13 VHS movies, I saw Shawshank Redemption (One of my faves), Fried Green Tomatoes (One of my faves) and Ground Hog Day (Not exactly a fave, but it'll do). If you ever get a chance, choose one those movies off my list and look at it. Then tell me what you think. Have a nice weekend and thanks for visiting!!!
Posted by: Toia | February 01, 2008 at 10:32 PM
You have a great voice for radio.
Posted by: Jan Parrish | February 02, 2008 at 01:00 AM
Ooh, What Every American Should Know About Who's Really Running The World sounds good/scary.
Posted by: Maggie | February 02, 2008 at 04:25 AM
Oh, those 'Sharpe' books, I've been meaning to read them for a long time now. I do have the series on dvd though (hmmm, Sean Bean!).
The same for that Michael Palin book: I've seen it on television... teehee
Happy TT!
Posted by: Andi & Stien | February 02, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Somehow your voice sounds familiar to me, I like it! As for the left-overs: they all sound worthwhile! I've read about half of them I think. My favourite is Michael Palin, I'm a fan of his work.
Thanks for visiting my fridge TT!
Posted by: Tink | February 03, 2008 at 01:44 PM
You were of course quite right, I'm thrilled with this TT because I got to hear your voice again! It left me unable to focus on the actually TT just as it did last time.
Today, however, I paused and came back, so I have just enough wherewithall to point out that "What Every American Should Know..." is on my To Buy List. I've been slowly building my non-fiction collection again after years away from it. Glad to have a second opinion on the book.
Off to listen once more before bed. *Grin*
~X
Posted by: Xakara | February 04, 2008 at 11:03 AM
I've read some of these. If Mary comes back, could you ask her the last name of "Our Own Worst Enemy". LT shows at least 8 that could apply here. Thanks.
Posted by: ByrningBunny | February 07, 2008 at 08:42 PM