The Last Good Man by A.J. Kasinski

Title: The Last Good Man
Author: A.J. Kasinski
Did I listen or read?: audiobook from the library
When did I finish?: February 27, 2014
When was the book published: no idea
Main Characters: Nils Benson, copy, an Italian cop, Hannah Luft, math researcher
What happens? There are 36 good men, as designated in a Torah legend, who are doing good and keep the human race alive.  They are all dying, and as each dies, a tattoo appears on their back with their number in the sequence.  Nils and the Italian cop figure out what is going on and race frantically to prevent the final two murders in the sequence.
How long was this? 11 hours+
Did I like this? Actually better than I thought it would be.  Painfully long and hard to follow at first, but the plot and characters come into view in the second half, good plot twist.
Overall grade: B

David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell

Title: David and Goliath
Author: Malcolm Gladwell
Did I listen or read?: library book, large type
When did I finish?: Feb 20, 2014
When was the book published: 2913
Main Characters: non-fiction
What happens?
Goliath loses despite having more power, more weapons.  Bigger and richer and stronger isn't necessarily better. People succeed (disproportionately so) despite having obstacles like dsylexia.  Londoners got used to the London bombing, and the "far misses" were stronger from overcoming the fear. Going to the best university isn't right for everyone - a real strong argument against affirmative action.  Raising kids can be harder when you are rich (income greater than 75,000 dollars.)  The inverses U curve fits into many situations - the task can be harder when you add too many resources - three strikes doesn't work (right side of the curve.) Authority comes from the perception of legitimacy, not from strength.  Decreasing class sizes works in some ranges, but not in others (too small or too big.) The Impressionists succeeded by giving up on the Salon (the powerful source of legitimacy) and creating their own. The History of Impressionaism  by John Rewald (MOMA, 1973) or THe Judgement of Paris by Ross King (Walker Publishing, 2006)
How long was this? 332 pages regular
Did I like this? Top notch
Overall grade: A

Wonderland by Ace Atkins channeling Robert Parker

Title:  Wonderland
Author: Ace Atkins, for Robert Parker
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: February 14, 2014
When was the book published: 2013
Main Characters: Spenser, Susan, no Hawk, Henry Cimoli, "Z" Zebulon Sixkill
What happens? Spenser helps Henry who gets threatened as he hesitates in selling his beachfront condo in Revere.  A couple of Las Vegas types want to build gambling in Revere, one at Wonderland.  The mob gets involved, and the Weinbergs marriage and competition with Harvey Rose (former math genius turned gambling exec) and the young lady who leaves Rose and works with and sleeps with Weinberg turn this into a quality plot.
How long was this? 315 pages
Did I like this? Good stuff, very entertaining, seamless Spenser
Overall grade: B+

Night Film by Marisha Pessi

Title: Night Film
Author: Marisha Pessi
Did I listen or read?: hard cover book, gift from Jacob xmas 2013
When did I finish?: Feb 7, 2014
When was the book published: 2013
Main Characters: Ashley Cordova, Stanislas Cordova, journalist Scott McGrath, two young sidekicks
What happens?  McGrath investigates Ashley's death, delving into the mysterious world of Cordova's films, and the estate where lived as a recluse building a film study.  Did he recreate his films in real life and torture his children?  Was his daughter haunted by black magic?
How long was this? 550 pages approx
Did I like this? Excellent book, very unique style, a real page turner
Overall grade: An A- because of the ending.  But a great book.