Ian McEwan's Saturday examines one day in the life of Henry Perowne, a successful British neurosurgeon, husband and father. Henry contemplates everything -- overthinking some things -- and views the day's events through his personal lenses of medical training, affection for his wife, worry for his two grown children, pride and embarrassment over his affluence and success in life, worry over terrorism and the effects of 9/11, and a growing awareness of getting older and how his life is changing because of it.
Henry's plan for his Saturday is simple: get up early, see his wife off to work, play racquetball with a colleague, visit his mother at the nursing home, buy groceries, prepare a special celebration dinner and enjoy a visit from his children. A minor car accident on his way to racquetball upsets his carefully-laid plans and changes his life forever.
I was prepared to dislike Saturday because of the slowness of it. The book opens with Henry waking in the middle of the night, and by page 25, it's only 3:55 a.m. Everything Henry experiences or remembers is recounted in great detail, as he applies the scientific objectivity and serious examination of neurosurgery to every event in his life. After I paused, took a deep breath, and slowed my reading pace a bit, McEwan's contemplativeness washed over me. I was interested in everything Henry was seeing; I wanted to hear the backstory that Henry remembered. I can relate to his worry about his ailing mother and I understand his fears about getting older.
While sometimes paced maddeningly slow, Saturday is an enjoyable read. McEwan presents a character's entire lifetime in only one day and reminds us that life is what happens when we're busy making other plans.
What did you think?
(Learn more about the Tampa Book Buzz Online Book Club by clicking here.)
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Friday, April 28, 2006
Upcoming Events at Inkwood Books
Inkwood Books has a lot of great events coming up:
May 2 at 6 p.m. -- June Casagrande will discuss and sign her hilarious collection of anecdotes and essays Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies:A Guide to Language For Fun & Spite.
May 9 at 6 p.m. -- Patti Callahan Henry will read and sign her third low country novel When Light Breaks.
May 10 at 7 p.m. (different location than Inkwood) -- former Tampa Tribune crime reporter Ace Atkins kicks off his national tour to promote his true crime epic White Shadow with a book release party at King Corona Cigars in Ybor City.
May 19 at noon (different location than Inkwood) -- NBC News correspondent Mike Leonard will read and sign The Ride of Our Lives:Roadside Lessons of an American Family at Lazydays RV SuperCenter just east of Tampa. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Lazydays Partners Foundation.
May 25 at 7 p.m. -- Sarah Abramsky will discuss and sign Conned:How Millions Went to Prison, Lost the Vote, and Helped Send George W. Bush to the White House.
May 26 at 6 p.m. -- Mary Kay Andrews will read and sign Savannah Breeze, her sequel to Savannah Blues.
For more information, visit Inkwood's events calendar.
(cross-posted at Sticks of Fire)
May 2 at 6 p.m. -- June Casagrande will discuss and sign her hilarious collection of anecdotes and essays Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies:A Guide to Language For Fun & Spite.
May 9 at 6 p.m. -- Patti Callahan Henry will read and sign her third low country novel When Light Breaks.
May 10 at 7 p.m. (different location than Inkwood) -- former Tampa Tribune crime reporter Ace Atkins kicks off his national tour to promote his true crime epic White Shadow with a book release party at King Corona Cigars in Ybor City.
May 19 at noon (different location than Inkwood) -- NBC News correspondent Mike Leonard will read and sign The Ride of Our Lives:Roadside Lessons of an American Family at Lazydays RV SuperCenter just east of Tampa. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Lazydays Partners Foundation.
May 25 at 7 p.m. -- Sarah Abramsky will discuss and sign Conned:How Millions Went to Prison, Lost the Vote, and Helped Send George W. Bush to the White House.
May 26 at 6 p.m. -- Mary Kay Andrews will read and sign Savannah Breeze, her sequel to Savannah Blues.
For more information, visit Inkwood's events calendar.
(cross-posted at Sticks of Fire)
Thursday, April 27, 2006
I Want To Read...
Slack:Getting Past Burnout, Busywork, and the Myth of Total Efficiency by Tom DeMarco. I saw a quote in a magazine from the book that "people may do their best thinking when they are not concentrating on work at all."
If my boss is reading this: I'll be at the beach tomorrow, doing some heavy thinking. Don't call me; I'll call you when I'm finished thinking.
If my boss is reading this: I'll be at the beach tomorrow, doing some heavy thinking. Don't call me; I'll call you when I'm finished thinking.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Ted Kooser Reading on Saturday Cancelled
The following is from an email from Inkwood Books:
Ted Kooser has had to CANCEL his scheduled reading this Saturday, but St. Leo University will host a film of Kooser reading, and Peter Meinke and Gerald Stern will read their poetry. Inkwood Books will NOT be there, but we do have a supply of Kooser's books. The event will be at the Pasco Schools Center for the Arts in Wesley Chapel beginning at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 29. A perfect way to close National Poetry Month. The event is free but tickets are required. Call 813-782-2831 or 813-994-8374 to reserve tickets.
Ted Kooser has had to CANCEL his scheduled reading this Saturday, but St. Leo University will host a film of Kooser reading, and Peter Meinke and Gerald Stern will read their poetry. Inkwood Books will NOT be there, but we do have a supply of Kooser's books. The event will be at the Pasco Schools Center for the Arts in Wesley Chapel beginning at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 29. A perfect way to close National Poetry Month. The event is free but tickets are required. Call 813-782-2831 or 813-994-8374 to reserve tickets.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
"Consuming Starbucks"
A Philadelphia professor has visited 300 Starbucks in six countries as research for a book on consumption in the age of globalization titled Consuming Starbucks.
I despise coffee, but perhaps I should write a book on donuts and visit as many Dunkin' Donuts locations as possible. I've been "researching" donuts for many years now, so having an Official Reason for consuming all those jelly donuts would make me feel less guilty. Calories consumed as research don't count, do they?
I despise coffee, but perhaps I should write a book on donuts and visit as many Dunkin' Donuts locations as possible. I've been "researching" donuts for many years now, so having an Official Reason for consuming all those jelly donuts would make me feel less guilty. Calories consumed as research don't count, do they?
Saturday, April 22, 2006
10-Year-Old Local Author
The WTSP Tampa Bay's 10 News website has a story about a ten-year-old local boy who has published a book that is available at Borders bookstores.
I feel like such a slacker...
I feel like such a slacker...
Friday, April 21, 2006
BookWorks Needs You
Goodwill's BookWorks program needs book donations and volunteers for the childhood literacy program. According to their website:
BookWorks is designed to instill a love of books and reading and to encourage self-sufficiency in children from low-income households. Volunteers read stories to the children, and afterwards, each child receives his or her very own book.
Visit the Goodwill Bookworks website or call 1-888-279-1988 to learn more.
BookWorks is designed to instill a love of books and reading and to encourage self-sufficiency in children from low-income households. Volunteers read stories to the children, and afterwards, each child receives his or her very own book.
Visit the Goodwill Bookworks website or call 1-888-279-1988 to learn more.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Local Author News:Gabi Lorino, Wendy Boucher, Rita and J.C. De La Torre, Frank Trebin Lastra
*Local author/performer/Ewan MacGregor stalker Gabi Lorino (The Independent Woman's Guide to Life) is working on a sequel called One Bridesmaid's Descent into Madness. Her corresponding one-woman show will be part of the Orlando International Fringe Festival in May.
p.s. -- I lost my copy of Lorino's book in my recent move, then found it, finished it this weekend, and will post my review on TBB this week.
*Local author Wendy Boucher will talk to the Tampa Writers Alliance on May 3rd about self-promotion for authors and will give the nuts-and-bolts of blogging. Boucher will also take part in a panel discussion at the South Tampa Barnes & Noble on May 16th (more on this soon, because Yours Truly will also be part of the panel).
*Local authors Rita and J.C. De La Torre will be at the Dunedin Books-A-Party this Saturday. J.C. is currently working on a screenplay adaptation of his book Ancient Rising, while Rita is preparing for the upcoming publication of her new book Dark Dragons.
*Frank Trebin Lastra, born and raised in Ybor City, is making use of his childhood with his new book Ybor City:The Making of a Landmark Town. The University of Tampa Press is releasing Lastra's book on April 24.
p.s. -- I lost my copy of Lorino's book in my recent move, then found it, finished it this weekend, and will post my review on TBB this week.
*Local author Wendy Boucher will talk to the Tampa Writers Alliance on May 3rd about self-promotion for authors and will give the nuts-and-bolts of blogging. Boucher will also take part in a panel discussion at the South Tampa Barnes & Noble on May 16th (more on this soon, because Yours Truly will also be part of the panel).
*Local authors Rita and J.C. De La Torre will be at the Dunedin Books-A-Party this Saturday. J.C. is currently working on a screenplay adaptation of his book Ancient Rising, while Rita is preparing for the upcoming publication of her new book Dark Dragons.
*Frank Trebin Lastra, born and raised in Ybor City, is making use of his childhood with his new book Ybor City:The Making of a Landmark Town. The University of Tampa Press is releasing Lastra's book on April 24.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Florida Authors At Upcoming Florida Collectibles & Vintage Memorabilia Show
The bi-annual Florida Collectibles & Vintage Memorabilia Show will be on Sunday, April 30th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Coliseum in downtown St. Pete. Florida's largest antiques and collectibles show focusing exclusively on vintage Floridiana, this unique event features old Florida souvenirs and memorabilia such as old Florida books; flamingo and alligator souvenirs; tinted Barnhill and Harris photographs; vintage Florida license plates and roadside signs; kitschy roadside attraction souvenirs; fruit crate and cigar box labels; rattan and other tropical furnishing and decor; and much more.
Many of the original Florida Highwaymen artists -- self-taught African-American painters, many of whom traveled Florida's highways selling their paintings of Florida landscapes -- will participate in the show. There will be a screening of the documentary The Highwaymen, which explores the Highwaymen's history through interviews with many of these artists. Other screenings include 1950's Florida tourism film ads.
Several authors will attend this show for lectures and book signings:
*Charlie Carlson (Weird Florida...Your Travel Guide to Florida's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets) will give his special insight into Florida's weird and kitschy history and myths.
*Dr. Gary Mormino (Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams) will give a talk titled "Florida:From Old South to New South to Sunbelt."
*Tim Dorsey (The Big Bamboo) will offer his humorous insights on Florida fiction and fact.
*Wayne Ayers (Tampa Bay's Gulf Beaches:The Fabulous 1950's and 1960's) will discuss his book and give a slide presentation showing nostalgic beach images from a bygone era.
*William Moriaty will be on-hand to sign his book William Moriaty's Florida.
*Larry Roberts (Florida's Golden Age of Souvenirs:1890-1930) will be available for questions on collecting vintage Floridiana.
Several local historical societies will be exhibiting, including the Gulf Beaches Historical Society and Museum, the Indian Rocks Historical Society, the Clearwater Historical Society and the Largo Area Historical Society. There will be live jazz and blues entertainment in the afternoon, along with a cash bar.
Admission to the Florida Collectibles & Vintage Memorabilia Show is $6.00 and parking is free. All lectures, entertainment and film screenings are included in the price of admission. The Coliseum is located at 535 Fourth Avenue North in St. Pete. For more information, call 727-363-4852 or visit www.hulahula.biz.
Many of the original Florida Highwaymen artists -- self-taught African-American painters, many of whom traveled Florida's highways selling their paintings of Florida landscapes -- will participate in the show. There will be a screening of the documentary The Highwaymen, which explores the Highwaymen's history through interviews with many of these artists. Other screenings include 1950's Florida tourism film ads.
Several authors will attend this show for lectures and book signings:
*Charlie Carlson (Weird Florida...Your Travel Guide to Florida's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets) will give his special insight into Florida's weird and kitschy history and myths.
*Dr. Gary Mormino (Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams) will give a talk titled "Florida:From Old South to New South to Sunbelt."
*Tim Dorsey (The Big Bamboo) will offer his humorous insights on Florida fiction and fact.
*Wayne Ayers (Tampa Bay's Gulf Beaches:The Fabulous 1950's and 1960's) will discuss his book and give a slide presentation showing nostalgic beach images from a bygone era.
*William Moriaty will be on-hand to sign his book William Moriaty's Florida.
*Larry Roberts (Florida's Golden Age of Souvenirs:1890-1930) will be available for questions on collecting vintage Floridiana.
Several local historical societies will be exhibiting, including the Gulf Beaches Historical Society and Museum, the Indian Rocks Historical Society, the Clearwater Historical Society and the Largo Area Historical Society. There will be live jazz and blues entertainment in the afternoon, along with a cash bar.
Admission to the Florida Collectibles & Vintage Memorabilia Show is $6.00 and parking is free. All lectures, entertainment and film screenings are included in the price of admission. The Coliseum is located at 535 Fourth Avenue North in St. Pete. For more information, call 727-363-4852 or visit www.hulahula.biz.
Bitter Is The New Black
This morning I woke up feeling like death warmed over, so I stayed home from work. I actually hate calling in sick, given that I seem to have inherited the Puritan work ethic and the fact that I know things are just going to be busier the next day because of all the crap that's piling up today...even right this moment, someone is leaving me a voice mail or emailing me an assignment.
After some Tylenol and some more sleep, I finished reading Bitter Is the New Black by Jen Lancaster. Technically the whole name is Bitter Is the New Black:Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered, Smart-Ass, Or Why You Should Never Carry a Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office. That's pretty much the book review, right there.
I never would have heard about this book if it weren't for the book groups at the South Tampa Barnes & Noble. I went to the Women's Fiction Book Group meeting there last month to hear local author Wendy Boucher speak and had such a good time that I picked up a book club flyer on my way out. The next day I added the various book group meetings to my day-planner/calendar and tracked down as many of the books as I could. I read the Mystery Book Group pick also -- Case Histories by Kate Atkinson -- even though I have other plans that night and can't attend the meeting. Thank goodness for book clubs, or else I'd only read books by my favorite authors and never expand outside that circle.
Bitter Is the New Black is blogger Jen Lancaster's story of going from being a highly-paid, well-dressed, snobby, judgmental, shopaholic corporate VP to a normal person who has to do her own nails and color her own hair in order to afford groceries and electricity. It's sharp, funny and well-written. Also, Lancaster had the decency to add a note in the front of the book stating that "although this memoir is based on real events in my life, I've taken a few liberties for the purpose of moving the story forward." I hope she makes as much money as "memoirist" James Frey.
After a mid-afternoon nap, I'm going to check out Lancaster's blog www.jennsylvania.com. And maybe do my nails and color my hair.
After some Tylenol and some more sleep, I finished reading Bitter Is the New Black by Jen Lancaster. Technically the whole name is Bitter Is the New Black:Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered, Smart-Ass, Or Why You Should Never Carry a Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office. That's pretty much the book review, right there.
I never would have heard about this book if it weren't for the book groups at the South Tampa Barnes & Noble. I went to the Women's Fiction Book Group meeting there last month to hear local author Wendy Boucher speak and had such a good time that I picked up a book club flyer on my way out. The next day I added the various book group meetings to my day-planner/calendar and tracked down as many of the books as I could. I read the Mystery Book Group pick also -- Case Histories by Kate Atkinson -- even though I have other plans that night and can't attend the meeting. Thank goodness for book clubs, or else I'd only read books by my favorite authors and never expand outside that circle.
Bitter Is the New Black is blogger Jen Lancaster's story of going from being a highly-paid, well-dressed, snobby, judgmental, shopaholic corporate VP to a normal person who has to do her own nails and color her own hair in order to afford groceries and electricity. It's sharp, funny and well-written. Also, Lancaster had the decency to add a note in the front of the book stating that "although this memoir is based on real events in my life, I've taken a few liberties for the purpose of moving the story forward." I hope she makes as much money as "memoirist" James Frey.
After a mid-afternoon nap, I'm going to check out Lancaster's blog www.jennsylvania.com. And maybe do my nails and color my hair.
Monday, April 17, 2006
A Bit About Ian McEwan
Did you know that...
...many people have done their dissertations on the works of Ian McEwan
...McEwan's books have been translated into many languages, including Dutch, French and Japanese
...in 2004, McEwan received an apology from U.S. officials
...Random House has a reading guide available for McEwan's book Saturday
...Saturday by Ian McEwan is the Tampa Book Buzz Online Book Club's selection for April
...many people have done their dissertations on the works of Ian McEwan
...McEwan's books have been translated into many languages, including Dutch, French and Japanese
...in 2004, McEwan received an apology from U.S. officials
...Random House has a reading guide available for McEwan's book Saturday
...Saturday by Ian McEwan is the Tampa Book Buzz Online Book Club's selection for April
Friday, April 14, 2006
I'm Adding This Book To My Reading List...
...CrazyBusy:Overstretched, Overbooked and About to Snap! Strategies for Coping in a World Gone ADD by Edward Hallowell.
I think I want "overstretched, overbooked and finally snapped" on my tombstone. I'm curious what wisdom this guy has to impart.
I think I want "overstretched, overbooked and finally snapped" on my tombstone. I'm curious what wisdom this guy has to impart.
Thom Hartmann at Largo Public Library on April 29
From WMNF's online calendar:
Best-selling author and national radio personality Thom Hartmann will speak on April 29th at the new Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, in downtown Largo. He will discuss his landmark work The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight, a documentation of the effects of overpopulation, ecodamage, genetic engineering, and the re-emergence of virulent diseases. This book was the inspiration for Leonardo DiCaprio's new web movie Global Warning:The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight. Call the Largo Public Library for more information or visit www.thomhartmann.com .
Best-selling author and national radio personality Thom Hartmann will speak on April 29th at the new Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, in downtown Largo. He will discuss his landmark work The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight, a documentation of the effects of overpopulation, ecodamage, genetic engineering, and the re-emergence of virulent diseases. This book was the inspiration for Leonardo DiCaprio's new web movie Global Warning:The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight. Call the Largo Public Library for more information or visit www.thomhartmann.com .
Thursday, April 13, 2006
BookTalk.org's Picks This Quarter
The BookTalk.org picks for this quarter are Enders Game by Orson Scott Card and The End of Faith by Sam Harris.
BookTalk.org is a humanist "freethinker's book discussion community." Visit www.booktalk.org to learn more.
BookTalk.org is a humanist "freethinker's book discussion community." Visit www.booktalk.org to learn more.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Another Lawsuit For Dan Brown?
When unpacking recently, I discovered that I own the book Holy Blood, Holy Grail, which was the subject of a plagiarism lawsuit against author Dan Brown (the author of The Da Vinci Code won). I've added Holy Blood, Holy Grail to my reading pile, just to see for myself what the brouhaha was about.
Today, The Book Standard reports that another lawsuit against Brown might be on the horizon.
Today, The Book Standard reports that another lawsuit against Brown might be on the horizon.
Dunedin Books-A-Party
Finally! I've been waiting for more info about the upcoming Dunedin Books-A-Party (April 22) and today, oh happy day, there's finally a webpage listing the activities and schedule. There will be a mystery author panel, a personal history writing workshop and more. Click here for more info.
How and Why Lisa's Dad Got To Be Famous
Michael Allen, the Grumpy Old Bookman himself, as a new book out titled How and Why Lisa's Dad Got To Be Famous. Here's the description he sent me:
Harry is a divorced man who has not been able to see his daughter Lisa since she was five years old. But Harry still loves Lisa more than anyone else in the world; and he worries about her future because she was born without a left foot. When Harry is offered the chance to win a million pounds for Lisa, by taking part in a reality-TV show, he immediately accepts. All he has to do is find a woman who is willing to risk her life for him – and he has just three months to do it.
Publisher: Kingsfield Publications UK
Publication date: 5 April 2006
Format: Trade paperback, 216 x 138, 218 pages
Available to the public from online booksellers such Amazon.com.
Harry is a divorced man who has not been able to see his daughter Lisa since she was five years old. But Harry still loves Lisa more than anyone else in the world; and he worries about her future because she was born without a left foot. When Harry is offered the chance to win a million pounds for Lisa, by taking part in a reality-TV show, he immediately accepts. All he has to do is find a woman who is willing to risk her life for him – and he has just three months to do it.
Publisher: Kingsfield Publications UK
Publication date: 5 April 2006
Format: Trade paperback, 216 x 138, 218 pages
Available to the public from online booksellers such Amazon.com.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Florida Bibliophile Society Meeting Date is Different This Month
The Florida Bibliophile Society will meet on the fourth Sunday of April, instead of the usual third Sunday (because the third Sunday is Easter). The meeting will be at 1:30 p.m. on April 23 at the MacDonald-Kelce Library at the University of Tampa. Library director Marilyn Pethe will give a tour of the library and give a sneak peak at some of the items in Special Collections.
For more info on the Florida Bibliophile Society, click here.
For more info on the Florida Bibliophile Society, click here.
Monday, April 10, 2006
"Cinema Treasures" Lecture and Signing at Tampa Theatre
As part of its 80th anniversary celebration, Tampa Theatre is hosting authors and film historians Ross Melnick and Andreas Fuchs at 7 p.m. on April 19th. The authors of Cinema Treasures:A New Look at Classic Movie Theaters will talk about the evolution of film exhibition and movie-going habits over the last 80 years and will sign copies of their book. Tickets are $25 ($20 for Tampa Theatre members).
To purchase tickets or for more information, click here.
To purchase tickets or for more information, click here.
Sunday, April 9, 2006
April Book Giveaway on TCM
This month's book giveaway on TCM (Turner Classic Movies) is Adventures of a Hollywood Secretary:Her Private Letters From Inside the Studios of the 1920s by Valerie Belletti, edited by Cari Beauchamp. To learn more or to register for a chance to win, click here.
Wednesday, April 5, 2006
A Good Excuse For Not Blogging
I won't be able to post much over the next few days because my other addiction (beside reading) is taking over my life for a few days. Don't worry...I'll carry a book in my purse in case there's a lull between films.
Monday, April 3, 2006
Drop Everything and Read Day
I read yesterday that April 12 is Beverly Cleary's 90th birthday. To celebrate, that day has been designated "Drop Everything and Read" Day by a section of the American Library Association and various other groups.
If you've never read any of Cleary's books, you've either (a) never been a child yourself (having sprung fully grown from the head of Zeus), or (b) never had children or grandchildren, or (c) never read a book or (d) had a really good reason that I can't think of right now.
Although I'm more of a Judy Blume fan myself, I have found memories of Ramona Quimby and all her advertures.
Happy Birthday, Beverly Cleary!
If you've never read any of Cleary's books, you've either (a) never been a child yourself (having sprung fully grown from the head of Zeus), or (b) never had children or grandchildren, or (c) never read a book or (d) had a really good reason that I can't think of right now.
Although I'm more of a Judy Blume fan myself, I have found memories of Ramona Quimby and all her advertures.
Happy Birthday, Beverly Cleary!
Saturday, April 1, 2006
TBB Online Book Club Pick For April Is...
Saturday by Ian McEwan.
Here's the description from his website:
Saturday is a novel set within a single day -- 15 February 2003. Henry Perowne is a contented man - a successful neurosurgeon, happily married to a newspaper lawyer, and enjoying good relations with his children, who are young adults. What troubles him is the state of the world - the impending war against Iraq, and a general darkening and gathering pessimism since the New York and Washington attacks two years before. On this particular Saturday morning, Perowne makes his way to his usual squash game with his anaesthetist, trying to avoid the hundreds of thousand of marchers filling the streets of London, protesting against the war. A minor accident in his car brings him into a confrontation with a small-time thug called Baxter. To Perowne's professional eye, something appears to be profoundly wrong with this young man. Baxter, in his turn, believes the surgeon has humiliated him, and visits the opulent Perowne home that evening, during a family reunion - with savage consequences that will lead Henry Perowne to deploy all his skills to keep this doomed figure alive.
On the last day of the month, I will let you know what I think about this book and hope to hear what you thought about it (that's what the TBB Online Book Club is about, after all).
Here's the description from his website:
Saturday is a novel set within a single day -- 15 February 2003. Henry Perowne is a contented man - a successful neurosurgeon, happily married to a newspaper lawyer, and enjoying good relations with his children, who are young adults. What troubles him is the state of the world - the impending war against Iraq, and a general darkening and gathering pessimism since the New York and Washington attacks two years before. On this particular Saturday morning, Perowne makes his way to his usual squash game with his anaesthetist, trying to avoid the hundreds of thousand of marchers filling the streets of London, protesting against the war. A minor accident in his car brings him into a confrontation with a small-time thug called Baxter. To Perowne's professional eye, something appears to be profoundly wrong with this young man. Baxter, in his turn, believes the surgeon has humiliated him, and visits the opulent Perowne home that evening, during a family reunion - with savage consequences that will lead Henry Perowne to deploy all his skills to keep this doomed figure alive.
On the last day of the month, I will let you know what I think about this book and hope to hear what you thought about it (that's what the TBB Online Book Club is about, after all).
