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MeMe - What Have I Been Reading?

MeMe - What Have I Been Reading? By Bill Roberts

What have I been reading lately? A Meme imposed on me by my friend Bill Nazur.

I know he thinks that he's doing me a favor, but I ask you, do I have to see it that way?

A couple of months ago I had a computer problem. I was without my computer for over a week. I read a lot of books that week. I blogged about it: What Do You Do When You Can't Blog?

This got me started reading again for pleasure. I still read for education, self-improvement, and business. But reading for escape and "just the hell of it" has been firmly re-established in my life.

So here is what I've read recently:

Be Cool by Elmore Leonard, the sequel to Get Shorty

Leonard's books are all about characters and dialogue. Chilly Palmer from Get Shorty was a great character (didn't Travolta play him in the movie?) so Leonard brought him back. Not quite as good as Get Shorty but sequels never are. The dialogue is Elmore Leonard's forte. It is crisp, colorful, and very evocative.

My wife and I liked the Bourne trilogy of movies, so I decided to see what Ludlum had written since Bourne Ultimatum.

There were several available so I read three of them.

The Janson Directive by Robert Ludlum

I'm glad I did, Paul Janson is a character every bit as interesting as Jason Bourne. Ludlum has a tendency to be wordy, but the storyline is intricate and fully developed. You can't accuse him of leaving things out, not tying up all the loose ends, or not fully explaining everything that is happening.

This is more than I'm going to do. I'm not going to explain anything. You've got to read it yourself, or wait for the movie.

Also by Ludlum is The Ambler Warning

An interesting geopolitical thriller about people in our government plotting to involve China in a world war. Think it can't happen? Think again. The story is even better than The Janson Directive, but the character is not as endearing. It's hard to make a government assassin endearing. Somewhere along the way I figured out the ending, but I still had to read the whole thing.

And finally, The Bancroft Strategy by Robert Ludlum

Back in the day when Ludlum was riding high (before Clancy's Jack Ryan novels) there was a lot of discussion about where Ludlum got his ideas and details. It was said he was "plugged in" to the CIA.

Now all his stories are based on State Department Consular Operations.

Bancroft is about someone "playing God" by manipulating events and governments "for the greatest good."

So the question is "are these stories based on a bit of truth or are they made from whole cloth?"

I have also been reading books on real estate, the most prominent of which is "Everybody Wins, The Story and Lessons Behind Re/Max."

Why? You'll have to read Because of ActiveRain I Decided To "Re-Invent" Myself

Now I have to "touch" somebody else for this "honor." I guess that I would like to know what Brian Brady, Bill Archambault and Bill Cherry have been reading. Sorry guys.

Brian Brady

Bill Archambault Books I've Read, Reread, and Read Again

Bill Cherry BILL ROBERTS MAKES CLANDESTINE DEMANDS ON ME

Posted by Bill Roberts - "Baby Boomer" Retirement Planning on 01/10/2008 12:48 AM

Comments (23)

meme, bill roberts, books

23 Comments on MeMe - What Have I Been Reading?

JAN

2008

Bill- Interesting the fiction you are reading. I am not into fiction although I am writing a fiction suspense novel along with my nonfiction book on success in real estate. I just love self improvement stuff, makes me a better coach, person, wife and mother and realtor. Katerina

Katerina, I've told you before, you have way too much energy. Thanks for being first here.

Bill Roberts

Bill, what a good topic for a MeMe. I haven't read Robert Ludlum for years. There was a time that I couldn't put his or Michael Crichton's books down. Sydney Sheldon was another one that I liked along as Stephen King.

I'm surprised - no Nora Roberts on your list? Don't like that romancy stuff huh? (just kidding)

Now, like Katerina, (isn't that a good name) it's almost all Self Improvement and motivational stuff and educational.

I think that it's time for a good Robert Ludlum read!!

Back in the olden "pre Internet" days, I read everything Ludlum wrote. Good reviews.

Kate, Thanks for responding. I almost "tagged" you, but I was instructed to only pick three. Now this way I got your picks anyway.

Bill Roberts

Lenn, Now you have another chance. I think that it is time well spent. Ludlum definitely gives food for thought.

Thanks for chiming in.

Bill Roberts

Bill: I remember reading all Ludlam's Bourne books. I have wondered myself where these guys get their information. I'm convinced that Ludlum had some friends inside the CIA... just too good not to be true. I know Clancy admitted he had "sources". I've read Clancy's book, The Sum of All Fears, at least twice. I'll have to pick up copies of your recommended reading. Good meme, Bill.

Jan, It will definitely leave you wondering......

Thanks for your comments.

Bill Roberts

Ah, Bill, some great read......you know Ludlum and all of these writers have great contacts inside of the CIA and any other intelligence agencies, cause you just can't make that stuff up.

Of course, it was a favor.....you did great in sharing your reading list with us! I think its awesome.

Happy New Year Billy!

OK, William

I'll accept the challenge. I read so darned much that I want to think about what to suggest here. I'll deliver the goods by tomorrow.

Billycherry

Ah, Bill Nazur returns to the scene. See what you started?

Bill Roberts

Bill Cherry, You see that guy who commented ahead of you. Well, it's all his fault. He "tagged" me.

I'm looking forward to see what you've been up to.

Thanks for accepting.

Bill Roberts

Bill.....sometimes I have to become the instigator, and throw out my politically correct presence......

Bill Nazur, It's funny that you use that word - instigator - because that is exactly what I was thinking.

Bill Roberts

Bill: Great post and a great recap of these texts! I'm reminded to get back to the "pleasure reading" realm... it's been too long!

Bill R,

Memed! A fine thing to do to a friend.

On the other hand I'm the guy that keeps saying "You are who you associate with!" What an honor it is to be associated with Brian Brady, Bill Cherry, Bill Nazur, and you sir. You even got the photos right! There's Brian Brady always on the right, but slightly to my left.

I responded you'll find it at Books I've Read, Reread, and Read Again

Currently if anyone ask me what they should read I refer them to the very wise young Mr Jason Sardi at: A Must Read For Real Estate Investors !

Bill

Rich, Thanks for the kind words. Now get out there and start reading. You'll like it.

Bill Roberts

Bill Archambault, Thanks for being so prompt. I've got to confess, it took me a lot longer to get it all together.

Now I'm going over to read it. I'll comment there.

Bill Roberts

Bill Cherry, My fault. I assumed that you had been MeMe'd before. No problem but you need to "cut and paste" your above comment into a post on your blog (this way you get credit for it and your readers get a chance to read it also) and then include it in any groups you want plus the group MeMe's.

It's a great list and you've done all the work already. Now just post it and let your readers be edified and impressed.

Thanks for being such a good sport.

Bill Roberts

Bill

You know I drift along in a fog. Sorry I screwed up your deal. I deleted the post here and moved it to MeMe. You can breathe easy now.

Billycherry

JAN

2008

Bill Cherry, Thank you very much for playing along with me. You have been properly memorialized now.

Bill Roberts

BTW any of Bill Cherry's readers can find his MeMe at BILL ROBERTS MAKES CLANDESTINE DEMANDS ON ME

Thanks, Bill.. I just got back from NYC; expect to see my list later

Brian, Thank you. I'm looking forward to it.

Bill Roberts

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