The Given Day

[Gerald Guy]

I started reading "The Given Day" on Christmas Day and can't put it down. Set in post-World War I Boston, Dennis Lehane weaves a tale of romance and intrigue that is tossed and turned by the social and economic upheavals of the time. Legendary Babe Ruth even makes appearances in the novel. Who doesn't like reading about the Babe in the early years before he became a Yankee? I love it.

[Gerald Guy]

Sorry, I learning the ropes here. This might have been sent as an email to all members. It won't happen again, I hope.

[rapa]

No, you did fine!  Book sounds interesting.  Have been watching "Downton Abbey" circa WWI and after in England.

[Ursula]

I just discovered Downton Abbey; don't know how I missed it before.  Fortunately one of my local PBS stations is rerunning year 1 and another is running year 2.  So I'm recording year 2 in hope of seeing all of year 1 first.  Since the third season starts January 6, I'm seeing a Downton Abbey marathon in my near future.  Always great to discover there are still quality programs on TV.  Thank you Masterpiece Theater!!

[rapa]

Have in on order at my library.  Thanks for the recommend!

[tnbopeep]

Good job Gerald Guy - and good post. OK, I must confess "I'm a Bookoholic & I've never read Lehane". Sorry....... but I've been meaning to so this may be the recommendation I need. Oh, and as for Downton - love it!!!!! Can't wait for season 3.

[Carci]

bopeep... I always remember the book review in People magazine years ago when Mystic River first came out... they called Lehane "the best mystery writer you've never heard of"... well we've all heard of him since  :)

[rapa]

Speaking of Dennis Lehane, I read this in today's Fort Worth Star-Telegram:

"Looking for dog, author offers an odd reward

Author Dennis Lehane is offering an unusual reward for the person who finds his family's beloved missing beagle.

     Lehane says he'll name a character in his next book after whoever finds Tessa, who disappeared from the family's home in Brookline, Mass, this week.  He says on his Facebook page that Tessa jumped a fence and was not wearing her tags.

     Lehane say Tessa is "smart, fast, and immeasurably sweet."

     Lehane wrote Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone, Shutter Island and other books."

--From staff and wire reports

 

 

[rapa]

Started this book last night.  Read about 100 pages but won't be whipping through it as it's over 700 pages! Loved the prologue which told story about Babe Ruth finding a "pick up" game in an Ohio field when his train broke down and needed repairs.  This book has lots of raging testosterone flowing.  The story takes place toward the end of WWI in Boston. Lehane writes of the political and social unrest of a nation at the crossroads of the past and future. The story centers around two families, one black, the other white, who gradually meld to ride out the storm. This is not a cozy!