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Joe has a BA in English (St. John’s University) and an MS in Communications (North Western). After a career in corporate communications, he is a freelance business waiter, bookseller, community gardener and reader of any interesting book but concentrates on crime and general fiction.

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Joe S.

Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War
by Karl Marlantes April 2010

This novel is the opposite of gung-ho celebrations of war. Instead, it concentrates on the fear and pain experienced by those on the ground, fighting not only a determined and capable human enemy but the mud, diseases and exhaustion that are constant accompaniments. Matterhorn also reflects the political interference and racial tensions that were factors in the Vietnam War. This is an often difficult read but an emotional rendering of the human toll and futility of war. $24.95
Matterhorn
Fiction

Not Rated:
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Spooner by Pete Dexter September 2009

I never fully understood what made Spooner tick as he grew from difficult, destructive boy into detached, self-destructive adult. His traumatic birth and distant mother provide a partial explanation but Spooner remains something of a mystery.  His often very funny misadventures form the core of this book but its heart is Spooner's step-father, Calmer, a name that describes his character. Calmer is the constant, supportive presence for Spooner, trying without much success, to guide him to the straight and narrow. The bond between them is strong but largely unspoken and its unfolding provides an emotional punch. $26.99
Spooner
Fiction

Not Rated:
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Gone Tomorrow by P.F. Kluge November 2008

“Offbeat tale of academia told in alternate flashbacks and scenes set in present. Why does a renowned novelist leave the main stage for an obscure Ohio university? Why does he remain for decades without publishing his long-promised new book? Is the book a myth or a long work in progress? These and other questions are resolved in a moving examination of the effects of the past, man-woman relationships, the rewards of teaching and the nature of happiness.”
Gone_Tomorrow
Fiction

Not Rated:
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American Lightning by Howard Blum September 2008

With current concerns over terrorism, this book is a reminder of how sudden violence has played a prominent role in U.S. history. Deals specifically with the bombing in 1910 of the Los Angeles Times newspaper and a wave of similar events. Hard to put down to the very last page. $24.95

Non-Fiction

Not Rated:
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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson
September 2008

With current concerns over terrorism, this book is a reminder of how sudden violence has played a prominent role in U.S. history. Deals specifically with the bombing in 1910 of the Los Angeles Times newspaper and a wave of similar events. Hard to put down to the very last page. $24.95

Fiction

Not Rated:
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The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
June 2008

"An extraordinary novel that defies easy classification.  A deft combination of adventure, family conflict and enduring love, this book creates a world will linger in your mind and has the earmarks of a classic."
Edgar_Sawtelle
Fiction

Not Rated:
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Joe S.

Silesian Station by David Downing May 2008

"A sequel to Zoo Station, this excellent novel again features conflicted journalist, John Russell, striving to protect his family and lover by playing Nazi espionage agents against their Russian rivals as World War II grows closer to Berlin.  Rich in atmosphere and memorable characters."
Silesian_Station
Fiction

Not Rated:
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Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris
Februrary 2008

"An offbeat story about a group of eccentric creative types struggling to survive a downsizing at a Chicago ad agency.  Captures the atmosphere of office rumor, gossip and infighting.  Funny but at times oddly touching, it describes the sometimes bizarre ways people behave under pressure."
Then_We_Came
Fiction

Not Rated:
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