This is one of those novels where it is hard to like the main characters, but remains interesting nonetheless. Stark "Tommy" Thompson is a blueblood lawyer coasting through life until he meets Kitty Goldmark, who has clawed her way from a humble beginning to success. Stark is seduced, becomes obsessed, and eventually falls into a downward spiral propelled by greed. I was reminded of the Hollywood noir classic Double Indemnity -- with a lot more details of the crimes of the players. It is well, although maybe a tad over-written. Although the financial wheeling and dealing smacks of authenticity and experience, it is more information than necessary, at least for my taste. Still, this book has value. It deserves to be read. When I saw that it hadn't attracted a single review, I felt compelled to offer my opinion. It is a shame that the author, who has only one other book, Hollywood Requiem, in print, has been ignored. The Stark Truth is as good as most of the novels I've read the past few years. Its 300+ pages glide by. I would have rated it three-and-a-half stars if the system allowed it. It would appeal to both those who hate the rich and those fascinated by high finance. I wonder if the author surrendered after his two books went nowhere. Peter Freeborn, wherever you are -- well done.
RIP baseball legend Minny Minoso, a seven-time All-Star while playing with the White Sox in the 1950s and 1960s. When he was traded by the Cleveland Indians to the Pale Hose in 1951, he became the city of Chicago’s first black player. There is some dispute over when Minoso was born. The team website lists his age as 92. The Cuban slugger spent 12 of his 17 seasons with the White Sox and hit a two-run home run in his first at-bat. The Sox retired his No. 9 in 1983 and erected a statue at U.S. Cellular Field in 2004. Minoso is one of only two players to appear in a game in five different decades. He had two at-bats for the White Sox in 1980 at age 54. He was also famous for getting plunked. Between 1952 and 1961 he led the league in times hit by a pitch nine times, and is ninth on the all-time list with 192. He was a career .298 hitter, a three time Gold Glover and four times finished in the top four of American League MVP voting. Well done, sir. Vaya con Dios. (Facts culled from Yahoo Sports)
Given the iffy forecast for the next few days, I felt compelled to open the floating book shop. With a stiff wind blowing along my usual nook on Avenue Z, I took the show to Bay Parkway and got lucky. I quickly shoveled out a spot that kept me out of the flow of pedestrian traffic, and basked in the sunshine, the Chase bank blocking the wind. My thanks to the kind folks who bought books, and to the Polish woman who donated another ten to the cause. Although I didn't sell any of mine, it still felt like a big win vs. this trying winter.
Vic's 5th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/okxkwh5Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tinyurl.com/pdxwsnt
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tinyurl.com/pdxwsnt
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
Vic's Blog: http://vicfortezza.blogspot.com/
Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
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