In the midst of the pandemic (I’m talking here not about the Wuhan Virus but the metastatic insanity befalling our nation), I’ve decided to do more than just turn off the ‘news’. I’ve returned to doing something that I haven’t done adequately since the beginning of the World Wide Web…READING.
But what to read. I’ve got numerous lists of “The Great Books”, but I don’t want just great literature. I want prose that is uplifting, inspiring, filled with good triumphing against evil, morals without “preachiness”. For what it’s worth, I’ve compiled this reading list for myself and I commend it for those who are similarly sick and tired of all the negativity, the constant whining and gnashing of teeth that is permeating virtually everything we hear and see today, not just on television, but on store notices, advertising, even invoices!
Advise and Consent (Allen Drury, 1959) – In the context of today’s politics, this timeless novel deals with the inner workings of Washington and particularly, the juxtaposition of political ambition against fundamental integrity.
Rainbow Six (Tom Clancy, 1998) – The techno thriller that displays the virtues of a G.I. Joe group of counter terrorist soldiers who go after cells worldwide.
Red Storm Rising (Tom Clancy, 1986) – Another great Clancy novel for the guys that pits NATO against the WarsawPact.
The Time it Never Rained (Elmer Kelton, 1973) – A western novel with a lot of homepun wisdom.
Freddy and Fredericka (Mark Helprin, 2005) – A tongue in cheek about a prince and princess of Wales banished to the United States.
Shelley’s Heart (Charles McCarry, 1995) – A political thriller that exposes the corruption of Washington.
On the Road (Jack Kerouac, 1957) – The fictionalized story of Kerouac’s journey across America.
Caribbean (James Michener, 1989) – Since I can’t travel there this year, think I’ll tour the islands and their history by re-reading this one.
The Blackford Oakes Series (William F. Buckley, Jr. 1967-2005) Spy novels from the pre-eminent conservative intellectual.
And I’m still going to binge on videos. I’ve hauled out, for example, my collection of “24” and look forward to see Jack Bauer take on the terrorists and bad guys again.
ANYTHING, ANYTHING to keep away the horror show that’s unfolding in our major cities and even some secondary ones. And anything to drown out the constant Wuhan Gloom and Doom!
