Lawrence’s Comments (group member since Sep 19, 2018)

Lawrence’s comments from the Point Blank group.

I have noticed that the phone app is awful. Any time I want to pot comments, it's strictly on the pc or laptop.

I'm looking forward to the next installment. I will read Blacktop Wasteland at some point, i'm looking forward to the discussion.

Justin wrote: "Lawrence wrote: "I'm not a writer, but I imagine you write to what you know. I've noticed many books that seem to be denigrating to one group or another. Back in the time this book was written, a l..."

That's it right there, "It's a Trap." You have to have the right publisher willing to take a chance on something that goes outside the norm. i'm guessing that many publishers and writers want the instant gratification of $$$ now, instead of taking a chance on stretching those limits and making more down the line. I can't imagine if that's the case here, back in the 40's.

I'm not a writer, but I imagine you write to what you know. I've noticed many books that seem to be denigrating to one group or another. Back in the time this book was written, a lot of what you see in this book may have been what you would see on the street. Let's just say this were written by an African-American, would we feel differently?

A couple of years ago I read a really good book, Dopefiend by Daniel Goins. The book is about one black woman's spiral into the darkness of a heroin needle. The portrayal is brutal and true to life and there are many racist/bigoted themes throughout the book. The language is very harsh. I know it was written by an African American, would I feel differently if it were written by a white person? I don't know. As it happens, the author absolutely wrote about what he knew.

It could be that Chandler wrote to his audience. To a degree, the idea is to sell books and make money. I'm not trying to excuse the writing, just looking at the practicality of the day.

I listened to this this during my morning walk and I just had a general comment. Justin did not like this book as he had issues with the N word and other things. Justin was questioning himself wondering if he was wrong to think this was not a great book going against what many others felt. I can give a parallel in a different genre. I read Stephen King's The Stand when it came out back in '80 (?). I didn't think much of it, probably because I had just read a very similar book that I enjoyed, that was much shorter. In my humble opinion, there is no need to question yourself. Our tastes and viewpoints change and morph.

Now just to get my rear end in gear and read this book.

I've been somewhat off the air. I'll probably watch one more episode this weekend.

Joe wrote: "Hello Lawrence, Criminal has piqued my interest as well...I'll watch an episode this weekend and let's discuss next week..."

Joe, I've watched the first two episodes of Criminal: Spain and have enjoyed the intensity of each. Let me know what you think.

I just listened to installment number 50. What a treat. While it's on my to-do list, I haven't gotten around to Charles Williams yet. Also I agree with your assessments of John Thompson and Megan Abbot. Wonderful writers both, but this is not the thread for that. Here I have added Criminal to my Netflix list. The premise seems to follow a key feature of a show that was little watched, 20 odd years ago on NBC, Homicide: Life in the Street. On that show, there was little action, it was all about the investigation. The box or interrogation room was featured and used well in breaking down killers...and sometimes not.

I don't know why, but i'm beginning with Criminal: Spain. Thanks for this recommendation.

I have resumed my walking program. 5 AM walks for exercise and lack of distraction make for the best time of listening to podcasts. Exercising the body while exercising the mind. Catching up, I listened to Episode 46 and I always appreciate when you reviewers pan books. I like to know which books to perhaps avoid (at least in the genres I like), just as much as the ones that are must-read. On that, i'll be skipping For a Song. Sounds too long and drawn out for me.

On the other hand, i've begun listening to Episode 47 and I like the take on Chris McKinney's writing. "The Hawaiian" Donald Goines. That's enough for me to run out and get this book.

On another note, i'm glad you presented your social commentary at the onset of a recent show regarding BLM and much of what is going on in our country. Thank you for that.

ANd I finally listened to the related podcast. A great discussion as always.

I finally listened to the podcasts related to this and I must admit, your little better than tepid reviews will make me ponder if I want to undertake this. Also agreeing with Geoff, the discussion on great crime reads of the decade was great. Geoff, if you haven't read Queenpin by Megan Abbot, I recommend it. It's really good.

I finally finished this and enjoyed it. Only four stars for me. The descriptive nature of Japanese life of these lower to middle class women was fascinating to me. The way the author got us in to the heads of the characters (the women especially) was done very well. There was little guesswork for each woman's and most of the men's motivation as they moved along with their heinous endeavors. Justin and Kurt, I enjoyed your reviews though I may not have agreed with you at times.

Yes, i'm making headway in catching up on the podcasts. It just so happens that I am reading this as part of another group read. Your review in the first podcast is on the money. My only comment is that I appreciate the description of daily life. While murder is most important in this genre, I think it's important to get a glimpse of other societies and other cultures daily life when we go international with our reading.

As i'm way behind in my listening, I'm just about finished listening to the podcasts related to this book and I must say, the discussion so intrigued me, I marched right down to a bookstore near where I work (The Mysterious Bookshop, NY, NY) and picked up a copy. I'm really looking forward to this.

So far behind on this. I've only read, The Road, post-apocalyptic/dystopian being my other favorite genre. This has now been added to my list. I'm glad a friend of mine gave me his office copy when he retired.

SO, I'm practicing being retired (it's coming in a few months), i'm off this week and catching up on podcasts. I must say, you have discouraged me from reading this Hemmingway book. I'm halfway through part two of the podcasts. It just seems not to be worth my while.

Then again, from the first half podcast, i've added Milwaukee Noir to my list of books to be read. I have seen these noir collections for years and never thought to pick one up. As they are all short stories, this will be a good way to read something without needing a lot of time with my current hectic schedule. Thank you...

Justin wrote: "Ha, I looked to see if Socks Donald was actually a baseball player and what I got was a dozen advertisements for Donald Trump socks."

Justin, i'm so sorry...

Gosh, I am so far behind in my listening. I'm almost finished with this podcast, I love the name Socks Donald. Didn't he play 3rd Base for the old St. Louis Browns?

I just finished this podcast (I am so far behind). What a great review. In a Lonely Place is on my absolutely must read list. By the way, when is the review of iguana related mysteries?

I finally listened to the podcast on my lunchtime walk (along the Hudson River!). There were a few points made about the use of alcohol and alcoholism as detectives. The use of alcohol is an easy way to give the detective a flaw. Seeing as how writers write tend to things they can relate to, it's no surprise that we see this often.

In A Lonely Place now on my "must do" list. Great discussion and review.

Mind you, I haven't listened to this podcast yet (this week it will get done). I would have liked to see the post that was dispensed with. I think it's helpful seeing the mindset of authors, whether it's drinking or drugs or whatever. I'm a jazz fan and it's interesting to note the change in music when it's know when someone is sober, as to when they're not.