Lexington Reads discussion

The classic book about drugs and police corruption in Lexington during the 1980s. You picked it as the one book every Lexingtonian should read, and its pulp-fiction ambience lends itself perfectly to summer reading, so let's read (or re-read) it as part of the Adult Summer Reading Program. There should be lots of opinions on this, so let's hear what you have to say!

I just finished the book. It was excellent. I couldn't put it down. It was such a shock to know this happened right under our noses!!! I don't remember any major details being in the news. Was I that out of it? It is a must read. I'm sure someone has picked up the "Company," in a new form and continues to run...drugs are a major issue here and everywhere in America! :(

Can't wait for a discussion!?! :D

Kit,

It was all over the news! Perhaps you were too young at the time?

Brenda

Brenda wrote: "Kit,

It was all over the news! Perhaps you were too young at the time?

Brenda"

Actually, moved back to KY in '76 to attend UK, very wrapped up in school, then marriage and two babies. Rem some of bit with John Y's term. My oldest was born a few months after Phyllis' first. Needless to say, I was not always near a tv or paper during this time of my life.

What was your experience?

Anyone else started?

Kit,

I actually knew one person who was a fringe player. And I remember when there was a shooting at the Merrick Inn Apts--so rare for Lex! And, of course, I remember the stories in the news. Ironically, I've never read the book! Glad you enjoyed it.

brenda

Brenda wrote: "Kit,

I actually knew one person who was a fringe player. And I remember when there was a shooting at the Merrick Inn Apts--so rare for Lex! And, of course, I remember the stories in the news. Iron..."

Wow! First hand knowledge! The books is worth reading. You might want to give it a try. The complexity of it is mind boggling!

I'm currently about half way through the book. I've not read any other works by Sally Denton, but I'm finding her style of writing cumbersome and more like a research report or investigative series with a little fluff tossed in from time to time.
Way too much focus on details that seem to have little if any significance to the overall story line.I wonder also why this book wasn't classified as historical fiction and if Ralph Ross got any royalties as a ghost writer. I'll continue reading with the hope that my interest will grow.

Harley wrote: "I'm currently about half way through the book. I've not read any other works by Sally Denton, but I'm finding her style of writing cumbersome and more like a research report or investigative series..."

She listed as an investigative reporter. Most of the books she writes are along those lines. I haven't read anything else of hers either. I found the details interesting--and yes, I lost track and did some back-tracking at times with all the details. I tried to read it for the overall principle...that crime is so multi-layered and so, so close to home.

I found Drew interesting--I say that because, I have heard and read other stories concerning "special ops personnel" coming home and not fitting in. They always seem to find a "dark, dangerous" outlet!

What were your views on Drew? Do you think it was his training or his personality that pushed him over? I thought at first it was simply a "power thing;" but after reading the entire book, I'm not sure if you can say he had the "power." He was always at the mercy of those above him. I may reread the book later to see if I have the same opinion. At the moment, I'm still digesting the details.

Harley wrote: "I'm currently about half way through the book. I've not read any other works by Sally Denton, but I'm finding her style of writing cumbersome and more like a research report or investigative series..."

I think this raises a great question. Around Lexington, this book has had so much interest because it is about Lexington, and it is an intriguing story. But is the story told well? And since it is nonfiction, does Denton's favoritism for Ralph Ross taint the story, or is it just a natural thing that's easy to overlook and take into account?

Kit wrote: "Harley wrote: "I'm currently about half way through the book. I've not read any other works by Sally Denton, but I'm finding her style of writing cumbersome and more like a research report or inves..."
Based purely upon Denton,my impression is that he became bored easily and was motivated by excitement, thrills and challenges in his daily life. .
The Army Rangers and Navy Seals are made up of individuals with identical attributes who are rewarded by the "power" one achieves with the successful completion of the mission.
Successfully accomplishing the goals of the team("The Company")is undoubtedly the backbone of military training,special ops in particular, with each member having their specific roles and responsibilities.
Combining his personality traits,sense of entitlement, and military training together with a healthy dose of wealthy friends and acquaintances who enjoyed and could afford lots of cocaine was Drew's recipe for personal fulfillment and career success. It just ended sooner and more abruptly than he planned.

Harley wrote: "Kit wrote: "Harley wrote: "I'm currently about half way through the book. I've not read any other works by Sally Denton, but I'm finding her style of writing cumbersome and more like a research rep..."

This is so true! Agree with everything you say..but, what stops one person (with the same experience) for leading a lawful life and the other living purposefully on the edge, outside the law? Do you think Drew needed the extra stimulation of living on the edge-the "rush" of not getting caught? I realize money and power are so much a part of it. Or he just had so much more to prove to himself?

"Kit wrote:
..but, what stops one person (with the same experience) for leading a lawful life and the other living purposefully on the edge, outside the law?
"Harley wrote:
Boy oh boy...if we only knew the answer to that question...this would be a different world indeed.
But IMO somewhere in his ethical/moral makeup...he failed to develop a sense of appreciation for right and wrong.
Breaking the law wasn't an issue for him, cheating, lying,stealing and probably killing were simply necessary activities in ones daily existence.
A "successful" mission also required evading capture or detection...which reinforced/grew his sense of power and superiority while feeding his "addiction" to the risk and excitement that was his life.
My guess, is that he enjoyed the process as much or more than the monetary rewards.
Ironically, he was probably as much a junkie for the rush he obtained from his "high" of choice, as were his cocaine customers for the product he supplied and ultimately cost him his life.

Harley wrote: ""Kit wrote:
..but, what stops one person (with the same experience) for leading a lawful life and the other living purposefully on the edge, outside the law?
"Harley wrote:
Boy oh boy...if we on..."

I agree!

Not sure I'm going to be able to finish this one. Really struggling to stay interested. Tried unsuccessfully again last night after taking a break.I hate to say it, but it may very well go back to the library unfinished.

Harley wrote: "Not sure I'm going to be able to finish this one. Really struggling to stay interested. Tried unsuccessfully again last night after taking a break.I hate to say it, but it may very well go back to ..."

Been there, done that! I have one book I've started twice! (30 pages first time, 60 second!) Sometimes you just gotta let it go! Maybe next year :D