What book will you be reading?

[ruvidu]

Being a Nam Vet, USN aboard the "USS Coral Sea" I was reluctant to read it thinking it may have glossed over a time in our history we wish to forget. I was amazed at what I learned and I really would like to see the movie made with John Travolta riding that motorcycle with Meg Ryan behind him.
My son and I take turns buying the books and then share them. I have already bought and loaned him Sin Killer by McMurtry and Beach House by Patterson. I hope he buys Gold Coast next.
We've got good taste in books don't we.
Russ

 

[AnnaB]

Russ,
I was born in '66 therefore too young to have memories of the war but I am intered in knowing when you read a novel with a storyline based upon Vietnam do you enjoy it or does it bring back too many memories ? Is it b/c Demille was a vietnam vet he can write the stories while still staying true to his fellow vets?
AnnaB

 

[ruvidu]

First, let me say that I was on an aircraft carrier stationed in the South China Sea. My life was not in real danger and I got to go into a port every 30-35 days. I got to take a shower and change into clean clothes every night so I did not experience the real war the way the folks Incounty did. I did loose some friends in that stupid war and I think Demille brought out how stupid it was. I can remember a lot of the news stories from his descriptions in the book. Yes, I can read a book or see a movie about Nam and do so without prejudice now. I think my whole attitude about Nam, that time in our country's history and the roll I played came to rest when I visited "The Wall" about 8 years ago. I encourage every citizen of this country to go to DC and stand there and try to read the names of the young men who died in that war. I think Demille still holds some grudges because of the way he depicted the agencies that sent the character into Nam for the third time.
I respect Demille for the way he told this story and for the fact that he lived it by visiting the new Nam before hand.
Before ending this, let me tell you what my son; born 1969, the day after I got home from Nam; did for me. We live in a small town here in upstate SC. Some local folks got together and built a vet's memorial near the center of town. All of the local landscapers heard about it and donated time and products to make it a beautiful park with a walk way of bricks. On those bricks are the names of the veterans of our town. Anyone can purchase a brick with a name and service info printed on it. My son bought me one and gave it to me two years ago for Father's Day. It was like he was saying he was proud of what I had done as little as it was.
On a lighter side, I graduated from high school the year you were born.

Russ

 

[AnnaB]

The park sounds lovely. I'm glad your town recognizes what these veterans ( including you ) gave to our country. We live in NJ and go visit Washington DC whenever we have guest from England over ( my DH is English). The first time I went after the wall was built was about 4 years ago. I wondered how I would react to the Wall since it was not "my war" nor did I lose anyone in it. I was shocked at how moved I was. Tears came so easy when you realize how many were lost. It still amazes me how personal the Wall is, I guess b/c of all the momentos which are left beside it. During our last visit we went to the Smithsonian which had an exhibit, i think called The Wall . Anyway it was a collection of all the items which have been left. Even my inlaws from England were crying. I'm glad your son recognizes what a great thing you did in serving your counrty. You may think that being onboard the aircraft carrier you were less involved...I don't. I thank you!
Anna B

 

[ruvidu]

for your kind words.

I too have seen the collection at the Smithsonian. We were amazed at the collection of items.
I walked outside after writting a little while ago. I got to thinking about two of my neighbors. One came back from Nam an alcoholic and the other came back with a large metal plate in his head. Both are flying our flag and are proud of what they did at the time. Beside them I did nothing.

 

[perdidobay]

The guys that made it back, never would have if it hadn't been for you and the thousands of others doing their job, no matter how big or small. I salute you...thank you for your service to this country

PS. I agree that everyone in America should visit the wall and the Smithsonian wall exhibit.

 

[Kristaia]

Hmmmmm...

Ranger and Morelli.....

How about Ving Rhames(sp?) for Ranger and John Travolta for Morelli? Hmmm, don't know about those.
We need a great, sexy, Italian guy for Morelli. and a really cooool, big, buff guy for Ranger.
What do you think?
Krista

 

[Lori1035]

Hey ya'll, check out Evanovich's website where there is a thread going about which actors should be in the movie.

Lori

 

[padisneyfan]

Russ,

Since you and I are close in age, I having graduated in 1967 and remember well the Viet Nam War. It was a sad time for our country and looking back on it what lack of support we gave to all of you who were serving our country. As the years have passed and we as baby boomers have aged and have come to terms with what all occurred during that time, the wounds from the past have slowly healed. The Wall has helped to heal those wounds and made all of us aware and appreciate the sacrifices all veterans have made to keep our country free. Hopefully the WWII memorial will completed to honor that generation so that they can still be able to visit it. What a great thing your son did for you.

Nancy

 

[padisneyfan]

I checked out the web site. "The Rock" would be great as Ranger, it certainly has the body for the part. I guess I'll have to watch WWF to find out who Lance Storm is.

Nancy

 

[Kristaia]

Thanks for hooking me onto the website.
My choices were on there, but not the favorites.
no, no Rock, no wrestlers, more CLASS....
This is so fun, don't stop the run...
Anyone read all of the "cat" books...Lillian Braun, talk about fast reads, take 2-3 with you.
Krista

 

[ruvidu]

If the rest of you avid readers are like me, you love a book sale. I just got an email from Barnes and Noble that their 2002 books are discounted 30% plus free shipping if you purchase 2. I checked it out and these prices seem lower than our local Sams Club. Just thought I would share.

http://barnesandnoble.com/ Click on the sale banner.

Russ

 

[dis4me]

Nancy and Krista
My original thought was a young sly stallone not sure who else could play ranger maybe antonio banderas if he buffed up more,
Morell maybe leo dicaprio or tom cruise. I think
I will play steph as I could just die to get my hands on them.After Hard ate yhough I am definately leaning towards Ranger,Greandma mazur would have to be the mother from golden girls not sure of her name

 

[kfahygc]

I know this will sound like a strange choice but I'm in the middle of reading "Seabiscuit" (you know the horse) and it is really good. Tells about life in the 30's and lives of the horse, trainer, jockey and owner. Quite interesting.

Okay my 2 cents about ranger. I think a martinez would be great. Just my opinion.

Won't be long till I get Hard Eight back and then on to the cruise.

Kathleen

 

[dis4me]

Hey Kathleen is A martinez the one who was on Santa Barbara. If it is I agree. He is HOT

 

[padisneyfan]

Russ Thanks for the update on the book sale at Barnes and Noble.

I agree that "We need a great, sexy, Italian guy for Morelli. and a really cooool, big, buff guy for Ranger." With all those actors out there you would think we could find ones to fit those descriptions. Estelle Getty for Grandma, she was the mother on Golden Girls. I'll pass on being Steph, I don't think I have the energy to keep up as her. I'm still undecided who she should end up with either Joe or Ranger.

AnnaB Since you just started the series you will find the relationships between Steph, Joe and Ranger heat up with each book.

Nancy

 

[amcanzo]

Oooh books! I love reading so I hope ya'll don't mind if I butt in on your thread....I just finished reading Beach House - enjoyed it, easy read. I LOVE Jonathon Kellerman books - his main character, Dr Alex Delaware gets more intriguing with each book(IMHO) I was planning on taking some magazines with me, but now I might have to go buy some of these great sounding books!


Ann

 

[padisneyfan]

Ann,

Welcome aboard to our book thread. We are always looking for good books to read. I'm still waiting and waiting for my friend to give me Beach House. Hopefully, soon.

Nancy

 

[kfahygc]

diz4me - yes he was cruz on Santa Barbara. I just think he is great.

Ann - thanks for joining us. I haven't read anything by Kellerman yet but with these suggestions I think I'll start. Which one should I start with?

Thanks everyone - Only 2 weeks to go before we head to Disney!

Kathleen

 

[Lori1035]

Kathleen, the first Jonathan Kellerman novel in the Alex Delaware series is When the Bough Breaks. I haven't read anything of his yet, but he is a very popular author in my bookstore. His wife Faye Kellerman is just as popular.

Lori