The Bourne Supremacy

The Bourne Supremacy by Robert Ludlum, 597 pages

In reading Ludlum’s novels I have noticed that his writing style is a step above the average novelist, not only in vocabulary but in his masterful weaving together of the various plots. He is able to take an almost unbelievable story and through his descriptions make you believe that it could have happened.

This is the second book in Ludlum's original Bourne trilogy and like its predicesor was made into a movie starring Matt Damon.

With Bourne Supremacy Ludlum continues the fast paced life of David Webb. David, who is still recovering from the events of Bourne Identity, is once again relied upon to resolve a brewing crisis, this time in Asia. Complicating matters, his wife has been kidnapped and if he fails she dies. As everything spirals out of control Webb must become the man he once was. He must become the legendary Jason Bourne.

The Natural, Bernard Malamud

The Natural, Bernard Malamud, 231 pages

       This is one of the few books I have read lately that has the power to become an instant favorite, immediately. This is a story about second chances with the setting being our national pastime.
      
        Roy Hobbs is picked up to play the right field position for the New York Knights at the ancient age of around thirty-five and almost laughed out of the dugout. He is properly mysterious, doesn't speak about his past, and is adamant about getting a chance to play.  He is hungry to prove himself, which he does once he is given a chance. He has learned from past mistakes- which robbed him of his career before he even set foot in the majors to begin with. 
       
         Written in 1952, Malamud gives us a narrative that could turn into something sentimental, or hokey, but manages to avoid being so. He crafts a protagonist that is willing to sacrifice everything he has worked for because of his integrity, who refuses to give up and fade into the background of middle age. Roy Hobbs is a man with a genuine devotion to the game, who cannot be bought, a man who named his bat "Wonderboy".  Malamud's hero is still relevant today, and isn't all that different than say, Ryan Gosling's character in the film  Drive.  Wonderful book.