Spy Thrillers, The History of Urgent Care, and Brain Science

This week, my reading list ran the gamut from a high speed thriller by way of Rats by Joe Klingler, a nonstop tale of U.S. counterintelligence, intrigue, and betrayal to a couple of Nonfiction books; one is an interesting story about the invention of the Urgent Care, and Doc in a Box industry titled Here Be Dragons: One Man’s Quest to Make Healthcare More Accessible and Affordable by Web Golinkin, and finally, Making Mental Might: How to Look Ten Times Smarter Than You Are by Bernard M. Patten. There are so many books on the shelf right now, books that I’ll be reviewing for you in the coming weeks, so hit the subscribe button, follow my social media pages, and stay tuned for what’s ahead.

RATS

by Joe Klingler (April 8, 2013 by Cartosi LLC)

“RATS” is a gripping techno-thriller that combines brains and brawn, taking readers on a high-speed ride through intrigue, explosions, action, betrayal, and politics.

The story kicks off when a motorcyclist, using the alias Arthur Tresuniak, speeds toward the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. His mission? To plant metallic, rod-shaped devices called “Rats” along the pipeline’s structure.

Enter General Billy Williams and his sharpshooting love interest, Colonel Claire Ferreti. They investigate the pipeline sabotage, leading them to the elusive operative known as the Demon.

As the plot unfolds, we follow the fate of 12-year-old Billy Norton, who stumbles upon an undetonated Rat and becomes entangled in the dangerous web of espionage and warfare.

Joe Klingler’s writing is fierce and vivid. He describes the pipeline as “a scar from a knife fight Alaska lost,” painting a gritty picture of the setting.

If you’re a fan of techno-thrillers, “RATS” offers a thrilling and intelligent read. It’s a tour de force that keeps you on the edge of your seat, blending intricate logistics with heart-pounding action

4.5 out of 5 Stars

Here Be Dragons: One Man’s Quest to Make Healthcare More Accessible and Affordable.

by Web Golinkin (February 13, 2024 by Forbes Books)

In Here Be Dragons, Web Golinkin takes us on a captivating journey—one that challenges the status quo and aims to revolutionize healthcare. The book delves into the true story of what happens when someone is bold enough to disrupt a hidebound, multi-trillion-dollar industry.

Golinkin and a small group of pioneers championed the concept of walk-in clinics close to people’s homes and businesses. These clinics offer accessible, affordable healthcare, open seven days a week, with extended weekday hours. They provide high-quality basic healthcare at transparently presented prices.

Like any hero’s journey, Web’s story is filled with challenges, bumps, and a few dragons. His passion, endurance, and street-smarts were tested at every step along the way.

Here Be Dragons sheds light on the transformation of healthcare, emphasizing that while physician practices and hospitals play crucial roles, the massive U.S. healthcare system needed disruption. Golinkin’s persistence and innovation have made retail clinics a permanent part of the healthcare landscape.
4 out of 5 Stars

Making Mental Might: How to Look Ten Times Smarter Than You Are

by Bernard M. Patten (April 12, 2022 by Identity Publications)

  Making Mental Might” by Bernard Patten, M.D. is an insightful guide to unlocking the full potential of your mind. Patten provides practical strategies and exercises to enhance cognitive abilities, improve memory, and cultivate a sharper focus. With clear explanations and actionable steps, this book offers a valuable resource for anyone looking to harness the power of their mind for personal and professional growth. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply someone seeking to maximize mental performance, “Making Mental Might” is a must-read.

4 out of 5 Stars

New World Fiction

The Last Pantheon by Tade Thompson and Nick Wood ( NewCon Press, April 9, 2024)

The Last Pantheon” is a compelling novella that explores the nuanced line between heroes and villains through the lens of African superheroes. Co-authored by Tade Thompson and Nick Wood, this story diverges from traditional comic book narratives by offering a fresh perspective rooted in African culture and history.

The narrative follows two superpowered brothers, Black Power and The Pan-African, whose lifelong conflict is set against the backdrop of the continent’s tumultuous last century. The book is not only an action-packed tale but also a thought-provoking examination of identity, legacy, and the impact of superheroes within their society.

In addition to the main story, the book includes interviews, articles, and early author correspondences, enriching the reading experience. It’s a fitting tribute to the late Nick Wood and showcases Tade Thompson’s creativity. An enjoyable read for both fiction and comic books lovers.

4 of 5 Stars

More Books That I Should Have Reviewed Sooner

This batch is most definitely a mixed bag. We have some Sci-fi, some non fiction, and a bit of fantastical Suspense. I’m almost positive that each of these books is a bonafide winner

1. The Punisher’s Brain: The Evolution of Judge and Jury by Morris B. Hoffman (April 2014, Cambridge University Press )

I found much of this book to be extremely interesting, as I enjoy anything that deals in psychological inquiries. I enjoyed the earlier chapters that dealt with evolution, altruism, cooperation and social psychology in general. At this time I assumed that this book is based on science, judging by the reference to the many studies mentioned in the book. I did find the many references to God a little confusing, and although I believe that religion has a large part to play in how people act, as well as reconcile their need for punishment, I was a little surprised that the subject matter was not kept within the realm of pure science. That said, I found the Punisher’s Brain to be an engaging and thought provoking read. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in neuroscience, psychology (especially Social psychology) as well as criminology.

3.5 Stars out of 5

2. Kafka at the Shore by Haruki Murakami (January 2005,  Vintage)

To start, Murakami is one of my favorite authors; his mixing of the mundane with the magical always catches me by surprise. He just weaves these tales that never end the way you think they will. Kafka at the Shore is no different.

As with many of his books, Murakami tells stories by telling two or three separate stories that wind up converging in the end, all tied up in a nice bow.  We have a retired older man who has suffered mental issues since a head injury sustained as a furniture maker. He seems to be able to speak with cats. I’m still not sure if he can, or if he is just delusional.  We also have a teenager who runs away from home from his rich but not very hands on father. The father is killed just after the son, Kafka, leaves. The furniture maker and the teenager weave around each other’s trails unknowingly, but seem to be on a collision course with each other, as both are  seemingly cogs in a cosmic upheaval that is also taking place. It’s a lot to digest really.

What matters is, this is an ingenious story that throws little surprises out in the most unexpected ways. You will have to read it to get my drift. For me, this was an amazing reading experience that left me pondering this book days after I finished it.

A very solid 5 out of 5 Stars

3. Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin (July 2022, Scribner)

The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin is a science fiction novel that explores the power of dreams and the dangers of reshaping reality. The story follows George Orr, a man who discovers his dreams have the ability to alter the world. He seeks help from a psychiatrist, Dr. William Haber, who becomes obsessed with using George’s dreams to create his own utopian vision of the future.

The novel is a thought-provoking exploration of free will, individuality, and the importance of diversity. Le Guin’s writing is clear and concise, and she creates a believable world that is both familiar and strange. The novel is relatively short, but it packs a lot of punch, and it will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Overall, The Lathe of Heaven is a classic science fiction novel that is well worth reading. If you’re looking for a book that will make you think, this is a great option.

4 of 5 Stars

New Fiction/Poetry

White Whale by Frank Prem

(February 26, 2024 – Wild Arancini Press)

Genre : Fiction/Poetry

When I first received this book from the author,  it was said to be a retelling of the Melville classic Moby Dick in a style reminiscent of T.S. Eliot’s epic poem The Wasteland. That really piqued my interest to say the least.

I was not disappointed! This is a book that doesn’t tell the story of Ahab and the White Whale so to speak, but tears away the skin, and gets down to the soul of the story. Author Frank Prem has written a beautiful epic poem that investigates the relationship between the mariner and his prey, the white whale. It delves deeper than the famous story ever did, examining how each character has defined the other’s life.

In the Poem, the whale finds itself beached in a desert, with Ahab coaxing him to get back to the sea. The premise is that Ahab needs to kill the whale himself, and he is not happy about the whale possibly dying before he can destroy him, something he has been trying to do for many years of his life.

In the end, one gets the sense from the poem that these two, who have hounded each other for so long,  have based their whole existence on one  another. In essence, there is great respect, and even love between the two. Heady stuff to be sure. Read the book, and it’s quite possible that you may come away with a different take, which is the beauty of poetry.

This is a wondrous, and very powerful take on the old classic Moby Dick; it is written beautifully as an epic poem, and I will most definitely read it again, and possibly again after that, in the hope of gleaning additional aspects that have eluded me on first reading.

5 of 5 Stars

The Thugbrarian Set-List

GIBBOUS MOON – SATURN V

Self-released Feb. 2024

I’m excited to say that I just received a seriously kick-ass album to review recently. Philadelphia Psych-Doom-Stoner masters Gibbous Moon have released their long awaited full-length record Saturn V onto the masses, and I’m here to tell you that you will be blasted into a cloud of fine dust when you hear it.

Gibbous Moon has been crafting mind-boggling riffs for a few years now, a slow burn process that has led to this eagerly awaited release. The band consists of guitarist Mauro (Moe) Felipe, his wife, veteran Philly musician Noelle Felipe, and juggernaut drum wizard and cat lover Michael Mosley, who has played, or currently plays in a number of Philadelphia bands.

Together, this group is a force to be reckoned with. Moe’s guitar style is heavily flavored with mind expanding  psych-rock Riffs that will melt the fillings in your teeth. He delves into a spacey ethereal dreamscape at one point, diving headlong into a mesmerizing stoner groove in another, only to steamroll into a heavy blues riff that will spin your head into a pretzel.  He isn’t flashy or overly technical, which is a good thing. What he does do is deliver the vibe that each song requires to get a point across.  And what drives his eloquent guitar savagery to a perfect stun level is the pounding rhythm section of Michael Mosley and Noelle Felipe.

Michael is an animal on drums; his brash pummeling style at times seems to be barreling out of control until the last second, as he pulls in the reigns and directs the action into impossible dimensions. Just listen to his work on the burner Inflamed… what he has accomplished in this song is nothing short of brilliant! I was literally blown away, because I’ve played with this guy, and have watched him play live with countless bands, and this is by far some of his most amazing work in my opinion.

Noelle has been playing in the Philly scene for decades; the bands Pink Slip Daddy, and Doctor Bombay are but two bands that come to mind. Her mastery of the bass guitar in this project is so crushing, so bottom heavy, and so filled with groove, it is the icing on this trio’s multi- layered cake. When you put all that these three gifted players bring to the table on Saturn V, you get maybe the best album you will hear all year, possibly for the next 10 years! That’s not hype, because above all of this, Gibbous Moon has something no other band possesses…the powerful, confident, grooving voice of Noelle Felipe. 

Her vocals are what sets them apart from all the others, it’s pure swagger I say, mesmerizing and commanding, a force of nature, a sonic mix of Janis Joplin, Nina Hagen and Siouxsie Sioux all  balled up into a powerful voice that you are forced to pay attention to. The lyrics are deep and meaningful, not basic in any way, shape, or form.

What I’m trying to tell you, dear reader, is that Gibbous Moon is not something to trifle with, they are simply much better than your band, and Saturn V is the best record I’ve heard in a very long time. I can’t slip them comfortably into any one genre, I really don’t think they care about genres actually, it’s just Gibbous Moon music, it grooves, it’s doomy, psychedelic, stoner blues, it’s Rock music at its finest.  Go listen for yourself on their bandcamp page, then buy the CD or download, the physical product is not going to last long, so jump on it now.

https://gibbousmoonphilly.bandcamp.com/album/saturn-v

Brand New Science Fiction

Hey kids, here’s something science fictioney for you all to sink your literary teeth into

Scorpio (Frontlines: Evolution #1) by Marko Kloos (First published January 1, 2024, 47 North)

When I was around 11 or 12 years old, I was turned on to that classic fantasy book, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien; I was hooked on fantasy, and then Science Fiction from that moment until now. Well, not so much the Fantasy part, but I still love a good SciFi story. Marko Kloos has put together a multi faceted story that had me turning the pages without a break.

Alex Archer is a dog handler in a remote Earth colony that has been under siege by an alien race called the Lankies for eight years. She and her loyal shepherd, Ash, are part of a small group of survivors who live in an underground shelter, scavenging for supplies and avoiding detection.
But their luck runs out when a salvage mission goes wrong and the Lankies discover their location. Now, Alex and her friends must fight for their lives against the relentless invaders, while hoping for a rescue that may never come.

Scorpio is a thrilling and suspenseful sci-fi novel that explores the themes of survival, loyalty, and courage in a hostile environment. Marko Kloos, the author of the bestselling Frontlines series, returns with a new spin-off that follows the adventures of Alex Archer, a young woman who has grown up in the shadow of an alien invasion. Kloos creates a vivid and realistic world that is both familiar and strange, with rich details and descriptions.

The characters are well developed
and relatable, especially Alex and her dog, Ash, who share a strong bond and a fierce
determination. The plot is fast-paced and action-packed, with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged and invested. Scorpio is a gripping and entertaining read that will appeal to fans of sci-fi, military fiction, and dystopian novels.

I really look forward to reading the next book in this series. I think that you might like the series as well. Let me know what you think if you read Scorpio.

Books That I Didn’t Find Unreadable

 Old books, new book, books is books. This is a good mix of the old, new and relatively new. What can I say? I’m playing catch up. Once in a while, I’ll finally pick up a book that I should have read years ago, such as Bastard Out of Carolina, after reading it, I questioned what took me so long?, but those are dumb, unanswerable questions, aren’t they? Anything that comes out of the mind of Nick Cave is something I will jump on immediately, and Faith, Hope and Carnage did not disappoint (Nick never disappoints). Finally, I’m not one to read popular fiction, I like the heavy hitters, and classics, But Dean Koontz is a guilty pleasure for me…his stories are better than average, as is Devotion, and as popular and prolific as he is, his writing is a cut above in my opinion. These three are most definitely worthy of your time, take it from The Thugbrarian. Read the below reviews for further arm twisting.

1. Faith, Hope And Carnage by Nick Cave & Sean O’Hagan (September 20, 2022 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux )

I have been a huge fan of Nick Cave since his early days with The Birthday Party, and I’ve read his novels such as Bunny Monroe, and The Ass Saw the Angel, both of which are to this day a couple of my favorite books. Reading this intimate series of conversations gave me insight into Cave’s creative process, as well as his loves, hates, fears, and trepidations. If you are a fan of Nick Cave, you must read “Faith, Hope and Carnage” to truly understand the genius that is Nick Cave. You must also read this book if you are interested in the tormented minds of tortured creatives, as well as understanding the pain a man feels when he loses a child. This is a courageous endeavor by Cave as told to Sean O’Hagan during a series of interviews during the Pandemic, to open himself up as he has done these last few years since he has shed his bad boy image, and settled into the loving family man that he actually is. Truly an outstanding read

5 of 5 Stars

2. Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison (September 6, 2005 by Plume)

 I’ve been meaning to read Bastard Out of Carolina since forever, but I just never got around to it. Well, I rectified this oversight a couple of months ago, and I am so very happy that I did. I am a huge fan of the distinctly Southern writing styles of William Faulkner, Flannery O’Connor, and Tennessee Williams, et al, so I was hoping to get some of those vibes. I was not disappointed! This autobiographical work of fiction had all the Southern Gothic feel, but with a harder, darker edge. A brutally honest, heart wrenching tale that pulled no punches dealing with the subjects of rape, domestic violence, alcoholism and even incest.

 Above all however, lies a strong undercurrent of strength and hope, although, I wouldn’t say that this story ended in a very happy tone. If you like your stories hard hitting, intense and at times cringey, this is an excellent book to pick up, if you haven’t already. It is also a good starting point to follow the work of Dorothy Allison, an author whose writing I will be devouring in the coming months.

5 of 5 Stars

3. Devoted by Dean Koontz (March 31, 2020 by Thomas & Mercer)

I’m not a huge fan of Popular Fiction. It has a place in the world to be sure, but I was always more drawn to the classics, and the current class of heavy hitters. Dean Koontz can be considered a Popular Fiction author, but in reality, he is so much more; he raises the genre to new levels, and his books always contain some mystical shiznit. He is also extremely prolific, as it seems that he is publishing a new work every 3 or so months. But these aren’t the works of a hack. Each book or series that Koontz has developed is extremely crafty. As for “Devoted“, he continues this trend. Like a lot of his stories, there’s something always coming from left field. In this case, it’s a dog with a genius level IQ that understands human language, actually, he is part of a growing cadre of these ultra intelligent dogs that are all over the world. The star of the story, a young boy of 11 who had been diagnosed to be a nonverbal autistic, turns out to be the only person, thus far, that is actually able to hear the dog telepathically speak. The kid winds up speaking when the whole family is subject to hitmen and other assorted hurt mongers. Listen, this story goes all over the place; it really blew me away, and as with a lot of Koontz’s stories, the ending is always worth the wait. I would read this if I were you.

4 out of 5 Stars

The Thugbrarian Returns

After over five years of inaction, I am finally back to continue the juggernaut that is The Thugbrarian Review. A lot has happened during my absence, such as births, deaths, breakups, marriages, pandemics and wars. Through it all, I’ve continued to read lots of books, and listen to loads of music. So, to get things restarted, I will offer up reviews of what I’ve read, and listened to in that time, and slide right into reviewing brandy new media as it hits my doorstep. Let’s get to it, shall we?

1. Beneath Gehenna by Benjamin X. Wretlind (April 3, 2022 by Independently published)

I’ve never read this author prior to Beneath Gehenna, so, I wasn’t sure what to expect. First off, I will say that I wasn’t able to put it down. What started off as an alternative history of the world, turned into a dystopian vision of a post apocalyptic struggle for survival in a literal Hell on Earth, with the richest of the world’s elites planning on living in luxury in an undersea bunker. The major subjects dealt with go beyond the human desire to survive – classism is studied heavily in this story, between the haves and the have nots, as well as the old money families and the newly rich. There wasn’t a boring moment in this book. I highly recommend that everyone read it.

5 out of 5 Stars

 2. Klara And The Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro (March 2, 2021 by Alfred A. Knopf)

Ishiguro is one of my favorite authors; his novel Buried Giant left me speechless for hours after finishing it. Klara and the Sun is no different. Magical, imaginative, enthralling are all excellent adjectives that can be utilized to describe this thought provoking story. Without giving it all away, I will tell you that this is a love story in many respects, as well as a story about social divisions, and most importantly, a story of how our future may turn out, with AI Androids manufactured for rich kids who need friends. It is a beautiful story, but also a bone chilling one. If you are interested in futuristic Fantasy/SciFi/Drama that gives a view into the possibilities that lie ahead, then you really must read Klara and the Sun, because it is truly a beautiful, well writen book

Five out of Five Stars

3. Every Man a Menace by Patrick Hoffman (October 4, 2016 by Atlantic Monthly Press)

Israeli soldiers emigrate to the U.S., become nightclub owners/drug traffickers, there’s violence, action, lots of blood and murders, plenty of sex, and a decent plot. If this book were a movie, it would be on the USA channel. It’s not literary fiction, and it’s not going to be remembered for years, but, its a good story, and entertaining. A summer read for Crime Story lovers.

Three out of Five Stars

The Long Goodbye

I probably should have written this a couple of years ago. As you have noticed, I haven’t written in this blog for over 2 years. The combination of  my work, music, and family obligations have made it hard for me to write at the level I am happy with. Rather than just dial it in every week, I closed shop. This, I suppose, is the official goodbye, although a bit late, I just wanted to thank those who followed my reviews, sent me free books and music to review, and to those authors who used my reviews in their ads, which always made me feel like I was doing it right. So continue reading books and listening to music, and thank you once again.

I am leaving the blog open for anyone that wants to read the many reviews I have written, they still stand in my opinion, and these books deserve to be read.

Thank You

Non-Fiction Roundup: Reviews 2015

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End of year Nonfiction Reviews 

Unfortunately, I have not been able to review as many books as I would have liked this year- this is mainly due to a heavy workload at the Library that I work for, as well as a bout of illness that kept me from reading all of the great books that have been sent to me from publishers. This is a remedy of sorts, where I put all of the books that I have not reviewed yet into one big article.

The following are the remaining Nonfiction titles that I have not reviewed as of yet. I of course left out those that I felt were unworthy of review, because life is short, and I only have time for good books. Beacon Press has supplied the bulk of my favorite NF titles this year, as you can see- my hats off to them for publishing some very fine books. That said, rest assured that these five books are definitely worthy of your time. As always, comments are encouraged.

One Righteous Man: Samuel Battle and the Shattering of the Color Line in New York

by Arthur Browne

Beacon Press (2015)

One Righteous Man is a Bio that has been in the works for decades, starting with the first draft by none other than Langston Hughes. In this present incarnation, the first to actually be published, the slow integration of African Americans into New York’s civil service ranks is closely inspected.

Being the first Black NYC police officer was no easy task, and Samuel Battle was up against many obstacles-all of which he hurdled with poise. This is an important book in many respects; in addition to race relations and equal rights, this story offers a social history of NYC  in the first half of the 20th century. Highly recommended.

Killers of the King: The Men Who Dared to Execute Charles I

By Charles Spencer

Bloomsbury Press (2015)

Charles Spencer offers a concise history of the  regicide of the 17th century English Monarch king Charles I by the forces of Oliver Cromwell. The story is told in an easy to follow style that  recounts the events that led to the trial and execution of Charles I, as well as the far reaching consequences of Cromwell’s actions.

Our Grandchildren Redesigned: Life in the Bioengineered Society of the Near Future

By Michael Bess

Beacon Press (2015)

Going beyond medical hot topics, such as bionics and stem cell research, Bess delves into the biotechnologies that will boost human capabilities through pharmaceuticals, advanced technologies and genetic modifications that will be able to produce “superhuman” capabilities. Society of the Near Future is not primarily about those new technologies, although much time is spent explaining the new advances in medical science that will enable humans to outperform their ancestors. Of the utmost importance here, are the changes in society that these breakthroughs will produce- such as the expanding gap between the rich and poor.

As with all technology, it is usually the rich that benefit from such advances, while the poor languish in the background, relegated to witness status. This may be one of the most important books of 2015, in that it is an early warning to us all, and it would benefit us to pay close attention. If you thought that our obsession with plastic surgery is out of control, try to picture people changing their bodies out in the same way that they trade in old Smartphones for new ones.

Outlaws of the Atlantic : sailors, pirates, and motley crews in the Age of Sail

By Marcus Rediker

Beacon Press (2015).

An intriguing series of essays pulled together to tell the story of the age of tall ships, mainly from the point of view of the lower echelons of the seafaring class. Tales of forced labor aboard ships, pirates, scoundrels and slave traders, with the occasional voice from the landed gentry . This is a highly entertaining and educational read for those who are interested in the era when the seas were a playground for the world’s most lawless seafarers. This is one of my favorite Nonfiction books of 2015.

Population Wars: A New Perspective on Competition and Coexistence

By Greg Graffin

Thomas Dunne Books (2015)

Being an old Hardcore Punk Rock fan from way back, I have followed Greg Graffin’s academic career, as well as his successful musical career for many years. In addition to being the frontman for one of the longest running punk bands, Bad Religion, Graffin also holds a Phd in Evolutionary Science, and teaches at Cornell University.

In his new book, Population Wars, Graffin  asserts that the human race would do better to cooperate, rather than compete with each other. His ideas concerning the assimilation of vanquished enemies into the victor’s society, rather than their destruction is certainly interesting, although I think that after thousands of years of history, this may seem easier said than done. Graffin has written a highly thought provoking work, and it is clear that he has done his homework, I just wish he presented it in a more concise, and less confusing manner.

Not a bad book at all-there are many excellent ideas explored here, although I think that there is room for improvement, particularly in his delivery. Definitely worth a read by anyone interested in Evolutionary Science.

Stay tuned for The Thugbrarian Review’s Fiction Roundup for 2015 which will be live any day now.